South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-105 - Infectious Waste Management Regulations
Section 61-105.I - Packaging Requirements

(1) Generators shall assure that infectious waste is packaged in accordance with the requirements of this section and to prevent any release of infectious waste from its packaging before storing, transporting, or offering for transport offsite. Absorbents may be used to aid in the prevention of releases. Waste transported by the U.S. Postal Service must meet the packaging requirements for infectious waste in the Domestic Mail Manual.

(2) All sharps shall be placed and maintained in rigid, leak resistant, and puncture resistant containers which are secured tightly to preclude loss of the contents and which are designed for the safe containment of sharps.

(3) All other types of infectious waste must be placed, stored, and maintained before and during transport in a rigid or semi-rigid, leak resistant container which is impervious to moisture.

(4) Containers must have sufficient strength to prevent bursting and tearing and withstand handling, storage, transfer, or transportation without impairing the integrity of the container.

(5) Containers must be sealed and closed tightly and securely when full by weight or volume, or when putrescent, to prevent any discharge of the contents at any time until the container enters the treatment system.

(6) Plastic bags used inside of containers shall be a red or orange color and have sufficient strength to prevent tearing.

(7) Roll-off containers, trailer bodies, or other vehicle containment areas cannot be used as rigid containment.

(8) Infectious waste must be contained in containers that are appropriate for the type and quantity of waste and must be compatible with selected storage, transportation, and treatment processes.

(9) Reusable or disposable containers are acceptable. Reusable containers must be properly disinfected after each use as outlined in Section L of this regulation.

(10) Compaction of waste by any means shall be prevented prior to entering the containment of the treatment process.

(11) Exempt or excluded waste shall not be packaged as infectious waste. Waste packaged as infectious waste must be managed as infectious waste, except as indicated in Section I(12).

(12) When infectious waste is treated by a technology which does not change the appearance of the bag or outer container, immediately after treatment it shall be clearly labeled with the word "Treated" and the date of treatment on the outside of the container to indicate that the waste was properly treated. This labeling method may be hand written, an indicator tape or chemical reaction. The labeling process shall be water-resistant and indelible.