Code of Massachusetts Regulations
105 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Title 105 CMR 480.000 - Minimum Requirements For The Management Of Medical Or Biological Waste (state Sanitary Code Chapter Viii)
Section 480.300 - Packaging, Labeling, and Shipping

Universal Citation: 105 MA Code of Regs 105.480

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(A) Every container or bag of waste that has not been rendered noninfectious in accordance with 105 CMR 480.150 shall be colored and labeled according to the requirements of 105 CMR 480.100(A) or 105 CMR 480.100(D), as applicable, to indicate that it contains infectious or physically dangerous medical or biological waste.

(B) Every container or bag of waste which has not been rendered noninfectious in accordance with 105 CMR 480.150 and which will be transported off the premises of the waste generator shall, in addition to the requirements of 105 CMR 480.300(A), be placed in secondary containers which are:

(1) Rigid;

(2) Leak resistant;

(3) Impervious to moisture;

(4) Of sufficient strength to prevent tearing or bursting under normal conditions of use and handling, and

(5) Sealed to prevent leakage during transport.

(C) Prior to transport for off-site disposal, waste which has been rendered noninfectious by a method other than incineration shall be labeled or otherwise marked so as to clearly identify it as noninfectious medical or biological waste and to identify the waste generator responsible for the treatment. Such waste may be disposed of in the same manner as waste which is not regulated by 105 CMR 480.000, except for sharps, which shall be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of 105 CMR 480.200(E).

(D) All shipping of medical or biological waste shall comply, as applicable, with transportation requirements of M.G.L. c. 111, § 31A regarding permitting of waste haulers by local Boards of Health, the United States Postal Service, 39 CFR Part 111, and the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, 49 CFR Parts 171 through 180.

(E) Waste generators, small-scale generators, and Sharps Collection Centers shall not ship any container of medical or biological waste which shows evidence of leaking or which is otherwise torn or damaged.

(F) Unless there is a more restrictive provision imposed by a Board of Health or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection concerning individuals who are authorized to transport their own waste, small-scale generators and Sharps Collection Centers may transport their own waste, except biotechnology by-product effluents, within the Commonwealth, provided that they do not transport more than 50 pounds every 30 days. Small-scale generators or operators of Sharps Collection Centers shall be responsible for arranging transportation by a dependable individual who has knowledge about the waste being shipped, including emergency response information.

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