/ IN THIS BLOG
Proper medical waste disposal in South Carolina requires a significant understanding of the state’s specific laws regarding the disposal of this type of waste. In addition to South Carolina’s medical waste regulations, businesses also need to effectively follow all federal laws. It’s important to understand that when a state such as South Carolina has more stringent regulations that extend beyond federal laws, those regulations must also be followed.
Just as with any state, medical waste disposal regulations are directed at the generators of medical waste and fall under both infectious waste regulations and hazardous waste regulations.
For over 40 years the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulated medical waste within the state. But as of July 1, 2024, there have been significant departmental changes. Now, the department has been split into the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Services, the latter of which now manages these types of waste regulations. Because of this significant restructuring, it’s essential for facilities that generate medical waste to be familiar with both federal and state regulations to avoid liability, as well as serious fines and penalties.
01 / South Carolina’s Medical Waste Regulations
In South Carolina, medical waste is regulated by the Department of Environmental Services with waste regulations including Regulation 61-105 for infectious waste and Regulation 61-79 for hazardous waste. It is essential to comply with these laws, as well as federal laws, as state medical waste laws can be different and sometimes stricter than federal laws.
Medical Waste Generators Must Register in South Carolina
South Carolina requires in-state generators of infectious or hazardous waste to register using their official department form. If any of the information in the form changes, the generator must inform the Department of the changes in writing within 30 days. The registration must also be renewed every three years.
A fee is due at the initial registration and each year afterwards, with the following costs:
For small-quantity generators, which generate less than 50 pounds per month, there is no fee.
Large-quantity generators, which generate from 50 to 999 pounds per month, the fee is $150.
For very large generators, which generate 1000 pounds or more per month, the fee is $600.
02 / What are the Rules for Waste Generators in South Carolina?
The laws regulate the storage, transportation, and treatment of medical waste. The waste must be segregated from other waste at its point of origin and kept in separate containers in a location that protects it from animals and weather, keeps any exposure to the public to a minimum, prevents release into the environment, and follows all of the regulations in Section K of Regulation 61-105. It must also be stored in approved containers that are appropriate for the quantity and type of medical waste and correctly labeled as stipulated in Section I of Regulation 61-105.
Medical waste must be transported in a way that maintains the integrity of the containers and minimizes any occupational hazards. Additionally, medical waste cannot be received or transported unless it is contained, identified, labeled, and manifested according to regulations.
The treatment of any medical waste must be done onsite or by a facility that meets specific requirements. A generator who chooses to transport or offers to transport their facility’s infectious waste offsite to be treated, disposed of, or stored is required to complete Department Form 2116 or another form approved by the Department.
Additionally, if the infectious waste is to be transported offsite, the facility must initiate a manifest in accordance with Section M of Regulation 61-105, and if the shipment is offered to an offsite transporter, the transporter is required to have a current registration with the Department or the U.S. Postal Service. Also, the facility transporting the waste is required to get an accurate weight of the shipment and record it within fifty days of the shipment unless the waste is unabsorbed liquid waste produced during the embalming process.
In-state generators are exempt from these regulations if they generate less than 50 pounds of infectious waste per month. However, these generators must still:
Register with the DHEC.
Place used sharps in a puncture-resistant container that is tightly secured.
Human blood, cultures, and blood products must be managed as stated in Chapter 93 of Title 44 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, and any regulations in the chapter regarding these products must be followed.
Products of conception must be managed according to Chapter 93 as well as any other regulations in the chapter regarding these products.
03 / Common Types of Hazardous Waste
Batteries, corrosives, sharps (non-infectious), flammable substances, paint wastes, and pesticides are common types of hazardous waste. Many of these types of hazardous waste are common at both healthcare facilities and educational facilities and must be handled in accordance with federal laws and South Carolina’s hazardous waste regulations.
04 / Common Types of Medical Waste
There are several types of medical waste, the most common types are:
Infectious Waste: This includes waste that has the potential to cause an infection in humans, such as cultures, sharps waste, blood, and items contaminated with bodily fluids.
Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste consists of medical waste that is dangerous yet not infectious. It includes chemical waste, sharps, pharmaceuticals, and corrosives, among others.
Radioactive Waste: This type of waste comes from activities which use radioactive materials, such as diagnostic imaging and some types of cancer therapies.
General Waste: Most medical waste is general waste and includes the type of waste produced in offices and households.
It is essential for facilities to segregate the different types of waste to comply with regulations and to keep waste disposal costs down. When general waste is mixed with other more regulated waste, it results in higher disposal costs, making it all the more important to properly segregate.
05 / Best Practices for Medical Waste Management
There are several practices that are important for effective medical waste management. First, it’s critical to segregate waste into different streams before storing, transporting, or disposing of it. These streams will typically include: biohazardous, sharps, pathological, and general waste. This makes it easier to comply with regulations and ensure that general waste is not mixed with other waste, thus increasing costs.
Another important part of effective waste management is keeping adequate documentation. The documentation should include what waste was treated, who treated it, and the date it was treated. This is vital for proving compliance with regulations. Your facility should ensure this documentation is available in the event of an audit.
06 / Consequences of Non-Compliance
South Carolina medical waste disposal laws are often confusing, yet compliance is essential to avoid the consequences of non-compliance, such as fines and penalties. Penalties for violating South Carolina’s Infectious Waste Law can be severe, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 dollars per day and possible criminal penalties for willful violation of the law.
Partnering With a Waste Management Service
Medical waste management in South Carolina can be complicated and there is significantly high stakes for full compliance. That’s why it’s important for waste generators in South Carolina to rely on an experienced waste management service who can help navigate the complexities of South Carolina’s regulations to maintain compliance with both federal and state laws. It’s essential to choose an experienced, trustworthy waste management service, because every waste generator is responsible for the waste they generate until it is properly disposed of. This makes it all the more important to choose a reliable disposal partner.
MCF Environmental Services has decades of experience successfully and safely providing a full-service experience to facilities, from advising on collecting and storage practices, to being a dependable disposal service, our team has the training and experience you can depend on. Learn more on complying with South Carolina’s medical waste management laws. Contact MCF Environmental Services to safeguard your South Carolina facility.
Robert Losurdo
President, COO
