Medical Waste in North Carolina
The North Carolina Medical Waste Rules cover all aspects of medical waste management including: packaging, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal. The medical waste management regulations are found in 15A NCAC 13B. Medical waste is regulated as solid waste and not as hazardous waste.
- Section .1200 Rules
Medical Waste Management Rules - Section .1300 Rules
Disposition of Remains of Terminated Pregnancies
Medical waste is also subject to all general requirements for solid waste found in the solid waste management regulations. The NC medical waste management regulations are administered by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Waste Management.
Guidance and Interpretations
A webpage, Look Here First, that discusses medical waste issues and regulations. Free posters on sharps (en español) and medical waste disposal are also available.
Pharmaceutical Waste
A guidance document that discusses the proper disposal methods for pharmaceutical waste.
Medical Materials Recovery
Click here to learn how to reduce medical waste at your facility with medical materials recovery.
Commercial Medical Waste Treatment Providers
A list of regulated medical waste treatment providers in North Carolina. These companies can also help in obtaining transport of regulated medical waste.
Alternative (non-incineration) Technologies
Includes a list of approved medical waste treatment systems available for use in North Carolina, information on obtaining state approval, and links to other governmental agencies.
Links to Other Governmental Agencies
- Disposers should be aware that other agencies have additional requirements for some aspects of medical waste management. These include:
- USEPA- While medical waste disposal is not regulated by the EPA their web site has useful information and links.
- OSHA- These regulations include information about labeling and packaging of medical waste.
- DOT has regulations on medical waste transport. Enter "regulated medical waste" in the search box to find the information.
- N.C. Hazardous Waste Section - Administers the RCRA Subtitle C program which regulates some types of waste from medical facilities including some chemotherapy waste.
