We played that same game with biohazardous medical waste disposal as well!!
A veterinarian doesn't have any medical waste.
Pretty sure a vet's office is considered a "generator of biohazardous medical waste"
Biohazardous Waste Disposal and Veterinarians
While doctors' offices and hospitals must diligently follow biohazardous medical waste regulations and have for decades, some veterinarian facilities and practitioners have shown a lack of vigilance in this respect.
In a veterinary environment, biohazardous waste is found in as many of the types of waste produced in the care of humans. For example:
Sharps – sharps such as needles and scalpels, slides, lancets and so forth can carry and transmit infectious materials in animal care scenarios just as easily as in human healthcare situations.
Solid waste – veterinarians use many of the same supplies as human doctors, such as bandages, linens, towels, table draping, swabs, and surgical gauze that can also contain infected blood or body fluids from an animal.
Tissue or pathological waste – veterinary offices perform tissue biopsies, surgeries, and amputations, just as human physicians do, and such waste must be properly disposed of to prevent infection risks.
Review the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regarding hazardous waste. If your veterinary facility or practice produces biohazardous waste, you must comply with the Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste found in Part 262 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations or CFR.
It doesn’t matter if biohazardous waste comes from humans or animals – it must be disposed of safely and properly. Know the federal and state regulations for veterinary practices. You might be surprised to learn just how many agencies are involved in your animal waste! They include:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The American Veterinary Medical Association offers additional information regarding both federal and state regulatory guidance for animal wastes. Be aware that OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standards are just as applicable to veterinary facilities as they are for hospitals and doctor’s offices. Follow the rules to avoid fines and penalties for non-compliance.
