BIOMEDICAL WASTE

Medical wastes are often called several different terms including biomedical, biohazardous, or red bag wastes. Medical wastes that come in contact with any fluids or tissue that could potentially make them infectious are regulated as biomedical waste. Medical wastes that do not can generally go in the trash.

Biomedical wastes are commonly generated by doctor's offices, hospitals, care facilities, clinics, dental offices, veterinary clinics and similar activities. Biomedical waste must be stored in appropriate collection containers. Some larger facilities have the ability to treat or incinerate their waste on-site, however most generators have a private company provide transportation and disposal service on a monthly basis. Transporters, treatment facilities, and disposal facilities must be registered or permitted by the State.

Both the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) have responsibilities for regulating biomedical wastes. The FDOH has primary authority and responsibility for facilities that generate, transport, store, or treat biomedical waste through processes other than incineration. The FDEP has primary responsibility for biomedical waste incineration and final disposal. The PBCHD also has a used sharps (needles) collection program for persons that self medicate at home.

For more information and a list of registered transporters or permitted facilities contact the PBCHD at 561.837.5900, or the FDOH.

The SWA does not accept biomedical waste. Any medical waste that would normally go into a red bag or red box as biomedical cannot be placed in the trash or disposed at the SWA.

Treated biohazardous waste such as from an autoclave or other sterilization process is considered a Special Waste and may be eligible for landfill. Contact Hazardous Waste Services at 561.687.1100.