Does RCRA regulate wastes that may contain the virus that causes COVID-19, such as used medical equipment or personal protective equipment?
RCRA creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. While medical waste and infectious waste are non-hazardous solid waste under RCRA, they are subject to state waste regulatory programs. State programs can vary. The Healthcare Environmental Resource Center provides a map that links to state regulated medical waste resources.
RCRA regulations do not define wastes as hazardous due to their infectious nature, including those contaminated by the novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19. EPA has, however, established air emission standards for solid waste incinerators that treat “Hospital/Medical/Infectious” wastes.
Return to Frequent Questions about Waste and Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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