How to Dispose of Medical Waste in North Carolina

The proper disposal of medical waste is critical in preventing the spread of diseases. In North Carolina, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has established regulations to ensure that both general medical waste and regulated waste are disposed of safely. Although regulations apply only to medical facilities, individuals are encouraged to follow proper disposal methods in the home, as well. This is particularly important for in-home health-care workers and individuals who administer injections to themselves, family members or pets.

Instructions

General Medical Waste

• 1

  Set up a collection area for the disposal of sharps and tubes used to collect blood and other bodily fluids. Sharps include needles, scalpel blades, syringes with an attached needle, capillary tubes and other sharp instruments. Because such objects pierce the skin easily, they must be stored in a rigid, leakproof container that cannot be punctured easily. Once the rigid package is full, it can be sealed tightly and thrown away in the garbage and picked up as general refuse. There is no need to label the garbage containers or dispose of them individually.

• 2

  Flush urine and feces down a toilet and dispose of soiled diapers in a general garbage container.

• 3

  Dispose of medical waste such as used gloves, tubing, bandages, sponges and dressings directly in the garbage. Any artificial body parts or implants that aren't classified as regulated medical waste can also be thrown directly into the garbage.

Regulated Medical Waste

• 4

  Follow the instructions for the disposal of regulated medical waste for all microbiological waste, untreated pathological waste and containers of blood and bodily fluids in excess of 20 ml. Such waste includes human tissues, human organs, biological cultures of infectious agents and animal carcasses and body parts that were exposed to potentially dangerous pathogens. These regulations are applicable only to waste that is shipped off site for treatment. There are no specific state regulations for medical waste that is treated on site at the medical facility.

• 5

  Set up a collection center for regulated medical waste. Such waste must be collected in a plastic bag and put in a sturdy and leakproof box or drum. The outside of the box must have a biohazard symbol and the clearly printed words that read "Medical Waste" or "Infectious Waste." The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Health also requires medical facilities to include the shipment date and the name, address and phone number of the generator, transporter, storage facility and treatment facility.

• 6

  Store waste in a secure location that is accessible only to authorized personnel. The area should be properly ventilated, have a drainage system that connects to the facility's sewer system or septic system and be properly controlled for mice, rats and other pests.