Prepared by the Solid Waste Management
Missouri Department of Natural Resources

MANAGEMENT OF INFECTIOUS WASTE BY SMALL QUANTITY GENERATORS

OVERVIEW:

This document provides information concerning the management of infectious waste by the generating small quantities of this waste in Missouri. The document provides general information only. Specific questions should be addressed to the local Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Regional Office or to the Solid Waste Management Program at:

(314) 751-5401.

Infectious waste in Missouri is regulated as a non-hazardous solid waste under the Missouri Solid Waste Management Law. Missouri law charges the MDNR and the Missouri Department of Health (MDOH) with the responsibility for regulation of infectious waste management. The MDOH is responsible for regulating the on-site management of infectious waste by Missouri hospitals and for defining wastes which are considered infectious when produced by small quantity generators. The MDNR is responsible for regulating all other aspects of infectious waste management, including permit requirements, transportation, packaging, etc.

It is important that anyone generating infectious waste be aware of the requirements for infectious waste management. Included in the requirements are the following major points:

1. All infectious waste must be treated before disposal in Missouri, except waste generated at an individual residence.
2. All sharps (needles, scalpels, etc.) must be packaged in a rigid, leakproof and puncture-resistant container prior to transport and all treated and untreated sharps must be similarly packaged before disposal.
3. All treated waste must be certified as having been treated prior to disposal in a landfill in Missouri. The certification must be provided to both the hauler and the landfill.
4. The only requirement for infectious waste generated at an individual residence is that sharps be packaged in rigid, leakproof and puncture-resistent containers prior to disposal with the regular household waste. Other requirements discussed in this bulletin (such as treatment, transport and certification) do not apply to infectious waste generated at an individual residence.

DEFINITIONS:

Infectious waste is defined as "waste capable of producing an infectious disease because it contains pathogens of sufficient virulence and quantity so that exposure to the waste by a susceptible human host could result in an infectious disease." All infectious waste must be treated before disposal I Missouri except when the waste is generated at an individual residence. Infectious waste generated at an individual residence must be properly packaged as described previously in this bulletin.

A small quantity generator (SQG) of infectious waste is defined as a generator of 100 kilograms (approximately 220 pounds) or less of infectious waste per month.

Certification of Treated Waste:

Treated infectious waste which is to be placed in a landfill in Missouri must be certified as having been properly handled. The generator must supply the certification document to both the sanitary landfill and to the waste hauler.

Requirements for information to be included in the certification document are specified in 10 CSR 80- 7.010. The certification document must include the following information, at a minimum.

1. The name, mailing address, location (when different from mailing address), and phone number of the office/ facility treating the waste.
2. The printed name and signature of the person responsible for the treatment process.
3. A brief description of the treated waste (e.g. sharps in metal containers).
4. A brief description of the method of treatment.
5. A statement that the waste has been managed in accordance with the Missouri Solid Waste Management Law and rule and may legally be placed in a landfill.

The certification may be revised when changes in the operation result in a change in the information provided. Copies of the revised certification document must be provided to both the waste hauler and the landfill.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to these state requirements, counties or municipalities may have additional requirements for management of infectious waste. Generators should contact their county and city health department to learn of these requirements.

TREATED INFECTIOUS WASTE

Treatment Facility Name ___________________________________________________

Location _______________________________________________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________________________

Telephone ______________________________________________________________

Treated Waste Description

_____ Sharps in metal containers

_____ Sharps in heavy guage plastic containers

_____ Incinerator ash

_____ Laboratory wastes in autoclave bags

_____ Other (please specify) _______________________________________________

Treatment Method

_____ Steam sterilization

_____ Incineration

_____ Chemical Sterilization

_____ Other (please specify) _______________________________________________

Certification

I certify that the aforesaid infectious waste has bee managed in accordance with the Missouri Solid Waste Management Law and respective rules, and that it may legally be placed in a sanitary landfill.

Treatment Facility Manager, Officer, or Agent (please print)

____________________________________ ________________________
Signature Date

NOTICE: This form was designed by the Missouri State Medical Association, and the Missouri Dental Association, the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians, the Missouri Hospital Association, and the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association to comply with Section 260.203 RSMo (Supp. 1988) of the Missouri Solid Waste Management Law. It may not be in complete compliance with all local solid waste treatment requirements.