Medical Waste Disposal in South Dakota
MedPro Disposal provides regulated medical waste, sharps and pharmaceutical waste pickup and disposal for healthcare facilities everywhere in South Dakota — East River and West River — with treatment before disposal, as the state requires.
How is medical waste disposal regulated in South Dakota?
South Dakota regulates medical waste under its solid waste law, SDCL chapter 34A-6, and the solid waste rules in ARSD article 74:27, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). The rules adopt the federal definition of “medical/infectious waste” and require it to be rendered noninfectious — by incineration, steam sterilization, chemical disinfection or an equally effective method — before it goes to a landfill, with a state permit required for off-site treatment. South Dakota sets no generator registration, onsite storage time limit or state manifest, so most day-to-day handling rules come from federal OSHA and U.S. DOT.
- State term
- Medical/infectious waste
- Rules
- ARSD 74:27; SDCL 34A-6
- Enforced by
- SD DANR
- Onsite storage
- No state time limit
Key takeaways
- South Dakota regulates medical waste as “medical/infectious waste” under its solid waste rules, ARSD article 74:27, which adopt the federal definition in 40 CFR 60.51c.
- In South Dakota, medical/infectious waste must be rendered noninfectious by incineration, steam sterilization, chemical disinfection or an equally effective method before landfill disposal (ARSD 74:27:13:17(5)).
- Off-site treatment of medical/infectious waste in South Dakota requires a permit issued under SDCL chapter 34A-6.
- South Dakota sets no generator registration, onsite storage time limit or state manifest for medical waste; federal OSHA and U.S. DOT rules still apply.
- South Dakota has no OSHA State Plan, so federal OSHA enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for private employers in the state.
South Dakota Medical Waste Rules
Medical waste is regulated mainly by each state, with a few federal rules on top. South Dakota’s rules are brief: its stand-alone medical waste article was repealed in 2011, and medical waste is now covered by the solid waste law, SDCL chapter 34A-6, and the solid waste rules in ARSD article 74:27. They define the waste, require treatment before disposal and make illegal release a crime; federal OSHA and DOT rules cover packaging, labeling and shipping. Here’s what applies to a practice, clinic or other healthcare facility.
What South Dakota regulates
Medical/Infectious Waste
South Dakota’s solid waste rules adopt the federal definition (40 CFR 60.51c): any waste generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals, in related research, or in the production or testing of biologicals, that falls into one of seven categories. It excludes hazardous waste, household waste, ash from incinerating medical waste, human remains intended for interment or cremation, and domestic sewage. State law separately defines “medical waste” as disposable equipment, instruments, utensils, human tissue, laboratory waste, blood specimens or other substances that could carry pathogenic organisms (SDCL 34A-6-93.1), and “infectious waste” as medical waste carrying pathogenic organisms from patient rooms, disposable substances and surgical specimens (SDCL 34A-6-93). Home-generated sharps are exempt.
- Cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals, including discarded live and attenuated vaccines
- Human pathological waste (tissues, organs, body parts and body fluids removed during surgery, autopsy or other procedures)
- Human blood and blood products, and items saturated or dripping with blood (including IV bags)
- Used sharps from patient care or laboratories (needles, syringes, scalpel blades, pipettes, blood vials, contaminated glassware)
- Contaminated animal carcasses, body parts and bedding from research
- Isolation wastes from people or animals isolated for highly communicable diseases
- Unused, discarded sharps (hypodermic needles, suture needles, syringes, scalpel blades)
Who regulates medical waste in South Dakota
SD DANR — Waste Management Program
Administers South Dakota’s solid waste rules, including the treatment requirement for medical/infectious waste, and permits solid waste facilities, including off-site medical waste treatment.
South Dakota Department of Health
Licenses hospitals, nursing facilities and ambulatory surgery centers. Its licensure rules require waste to be handled and disposed of safely and its final disposal to comply with DANR’s solid and hazardous waste rules.
Federal OSHA — Sioux Falls Area Office
South Dakota has no OSHA State Plan, so federal OSHA enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for private employers in the state.
