NJDEP-Compliance & Enforcement

Compliance Assistance Resources - Solid Waste Checklists

Regulated Medical Waste - Transporter (SW22)
Requirement Description	Compliance Status	Compliance Comments
REGULATED MEDICAL WASTE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Were all records, reports, logs and tracking forms required to be made and/or kept in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A, made available for inspection by the Department? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.4(b)]
Is regulated medical waste stored as follows: 1. Store the regulated medical waste in a manner and location that maintains the integrity of the packaging and provides protection from water, rain and wind; 2. Maintain the regulated medical waste in a nonputrescent state, using refrigeration when necessary; 3. Lock the outdoor storage areas containing regulated medical waste (for example, dumpsters, sheds, tractor trailers, or other storage areas) to prevent unauthorized access; 4. Limit access to on-site storage areas to authorized employees; and 5. Store the regulated medical waste in a manner that affords protection from animals and does not provide a breeding place or a food source for insects and rodents? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.12(a)]
Is regulated medical waste storage time limited as follows: 1. Regulated medical waste shall be disposed of immediately if it becomes putrescent or emits any odors; 2. All regulated medical waste shall be disposed of within one year of the date of generation, or sooner as determined by the generator, except that: i. The storage period may exceed one year for regulated medical wastes that must be stored for longer periods to provide for the decay of radioactive materials in accordance with applicable Federal or State statutes and regulations? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.12(b)]
Does facility ensure that any container that is being used to accumulate or store sharps is secured so that the contents are not accessible to any unauthorized person? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.12(c)]
When reusing containers, are the following requirements followed: 1. All non-rigid containers and inner liners shall be managed as regulated medical waste under this subchapter and shall not be decontaminated or reused; 2. Any container used for the storage and/or transport of regulated medical waste and designated for reuse once emptied, shall be decontaminated if the container shows signs of visible contamination; 3. If any container used for the storage and/or transport of regulated medical waste is for any reason not capable of being rendered free of visible signs of contamination on its outer surface in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.12(a)2, the container must be managed (labeled, marked and treated and/or disposed of) as regulated medical waste under this subchapter; and 4. Decontaminated containers shall be free of all removable contaminating material from the inner and outer surfaces? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.13(a)]
Does facility determine if medical waste is a regulated medical waste? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.16(a)]
Is regulated medical waste only offered to transporters that meet the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.27(c), unless the transporter is a generator meeting the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.17(a) or unless the transporter is the U.S. Postal Service and the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.17(b) are met? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.16(d)]
Is regulated medical waste only offered for disposal at a registered intermediate handler, at a registered destination facility, a regulated medical waste sanitary landfill permitted in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.18, a resource recovery facility authorized to accept such waste and permitted in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-2, or a facility in another state authorized to accept such wastes by such state? Note: Shipments to out-of-State facilities shall be made in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.28 and 3A.46. [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.16(e)]
Did facility not install or use any alternative or innovative technology, or any modification thereof, for the treatment and/or destruction of regulated medical waste unless such technology or modification has been approved and authorized by the Department and DOH for such purpose pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.47? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.16(i)]
Did facility not abandon regulated medical waste on any public or private property or cause regulated medical waste to be abandoned? Note: For the purpose of this section, "abandoned" means the intentional or unintentional placement, discard or loss of regulated medical waste in any area outside of the direct control of the person generating, transporting, managing, or disposing of the waste. [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.16(j)]
REGULATED MEDICAL WASTE TRANSPORTER REQUIREMENTS
Did medical waste transporter register with the Department as a regulated medical waste transporter and pay annual fees? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.8(b)]
Did medical waste transporter register with the Department and pay required fee? Note: The registration year for intermediate handlers, collection facilities and destination facilities extends from January 1 through December 30 of each calendar year and fees are payable by January 29 of each calendar year. [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.8(f)2]
Did supervisory personnel attend education and training sessions provided by the Department, and disseminate the information obtained at the sessions to all employees? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.9]
