Medical Waste Management Program

To protect the public and the environment from potential infectious exposure to disease causing agents, the Medical Waste Management Program (MWMP), in the Environmental Management Branch, regulates the generation, handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of medical waste by providing oversight for the implementation of the Medical Waste Management Act (MWMA). The MWMP permits and inspects all medical waste off-site treatment facilities and medical waste transfer stations.  In addition to the treatment methods specifically allowed in the MWMA, there are more than a dozen alternative medical waste treatment technologies approved for use in California.

Additionally, the MWMP acts as the local enforcement agency in a number of local jurisdictions that elected to have the State implement the large quantity generator inspection program for medical waste management.

Waste Minimization, Pollution Prevention, and Alternatives to Incineration

The MWMP assists generators of medical waste in minimizing waste generation through training and facilitating implementation of the Hospital Pollution Prevention Program.  In this regard, MWMP has provided guidance on waste minimization, the elimination of mercury in hospitals, and waste reduction intervention strategies.

Pharmaceutical Medical Waste

A 2002 memo to the directors of environmental health and medical waste program managers addresses the management of pharmaceutical medical waste (PDF), and the compliance and enforcement of the handling of any pharmaceutical medical waste comprised of “California Only” pharmaceuticals.   A 2003 memo to the directors of environmental health, medical waste program managers, and the California Healthcare Association addresses the sewer disposal of pharmaceutical waste (PDF).

Reusable Sharps Containers

The process for handling reusable sharps containers requires the containers to be taken to a permitted medical waste transfer station or off-site treatment facility for processing.  Reusable sharps containers can significantly reduce the medical waste stream by removing the weight of the single-use container.  There's more here.  

Mail-Back Sharps Systems

By using an approved mail-back system, medical waste generators can dispose of their sharps waste in an economical fashion. These systems offer mailers to assist in returning the sharps waste to an appropriate medical waste treatment facility. There's more here.

For More Information

Follow these links for additional MWMP information, and to contact MWMP: