What is medical waste

Medical waste is a subset of wastes generated at health care facilities, such as hospitals, physicians' offices, dental practices, blood banks, and veterinary hospitals/clinics, as well as medical research facilities and laboratories.

Generally, medical waste is healthcare waste that that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious materials and is often referred to as regulated medical waste.  

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Who Regulates Medical Waste?

Since the 1988 Medical Waste Tracking Act Expired in 1991

Medical waste is primarily regulated by state environmental and health departments.

EPA has not had authority, specifically for medical waste, since the Medical Waste Tracking Act (MWTA) of 1988 expired in 1991.

How to dispose medical waste at home

It is important to contact your state environmental program first when disposing of medical waste. Contact your state environmental protection agency and your state health agency for more information regarding your state's regulations on medical waste.

Other federal agencies have regulations regarding medical waste.

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