The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces standards that keep U.S. workers safe. OSHA is under the U.S. Department of Labor, and it mainly regulates private-sector employers and their workers. It also covers some government-owned and operated businesses in all 50 states and certain federal jurisdictions.
In the healthcare sector, OSHA regulates these institutions: dental offices, hospitals, laboratories, home healthcare facilities, and nursing homes. This is because healthcare workers face serious health and safety hazards every day.
That said, it may come as a surprise that there are no OSHA regulations regarding final medical waste disposal. Because OSHA focuses on workplace safety, it leaves the final medical waste disposal regulations to other agencies.
What Does OSHA Regulate?
OSHA’s authority is limited to safety in the workplace. So, its medical waste regulations focus on protecting employees when they handle, store, and transport hazardous materials.
Areas overseen by OSHA include:
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) outlines how workers should handle items contaminated with blood and other hazardous materials. It has guidelines for containers and labeling, as well as employee training.
- Sharps waste safety. According to OSHA regulations, sharps (needles, scalpels, etc.) must be placed in puncture-resistant containers after use. Doing this reduces the risk of injury to workers.
- Employee Training. Employers must train staff to handle medical waste and reduce workplace risks.
- Communication around hazards. OSHA regulations also ensure that employees stay up to date with risks surrounding hazardous materials.
OSHA’s role ends once medical waste is transported from the workplace to be disposed of. Other agencies then step in to regulate the rest of the process.
Who Regulates Final Medical Waste Disposal?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not had the authority to regulate medical waste since the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 expired in 1991.
This means that facilities that generate medical waste must work with their state’s environmental program. State environmental and health departments regulate medical waste in 2025.
Other agencies also have a say regarding medical waste. These include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Why Does OSHA Leave Disposal to Other Agencies
OSHA’s mission is to protect employees from hazards in the workplace. Since the final disposal of medical waste happens outside the workplace, OSHA does not regulate the process.
Moreover, the other federal agencies have the expertise and resources to regulate the final disposal process. This also extends to environmental safety and transportation risks.
These agencies divide the responsibilities so that the lines of accountability are clear. If something goes wrong, it is clear which agency is responsible.
Furthermore, waste disposal laws and regulations vary by state. This makes it impractical for OSHA to create uniform regulations across the country.
Why Compliance Matters
If your institution generates medical waste, it must comply with all regulations regarding final disposal. It must also follow the set guidelines for medical waste management.
If the institution fails to do so, it can lead to steep fines and a disruption in operations. Even worse, it could lead to reputational damage.
Compliance is vital to make sure public health is protected. Following EPA instructions ensures that there is a minimal impact on the environment.
Public and environmental health must come first. And no medical institution can afford to pay excessive penalties for something that could have been avoided in the first place.
Following Best Practices
Here are some best practices to follow in the coming year. It starts with updating all waste management processes. Current practices must align with federal agency guidelines. If issues with the process could cause problems later on, they must be resolved immediately.
Your facility’s waste management agency must meet all regulations and standards at the federal and state level. You should only hire a reputable licensed provider to ensure compliance and safety.
In addition, all employees must be properly trained on what is expected of them when handling medical waste. A record should be kept of every time waste is picked up, treated, and disposed of. This makes it easier to demonstrate compliance should there be an inspection.
Working With Medical Waste Disposal Experts Is a Must
An established waste management company can help your facility stay on the right side of the law when it comes to disposing of medical waste. By working with a waste management expert, you can dispose of medical waste properly while keeping your employees, the environment, and the community safe.
