Biohazardous medical waste is medical waste that is composed of one or more of the following:

• Cultures and stocks
• Human blood and blood products
• Human pathologic wastes
• Research animal wastes
• Medical sharps | Learn More >
  

Biohazardous Medical Waste Facilities

To operate a biohazardous medical waste storage, transfer, treatment and disposal facility, an owner or operator must apply for Solid Waste Facility Plan approval.

• Biohazardous Medical Waste Facility Plan Application Instructions & Form | View/Download >
• Biohazardous Medical Waste Facility Plan Application & Checklist | View/Download >
• Biohazardous Medical Waste Facility Plan Amendment Application Checklist | View/Download >
• Approved Biohazardous Medical Waste Treatment Facilities | View/Download >
• Approved Biohazardous Medical Waste Storage and Transfer Facilities | View/Download >
• Approved Biohazardous Medical Waste Disposal Facilities | View/Download >
  

Biohazardous Medical Waste Transporters 

Biohazardous medical waste transporters must be approved by ADEQ through a registration process. Renewal of registered transporters is required every 5 years.  Rules effective July 01, 2012, require transporters of biohazardous medical waste to pay a registration fee (upon initial and renewal registration) and an annual fee.

• Biohazardous Medical Waste Transporters Registration Application Instructions & Form (Fee Schedule Included) | View/Download >
• Biohazardous Medical Waste Transportation Management Plan Template | Download (.docx) >
• Registered Biohazardous Medical Waste Transporters | View/Download >
  

Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Methods

Alternative medical waste treatment methods must be approved and registered with ADEQ for use in Arizona.

• Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Method Registration Application Instructions & Form | View/Download >
• Approved Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Methods |  View/Download >
  

Do I Generate Biohazardous Medical Waste?

Various businesses throughout the state of Arizona generate biohazardous medical waste and may not be aware that they must follow state laws regarding the proper storage, transfer, treatment, and disposal of biohazardous medical waste. Examples of businesses that generate biohazardous medical waste include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Hospitals
• Healthcare facilities
• Surgery Centers
• Dentists
• Veterinary clinics
• Long-term Care and Hospice Facilities
• Tattoo Industry
• Research Facilities
• Blood Donation Centers
• Pharmacies (offering regular immunizations or other medical services)
  

As a generator you are ultimately responsible for your waste from generation to treatment, therefore it is vital that you understand state rules, codes, and regulations for biohazardous medical waste to ensure your business is in compliance. A major component in helping to protect yourself as a generator is to choose a reputable biohazardous medical waste transporter that is registered with ADEQ. This registration means that their Transportation Management Plan (including waste transport procedures, personnel training, and business registration) has been reviewed and approved by ADEQ.

You also have rights as a generator to receive documentation from your waste transporter that demonstrates that your waste has been properly treated or disposed of at an approved facility. The Solid Waste Unit encourages you to contact us with any questions you may have regarding your rights and responsibilities as a biohazardous medical waste generator.

Tattoo Industry Biohazardous Waste Disposal 

In August 2005, Arizona adopted laws that require tattoo establishments to handle certain items in the same manner as biohazardous medical waste. Tattoo shops do not require registration with ADEQ, but they must ensure compliance with state laws for generators of biohazardous medical waste. The Solid Waste Unit provides compliance assistance to tattoo shops across the state | Learn More >

Compliance Assistance

Common biohazardous medical waste transporter, storage and treatment violations and how to prevent them | View >

A PDF of our presentation Successful Biohazardous Medical Waste Management: Regulations & Technologies is available | View/Download >