New Medical Waste Program

The Medical Waste Management Act regulates the handling, transport, and disposal of medical waste (biohazardous waste). The Act is intended to protect the public from illness or injury associated with medical waste (including sharps). In addition to healthcare workers, the Act protects housekeeping and custodial staff, as well as sanitation workers. The non-healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable as they can be exposed to unsuspected hazardous items if medical waste gets into the waste stream. Inspections associated with the enforcement of the Act are intended to ensure the applicable standards are met.

 

Application Process

Small Quantity Generator (SQG) without Treatment

An SQG who does not treat their medical waste should complete the Certification Statement for Operators not Required to Register and certify that they generate less than 200 pounds of regulated medical waste per month and do not treat regulated medical waste.   Also see “Common Storage Facility” on this page.   Return the Certification to the San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department (EHD).  An EHD inspector will review the certification for completeness and place in the EHD file for the facility.  Program information and the Certification form is found in the Documents tab.

 

Small Quantity Generator (SQG) with Treatment

An SQG who does treat their medical waste must complete the Medical Waste Facility Registration form and Medical Waste Management Plan.  The SQG must pay a plan check fee and annual permit fee.  An EHD inspector works with the facility operator to review and approve the registration form and plan.  After approving a complete application, the inspector will issue the EHD permit.  The forms are found in the Documents tab.

 

Large Quantity Generator (SQG)

An LQG must complete the Medical Waste Facility Registration form and Medical Waste Management Plan.  The LQG must pay a plan check fee and annual permit fee.  An EHD inspector works with the facility operator to review and approve the registration form and plan.  After approving a complete application, the inspector will issue the EHD permit.  The forms are found in the Documents tab.

 

Common Storage Facility

A Common Storage Facility (CSF) is a designated accumulation area that is onsite and is used by multiple small quantity generators (SQG), otherwise operating independently, for the storage of medical waste for collection by a registered hazardous waste hauler.  A CSF operator must complete the Medical Waste Facility Registration form.  The CSF must pay a plan check fee and annual permit fee.  An EHD inspector works with the facility operator to review and approve the registration form.  After approving a complete application, the inspector will issue the EHD permit.  The form is found in the Documents tab.

 

Documents

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