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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Biomedical Waste

Florida Department of Health in Calhoun County

The Biomedical Waste Inspection Program is designed to protect the public from risks associated with potentially infectious biomedical waste. This is conducted by regulating the generation, transport, storage, and treatment of biomedical waste through processes other than incineration. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has primary responsibility for biomedical waste incineration and final disposal.

The governing authority for this program is Florida Statute 381.0098 and Florida Administrative Code 64E-16 (60.3kb;pdf)

Facilities inspected in Calhoun County:

  • Dental clinics
  • Funeral homes
  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories
  • Medical clinics
  • Nursing homes
  • Storage and treatment facilities
  • Transporters of biomedical waste
  • Veterinarian clinics

Annual Inspections

Operators who generate more than 25 pounds of biomedical waste in a 30 day period are required to purchase an Annual Operating Permit.

Other Permit Applications:

Inspections Every Three Years

Facilities that produce less than 25 pounds in a 30 day period (and can document this for a minimum of one year) can apply for an exemption from permitting and fee requirements.

The inspection process entails, but is not limited to:

  • Handling of waste
  • Labeling of waste
  • Location of waste
  • Storage of waste
  • Transport of waste
  • Manifests and records

Biomedical Waste Generator Permit

A Biomedical Waste Generator Permit is issued after:

  1. Permit application is submitted to department.
  2. Payment of fee (fee schedule).
  3. Successful completion of “opening” and subsequent health inspections.
  4. Proof of required training through the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

All persons employed who handle biomedical waste are required to have initial and refresher training through the DOH. 

For information on how to properly dispose of home-generated biomedical waste, read the Home Sharps Disposal Guidelines.