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2020 Solid Waste and Moderate <br />Risk Waste Management Plan Update <br /> <br />AX0304191054PDX 7-9 <br />Under the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 (MWTA), the EPA gives states the responsibility of <br />permitting infectious waste treatment technologies. Treatment technologies must be consistent with the <br />requirements of Title V of the Federal Clean Air Amendments. <br />Washington State agencies most directly involved in this process are Ecology, the Department of Health, <br />and the WUTC. Ecology administers permits for the following biomedical wastes treatment alternatives: <br /> Incineration <br /> Autoclaving <br /> Chemical disinfection <br /> Microwaving <br /> Macrowaving (for offsite treatment only) <br /> Gas vapor and irradiation sterilization <br />7.5.1 Existing Conditions <br />One franchise hauler, Stericycle, has a certificate granted by the WUTC (certificate G-244) to collect <br />biomedical throughout the state. The collection service is provided on an on-call and regular basis. <br />The State of Washington has developed a product stewardship program for pharmaceuticals. Currently <br />there is a guidance document under development regarding syringe and used needle collection. The <br />Health Department has authority to enforce this activity. <br />7.5.2 Biomedical Waste Needs and Opportunities <br />While medical and disposal facilities and emergency responders are informed about proper management <br />of biomedical wastes, residential household generators may not be informed about proper management <br />for sharps or pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical wastes present both wastewater and solid waste <br />management issues. Often, residents flush unwanted pharmaceuticals down toilets or pour them down <br />drains, leading to potential contamination of surface waters, ground waters, and biosolids. Proper <br />disposal is also an issue for solid waste collection workers who must handle the waste. <br />7.5.3 Biomedical Waste Recommended Options and Implementation Actions. <br />The following options for improving biomedical waste management are recommended. Each option and <br />the associated implementation actions are discussed below. <br />7.5.3.1 Public Education of Residential Medical Waste <br />Educational materials have been developed by the County regarding proper disposal of sharps, which <br />includes information about how to properly store and dispose of them. Information should be developed <br />and distributed explaining the environmental and health consequences of disposing of pharmaceuticals <br />through the wastewater system. Outreach and education should be coordinated with the Health <br />Department regarding the proper disposal of sharps and pharmaceuticals. Brochures at medical clinics <br />and pharmacies would help educate the public about proper disposal. <br /> Work with home healthcare professionals, clinics, and hospitals to jointly provide information <br />regarding the proper disposal of medical waste and County Ordinance 1999- 01. <br /> Implement a wider distribution of information already published by Solid Waste Programs to include <br />clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, pharmacies and nursing homes. <br />7.5.3.2 Monitoring of Solid Waste Programs for Biomedical Waste <br />The Health Department should continue to monitor those working within the solid waste program, in <br />addition to the waste stream itself to ascertain if there is a problem with current practices, and if so, work <br />with Solid Waste for a solution. i) . I ,