Florida Medical Waste Disposal Regulations

Defining Medical Waste

Medical waste, often referred to as biohazardous waste, encompasses materials generated during healthcare activities that may pose infection risks. This category includes items such as:

• Used needles and syringes
• Contaminated personal protective equipment
• Pathological waste (tissues, organs, and body parts)

Florida Medical Waste Regulations

Florida Medical Waste Disposal Regulations: A Guide to Ensuring Public Health and Environmental Safety

Florida’s medical waste disposal regulations play a crucial role in protecting public health and preserving the environment. Healthcare facilities across the state are required to meticulously follow these guidelines to manage and dispose of medical waste safely and effectively.

To stay compliant and maintain the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship in healthcare waste management, it is critical for facilities to keep abreast of the latest regulations, provide ongoing training for staff, and partner with reputable waste disposal companies like BioMedical Waste Solutions.

Here are 7 essential steps to ensure compliance with Florida medical waste regulations:

1. Register With the Florida Department of Health

In Florida, the Department of Health is the primary body overseeing medical waste management. Healthcare facilities must register with the Department and adhere to its guidelines for proper disposal of medical waste.

2. Ensure Proper Segregation & Packaging

Florida regulations require medical waste to be segregated from other waste types at the source. Medical waste must be placed in containers that are sturdy, leak-proof, and puncture-resistant. These containers should display the international biohazard symbol and be labeled as “Biohazardous Waste.”

3. Maintain Proper Storage

Medical waste should be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access, contamination, and spread of infectious agents. Storage areas must be clearly marked and maintained properly.

4. Hire Authorized Transportation

For off-site transportation of medical waste, facilities must use authorized and registered transporters. These transporters must follow Florida’s specific regulations for medical waste handling and transportation, including vehicle labeling and manifest requirements.

5. Adhere to Treatment & Disposal Regulations

Before final disposal, medical waste in Florida must be treated using approved methods such as incineration, autoclaving (steam sterilization), or other recognized techniques. After treatment, waste can be disposed of in sanitary landfills or other designated facilities.

6. Keep Mandatory Records

It’s imperative for healthcare facilities to maintain detailed records of their medical waste management activities, including manifests, treatment documentation, and disposal receipts. Florida regulations require these records to be kept for a minimum of three years.

7. Train Staff

Staff handling medical waste must undergo thorough training in appropriate handling, packaging, and disposal practices. This training is crucial for the safety of healthcare workers and the community at large.

By following these steps, healthcare facilities in Florida can ensure they meet state regulations, protect public health, and contribute to environmental conservation.

Regulated “Medical Waste”

Biomedical waste is outlined in Florida Administrative Code (64E-16.002) as: “Any solid or liquid waste which may present a threat of infection to humans, including nonliquid tissue, body parts, blood, blood products, and body fluids from humans and other primates; laboratory and veterinary wastes which contain human disease-causing agents; and discarded sharps. The following are also included:

(a) Used, absorbent materials saturated with blood, blood products, body fluids, or excretions or secretions contaminated with visible blood; and absorbent materials saturated with blood or blood products that have dried.
(b) Non-absorbent, disposable devices that have been contaminated with blood, body fluids or, secretions or excretions visibly contaminated with blood, but have not been treated by an approved method.”

Facilities Subject to Regulated Medical Waste

As per “64 E-16 FAC”, “facilities who generate, transport, store and or treat Biomedical Waste must obtain a Biomedical Waste Permit from the Department of Health in the county in which the facility operates. Some examples of facilities include: Dental Offices, Acupunctures, Veterinary Services, Hospitals, Crime Scene Cleanups, Medical Offices, Laboratories, Research Centers etc.”

Proper Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste

The risks of improper medical waste disposal are clear.

Florida adheres to state and federal regulations for the disposal of regulated waste. This type of waste can include a variety of materials, such as biomedical waste, hazardous waste, and electronic waste.

BioMedical Waste Solutions is one of the very few private Florida medical waste disposal companies that are registered and permitted by the state to handle, transport, store, destroy, and dispose of medical waste and provide Florida medical waste disposal services.

Florida Medical Waste Disposal Resources

Florida Department Of Health
https://www.floridahealth.gov/
105 Pembroke Rd, Hollywood, FL 33021
(850) 245-4444

Florida Medical Association
https://www.flmedical.org/
1430 Piedmont Dr E, Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 224-6496

For additional information or inquiries regarding the management of medical waste, please reach out to the Environmental Public Health Department of Florida Health at (850) 245-4444 or via email at [email protected].

Please note that it is advisable to consult with your local city and your facility as they may have more stringent or specific medical waste disposal regulations beyond state and national guidelines.