Helping businesses with medical waste

There are three types of permits for businesses generating medical waste:

• Small Quantity Generator (SQG) for a business that generates less than 200 pounds of medical waste in any one month.
• Large Quantity Generator (LQG) for a business that generates 200 pounds or more of medical waste per month.
• Sometimes a property management company will maintain a common accumulation area for all medical waste generators at one location. The management company for this accumulation area would need a Common Storage Facility Permit.

• Acupuncture needles
• Anesthetic carpules
• Sharps from human or veterinary health care settings
• Waste generated in autopsy or necropsy
• Waste related to cremation or interment
• Inoculation waste from commercial farming operations
• Waste contaminated with blood and body fluids
• Hospital generated trace chemotherapy waste
• Research waste, infectious diseases and microorganisms
• Waste generated in the cleanup of trauma scenes 

This is not an exhaustive list. Contact us if you need more detailed information.

Businesses must use approved disposal options for medical waste:

• Registered waste haulers
• Mailback of small quantities
• Waste segregation
• Safe packaging and labeling  

You must keep shipping documents tracking the movement and disposal of medical waste for 3 years. 

If you generate or store medical waste, you must register by getting a medical waste license.  Submit a health permit license application and a medical waste application .   We will inspect your facility within 12 months.  The annual permit fee depends on the type and size of your operation.

• A reference for managing 6 types of waste
• A list of approved waste treatment technologies and companies that provide help
• Waste transport companies list
• California's Waste Management Act
• Website to help learn more about hazardous waste
• Single page waste management tips for dentists
• Waste management help for members of the California Dental Association

Use the contact information on this page to submit your application by email or in printed form.  You can call the number provided to make payments by Visa or MasterCard.  

If you choose to hand deliver your application, please arrive 1 hour before closing to be safe.