Show All Answers

1. What is bio-hazardous medical waste?

The Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) Title 18, Chapter 13, "Solid Waste Management" defines bio-hazardous medical waste in Section R18-13-1401.5 as "“Bio-hazardous medical waste” is composed of one or more of the following:
b. Cultures and stocks: Discarded cultures and stocks generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of a human being or animal or in any research relating to that diagnosis, treatment or immunization, or in the production or testing of biologicals.
c. Human blood and blood products: Discarded products and materials containing free-flowing blood or free-flowing blood components.
d. Human pathologic wastes: Discarded organs and body parts removed during surgery. Human pathologic wastes do not include the head or spinal column.
e. Medical sharps: Discarded sharps used in animal or human patient care, medical research, or clinical laboratories. This includes hypodermic needles; syringes; pipettes; scalpel blades; blood vials; needles attached to tubing; broken and unbroken glassware; and slides and coverslips.
f. Research animal wastes: Animal carcasses, body parts, and bedding of animals that have been infected with agents that produce, or may produce, human infection."

View the Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) (PDF).

2. How must bio-hazardous medical waste be disposed?

Bio-hazardous medical waste must be disposed by an approved method at an approved site. Approval must be obtained from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) in advance of the commencement of operations and prior to any change of method or site.

For the rules and regulations related to approved methods and sites for the disposal of bio-hazardous medical waste, see the Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) Title 18, Chapter 13, Article 14 "Bio-hazardous Medical Waste and Discarded Drugs." "Bio-hazardous Waste - Discarded Drugs" (PDF).

3. Who has to have a biohazardous medical waste transportation permit?

The Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) Title 18, Chapter 13, "Solid Waste Management" states in Section R18-13-1402.A(3) that a permit must be obtained by "A person who transports bio-hazardous medical waste and any motor vehicle used for that purpose."

View the document, "Solid Waste Management" (PDF).

4. What are the bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle regulations?

Vehicles used for the transportation of bio-hazardous medical waste must have a secure, covered and leak-proof cargo compartment(s) constructed of non-porous material impervious to bio-hazardous medical waste, shall be operated in an approved sanitary manner, minimizing exposure to flies and other insects, spillage, odor, and without other hazard or danger to the public health, shall be cleaned frequently enough to prevent their becoming a public health nuisance, and shall be maintained in good repair.

Bio-hazardous medical waste storage compartments in the vehicle shall not be open or exposed except during filling, emptying and cleaning. Vehicles shall be loaded and moved in such a manner that the contents are not exposed and do not fall, leak, spill or escape. If spillage does occur, it shall be carefully cleaned up and the area affected by the spill properly disinfected.

5. How much does a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit cost?

Only the vehicle loaded with bio-hazardous medical waste is required to be permitted. On tractor/trailer combinations, only the trailer will be permitted. The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (PDF).

6. When does a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit expire?

Bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permits are issued for a period of 1 year. Permits may be renewed annually provided that the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

7. What is required to obtain a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit?

A permit application must be completed and a vehicle inspection performed prior to a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit being issued for a vehicle. An inspector will be assigned and meet with you at a location convenient to conduct the vehicle inspection(s) and fill out the required documentation. Get this process started by contacting the Solid Waste Program.

8. When can I use my vehicle to transport bio-hazardous medical waste?

All bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicles must be inspected and permitted before operation begins. Only then can you use your vehicle.

9. How do I apply for a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit?

To apply for a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit, please contact the Solid Waste Program.