Storage Duration:
Pickup Schedules:
- Refrigerated Waste: Medical waste must be disposed of within 90 days if it is stored at a temperature of 32°F (0°C) or lower.
- Non-Refrigerated Waste: Medical waste cannot be stored for more than 7 days if it is not refrigerated.
- Assisted living facilities typically arrange for waste pickup based on their volume of waste generation. Facilities generating small amounts of waste may schedule pickups less frequently than high-volume generators.
- A licensed medical waste hauler, such as MET-Bio or other compliant service providers, usually assists with a regular pickup schedule.
Recordkeeping:
- Facilities are required to maintain tracking documents for all medical waste removed by a licensed hauler.
- Records must be retained for at least 3 years for inspection by regulatory agencies.
Compliance Inspections:
- Facilities should ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and local public health department requirements, as these may impact schedules or processes.