Medical Waste

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recognizes Environmental Health as responsible for implementing the Medical Waste Management Act (Act) in Santa Cruz County. Per the state law, Environmental Health ensures all medical waste generators properly segregate medical waste at the point of generation, and properly contain, treat, and dispose of that waste. In addition to healthcare workers, the Act protects housekeeping and custodial staff, as well as sanitation workers.

All medical small quantity generators with onsite treatment and medical large quantity generators, are required to be permitted by Environmental Health. Permitting is not required for small quantity generators who do not treat their medical waste onsite.

The application process includes the following:

After the application and plan are received, you will be contacted with information on applicable fees and payment instructions. These medical facilities will be inspected to ensure compliance.