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NC DEQ »   About »   Divisions »   Waste Management »   Solid Waste Section »   Medical Waste

Medical Waste

The North Carolina Medical Waste Management rules regulate the packaging, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of medical waste.  The medical waste management rules are located at NCAC, Title 15A, Chapter 13, Subchapter B.  The medical waste management rules regulate non-hazardous solid waste.

  • Medical Waste Management [Rules] 15A NCAC 13B .1201 - .1204
  • 15A NCAC 13B .0101, "Definitions"

Medical waste is subject to the requirements for solid waste found in the solid waste management regulations.  The North Carolina Medical Waste Management rules are administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Waste Management - Solid Waste Section.

Useful Links

  • Medical Waste - the Basics
  • Medical Waste Frequently Asked Questions
  • North Carolina Medical Waste Management Rules Presentation
  • Poster about medical waste in North Carolina.
  • Poster about residential sharps disposal in North Carolina. Y en  Español.
  • Find a drop box in your area to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals.
  • Unwanted scheduled drugs take-back: Pharmaceutical Dimensions, US Dept. of Justice, Drug Enforce. Admin, Diversion Control Div. - Drug Disposal Info., NCDHHS, NC Controlled Substances Regulatory
  • North Carolina Permitted Regulated Medical Waste Treatment Facilities
  • North Carolina Approved Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Technologies
  • EPA Guidance Document on Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Have a question about non-hazardous medical waste in North Carolina that you do not see answered?  Contact: John.Patrone@ncdenr.gov or 919-280-4814. 

Links to Other Governmental Agencies

Other agencies may have additional requirements pertaining to medical waste management.  See links below:

  • EPA - Medical waste disposal is not regulated by the EPA although, its website has useful information.
  • OSHA - Regulations include information about labeling and packaging of medical waste.
  • DOT - Regulates medical waste transport.
  • CDC - National health security and disease information.
  • Clinical Questions about COVID-19 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • FDA - Protects consumers and enhances public health by maximizing compliance of FDA regulated products and minimizing risk associated with those products.
  • N.C. Hazardous Waste Section - Administers the RCRA Subtitle C program, which also regulates some types of medical waste and chemotherapy waste.

Solid Waste Section

  • Coal Ash
  • Coal Ash Structural Fills
  • Annual Reporting - Local Government and Solid Waste Facility Reporting
  • Composting
  • Electronics Management
  • Financial Assurance for Solid Waste Management Facilities
  • Household Hazardous Waste
  • Medical Waste
    • Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Technologies
    • Medical Waste Guidance and Interpretation
  • Septage
  • Scrap Tires
  • Solid Waste Forms
  • Tax Certification Program
  • Solid Waste ePayments
  • Keep In Touch
  • Solid Waste: Facility Lists, Presentations, and Annual Reports

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https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/waste-management/solid-waste-section/medical-waste