Virginia Medical Waste Regulation Changes
Virginia state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently passed amendments to Regulated Medical Waste Management Regulations, 9VAC20-121. The changes were originally proposed back in May 2018 and have been put into effect March 2023. As stated by the Virginia Register of Regulations, the purpose of recent changes is to modernize the standards of general handling and treatment of regulated medical waste (RMW) based on industry best practices that protect people and the environment.
Summary of New Virginia Medical Waste Regulation Changes
Recent regulation changes to medical waste management in the state of Virginia cover a variety of standards. Here are a few, according to published documents:
- Updates to general handling, packaging, labeling, storage, reusable container, spill cleanup, and transport requirements applicable to all generators and handlers of RMW
- Revises storage conditions and time limits for generators and permitted facilities
- Standards for reusable container cleaning and new options for disinfection
- Incorporates 2022 federal standards for management of highly infectious Category A waste
How VA Medical Waste Regulation Changes Impact Waste Generators
A Generator is defined by DEQ as any person or facility whose act or process produces regulated medical waste. As a medical and regulated waste generator, whether you are operating a dental office, veterinary hospital, tattoo shop, biotechnology research facility, or pharmacy, you are responsible for understanding and following the local, state, and federal regulations when it comes to managing your medical waste. This includes waste segregation and labelling, safe storage, partnering with a permitted waste hauler, and proper treatment. If at any time you’re audited, you’ll need to provide proof you’re following all appropriate regulations to avoid hefty fines.
With the recent changes to Virginia medical waste regulations, waste generators should familiarize themselves with the impact this has on them so they can remain compliant. Here are details of changes that impact storage and pick up or removal of medical waste for Generators. For complete and specific guidelines, visit https://www.deq.virginia.gov/.
- Generators of less than 250 gallons of regulated medical waste per calendar month shall arrange for the removal of all regulated medical waste stored onsite at least once per calendar month and provide shipment to a facility permitted to receive it for transfer, treatment, or disposal. No regulated medical waste shall be stored onsite for more than 45 calendar days, and no more than 250 gallons of regulated medical waste shall be stored onsite at any given time. Records shall be maintained in accordance with 9VAC20- 121-100 I.
- Generators of less than 250 gallons of regulated medical waste per calendar month shall arrange for the removal of all regulated medical waste stored onsite at least once per calendar month and provide shipment to a facility permitted to receive it for transfer, treatment, or disposal. No regulated medical waste shall be stored onsite for more than 45 calendar days, and no more than 250 gallons of regulated medical waste shall be stored onsite at any given time. Records shall be maintained in accordance with 9VAC20- 121-100 I.
Managing Medical Waste in Virginia
As regulated medical waste generators in Virginia become familiar with the new regulation changes and impacts to their operations, we at BWS, Inc. are here to help, whether you’re an existing client or looking for a new medical waste disposal partner that will help keep you compliant. Over the years we’ve partnered with regulatory agencies to understand and shape promulgation effecting medical waste. BWS is a proud member of the Healthcare Waste Institute, a nationally recognized agency centered around responsible healthcare waste management practices. We’ve partnered with many healthcare facilities and other industry organizations to manage their medical waste while streamlining their practices and maintaining compliance requirements and safety standards.
We are a fully permitted regulated waste transporter and treatment facility with expert knowledge of regulatory requirements providing routine regulated and biohazardous waste pick up, transport, and disposal services for a variety of generators throughout Virginia, including Springfield, Manassas, Fairfax, Reston, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond, Front Royal, Norfolk, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and everywhere in between.
Our goal is to provide a seamless transition and guidance for clients and customers throughout Virginia so managing medical waste is simple, compliant, and cost-effective. We are committed to improving safety for our customers, our employees, and our communities. Call or contact us today for more information and to learn more about how BWS, Inc. can help your business be compliant.
Sources:
http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=10107
http://register.dls.virginia.gov/vol39/iss13/v39i13.pdf
https://www.deq.virginia.gov/land-waste/solid-hazardous-waste/specialty-waste/medical-waste
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title9/agency20/chapter121/
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