Transport
Requirements. Transporters of RMW, that meet the definition
of a commercial hauler, must have a solid waste transporter
permit and must ensure compliance with the packaging requirements. Transporters
must also have a Certificate of Treatment in the vehicle during
transportation and must not accept boxes which show evidence
of leaking.
Disposal Requirements
Once RMW has
been treated to the Treatment Standard, the treated RMW may be
disposed of at a certified solid waste discrete disposal facility
in accordance with the requirements. Treated sharps rendered inaccessible
may be mixed in with municipal solid waste. A Certification of
Treatment must accompany all treated waste offered for disposal. Certification
of Treatment must be maintained by all in-state landfills for a
period of one year.
Treatment and
Transfer Facility Certification Application Requirements
Persons that
wish to operate a RMW treatment or transfer facility must obtain
a solid waste management facility certification as required by
the Vermont Solid Waste Management Rules.
Guidance for
the Proper Disposal of Home Generated Regulated Medical Waste
Home Generated
RMW includes wastes generated from the use of medications, testing
supplies, injectable medications and waste generated in long term
care or hospice. These wastes are purchased and administered by
the resident. Many of these wastes would be considered RMW if
generated in a healthcare facility. Proper handling and disposal
methods for these wastes are critical to minimize risks to public
health ad safety and to the environment. Sharps should be placed
in a hard plastic, opaque container. Containers may be placed
in the regular house hold trash. All other medical waste, such
as bandages, dressings etc. should be placed in a separate container
and disposed of in the regular house hold trash.
Occupational Safety and
Health (OSHA)
Vermont is one of 24 states operating an approved
occupational safety and health program. This program is operated
by the Vermont's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA
rules impact several aspects of regulated medical waste, including
management of sharps, requirements for containers that hold or store
RMW, labeling of RMW bags/containers, and employee training. These
requirements can be found in the HERC OSHA Standards for Regulated
Waste section.
More
Information
In this section, you
will find links to points of contacts at the Vermont agencies responsible
for regulating healthcare facility waste, links to the text of the
regulations, and additional resources that you might find of interest
on this topic.
Contacts
Vermont
Agency of Natural Resources
Statutes,
Regulations and Guidelines
Solid
Waste Management Rules
Additional
Resources
Procedure
Addressing Regulated Medical Waste Definitions and The Handling
and Treatment of Regulated Medical Waste. A document prepared
by the Solid Waste Management Program, Waste Management Division,
Department of Environmental Conservation Agency Of Natural Resources
State Of Vermont (June, 2001).