Medical Waste Disposal in Massachusetts
MedPro Disposal provides regulated medical waste, sharps and pharmaceutical waste pickup and disposal for healthcare facilities everywhere in Massachusetts — from Boston and the South Coast to Worcester and the Berkshires — with the shipping papers and tracking forms the state’s rules call for.
How is medical waste disposal regulated in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts regulates medical waste as “medical or biological waste” under 105 CMR 480.000, Chapter VIII of the State Sanitary Code, adopted by the Department of Public Health (DPH) and enforced by DPH and local boards of health. Waste must be red- or orange-bagged (sharps in rigid containers), kept in a secured, signed storage area, and treated or shipped off site at least once per calendar year — the state sets no shorter day limit. Every off-site shipment needs signed shipping papers, a tracking form confirming receipt at the treatment facility within 30 days, and a hauler permitted by the local board of health; shipping records are kept 375 days and the record-keeping log three years.
- State term
- Medical or biological waste
- Rules
- 105 CMR 480.000
- Enforced by
- DPH & local boards of health
- Onsite storage
- Ship or treat at least yearly
Key takeaways
- Massachusetts regulates medical waste as “medical or biological waste” under 105 CMR 480.000 (State Sanitary Code Chapter VIII), enforced by the Department of Public Health and local boards of health.
- Massachusetts sets no fixed day limit for storing medical or biological waste, but every generator must treat it on site or ship it off site for treatment at least once per calendar year (105 CMR 480.100(G)).
- Massachusetts generators must confirm, on a DPH-approved tracking form, that each shipment reached the treatment facility within 30 days, and report to DPH if they can’t.
- Massachusetts generators keep shipping papers and medical waste tracking forms for 375 days and their Medical/Biological Waste Record-keeping Log for three years.
- Medical waste haulers in Massachusetts need a permit from the board of health of each city or town where they collect waste (M.G.L. c. 111 § 31A).
Massachusetts Medical Waste Rules
Medical waste is regulated mainly by each state, with a few federal rules on top. In Massachusetts it’s governed by 105 CMR 480.000, Minimum Requirements for the Management of Medical or Biological Waste — Chapter VIII of the State Sanitary Code, adopted by the Department of Public Health under M.G.L. c. 111 § 127A. MassDEP’s solid waste rules decide where the waste can go once treated. Here’s what they require of a practice, clinic or other healthcare facility.
What Massachusetts regulates
Medical or Biological Waste
Waste that because of its characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; or pose a substantial present potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. The rules apply to every generator — including hospitals, long-term care facilities, labs, clinics, physician’s and dentist’s offices, schools, veterinarians, funeral homes, body art facilities and home health agencies. Waste mixed with materials regulated as hazardous or radioactive waste (such as amalgam) falls under those laws instead.
- Blood and blood products (free-draining blood, fluids with visible blood, and materials saturated or dripping with blood)
- Pathological waste (anatomical parts, organs, tissues and body fluids from surgery, autopsy or diagnostic procedures, and specimens)
- Cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals, including discarded live and attenuated vaccines
- Contaminated animal waste from animals infected with specified zoonotic diseases or inoculated with infectious agents
- Sharps (needles, syringes, lancets, pen needles, Pasteur pipettes, broken medical glass, scalpel blades, suture needles, dental wires)
- Biotechnology by-product effluents
Who regulates medical waste in Massachusetts
Department of Public Health — Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards
Writes and enforces 105 CMR 480.000, the state’s medical or biological waste rules, and inspects DPH-licensed health care facilities under them. Receives reports when a generator’s tracking form doesn’t come back within 30 days.
Local boards of health
Inspect and enforce 105 CMR 480.000 for generators that aren’t DPH-licensed health care facilities, and issue the permits medical waste haulers need to collect waste in each city or town.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
Regulates the solid waste facilities that receive medical or biological waste under 310 CMR 19.061: landfills can take it only after it’s rendered non-infectious, and facilities must notify MassDEP before accepting it.
Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards — Workplace Safety and Health Program
Runs the Massachusetts OSHA State Plan, which covers state and local government workers only.