Key South Dakota requirements
| Topic | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment before disposal | Medical/infectious waste must be rendered noninfectious — by incineration under the state’s air quality rules (article 74:36), steam sterilization, chemical disinfection or an equally effective method — before it can be disposed of in a municipal solid waste landfill. | ARSD 74:27:13:17(5) |
| Treatment facility permits | A permit issued under SDCL chapter 34A-6 is required for any off-site treatment of medical/infectious waste. An application for a new facility for the transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of medical waste must include a resolution from the county approving it. | ARSD 74:27:13:17(5); SDCL 34A-6-1.4, 34A-6-103 |
| Possession away from the generating site | Except as permitted under SDCL 34A-6, no one may knowingly possess more than 20 gallons or 200 pounds (whichever is less) of infectious waste anywhere other than the facility where it was generated. Larger amounts are a felony — another reason to use a hauler that delivers waste to a permitted treatment facility. | SDCL 34A-6-94, 34A-6-95 |
| Unlawful release | Causing infectious waste to be released to the environment is a crime, from a Class 1 misdemeanor for criminal negligence up to a Class 4 felony, with court-ordered cleanup costs and fines of up to $150,000. | SDCL 34A-6-96 to 34A-6-101 |
| No recycling | A business or other non-individual that negligently causes medical waste to be released to a recycling disposal destination is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. DANR warns never to put medical waste, especially sharps, in any recycling container. | SDCL 34A-6-102.1 |
| Licensed health facilities | Hospitals, nursing facilities and ambulatory surgery centers licensed by the Department of Health must handle and dispose of garbage, refuse and waste in a safe and sanitary manner, and final disposal must comply with DANR’s solid waste (74:27) and hazardous waste (74:28) rules. | ARSD 44:73:02:15, 44:75:02:15, 44:76:02:15 |
| What the state doesn’t set | South Dakota’s rules set no generator registration, onsite storage time limit, refrigeration rule or state manifest for medical waste. Packaging, labeling and shipping follow the federal OSHA and DOT rules below. | ARSD 74:27:13:17; ARSD art. 74:35 (repealed, 38 SDR 39, 2011) |
- SDCL ch. 34A-6
Solid Waste Management
Requires a permit to operate a solid waste facility (§ 34A-6-1.4), directs the Board of Minerals and Environment to set rules for medical and infectious waste (§ 34A-6-1.6), defines medical and infectious waste (§§ 34A-6-93, -93.1), and sets criminal penalties for unlawful possession, release and dealing (§§ 34A-6-94 to -102.1).
- ARSD 74:27:07:01, 74:27:13:17
Solid Waste — Definitions and Special Wastes
Adopts the federal definition of medical/infectious waste and requires it to be rendered noninfectious before landfill disposal; a permit under SDCL 34A-6 is required for off-site treatment.
- ARSD 44:73:02:15, 44:75:02:15, 44:76:02:15
Refuse and Waste Disposal (health facility licensure)
Nursing facilities, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers must handle and dispose of waste in a safe and sanitary manner, with final disposal complying with ARSD articles 74:27 and 74:28.
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, kept upright and within easy reach, and replaced routinely so they don’t overfill. Other regulated-waste containers must be closable, leak-proof and labeled with the biohazard symbol (or red). Training records are kept for three years. South Dakota has no OSHA State Plan: federal OSHA covers private employers, and state and local government workers aren’t covered by federal OSHA. | 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), (g)(1), (h)(2) |
| 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. Each person who provides a shipping paper must keep a copy for two years after the initial carrier accepts the shipment. | 49 CFR 173.134, 173.197, 172.201(e) |
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 Dakota medical waste compliance checklist
Use this to check your facility against South Dakota’s medical waste rules (SDCL 34A-6, ARSD 74:27) and the federal OSHA and DOT rules that fill in the details. MedPro handles the pickup, transport and treatment — the rest happens in your facility.
Get Compliant Pickup- 1
Medical waste is separated from regular trash
Untreated medical/infectious waste can’t go in the trash bound for a municipal landfill — it must be treated first (ARSD 74:27:13:17(5)).
- 2
Nothing medical goes in a recycling bin
A business that negligently sends medical waste to a recycling destination commits a misdemeanor in South Dakota (SDCL 34A-6-102.1).
- 3
Sharps containers meet the OSHA standard
Closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, labeled or color-coded, upright and within easy reach — and replaced before they overfill.
- 4
Other regulated waste is bagged and labeled
Closable, leak-proof containers or bags, red or marked with the biohazard symbol, closed before they’re moved (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)).
- 5
Waste goes to a permitted treatment facility
Off-site treatment needs a state permit under SDCL 34A-6, and a new treatment or storage facility also needs county approval (SDCL 34A-6-103).
- 6
Packages are ready for DOT transport
Your hauler ships regulated medical waste as UN3291 in rigid, UN-standard packaging; sharps go in puncture-resistant containers (49 CFR 173.197).
- 7
Shipping papers and training records are kept
Keep shipping-paper copies for two years (49 CFR 172.201(e)) and bloodborne pathogens training records for three years (29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(2)).