TRANSPORTER RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING
Did transporter of regulated medical waste keep a copy of the tracking form signed by the generator, himself, the previous transporter (if applicable), and the next party, which may be one of the following: another transporter; or the owner or operator of an intermediate handling facility or destination facility? Did the transporter retain a copy of this form for a period of three years from the date the waste was accepted by the next party unless the Department specifically requires an additional retention period? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.34(a)]
For regulated medical waste received by the transporter and consolidated by the transporter to another tracking form, did the transporter do the following: 1. Retain "Copy 3?Transporter Copy" of the tracking form signed by the transporter for three years from the date the waste was accepted by the transporter unless the Department specifically requires an additional retention period; and 2. Retain "Copy 3?Transporter Copy" of the transporter initiated tracking form signed by the intermediate handler or destination facility and all consolidation logs required by N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.33(b)4 for three years from the date the waste was accepted by the intermediate handler or destination facility unless the Department specifically requires an additional retention period? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.34(b)]
Does the transporter retain a copy of each regulated medical waste transporter report required by N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.35 for three years after the date of submission unless the Department specifically requires an additional retention period? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.34(c)]
Did transporter who accepted regulated medical waste generated in New Jersey or that was stored, transferred, treated, destroyed, disposed of, or otherwise managed in New Jersey submit a regulated medical waste transporter report to the Department describing the source and disposition of the waste? Note: The regulated medical waste transporter reports were to be submitted to forms available from the Department and sent to the address listed at N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.8(d). [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.35(a)]
Does regulated medical waste transporter report include the following information: 1. The transporter's name, address, and NJDEP solid waste transporter registration number or if the transporter does not transport in New Jersey, then use the permit or identification number issued of the state in which the transporter is registered; 2. The name and telephone number of a contact person; 3. The total number of generators from whom the transporter accepted regulated medical waste; 4. The name, address, and type of each generator (for example, hospital, doctor) from whom the transporter accepted regulated medical waste; 5. The quantity (in net or gross mass, capacity, or as otherwise appropriate), including the unit of measurement (for example, lbs., gal., Kg., or L) and waste category (untreated or treated) of regulated medical waste accepted from each generator; 6. The total quantity (in net or gross mass, capacity, or as otherwise appropriate), including the unit of measurement (for example, lbs., gal., Kg., or L) and by waste category, of regulated medical waste from all generators in New Jersey, or from all generators in another state that the transporter delivered to an intermediate handler or to a destination facility,7. The total quantity (in net or gross mass, capacity, or as otherwise appropriate), including the unit of measurement (for example, lbs., gal., Kg., or L) and by waste category, of regulated medical waste from all generators in New Jersey or from all generators in another state that the transporter delivered to a second transporter or to a transfer facility; and 8. The certification of the transporter report signed by the owner or operator, or his authorized representative?. [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.35(b)]
Did transporter who transported or delivered regulated medical waste to an intermediate handler or to a destination facility also provide the following information: 1. The name and address of each intermediate handler and destination facility to which the waste was delivered; 2. The amount in pounds, by waste category, that was delivered; 3. The total number of intermediate handlers and destination facilities to which waste was delivered? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.35(c)]
Did the transporter submit an annual regulated medical waste transporter report to the Department which covered the period from July 1 through June 30 and was this submitted by July 30 of each calendar year? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.35(d)]
Did transporter who initiated a tracking form meet the exception reporting requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.22? Note: For transporters the 35 and 45 day periods begin on the day the transporter accepted the waste from the generator. [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.35(e)]
Before accepting for collection, transport or transporting any regulated medical waste, did the transporter: 1. Certify that the tracking form accurately reflects the number of the packages being transported by signing and dating the tracking form acknowledging acceptance of the regulated medical waste from the generator; and 2. Return a signed "Copy 4?Generator Copy" of the tracking form to the generator before leaving the generator's site? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31(a)]
