Infectious Waste Facilities

For more information call the Waste Mangement Division at (513) 946-7879.

An infectious waste generator is any individual, firm, facility or company that produces infectious waste. Large infectious waste generators and transporters of untreated infectious waste must register with the Ohio EPA. Infectious waste treatment facilities must obtain a permit from the Ohio EPA.

Inspections

The Waste Management Division conducts inspections to ensure proper management of infectious waste. During random inspections, sanitarians inspect:

  • General standards for generators including, but not limited to: 
    Shipping Paper System 
    Packaging (types for specific infectious waste; i.e., sharps containers) 
    Handling (containment and clean up of spills) 
    Management of Infectious Waste within containers 
    Storage 
    Procedures for spills 
  • Registration certificate 
  • Transporter certificate 
  • Weights per calendar month (small generators only) 
  • General facility requirements (treatment facilities only) 
  • Approval method (treatment facilities only) 
  • Quality assurance/validation (treatment facilities only)

 

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What is an infectious agent and waste?

  • Infectious Agent - Any organism, such as a pathogenic virus, parasite or bacterium, that is capable of invading body tissues, multiplying, and causing disease. 
  • Infectious Waste - A waste capable of causing infections in humans, including: contaminated animal waste; human blood and blood products; isolation waste, pathological waste; research biologicals, and discarded sharps (needles, scalpels or broken medical instruments).
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Types of infectious waste generators

  • Large Generator - facilities generating over 50 lbs. in any one calendar month
  • Small Generator - facilities generating less than 50 lbs. in any one calendar month
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Local treatment facilities

Infectious waste must first be treated to eliminate microorganisms before disposing of the materials. Though many treatment methods exist, the following methods are used in Hamilton County by licensed infectious waste operators: 

  • Autoclaves - Steam autoclave treatment combines moisture, heat and pressure to inactivate microorganisms. Autoclaves must operate at a minimum of 121º Celsius for 60 minutes, at 15 psi during the treatment cycle to properly treat waste. 
  • Chemical Treatment - Treats materials (mostly cultures of infectious agents) by disinfecting harmful microorganisms with 15 percent sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach), at a minimum contact time of 20 minutes. 
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