Federal OSHA — Massachusetts Area Offices
Enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for private employers in Massachusetts through area offices in Andover, Braintree and Springfield.
Key Massachusetts requirements
| Topic | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging and labeling | All medical or biological waste except sharps goes in a red, fluorescent orange or orange-red plastic bag that meets ASTM D1922 and D1709, is marked with the biohazard symbol and the word “Biohazard”, and is secured against leaks. Sharps go straight into red or orange leakproof, rigid, puncture-resistant, shatterproof containers meeting ASTM F2132, with the same markings. Untreated waste leaving the site must also be placed in a rigid, leak-resistant, sealed secondary container, and damaged or leaking containers can’t be shipped. | 105 CMR 480.100(A), (D); 480.300(A), (B), (E) |
| Onsite storage | Storage areas must be uncarpeted, with impervious, cleanable flooring, used only for waste storage, signed as medical or biological waste storage, secured against unauthorized access, protected from weather and vermin, and kept free of putrescence and odors, using refrigeration when necessary. Massachusetts sets no day-count limit: all waste must be treated on site or shipped off site for treatment at least once per calendar year. Compactors and grinders can’t be used on untreated waste. | 105 CMR 480.100(B), (C), (F), (G) |
| Transport | Shipments must comply with the board of health hauler permits required by M.G.L. c. 111 § 31A and with U.S. DOT hazardous materials rules. Small-scale generators (under 50 lb every 30 days) may carry up to 50 lb of their own waste every 30 days within Massachusetts to an affiliated generator, unless a board of health or MassDEP is more restrictive. | 105 CMR 480.300(D), (F); 480.010 |
| Shipping papers and tracking | Before untreated waste leaves the site, a designee must sign and date shipping papers listing the generator’s name, address, phone and emergency contact, a description and quantity of the waste, container type and destination. The generator must confirm within 30 days, on a DPH-approved paper or electronic tracking form, that the waste reached the treatment facility — and report to DPH if the form isn’t received. | 105 CMR 480.400(A)–(B), 480.425(A)–(B) |
| Records | Keep a Medical/Biological Waste Record-keeping Log (secured, consecutively numbered pages) recording each shipment’s date, number of containers, waste type, weight or volume, transporter and the person responsible; log forms are kept three years. Shipping papers and tracking forms are kept with the log for 375 days. Everything must be available to DPH and the board of health on request. | 105 CMR 480.400(C), 480.425(A), 480.500(B), (H), (I) |
| Written procedures and spill plan | Generators must have written procedures covering the types, quantities and disposition of their waste, safe handling within the facility, confirmation of OSHA bloodborne pathogens training for anyone who may handle the waste, an emergency contact, and a description of storage areas and how long waste stays in each; plus a written spill and accident contingency plan kept with the log, and the materials to carry it out. | 105 CMR 480.500(A), (C) |
| Treatment and disposal | Approved treatment methods are steam (autoclave), chemical disinfection, incineration at an approved facility, or a method DPH approves in writing. Pathological and contaminated animal waste must be incinerated or interred (or handled by a DPH-approved alternative). Sharps must be incinerated, or disinfected and ground to eliminate the physical hazard before landfilling. On-site treatment requires per-cycle monitoring, annual calibration and quarterly spore testing showing a 4-log reduction. | 105 CMR 480.150, 480.200 |
| Landfill and combustion facilities | Medical or biological waste may be landfilled only after it’s rendered non-infectious under 105 CMR 480.000, and waste sent to a combustion facility must be treated, packaged and labeled under those rules. Treated waste must be labeled as non-infectious with the generator that treated it. | 310 CMR 19.061(2)(b), (3)(c); 105 CMR 480.300(C) |
- 105 CMR 480.000
Minimum Requirements for the Management of Medical or Biological Waste (State Sanitary Code Chapter VIII)
Definitions, storage and packaging, approved treatment methods, disposal by waste type, shipping papers, tracking forms, the record-keeping log, written procedures and penalties.
- M.G.L. c. 111 § 127A
State Sanitary Code
Directs DPH to adopt the State Sanitary Code and allows penalties of up to $25,000 or two years in a house of correction for improper disposal of infectious or physically dangerous medical or biological waste.
