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Medical Waste Laws, Regulations, and Standards

Medical Waste Management Act

The Medical Waste Management Act (MWMA) (California Health and Safety Code, Sections 117600 – 118360) (PDF)Opens in new window....(Word)Opens in new window. governs the management of medical waste in all jurisdictions of the state (for a listing of regulators see Local Enforcement Agencies).

Permitting Medical Waste Facility Regulations

Regulations are in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Division 4 Environmental Health, Chapter 21: Minimum Standards for Permitting Medical Waste Facilities (PDF)Opens in new window....(Word)Opens in new window. 

Blood Borne Pathogen Standard

Enforcement of the Blood Borne Pathogen Standard (PDF)Opens in new window. is the responsibility of the California Department of Industrial Relations (Cal/OSHA). It is found in CCR Title 8, Chapter 4 (Division of Industrial Safety), Sub-Chapter 7 (General Industry Safety Orders), Group 16 (Control of Hazardous Substances), Article 109 (Hazardous Substances and Processes).

Self-Assessment Manual

The California Department of Health Services (the precursor to CDPH), in partnership with the California Hospital Association, developed a Self-Assessment Manual for Proper Management of Medical Waste (PDF)Opens in new window. that can assist generators wishing to improve either compliance or efficiency in management of healthcare-generated waste.  Although developed to assist in compliance with the MWMA, the manual also provides useful waste management information for all health care facilities.