Medical waste means any solid waste which is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biologicals, but does not include any hazardous waste identified or listed pursuant to this Article, radioactive waste, household waste as defined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations � 261.4(b)(1) in effect on 1 July 1989, or those substances excluded from the definition of solid waste in this section. (NCGS 130A-290(a)(18)

Regulated medical waste means blood and body fluids in individual containers in volumes greater than 20 ml, microbiological waste, and pathological waste that have not been treated pursuant to .1207. (.1207 is the definition of treatment – see rules on page 22.) Regulated medical waste must be treated prior to disposal. After treatment these wastes may be handled as general solid waste. (.1201(9)

• Sharps
• Medical Waste
• Regulated Medical Waste

Regulated medical waste being treated off-site must be in a plastic bag inside of a rigid fiberboard box or drum in a manner that prevents leakage of the contents. The outer surface must be labeled with a biohazard symbol; the words “infectious waste” or “medical waste”; the date of shipment; and the name, address and phone number of the generator, transporter, storage facility and treatment facility. All medical waste must be stored in a manner so as not to create a nuisance either by noxious odors or by encouraging the presence of vermin. It also must be stored in a manner that maintains the integrity including labels and markings. Areas used to store regulated medical waste must be accessible only to authorized personnel.