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In South Carolina, there are approximately 9000 registered generators of infectious waste, 30 registered transporters of infectious waste, and 2 registered treatment facilities for infectious waste.
The 2016 Infectious Waste Annual Report (pdf) contains the most recent estimates of the types and amounts of infectious waste generated in South Carolina.
What is Infectious Waste?
Also known as medical or biohazardous waste, infectious waste is material that was used in a healthcare setting, research setting or post-mortem exams. It includes:
- Sharps
- Microbiological specimens such as vaccines, culture dishes and other other waste that has been exposed to human pathogenic agents
- Blood and blood products
- Pathological waste, which includes body fluids and any part removed from a human body
- Contaminated animal waste, including parts, bodies and bedding of animals exposed to human pathogens
- Isolation waste from Biosafety Level 4 agents
- Other waste designated as infectious or that has come in contact with infectious waste.
DHEC's Infectious Waste Program regulates treatment facilities and generators and transporters of infectious waste in South Carolina under the S.C. Infectious Waste Management Regulations, R. 61-105, passed on June 28, 1991, and most recently revised June 25, 2010.
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Contacts
Lynne Garner, Manager, (803) 898-0493
Infectious Waste Staff, (803)-898-0239 or (803)-898-2631 or tel://803-898-2826 or (803) 898-0499
email: Infectiouswaste@dhec.sc.gov