Biomedical Waste biomedical trash container

Introduction to Biomedical Waste Management Rules

In 1987, the Maine Legislature amended the Maine Hazardous Waste, Septage and Solid Waste Management Act in response to concerns about the potential public health and environmental hazards posed by medical waste. The Amendment defined pathogenic and infectious wastes as hazardous waste and directed the Board of Environmental Protection to adopt rules regulating the handling and disposal of biomedical waste. Public concern was driven by a series of hypodermic needle wash ups on popular public beaches and the emergence of several highly infectious diseases.

The Board of Environmental Protection adopted 06-096 CMR 900, the Biomedical Waste Management Rules in 1989 with an effective date of 1991. There are no medical waste management rules administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. However, the United States Department of Transportation does specify packaging and regulate the transportation of medical waste and the United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration administers the Bloodborne Pathogen standard to protect employee health and safety.

Contacts

For more information on Biomedical Waste contact Eric Hamlin 822-6344.

Biomedical Rules

Chapter 900 - Biomedical Waste Management Rules

Biomedical Laws

Chapter 13 §1319-O. Rule-making authority; Hazardous Waste and Waste Oil

Forms

Note: Forms are in PDF format

Application for Biomedical Waste Transporter License

Registration of Medical Facilities, General Information - Answers to some common questions. See below for registration forms.

Additonal Information

Safe Disposal of Household Medical Sharps

Active Biomedical Transporters - (pdf format) 1 Page - List of Active Biomedical Waste Transporters. This list is updated at the beginning of each month.

Syringe Needle

What to do if you find a discarded syringe?