(a)

1. (1) Medical waste packaged in disposable containers as described in 20 CAR § 53-304(a) and (b) shall be placed in:

   1. (A) Disposable or reusable:

(i) Pails;

1. (ii) Cartons;

   1. (iii) Drums; or

      1. (iv) Dumpsters; or
   2. (B) Portable bins.

2. (2) Disposable and reusable systems shall be kept:

   1. (A) Clean and rigid, be designed to prevent leakage of fluids, remain impervious to moisture, and be of sufficient strength to prevent tearing or bursting under normal conditions of use and handling; and
   2. (B) Sealed or closed to prevent leakage.
3. (3) The containers may be of any color and shall be conspicuously labeled as required in 20 CAR § 53-304.

(b)

1. (1) Storage of medical waste shall be in a manner and location which:

   1. (A) Affords protection from:

      1. (i) Unauthorized entry;
      2. (ii) Animals; and
      3. (iii) Adverse weather conditions such as:

(b) (b) Snow;

1. (c) (c) Ice;

   1. (d) (d) Sleet;

(f) (f) Wind;

1. (B) Does not provide a breeding place or a food source for insects and rodents; and

   1. (C) Minimizes exposure of employees and the public.

2. (2) When waste is not being actively placed in storage, the area must be secured.

   1. (c) The location of the medical waste in storage shall be conspicuously marked with signs which shall include the universal biohazard legend outlined in 20 CAR § 53-304(c)(1).

      1. (d)

3. (1)

   1. (A) Storage time within the generating facility shall not exceed thirty (30) days once the container has been filled and closed.
   2. (B) Storage of medical waste for longer than thirty (30) days must be approved by the Department of Health.
4. (2) Filled containers of medical waste must be held at room temperature (seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit (72°F), twenty-two degrees Celsius (22°C)) or below in a secure location with limited access (unauthorized entry) as specified in subsection (b) of this section.
5. (3) If the generating facility is unable to control odor from its stored waste, the department may require more frequent removal and further limit the storage time.