Medical Waste Disposal in South Carolina
MedPro Disposal provides regulated medical waste, sharps and pharmaceutical waste pickup and disposal for healthcare facilities everywhere in South Carolina — from the Upstate to the Midlands and the Lowcountry coast — on a schedule built around how much waste you generate.
How is medical waste disposal regulated in South Carolina?
South Carolina calls regulated medical waste “infectious waste” and regulates it through the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), which took over the program from the former DHEC in July 2024, under the South Carolina Infectious Waste Management Act and Regulation 61-105. Every in-state generator must register with SCDES, segregate infectious waste where it’s generated, and package and label it to the regulation’s standards. Waste may be stored on site for up to 14 days, or 30 days if kept at or below 42°F, and may be shipped only with a manifest to an SCDES-registered transporter.
- State term
- Infectious waste
- Regulation
- S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105
- Regulated by
- SCDES, Bureau of Land and Waste Management
- Generator storage limit
- 14 days, or 30 days at ≤42°F
Key takeaways
- South Carolina regulates medical waste as “infectious waste” under the South Carolina Infectious Waste Management Act (S.C. Code §44-93-10 et seq.) and Regulation 61-105.
- Since July 1, 2024, South Carolina’s infectious waste program has been run by the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), which replaced the environmental side of the former DHEC.
- Every in-state generator of infectious waste in South Carolina must register with SCDES, including small quantity generators producing less than 50 pounds a month.
- South Carolina limits generator on-site storage of infectious waste to 14 days without refrigeration, or 30 days at or below 42°F, counted from when the container is sealed.
- South Carolina generators may hand infectious waste only to an SCDES-registered transporter (or the U.S. Postal Service), with a manifest, and must keep manifests and records for two years.
South Carolina Infectious Waste Rules
Medical waste is regulated mainly by each state, with a few federal rules on top. In South Carolina it’s called infectious waste and is governed by the South Carolina Infectious Waste Management Act and Regulation 61-105, administered by the SC Department of Environmental Services. Here’s what they require of a practice, clinic or other healthcare facility.
What South Carolina regulates
Infectious Waste
Any used material generated in the health care community in the diagnosis, treatment, immunization or care of human beings; in embalming, autopsy or necropsy; or in research on biologicals exposed to human pathogens or using human pathogens — and which falls into one of the listed categories. Any solid waste mixed with infectious waste becomes infectious waste. Excluded: RCRA hazardous waste and radioactive material (managed under their own rules), waste generated in a private residence, specimens shipped to a lab for purposes other than disposal, and remains intended for interment, cremation or donation.
- Sharps (needles, syringes, Pasteur pipettes, lancets, broken glass, scalpel blades)
- Microbiologicals (specimens, cultures and stocks of human pathogenic agents, including discarded live and attenuated vaccines)
- Blood and blood products (unabsorbed blood, or absorbed blood when the absorbent is supersaturated, and visibly bloody body fluids)
- Pathological waste (tissues, organs, products of conception and other body parts, plus specified body fluids such as cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural and amniotic fluid)
- Contaminated animal waste (carcasses, body parts and bedding of animals intentionally exposed to human pathogens)
- Isolation waste (from communicable disease isolation of Biosafety Level 4 agents)
- Other waste the generator designates as infectious, and residues from cleaning up infectious waste spills
Who regulates medical waste in South Carolina
SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) — Bureau of Land and Waste Management, Infectious Waste Program
Administers the Infectious Waste Management Act and R.61-105: registers generators and transporters, permits treatment facilities, runs random, unannounced generator inspections, and enforces the regulation.
SC OSHA — SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Division of Occupational Safety and Health
Runs South Carolina’s OSHA State Plan, covering private employers and state and local government workers, and enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which it has adopted identically to federal OSHA.
