Medical Waste Program FAQs

What is Medical Waste?

Medical Waste is generated as a result of diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals; and meets the definition of biohazardous and/or sharps waste.

What is Biohazardous Waste?

Biohazardous Waste includes, but is not limited to, laboratory waste, microbiology specimens, surgery specimens, infectious animal parts, waste with recognizable fluid blood, and infectious excreta or secretions from humans.

What is Sharps Waste?

Sharps Waste includes, but is not limited to, hypodermic needles, hypodermic needles with syringes, blades, needles with attached tubing, syringes contaminated with biohazardous waste, and broken glass.

Who is required to have a Medical Waste Generator Permit?

-All businesses that produce Medical Waste are required to have a Medical Waste Generator Permit. This includes but is not limited to: Dental Offices, Veterinary and Medical Clinics, Hospitals, and Doctor's Offices. An annual fee is associated with registration and permits. Call us at 925-692-2500 for further details.

How can I dispose of syringes that I generate from treating myself or family members at home?

Syringes generated at home from personal treatment are not a regulated waste under the Medical Waste Management Act and therefore may be disposed in your regular garbage. However, to protect waste handlers, it is advisable to use a household sharps container that can be purchased at a local pharmacy or place the syringes with needles into a rigid puncture-resistant container, such as a heavy gauge plastic bottle with a narrow neck or coffee can. Once the container is full, secure the the lid and seal it tight with packaging tape, duct tape, or wide masking tape.
Additional information on home generated sharps disposal

Content provided by Contra Costa Health Services, Environmental Health Division.