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05/12/2022

You asked... We Answered

You Asked: 

Does the medical waste or general waste (trash) from healthcare facilities treating COVID-19 positive individuals have to be handled as if it is biohazardous waste? 

We Answered

No, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states in the FAQ’s that medical waste (trash) coming from healthcare facilities treating COVID-19 patients is no different than waste coming from facilities without COVID-19 patients. CDC’s guidance states that management of laundry, food service utensils, and medical waste should be performed in accordance with routine procedures. There is no evidence to suggest that facility waste needs any additional disinfection.

More guidance about environmental infection control is available in section 7 of CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 or Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings.

We encourage members to continue to submit questions to COVID19@leadingageohio.org.

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