Policy For Disposal Of Unregulated Sharps

Definitions

Unregulated Sharps

In accordance with Virginia Regulated Medical Waste Regulations 9 VAC 20-120-130.C.2, any sharps that are generated by a household and placed in an opaque container with a high degree of puncture resistance. These sharps must be free of organisms that are likely to be pathogenic to healthy humans.

Regulated Sharps

• Any sharp generated by professional health care providers 
• Any sharp likely to be contaminated with organisms likely to be pathogenic to healthy humans.

Professional Health Care Provider

Any person holding a valid certificate or license, issued or recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia, qualifying the individual to provide any type of medical, health, or veterinary service. (For example EM.T., L.P.N., R.N., M.D. etc.)

Procedures for Collection & Disposal of Unregulated Sharps

Packaging Unregulated Sharps

Unregulated sharps must be placed in an opaque plastic bottle with a high degree of puncture resistance. The container must be securely sealed with a screw-on type cap. The cap must be taped with waterproof tape around the circumference.

Frequency of Collection

Plastic bottles containing unregulated sharps will be collected on Wednesday of each week between the hours of 8 am and 2 pm. It is the responsibility of the generator to arrange for collection by calling the Street and General Maintenance Department at least 24 hours before collection. The generator may also deliver the container to the Street and General Maintenance Department.

No sharps are to be placed in collection totes or dumpsters. Any dumpster or collection tote found to contain sharps will not be emptied or collected by City Personnel.

Unregulated sharps properly packaged and delivered to the Street and General Maintenance Department will be placed on a transportation vehicle for transport to a sanitary landfill for final disposal.