MEDICAL WASTE

What does the Medical Waste Program do?

The Medical Waste Program protects the health of the general public, health care facility personnel, and landfill personnel from exposure to medical wastes containing potentially communicable pathogenic organisms.

What are the responsibilities of the program?

The Medical Waste Management program is responsible for:

• Issuing medical waste registrations and permits
• Processing and reviewing medical waste management plans
• Inspecting on-site treatment facilities for small quantity medical waste generators
• Conducting an evaluation, inspection, or records review for facilities issued a large quantity medical waste registration or permit
• Inspecting medical waste generators in response to complaints or as part of an investigation or emergency incident
• Taking enforcement action for the suspension or revocation of medical waste permits issued by the local agency
• Referring or initiating proceedings for civil or criminal prosecution of violation of the California Medical Waste Management Act.

In addition, the Environmental Health Services Division serves as an informational resource to the community and the program's activities ensure that doctors, dentists, veterinarians, hospitals, and clinics handle, transport, store, and dispose of medical waste in an environmentally responsible and legal manner.