- M.G.L. c. 111 § 31A
Permit for removal or transportation of garbage
No one may remove or transport offensive substances through a city or town’s streets without a permit from its board of health. 105 CMR 480.300(D) applies it to medical waste haulers.
- 310 CMR 19.061
Solid Waste Management — Special Waste
MassDEP’s rules for solid waste facilities handling medical or biological waste: landfill disposal only after treatment to non-infectious, and 45 days’ notice before a facility starts accepting it.
- M.G.L. c. 94C § 27A
Collection and disposal of home needles and lancets
Basis for the statewide ban, in effect since July 1, 2012, on putting home sharps in household trash (105 CMR 480.125).
Federal rules that also apply
| Topic | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens | Sharps containers must be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, labeled or color-coded, and kept upright and within easy reach. Other regulated-waste containers must be closable, leak-proof and labeled with the biohazard symbol (or red). Massachusetts’ OSHA State Plan covers only state and local government workers; federal OSHA covers private employers. | 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), (g)(1); 29 CFR 1952.29 |
| DOT shipping | Regulated medical waste ships as Division 6.2, UN3291, in rigid packaging that meets UN Packing Group II standards, with puncture-resistant containers for sharps. 105 CMR 480.300(D) requires Massachusetts shipments to meet these federal rules (49 CFR Parts 171–180). | 49 CFR 173.134, 173.197; 105 CMR 480.300(D) |
Reviewed September 2026. This is a plain-language summary to help you plan, not legal advice — rules change, so confirm details with the agencies above. MedPro handles transport, treatment and manifests for you and can help you understand what applies to your facility.
Massachusetts medical waste compliance checklist
Use this to check your facility against Massachusetts’ medical or biological waste rules (105 CMR 480.000) and the federal OSHA standard. MedPro handles the pickup, transport and treatment — the rest happens in your facility.
Get Compliant Pickup- 1
Waste goes in the right bags
Red, fluorescent orange or orange-red bags meeting ASTM D1922 and D1709, marked with the biohazard symbol and the word “Biohazard”, and secured so nothing leaks.
- 2
Sharps are contained right after use
Red or orange leakproof, rigid, puncture-resistant, shatterproof containers meeting ASTM F2132, marked with the biohazard symbol and “Biohazard”.
- 3
Your storage area meets the code
Uncarpeted, with cleanable non-absorbent flooring, used only for waste storage, signed, secured against unauthorized access and vermin, and refrigerated when needed to prevent odors.
- 4
Nothing is held longer than a year
All medical or biological waste must be treated on site or shipped off site for treatment at least once per calendar year.
- 5
Shipping papers go with every pickup
Signed and dated by your designee, with your name, address, phone and emergency contact, a waste description, quantity, container type and destination.
- 6
Every shipment is confirmed within 30 days
Keep the completed tracking form from the treatment facility with your shipping papers for 375 days; tell DPH if it doesn’t arrive within 30 days.
- 7
Your record-keeping log is current
A bound log with numbered pages titled “Medical/Biological Waste Record-keeping Log”, an entry for every shipment, kept for three years.
- 8
Written procedures and a spill plan are on file
Handling procedures, confirmation of OSHA bloodborne pathogens training, an emergency contact, a description of your storage areas, and a spill contingency plan with cleanup materials on hand.
It’s Easy to Get Started With MedPro Disposal
- 01
Contact Us
Contact MedPro Disposal for a fast, free medical waste removal quote. We’ll get to know you, discuss your needs, and settle on a number.
- 02
Waste Pickup Date
Work with MedPro Disposal to determine your first pickup date. We’ll confirm your office hours and provide convenient options for medical waste and sharps pickup.
- 03
Compliance Survey
After we get to know your requirements, we’ll send you a survey to identify any areas that need to be brought up to OSHA standards. All three steps occur at no additional cost to your practice.
We service all of Massachusetts
MedPro Disposal provides regulated medical waste pickup and disposal to healthcare facilities in every part of Massachusetts — wherever your practice is. Local service pages include:
Near the state line? We serve the neighboring states too.
