Kansas Medical Waste Requirements

A look at medical waste regulations in the state of Kansas.

Kansas medical waste disposal regulations are governed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Medical waste is defined by the state as “solid waste materials which are potentially capable of causing disease or injury and which are generated in connection with human or animal care through inpatient and outpatient services.” 

As it is with other states, Kansas has strict regulations as to how medical waste is stored and disposed of.

The medical waste must be placed in containers, which must be able to close and are constructed in such a way to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids. Prior to removal, all containers must be sealed. The containers must be labeled or color-coded with a biohazard label affixed to the container. Red bags or red containers may be substituted for labels.

In terms of treatment, Kansas allows incineration or by sterilization using autoclaving, or microwaving. Once waste has been deemed safe, it can mixed with general solid waste and transported to a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (also known as MSWLF).

For medical waste that is not processed, facilities may obtain a Special Waste Disposal Authorization and transport the medical waste separately to a MSWLF.  Alternately, facilities may contract with a medical waste company for transportation and disposal of the medical waste to a MSWLF.

The state also requires that medical services wastes be collected at least daily from the point of origin for transport to a storage or disposal area or a processing facility.

In addition to the state medical waste environmental regulations there are some Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules that apply to medical/infectious waste.  Kansas is one of 26 states covered entirely by the federal OSHA program.

While the state of Kansas hasn’t published as much detail as many of the other states we’ve covered in terms of medical waste requirements, many of the regulations have a common thread across state boundaries. The goal is to prevent the spread of infection and to preserve the environment in the safest, most efficient way possible.

Curious about the medical waste requirements in your home state? Let Red Bags help you understand the differences to maintain local and federal compliance.

Related Articles:

• The Four Types of Medical Waste
• What Is NOT Considered Medical Waste?
• Top 5 Medical Waste Violations: Is Your Facility Guilty?
• Choosing the Right Sharps Containers for Your Facility

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