Sonoma State University

Medical Waste Management

The California Medical Waste Management Act requires generators of medical waste to develop a plan that specifies the procedures that are utilized in handling, storing, treating, transporting, and disposing of medical waste. Sonoma State University has policies and procedures (DOC) to comply with the Act.

Working with departments that produce and handle medical waste, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety manages the required permits, fees, and contracts for disposal services, transportation, and assists the departments with compliance.

By law, our pharmacy cannot accept any unwanted medicines that are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency’s as a Controlled Substance. In the lobby of the Student Health Center is a drug disposal bin provided by the city of Santa Rosa, outdated medications can be disposed of here, in compliance with the instructions on the lid.

If your department is containerizing or storing medical waste, you must abide by the following procedures:

  • Medical waste shall be contained separately from other waste at the point of origin in the producing facility. Sharps containers may be placed in biohazard bags or in containers lined with biohazard bags.

  • Biohazardous waste shall be contained in a red biohazard bag and conspicuously labeled with the words "Biohazardous Waste" or with the international biohazard symbol and the word "Biohazard." 

  • Sharps waste shall be contained in a sharps container.

  • Biohazardous waste shall be segregated from other types of waste.

Review this flowchart (PDF) to better understand the management of medical waste.

Small accidents involving biological fluids, such as a nosebleed, are typically not considered to be medical or biohazardous waste once they are contained in the absorbant medium used to clean up the mess. If you have to clean blood from a hard surface, review this Code of Safe Practice to ensure your procedures are safe and effective.

If you have any questions regarding medical waste or the handling of pharmaceuticals, contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at (707) 664-2100.