Infectious Waste Management

The health department considers infectious waste a significant public and environmental health threat. The health department regulates all infectious waste generators, transporters, and disposal companies in Pierce County. Each infectious waste facility must develop a management plan, provide annual training to staff, allow for health department inspections, and pay an annual permit fee. Since becoming regulated significant improvements have been identified with regard to infectious waste handler safety, volumes of infectious waste rendered non-infectious prior to disposal, and appropriate final disposal of the waste stream.

New Facility Information
Prior to receiving an infectious waste permit in Pierce County you must:

Review the Guidelines on Infectious Waste Disposal in Pierce County
Complete and submit an Infectious Waste Management Application
Complete and submit an Infectious Waste Management Plan, Policy, and Procedures (Word Document)
Submit the annual permit fee.
Keep a copy of the Spill Report Information Sheet for your office

Once these items are received, an on-site inspection of your facility will be scheduled and performed.

Existing Facity
The Self-Inspection Form is a tool to assist infectious waste generators in evaluating their infectious waste management plan and program. Policies and procedures should be reviewed periodically to make sure they are up-to-date, evaluate their effectiveness in maintaining a safe work environment, assure the safety of those handling infectious waste, and assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Self Inspection Form

For more information call 253 798-2940 or email us.

Last Updated: Aug 20, 2009 5:00 PM