AFFILIATE ORIENTATION MANUAL Regulated medical waste is defined as microbiological waste, pathological waste, and blood and body fluids in individual containers in volumes greater than 20 ml. The Division of Waste Management of the North Carolina Departmental of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR) has developed definitive rules for the disposal of regulated medical waste. It is the policy of Cone Health to comply with all local, state and federal laws in the management and disposal of regulated medical waste. Waste is to be appropriately segregated to minimize the amount of hazardous waste generated and discarded. Procedure All regulated medical waste will be segregated from general refuse by using a red color-coded leak proof bag (biohazard bag). If outside contamination of the bag is likely to occur, then a second leak proof container, which is closable, shall be used. Bags containing regulated medical waste are not to be placed directly on the floor. The bags will be picked up for disposal by the Environmental Services department. If there is an excessive amount of regulated medical waste, contact the Service Response Center to arrange for trash pick-up. Sharps must be disposed of in a rigid, puncture resistant, leak proof container prior to disposal by an approved waste handler. The following are approved methods of treatment of regulated medical waste: • Microbiological waste — steam sterilization, incineration, chemical treatment, microwave treatment • Pathological waste — incineration (“incineration only” stickers placed on tubs holding this waste stream). • Blood products and body fluids in individual containers in volume greater than 20 ml — incineration or pouring into sanitary sewer. • Chemo waste — incineration (yellow containers indicate “incineration only”). Non-Regulated Medical Waste An individual container of blood and body fluids containing less than 20 ml may be disposed of directly in the sanitary landfill. Multiple containers of blood and body fluids each containing less than 20 ml must be disposed of in a rigid, puncture resistant, leak proof container prior to disposal in the sanitary landfill. MEDICAL WASTE (Regulated Medical Waste) POLICY 28