Massachusetts Medical Waste FAQs
What counts as medical waste in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts calls it medical or biological waste. It covers six types: blood and blood products, pathological waste, cultures and stocks of infectious agents (including discarded live and attenuated vaccines), contaminated animal waste, sharps, and biotechnology by-product effluents (105 CMR 480.010). Waste mixed with materials regulated as hazardous or radioactive waste is governed by those rules instead.
Who regulates medical waste disposal in Massachusetts?
The Department of Public Health writes the rules (105 CMR 480.000) and inspects DPH-licensed health care facilities; local boards of health and DPH enforce them for all other generators and boards of health permit haulers. MassDEP regulates the landfills and combustion facilities that receive the waste (310 CMR 19.061). Federal OSHA enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for private employers, and U.S. DOT rules govern shipping.
How long can a medical practice store medical waste in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts doesn’t set a day limit like some states. Its rule is that all medical or biological waste must be treated on site or shipped off site for treatment at least once per calendar year, and the storage area must be kept free of putrescence and odors, using refrigeration when necessary (105 CMR 480.100(C)(6), (G)). MedPro sets your pickup schedule around how much waste you generate.
What does Massachusetts require of medical waste haulers?
Under M.G.L. c. 111 § 31A, anyone who removes or transports waste through a city or town’s streets needs a permit from that community’s board of health, and 105 CMR 480.300(D) applies this to medical waste. Shipments must also meet U.S. DOT hazardous materials rules, and the waste must go to a treatment facility approved by MassDEP (or by the regulator in the state where it’s treated).
Do Massachusetts medical practices need to register with the state?
105 CMR 480.000 has no generator registration or permit requirement. Instead, every generator must keep written procedures, a spill contingency plan, shipping papers, tracking forms and a record-keeping log, and make them available to DPH and the local board of health on request (105 CMR 480.500).
How long do I need to keep medical waste records in Massachusetts?
Keep shipping papers and the matching medical waste tracking forms for 375 days, and your Medical/Biological Waste Record-keeping Log forms for three years (105 CMR 480.400(C), 480.425(A), 480.500(B)). If a completed tracking form doesn’t come back within 30 days of a shipment, report it to DPH.
Where in Massachusetts does MedPro Disposal provide service?
Everywhere in Massachusetts — we service facilities statewide. We also have local service pages for Boston, Brockton, Brookline, Cambridge, Lowell, New Bedford, Quincy and Worcester.
How much does medical waste disposal cost in Massachusetts?
It depends on how much waste you generate and how often it’s picked up — we charge only for the services you need, with simple invoices. Request a free, no-obligation quote for your facility.
Our services in Massachusetts
Industries we serve
Sources
- 105 CMR 480.000 — Minimum Requirements for the Management of Medical or Biological Waste (State Sanitary Code Chapter VIII) — Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Medical waste — Community Sanitation (forms, record-keeping logs, advisories) — Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards — Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Statewide ban on sharps in household trash — Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- 310 CMR 19.000 — Solid Waste Management (19.061 Special Waste) — Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
- Infectious Waste Disposal & Transport — Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection — Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
- M.G.L. c. 111 § 31A — Permit for removal or transportation of garbage — Massachusetts General Court
- M.G.L. c. 111 § 127A — State sanitary code — Massachusetts General Court
- M.G.L. c. 94C § 27A — Collection and disposal of hypodermic needles and lancets — Massachusetts General Court
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 — U.S. OSHA
- Massachusetts State Plan — U.S. OSHA
- Massachusetts OSHA offices — U.S. OSHA
- Massachusetts State Plan, 29 CFR 1952.29 — eCFR
- Infectious substances, 49 CFR 173.134 — eCFR
- Regulated medical waste, 49 CFR 173.197 — eCFR
Partner With MedPro Disposal
More than 40,000 healthcare providers have switched to MedPro Disposal for a safer and more affordable medical waste disposal and compliance training solution. Tell us about your facility and a specialist will follow up fast.
Or call 888-641-6131Get Your Free Quote
Tell us a bit about your facility and we'll follow up fast.