Alabama Regulated Medical Waste Compliance Standards
In the state of Alabama, the primary entities responsible for regulating medical waste are the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). ADEM has established rules and regulations under the Alabama Hazardous Waste Management and Minimization Act for the proper handling, transportation, and disposal of medical waste, which is considered a type of solid waste. These rules and regulations are set forth in ADEM Administrative Code 335-17, which establishes minimum criteria for the storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of medical wastes under authority of the Alabama Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act, Code of Alabama 1975, Section 22-27-1, et seq. 335-17.
How Alabama Defines Medical Waste
Alabama’s Code defines medical waste as “A solid waste or combination of solid wastes which because of its infectious characteristics may either cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness, or pose a substantial present hazard or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed, or otherwise managed.”
All facilities in Alabama that generate regulated medical waste must obtain an Identification Number which registers that facility with ADEM. Such facilities must also prepare, maintain, and update as necessary a written Medical Waste Management Plan to ensure proper management of medical waste. This plan must be submitted to ADEM prior to initiating any waste generation, treatment, transportation, or disposal activity.
Medical Waste Generators in Alabama
In Alabama, the laws, statutes, and regulations governing medical waste identify the following types of medical waste generators:
- Healthcare Facilities
- Physician, Dental, and Chiropractic Offices
- Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
- Laboratories
- Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals
- Pharmacies
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Home Healthcare Providers
- Blood Banks and Dialysis Centers
- Funeral Homes and Mortuaries
- Schools, Universities, and Research Institution
- Industrial Facilities
- Correctional Facilities
Alabama’s regulations, under the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), outline the proper handling, storage, and disposal of medical waste by these generators to protect public health and the environment.
Labeling Regulations
The labeling regulations for medical waste containers in Alabama are as follows:
- Containers must be labeled with the biohazard symbol and the word “Biohazard” in a contrasting color.
- The date the container was first put into service for disposal of medical waste must be clearly marked on the container.
- The name of the medical waste generator (facility) must be displayed on the container.
- If the medical waste is also considered a hazardous chemical waste, it must be labeled according to OSHA hazardous waste labeling requirements as well.
- Containers of sharps waste (needles, syringes, etc.) must be labeled as “Sharps Waste” in addition to the biohazard symbol.
- Refrigerated medical waste containers must be labeled “Incinerate Only” or “Refrigerated Medical Waste.”
Labeling must be clearly legible and use a durable method like an adhesive label or permanent marking pen. Proper labeling allows for identification of the waste type, point of generation, and accumulation start date for regulatory compliance. Improperly labeled or unlabeled medical waste containers would be considered a violation of Alabama’s medical waste rules and subject to potential enforcement action by ADEM inspectors.
Storage and Containment Regulations
Specific storage requirements for medical waste are outlined in the regulations set forth by ADEM. Here are the key storage requirements:
- Time Limits: Untreated medical waste cannot be stored longer than 7 days above 0°C (32°F); refrigerated untreated medical waste can be stored up to 90 days at or below 0°C (32°F).
- Containment: Medical waste must be stored in rigid, leak-proof containers that are labeled with the biohazard symbol and other required markings; Sharps waste must be stored in puncture-resistant sharps containers.
- Security: Storage areas for medical waste must be secured against unauthorized access; outdoor storage areas must have lockable containment areas.
- Protection from Elements: Storage must protect medical waste from rain, wind, and other environmental conditions; refrigerated storage areas must maintain temperatures as required.
- Segregation: Different categories of medical waste (e.g. sharps, fluids, microbiological) should be segregated into separate containers during storage.
- Aisle Space: Adequate aisle spacing must be maintained in storage areas to allow inspections.
- Signage: Biohazard warning signs must be posted at entrances to storage areas.
Generators of medical waste must follow these ADEM storage rules until the waste is transported for proper treatment and disposal at a permitted facility. Improper storage can lead to enforcement actions.
All medical waste generators in Alabama are responsible for maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing the management, storage, treatment, and disposal of medical waste. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended as a high-level overview. For the most current and detailed requirements, please refer to the applicable regulatory authority in your jurisdiction.