Key South Carolina requirements
| Topic | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Every in-state generator must register with SCDES on an approved form — each site separately — listing the categories and estimated annual amounts of infectious waste and the treatment and disposal method. Changes must be reported within 30 days, and registration renews every three years. Small quantity generators (under 50 lb a month) pay no fee; generators of 50–999 lb in any month pay $150 a year and 1,000 lb or more $600, under R.61-30. Generators other than small quantity generators must also have an infection control committee and a written infectious waste protocol. | S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105 F(1)–(5), G(4); R.61-30 |
| Small quantity generators | Generators producing less than 50 lb a month must still register, and must manage sharps, microbiological cultures, products of conception, and human blood and blood products under the regulation. Their other infectious waste may go out as solid waste if packaged to protect waste workers and the public. Producing 50 lb or more in any calendar month triggers the full regulation and a written notice to SCDES. | S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105 G |
| Segregation and packaging | Segregate infectious waste from other waste as close to the point of generation as practical. Sharps go in rigid, leak-resistant, puncture-resistant containers secured tightly. All other infectious waste goes in rigid or semi-rigid, leak-resistant containers impervious to moisture, strong enough not to burst or tear, and sealed when full or putrescent. Inner plastic bags must be red or orange, waste may not be compacted, and reusable containers must be disinfected after each use. | S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105 H, I |
| Labeling | Containers offered for off-site transport must be labeled in English on the outside, readily visible, with the universal biohazard symbol, the SCDES-issued generator number, and the date the container was placed in storage (or sent off site), in water-resistant, indelible marking. Liner bags must carry the biohazard symbol in indelible ink or imprint. | S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105 J |
| Storage | Storage begins when a container is sealed. Store waste protected from animals, vectors, weather, theft and vandalism, with access limited to authorized personnel, the area marked with the biohazard symbol, and outdoor storage locked. Keep waste nonputrescent, refrigerating when necessary: generator on-site storage may not exceed 14 days without refrigeration, or 30 days at or below 42°F. | S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105 K |
| Manifests and transport | Every off-site shipment needs a manifest (SCDES Form 2116 or another approved form) signed by the generator, and generators may offer waste only to a transporter with a current SCDES registration or the U.S. Postal Service. Transporters register annually, carry at least $1 million per occurrence in financial responsibility, mark their vehicles with their SCDES number, and must deliver waste to a treatment facility within 14 days of leaving the generator (30 days at or below 42°F). | S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105 F(6)(c), (i); K(5)(b); M; N; O; Q |
| Treatment and disposal | Infectious waste must be treated before disposal (except as allowed for small quantity generators) by incineration, steam sterilization, chemical disinfection, embalming fluid of at least 2% formaldehyde, or another SCDES-approved method. Steam sterilizers must reach 121°C (250°F) for 45 minutes or longer at 15 psi. Products of conception must be incinerated, cremated, interred or donated for research. | S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105 T, U(14) |
| Records | Keep your copy of each manifest, and obtain and record an accurate weight of each shipment within 50 days. Generators must keep all required records and manifests for at least two years at a location in South Carolina, available to SCDES on request (paper or electronic). SCDES advises generators to notify the program if a fully completed manifest isn’t returned within 50 days of pickup. | S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105 F(6)(j), M(4), AA(2) |
- S.C. Code §44-93-10 et seq.
South Carolina Infectious Waste Management Act
The state law that defines infectious waste and directs the department to set rules for containment, storage, treatment, recordkeeping and registration of generators, transporters and facilities.
- S.C. Code Regs. R.61-105
Infectious Waste Management Regulation
Defines infectious waste and sets the rules for generator registration, segregation, packaging, labeling, storage, manifests, transporter registration, treatment and recordkeeping.
- S.C. Code §48-6-10, -20 (2023 Act No. 60)
Department of Environmental Services
Created SCDES effective July 1, 2024, and gave it all the functions, powers and duties of the former DHEC’s environmental programs — including infectious waste.
Federal rules that also apply
| Topic | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (SC OSHA State Plan) | South Carolina runs its own OSHA State Plan, SC OSHA, which has adopted federal OSHA standards identically and covers private employers and state and local government workers. Sharps containers must be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, and labeled or color-coded; other regulated-waste containers must be closable, leak-proof and labeled with the biohazard symbol (or red). | 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), (g)(1) |
| 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. | 49 CFR 173.134, 173.197 |
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.
South Carolina infectious waste compliance checklist
Use this to check your facility against SCDES’s Infectious Waste Management Regulation and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard enforced by SC OSHA. MedPro handles the pickup, transport and treatment — the rest happens in your facility.
Get Compliant Pickup- 1
Your facility is registered with SCDES
Every in-state generator registers, each site separately, renews every three years, and reports changes within 30 days. Registration can be done through SCDES ePermitting.
- 2
Infectious waste is separated where it’s generated
Kept apart from regular trash from the point of generation. Anything mixed into an infectious waste container must be managed as infectious waste.
- 3
Sharps go into rigid, puncture-resistant containers
Leak-resistant, designed for sharps and secured tightly so nothing can fall out.
- 4
Other infectious waste is in rigid or semi-rigid, moisture-proof containers
Leak-resistant, strong enough not to burst or tear, sealed when full or putrescent, with red or orange inner bags. No compacting.
- 5
Containers are labeled before they leave
Biohazard symbol, your SCDES generator number and the date the container went into storage (or was shipped), in water-resistant, indelible marking.
- 6
Storage is secure and time-limited
Protected from animals, weather and the public, locked if outdoors, marked with the biohazard symbol, and no longer than 14 days — 30 days if kept at or below 42°F.
- 7
Every shipment has a manifest and a registered hauler
Use SCDES Form 2116 or another approved manifest, hand waste only to an SCDES-registered transporter, and keep your copy and weight records for two years.
- 8
Staff are trained on bloodborne pathogens
SC OSHA enforces the OSHA standard, which requires training for employees with occupational exposure, with training records kept for three years.
