Which statement about disposing regulated medical waste to regular trash is true?

• A. It is allowed if the waste is nonhazardous
• B. It is allowed if waste is properly bagged
• C. It is allowed for small quantities
• D. It is never allowed; regulated medical waste must be treated or disposed through approved facilities and cannot be disposed in regular trash

Answer: (D)

Regulated medical waste carries an infectious or otherwise hazardous risk and must be treated before disposal. The proper rule is that this waste cannot go into regular trash; it must be rendered noninfectious through treatment (such as autoclaving, incineration, or chemical disinfection) and then disposed of through licensed facilities or approved medical waste contractors. Simply bagging the waste or discarding small amounts in the regular trash does not remove the risk to workers or the public. Because of these safety and regulatory requirements, the statement that regulated medical waste must be treated or disposed of through approved facilities and cannot be dumped in regular trash is the correct one. Nonregulated trash might be eligible for regular disposal, but regulated waste always requires proper handling and treatment.