Who is responsible for BDW management in a facility?

• A. The local health department manages BDW.
• B. Any employee may generate and manage BDW.
• C. The facility, as the generator, is responsible for BDW management and compliance.
• D. External contractors only may handle BDW.

Answer: (C)

In BDW management, the generator—the facility that produces the waste—has the primary responsibility for proper handling, storage, treatment, and disposal, as well as ensuring overall compliance with regulations. This means the facility must have a compliant program, train staff, segregate BDW from other waste, use appropriate containers and labeling, store waste safely, and ensure that only licensed transporters and treatment facilities are used. Even if the facility contracts out transport or treatment, the obligation to manage BDW and meet regulatory requirements remains with the generator.

The local health department oversees and enforces regulations but does not take on day-to-day BDW management for a facility. External contractors can handle specific tasks like transport or treatment under a contract, but they do not assume overall responsibility for compliance—that responsibility stays with the facility that generates the waste.