Waste that can become putrified that is not refrigerated, frozen, or treated on-site may be stored on-site for a maximum of 30 days. Non-putrescible sharps containers and trace chemo waste may be stored for up to 90 days.

Medical waste that is packaged to meet all OSHA and US DOT requirements and kept refrigerated or frozen (45ºF or lower), may be stored up to 90 days on-site.

Generators are required to develop and implement an onsite Medical Waste Management Plan. This plan should:

• Identify the types of medical waste generated and where each type of medical waste is generated in the facility
• Describe how each type of medical waste will be identified, segregated, packaged, stored, treated, transported and disposed
• Include a contingency plan for responding to spills or loss of containment of medical waste in order to minimize hazards to human health and the environment
• Identify medical waste training that will be provided to employees
• Be maintained onsite and updated whenever changes related to medical waste generation or handling occur

Storage area must be secured to prevent unauthorized access.

All exterior doors, gates or lids to medical waste storage areas shall be marked with the biohazard symbol, if applicable, and the words “Caution –Medical Waste Storage Area –Unauthorized Persons Keep Out”. Letters on signs shall be at least two inches in height and legible.