The Must-Follow Laws for Proper Biohazard Disposal | Check Now
The most important thing about biohazard disposal is that managing these materials is not reliant on what works for you. You may get into legal trouble if you fail to contain biohazards the way your state’s law prescribes. Regular trash cans may look convenient. But you can’t legally use them to get rid of biohazards. The major long-term health risk of managing this material improperly means you should be extremely careful with biowaste.
This blog will walk you through the major laws for California, Arizona, and Nevada on how to get rid of biohazards. We at BioClean send compassionate teams to your location, and they handle all compliance-related tasks perfectly. Also, we are licensed and experienced. We come to the crime scene in unmarked vans… and we’re available 24/7 for bio-emergencies.
Biohazard Disposal in California
The Golden State is very strict about managing biohazards.
- You have to use red biohazard bags for waste management
- Each bag will hold no more than 3 pounds or 1 gallon
- Don’t forget to tie these bags securely closed to avoid leakage
- Place these bags inside rigid, leak-proof containers labeled BIOHAZARD on all four sides
All waste requires incineration or autoclave treatment before it is accepted into a landfill. If you violate these policies, you’ll face fines b/w $1k and $10k.
Biohazard Disposal in Arizona
Let’s talk about Arizona. In the Copper State, you need puncture-proof plastic containers for sharps like needles & syringes. You can’t store them loose! You also have to make good use of red biohazard bags inside yellow “infectious waste” bags to transport this biowaste.
Arizona homeowners need to call ADEQ-permitted medical waste companies to dispose of these materials. You absolutely CANNOT go for a home disposal in the state of Arizona.
But you can keep it refrigerated below 40°F for up to 14 days (or ambient for 72 hours).
Biohazard Disposal in Nevada
If you own a property in Nevada, you need red bags or clear bags with bold black biohazard symbols for biohazard management. You need “manifest tracking” for all shipments as well, from picking to incineration. Running biohazards through trash compactors is a big no-no.
If you want to store these materials, you may get refrigerated storage for 90 days. But you have to be quick about calling professional cleaners to make this biowaste disappear.
Federal Biohazard Waste Disposal Guidelines
You should also learn about the federal rules that apply across all states:
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires cleaners to wear PPE and be trained properly. Cleaners must also have exposure control plans for anyone getting too close to biohazards.
- DOT Transportation Rules says you have to bring properly labeled and leak-proof containers to transport hazardous materials safely from one place to another.
- EPA Environmental Protections prevent pathogens from contaminating the soil and groundwater sources.
What Happens When You Don’t Follow These Guidelines
If you fail to follow these protocols, health departments may fine you. These fines start at $1,000 for misdemeanors. But they can easily reach $50,000 for felonies.
Ignoring these OSHA biohazard waste disposal mandates is bad for your properties, too; your property may face condemnation and shutdown orders. Insurance companies may also deny claims for non-compliance. Some landlords have faced criminal charges for reckless endangerment (in extreme cases). Even if your tenant attempts to clean up the crime scene on their own, as the property manager, you can face citations (up to $15,000).
Everyday Disposal Mistakes That Get Folks Fired
We’ve seen many homeowners and property managers making simple mistakes.
- They often dump biohazards in regular trash bins
- They pressure-wash contaminated fluids into storm drains
- Some folks try burning waste, which creates toxic fumes
- Other individuals powder-wash everything without containing runoff
You need professionals who understand the legal regulations surrounding biohazards.
Contact BioClean for Disposing of Biohazardous Waste
When it comes to biohazard disposal, people in this profession have many horror stories to tell. But that’s the price we have to pay to ensure your peace of mind… to ensure your home is rid of all the nightmarishly & Lovecraftian tragedies revolving around somebody’s death.
We at BioClean always arrive with pre-labeled DOT-approved containers. Our technicians fill waste as per your state’s specific regulations. We transport it all to medical incinerators very carefully. You get compliance certificates for insurance & health department records. We will also process claims smoothly and document everything to get you out of legal quagmires.
You can call our 24/7 emergency response team any time! We serve San Diego, Riverside, Phoenix, and Southern Nevada. Whenever you need biohazard cleanup, we’re available.