South Carolina Medical Waste Savings
Projected annual savings from quotes we’ve prepared for South Carolina practices. Every practice is different — we charge only for the services you need.
See What You Could Save| Practice Type | ZIP Code | Annual SavingsProjected Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Family Practice | 29203 | $7,265 |
| OBGYN | 29801 | $2,801 |
| Pediatrics | 29412 | $2,190 |
| Surgery Center | 29201 | $1,200 |
| Optometrist | 29801 | $535 |
| Orthopedics | 29223 | $300 |
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 South Carolina
MedPro Disposal provides regulated medical waste pickup and disposal to healthcare facilities in every part of South Carolina — wherever your practice is. Local service pages include:
Near the state line? We serve the neighboring states too.
South Carolina Medical Waste FAQs
What counts as infectious waste in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s legal term is “infectious waste.” It covers used material from healthcare, embalming, autopsy and pathogen research that falls into one of these categories: sharps, microbiologicals (cultures, stocks and discarded live vaccines), blood and blood products, pathological waste, contaminated animal waste, isolation waste, and anything else the generator designates as infectious (R.61-105 E). Anything mixed into infectious waste becomes infectious waste. Waste from a private residence is excluded, and hazardous and radioactive waste are managed under their own rules.
Who regulates medical waste disposal in South Carolina?
The SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), through the Infectious Waste Program in its Bureau of Land and Waste Management — (803) 898-0493, infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov. SCDES took over the program from the former Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) on July 1, 2024. SC OSHA, the state’s OSHA State Plan, enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, and U.S. DOT rules govern shipping.
Does my practice need to register with SCDES?
Yes. Every in-state generator of infectious waste must register with SCDES, each site separately, and renew every three years (R.61-105 F(1), (3)). Small quantity generators — under 50 pounds a month — register at no fee; facilities generating 50 pounds or more in any calendar month pay $150 a year, and 1,000 pounds or more $600 a year. Registrations and renewals can be completed through SCDES ePermitting.
How long can a medical practice store infectious waste in South Carolina?
Up to 14 days on site without refrigeration, or up to 30 days if the waste is kept at or below 42°F (R.61-105 K(5)(a)). Storage begins when the container is sealed, and waste must be kept nonputrescent, refrigerated when necessary. MedPro sets your pickup schedule around how much you generate so you stay inside those limits.
What does South Carolina require of medical waste haulers?
Generators may offer infectious waste only to a transporter with a current SCDES registration (or the U.S. Postal Service) (R.61-105 F(6)(i)). Transporters must register annually, show at least $1 million per occurrence in financial responsibility, have an SCDES-approved infectious waste management plan, mark their vehicles with their name, SCDES registration number and “Infectious Waste,” “Medical Waste” or “Biohazardous Waste,” and accept only properly packaged, labeled and manifested waste (R.61-105 N–Q). Federal DOT hazardous materials rules also apply.
What records do I need to keep for medical waste in South Carolina?
Keep your copy of every infectious waste manifest and a record of each shipment’s accurate weight, obtained within 50 days of shipment (R.61-105 F(6)(j), M(4)). All records and manifests required by the regulation must be kept for at least two years at a location in South Carolina and made available to SCDES on request (R.61-105 AA(2)). Separately, OSHA requires bloodborne pathogens training records to be kept for three years.
Where in South Carolina does MedPro Disposal provide service?
Everywhere in South Carolina — we serve healthcare facilities statewide, from the Upstate to the coast. We also have local service pages for Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Rock Hill and Spartanburg.
How much does medical waste disposal cost in South Carolina?
It depends on how much waste you generate and how often it’s picked up — we charge only for the services you need. MedPro quotes in South Carolina have projected annual savings from $300 for an orthopedics practice to $7,265 for a family practice. Request a free, no-obligation quote for your facility.
Our services in South Carolina
Industries we serve
Sources
- R.61-105 — Infectious Waste Management Regulation — SC Department of Environmental Services
- S.C. Code Title 44, Chapter 93 — South Carolina Infectious Waste Management Act — South Carolina Legislature
- S.C. Code Title 48, Chapter 6 — Department of Environmental Services — South Carolina Legislature
- Infectious Waste — SC Department of Environmental Services
- Infectious Waste Regulation — Overview — SC Department of Environmental Services
- Info for Infectious Waste Generators — SC Department of Environmental Services
- Infectious Waste Generators FAQs — SC Department of Environmental Services
- Info for Infectious Waste Transporters — SC Department of Environmental Services
- Infectious Waste Manifest (Form D-2116) — SC Department of Environmental Services
- Infectious Waste — Contact Us — SC Department of Environmental Services
- South Carolina State Plan — U.S. OSHA
- SC OSHA — SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 — U.S. OSHA
- Infectious substances, 49 CFR 173.134 — eCFR
- Regulated medical waste, 49 CFR 173.197 — eCFR
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