Registration

Any facility that generates any infectious waste should register with the infectious waste program. Registration should include at least:

• The name of the business
• The name of the owner and responsible party (if different)
• Physical location of the site (each site must apply separately)
• Mailing address of site
• Telephone number of site
• Contact name
• Categories and amount (in pounds) of waste generated annually.

If any of this information changes, the facility is to notify DHEC's Infectious Waste Program within 30 days.

Registration must be renewed every 3 years.

• Registration Form For Infectious Waste Generators

Attention

Infectious Waste Registrations and Renewals can now be completed online using ePermitting.  Please use the link below to complete a new registration or renew an existing registration.

https://epermweb.dhec.sc.gov/ncore/external/home 

If you need assistance or have questions please email infectiouswaste@dhec.sc.gov.

Fees

The following fees will be due at time of registration and annually thereafter.

• Small quantity generators (Less than 50 pounds of waste per calendar month) - no fee
• Large quantity generators (50-999 pounds per calendar month) - $150
• Extra-large quantity generators (1,000 or more pounds per calendar month) - $600

If in any calendar month a facility generates more than allowed under their current classification, their classification will change.

Online Invoice Payments . If you have a problem making an online payment, please call (803) 898-3460.

Inspections

Infectious Waste inspections are random and unannounced.  The inspector views areas where infectious waste is being collected or stored.  The waste is viewed to determine proper packaging, proper labeling, and proper storage conditions.  Manifests, weight records (in pounds), and treatment method records will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy.  The inspector may also request to view any other physical areas or documents associated with the regulation.  

Package and Storage of Infectious Waste

How should infectious waste be packaged and stored?

• Sharps must be placed in rigid, leak- and puncture-resistant containers secured tightly. All other waste should be stored and maintained in a rigid or semi-rigid leak-proof container that will not allow liquid in or out.
• Containers must be strong enough to resist bursting and tearing during handling and transport and must be able to be closed tightly and securely.
• Plastic bags used inside containers must be red or orange.
• Reusable containers are acceptable but must be disinfected after each use.
• Waste should not be compacted before or during storage or transport.
• Waste storage begins when a container is closed.
• While waste is being stored, it must be kept safe from insects and rodents, weather and leaking.
• If the waste is stored outside, the storage area must be locked.
• Access to storage areas must be limited to authorized personnel only.
• Storage areas should be labeled with the biohazard symbol and the words INFECTIOUS WASTE (or BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE or MEDICAL WASTE).
• Waste cannot be stored onsite for more than 14 days; if kept at or below 42° Fahrenheit, waste cannot be stored more than 30 days.
• Waste should have no odor. If it begins to smell, it should be transported immediately.

Transport/Treatment of Waste

Rules:

• Containers must be labeled properly before transport.
• Labeling must be clearly visible and include:
  • Biohazard symbol
  • Infectious Waste Program Registration Number
  • Date the container was placed in storage or sent off-site
  • Words INFECTIOUS WASTE (or BIO-HAZARDOUS WASTE or MEDICAL WASTE).
• Before waste can be transported, it must be manifested. This manifest must accompany waste at all times after leaving the generating facility. The manifest must include:
  • The generator's name, address and infectious waste program registration number
  • A general description of the waste being shipped
  • The number of containers and the weight or volume
  • The name of the treatment facility where the waste is going
  • Certification by the generator that the waste is packaged, described and labeled properly
  • Certification that the waste does not include hazardous or radioactive waste
  • The name of the transporter and their registration number
  • The date the transporter picked up the waste
  • The date the treatment facility received the waste

Not all of this information will be available when the waste is picked up for transport, although the manifest should include all but the last items at pick-up. The fully completed manifest should be returned to the generator within 50 days of pick-up. If it is not returned within 50 days of pick-up, the generator should notify the infectious waste program.

Other Health care Regulatory Links

These DHEC Programs may also regulate portions of your facility. Please contact them for additional information, as applicable.

• Immunization- http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/Vaccinations/
• Drug Control- http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/FHPF/DrugControlRegisterVerify/
• Solid Waste- http://www.scdhec.gov/Environment/LW/SolidWaste/
• Radiological Health - http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/FHPF/HealthFacilityRegulationsLicensing/X-RayFacilitiesRadioactiveMaterials/

Links to the non-DHEC organizations found below are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs. DHEC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization's web pages found at these links.

• DOT- www.scdot.org/
• Rural Health- http://www.scorh.net/
• LLR- www.llr.state.sc.us/
• EPA- www.epa.gov
• OSHA - www.scosha.llronline.com/

Contacts

Lynne Garner, Manager, (803) 898-0493

Infectious Waste Staff, (803)-898-0239 or (803) 898-2631 or 803-898-2826 or (803) 898-0499

email: Infectiouswaste@dhec.sc.gov