New York Medical Waste Compliance Guide
New York regulates Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) under 10 NYCRR Part 70 and related solid waste permitting. Facilities must control containment and storage, follow strict storage-time limits (with a small-generator exception), maintain a regulated medical waste management plan where applicable, and ensure proper treatment prior to disposal at authorized facilities.
Regulatory Agencies in New York
New York State Department of Health (Wadsworth Center - RMW Program)
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
Compliance Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Max Storage Time | Regulated medical waste shall not be stored for more than 30 days. A site generating under 50 pounds per month (and not accepting RMW from other facilities) may store RMW up to 60 days. |
| Producer Registration | Facilities must comply with 10 NYCRR Part 70. Treatment and disposal of regulated medical waste requires a permit (NYSDEC). |
| Management Plan | 10 NYCRR Part 70 requires applicable facilities (e.g., Article 28 and Article 5 facilities) to develop, document, and implement a regulated medical waste management plan (submitted for review in specified cases). |
| Labeling | Primary containers must identify the generating facility (name/address) prior to off-site transport; secondary container labeling/marking must comply with Part 70 requirements for biohazard identification and generator information. |
| Container Standards | Containment and storage must protect from animals and limit access to authorized persons; use leakproof rigid secondary containers for off-site transport as required; follow sharps container requirements and storage controls under Part 70. |
| Authorized Haulers | Use authorized transport and permitted treatment/disposal pathways; treat RMW to destroy disease-causing organisms before disposal at an authorized solid waste management facility. |
| Employee Training | Train staff on segregation, sharps safety, labeling, storage time limits, transport preparation, and emergency procedures consistent with the facility's RMW management plan and Part 70 requirements. |
| Shipment Records | Maintain required records and documentation as required by Part 70 and any applicable permits (internal logs, vendor/manifests, treatment/disposal records). |
Regulated Waste Types in New York
Quick Compliance Checklist
Observe 30/60-Day Storage Limits
≤30 days; small generators (<50 lbs/month, no off-site acceptance) may store up to 60 days.
Maintain a Waste Management Plan
Develop and implement the required RMW plan (as applicable to facility type).
Label for Transport
Ensure primary/secondary containers meet Part 70 identification and biohazard marking rules.
Use Proper Secondary Containers
Rigid, leakproof secondary containers for off-site transport as required.
Restrict Access and Protect Storage
Limit access to authorized persons; protect from animals and environmental exposure.
Treat Before Disposal
Use permitted treatment methods (autoclave/incineration/approved alternatives) before disposal at authorized facilities.
Keep Records
Retain plan documents, internal logs, and vendor/treatment/disposal records per requirements.
Official Resources & Forms
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This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current regulations directly with your state agency.