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 Dakota
MedPro Disposal provides regulated medical waste pickup and disposal to healthcare facilities in every part of South Dakota — wherever your practice is. Local service pages include:
Near the state line? We serve the neighboring states too.
South Dakota Medical Waste FAQs
What counts as medical waste in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s solid waste rules use the federal definition of “medical/infectious waste” (ARSD 74:27:07:01(41A), adopting 40 CFR 60.51c): cultures and stocks, human pathological waste, blood and blood products, used and unused sharps, contaminated research animal waste and isolation wastes generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of people or animals. Household waste, hazardous waste and remains intended for burial or cremation are excluded, and home-generated sharps are exempt.
Who regulates medical waste disposal in South Dakota?
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), through its Waste Management Program, administers the solid waste rules that govern medical waste treatment and permits treatment facilities. The Department of Health licenses hospitals, nursing facilities and surgery centers and requires their waste disposal to follow DANR’s rules. 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 South Dakota?
South Dakota’s rules set no onsite storage time limit or refrigeration requirement for generators. Federal OSHA still requires sharps containers to be replaced routinely and not allowed to overfill (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)), and licensed health facilities must handle waste in a safe and sanitary manner (ARSD 44:75:02:15). MedPro sets a pickup schedule that fits how much waste you generate.
Do South Dakota medical practices need to register with the state?
No. South Dakota’s rules don’t require medical waste generators to register or obtain a generator number. Permits apply to facilities that treat, store or dispose of the waste: off-site treatment of medical/infectious waste requires a permit under SDCL chapter 34A-6 (ARSD 74:27:13:17(5)).
What does South Dakota require of medical waste haulers?
South Dakota law makes it a crime to possess more than 20 gallons or 200 pounds of infectious waste away from the facility that generated it except as the solid waste law permits, or to release it to the environment (SDCL 34A-6-94 to -99). Waste must be treated at a permitted facility before landfill disposal. Haulers must also follow federal DOT rules for regulated medical waste, including UN3291 packaging and shipping papers (49 CFR 173.197).
How long do I need to keep medical waste records in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s medical waste rules don’t set a record-retention period or a state manifest. Under federal rules, each person who provides a DOT shipping paper keeps a copy for two years (49 CFR 172.201(e)), and OSHA bloodborne pathogens training records must be kept for three years (29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(2)). Keep the pickup receipts and shipping documents your hauler provides.
Where in South Dakota does MedPro Disposal provide service?
Everywhere in South Dakota — we service facilities statewide, East River and West River. We also have local service pages for Aberdeen, Brookings, Mitchell, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown.
How much does medical waste disposal cost in South Dakota?
It depends on how much waste you generate and how often it’s picked up — we charge only for the services you need. Request a free, no-obligation quote for your facility.
Our services in South Dakota
Industries we serve
Sources
- Solid Waste Management, SDCL ch. 34A-6 — South Dakota Legislature
- Permit required, SDCL 34A-6-1.4 — South Dakota Legislature
- Infectious waste defined, SDCL 34A-6-93 — South Dakota Legislature
- Medical waste defined, SDCL 34A-6-93.1 — South Dakota Legislature
- Unlawful possession of infectious waste, SDCL 34A-6-94 — South Dakota Legislature
- Unlawful release of medical waste to recycling, SDCL 34A-6-102.1 — South Dakota Legislature
- County approval for medical waste facilities, SDCL 34A-6-103 — South Dakota Legislature
- Solid waste definitions, ARSD 74:27:07:01 — South Dakota Legislature
- Special wastes (medical/infectious waste), ARSD 74:27:13:17 — South Dakota Legislature
- Refuse and waste disposal — hospitals, ARSD 44:75:02:15 — South Dakota Legislature
- Refuse and waste disposal — nursing facilities, ARSD 44:73:02:15 — South Dakota Legislature
- Refuse and waste disposal — ambulatory surgery centers, ARSD 44:76:02:15 — South Dakota Legislature
- Medical waste — South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Contact the Department of Health — South Dakota Department of Health
- Medical/infectious waste definition, 40 CFR 60.51c — eCFR
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 — U.S. OSHA
- State Plans (South Dakota is under federal OSHA) — U.S. OSHA
- South Dakota OSHA Area Office — U.S. OSHA
- Infectious substances, 49 CFR 173.134 — eCFR
- Regulated medical waste, 49 CFR 173.197 — eCFR
- Shipping paper retention, 49 CFR 172.201 — eCFR
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