Where can I find information regarding the handling of wastes associated with Coronavirus and COVID-19?
There are several other federal entities that provide information on the management of these wastes.
- The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates packaging and transport of materials under Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), and determinations made under the HMR in the context of transportation (e.g., the classification of wastes as Infectious Substances or Regulated Medical Waste under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations section 173.134 Class 6, Division 6.2) can affect waste management generally.
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidance on infectious substances, including guidance to healthcare professionals and waste management workers who are managing wastes potentially containing these materials. OSHA and CDC do not consider the COVID-19 virus as a DOT Category A Infectious Substance.
- Below you can find the websites for CDC and OSHA on COVID-19:
Medical waste is primarily regulated by state environmental and health departments. The Healthcare Environmental Resource Center provides a map that links to state regulated medical waste resources.
Return to Frequent Questions about Waste and Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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- Where can I find information regarding the handling of wastes associated with Coronavirus and COVID-19?