Medical Waste for Business

What is Medical Waste?

There are five (5) categories of Medical Waste as defined in The Medical Waste Management Act (California Health and Safety Code Sections 117600-118360):

1. Biohazardous: Red bag waste and infectious contaminated solids.
2. Sharps: Needles, syringes, blades and broken glass capable of cutting or piercing.
3. Pathology: Human body parts, specimens, animals body parts and tissues.
4. Trace chemotherapeutic waste: Items previously containing chemotherapeutic agents.
5. Medicine or pharmaceuticals.

The Registration Process

1. Complete the Medical Waste Registration Form (download below)
2. Complete the Medical Waste Management Plan (download below)

The Medical Waste Management Plan is a template form. Businesses may use the form provided or another format, as long as it contains all of the information required on the Medical Waste Management Plan form.

The Medical Waste Registration Form and the Medical Waste Management Plan may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to:

• Email to : envhealth@smcgov.org
• Fax to 650-627-8244
• Mail to:
  San Mateo County, Environmental Health Services
  2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite #100
  San Mateo, CA 94403

San Mateo County categorizes medical waste generators into three categories called Tiers. The Tier a business is assigned determines the following:

• Fee structure
• Payment frequency
• Permit distribution
• Frequency of inspections
• Closure requirements
• Overall potential risk to the County

Tier I: Private doctors and dentists, acupuncturists

Small private doctors and dentist offices, acupuncturists and some businesses with cosmetology services. All Tier I businesses are Small Quantity Generators (SQG), pay a one-time fee with registration, and may be inspected intermittently.

Registration Exception: Tier I businesses MUST send their one-time payment with registration documents. EHS will NOT process a registration form until payment is received. You may mail, call in or deliver in person your payment at the numbers and addresses above. Note, fees are subject to change annually. It is the responsibility of a program participant to ensure the payment amount is correct upon submission.

Tier II: Small Quantity Generators (SQG) (generates less than 200 lbs. per month)

Typical SQGs may be: veterinary clinics, veterinary offices, veterinary hospitals, biotechnology companies, pet shops, pharmacies, medical offices of corporations (if not registered as a building), medical or dental corporation practices (Big 4), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialty medical practices and home health care providers.

SQGs pay an annual fee and are inspected biennially.

Tier III: Large Quantity Generators (LQG) (generates more than or equal to 200 lbs. per month)

Typical LQGs are: hospitals, biotechnology companies, dialysis units, laboratories, corporate MOBs, skilled nursing facility surgery centers, research laboratories and urgent care centers.

LQGs pay an annual fee and are inspected annually.

Additional or supplemental fee categories are:

• Common storage areas
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Onsite treatment
• Home-generated sharps collection location

An account will be created 1-2 weeks after registration forms are submitted. A form submittal will prompt an unannounced initial inspection 1-2 weeks after an account is created where compliance is assessed and fee category and Tier assignment are finalized. The first fee invoice and permit will be mailed post-inspection.