Before accepting for collection, transport or transporting any regulated medical waste, did the transporter: 1. Certify that the tracking form accurately reflects the number of the packages being transported by signing and dating the tracking form acknowledging acceptance of the regulated medical waste from the generator; and 2. Return a signed "Copy 4?Generator Copy" of the tracking form to the generator before leaving the generator's site? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31(b)]
Does transporter ensure that the tracking form accompanies the regulated medical waste while in transit? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31(c)]
Does the transporter, upon delivery of the regulated medical waste to another transporter (including a transfer facility) or to an intermediate handler or destination facility located in the United States, do the following: 1. Complete Boxes 17 through 22 of the tracking form and obtain the date of delivery and the handwritten signature of the transporter, or the owner or operator of the intermediate handling facility or destination facility on the tracking form; 2. Retain "Copy 3?Transporter Copy" of the signed tracking form in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.34; and 3. Give the remaining copies of the tracking form to the second transporter, intermediate handler, or destination facility. 4. Third and/or subsequent transporters shall enter information required of transporter 2 in Boxes 17 through 21 in Box 14b. 5. Photocopies of the signed tracking form shall be retained by the second and/or any subsequent transporter(s)? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31(d)]
Does transporter that transports regulated medical waste across an international border, or that delivers regulated medical waste to a transporter or treatment, destruction, or destination facility located in a foreign country (for example, Canada) do the following: 1. Obtain the signature of the accepting foreign transporter or destination facility; or 2. Verify that the waste has been delivered to the next (foreign) transporter, or treatment, destruction or destination facility by writing a statement to that effect in Box 14, certifying that the entire shipment (as specified in Boxes 11, 12 and 13 of the tracking form) has been delivered to the next (foreign) party, including the accepting party's name, company name, and mailing address, and signing directly below that certification statement; and 3. Retain "Copy 3?Transporter Copy" of the signed tracking form for that transporter's records; and 4. Return all remaining copies of the tracking form by mail to the generator? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31(e)]
Note: For shipments involving rail transportation, the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.45 apply to rail transporters in lieu of the requirement of N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31(b), (c) and (d). [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31(f)]
TRANSPORTERS CONSOLIDATING WASTE TO A NEW TRACKING FORM
If transporter chose to consolidate to a single tracking form shipments of regulated medical waste, was the following done: 1. Enter the new consolidation tracking form number in Box 21 on the original generator's tracking form; 2. Enter the consolidating transporter's identification data as the generator of the consolidation tracking form in Boxes 1 through 4 of the consolidation tracking form; 3. Complete Boxes 5 through 14 of the consolidation tracking form. i. Enter the tracking form number of the original generator's tracking form in Box 14 of the consolidation tracking form. If more than 20 tracking forms are being consolidated, reference shall be made in Box 14 to the consolidation log pursuant to (b) below and enter the total number of tracking forms being consolidated. 4. Sign Box 15 of the consolidation tracking form; and 5. Comply with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31 through 3A.33, as applicable, to complete the remainder of the consolidation tracking form? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.33(a)]
If the transporter received the signed tracking form that the transporter initiated by consolidating shipments of regulated medical waste back from the destination facility, did the transporter: 1. Attach a copy of the tracking form signed by the destination facility to the generator's original tracking form; 2. Retain a copy of the each tracking form in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.34; 3. Return a copy of each tracking form to the generator within 15 days of receipt of the tracking form from the destination facility; and 4. Maintain a transporter consolidation log on forms supplied by the Department indicating all shipments consolidated on that form. The transporter consolidation log must accompany the tracking form and shall include the following information: i. The name of each generator; ii. The generator's address or if the regulated medical waste was generated in another state which issues a permit or identification number, then use that permit or identification number and, if the generator's state does not issue permit or identification numbers, then use the generator's address; iii. The date the regulated medical waste was originally shipped by the generator; iv. The quantity in pounds of regulated medical waste (number of containers and/ or quantity (in net or gross mass, capacity, or as otherwise appropriate), including the unit of measurement (for example, lbs., gal., Kg., or L)) by waste category (that is, "untreated" or "treated") shipped by each generator; and v. The names, NJDEP registration numbers of all previous transporters or, if the transporters do not transport in New Jersey, then use the permit or identification number issued by the state in which the transporter is registered, and if the state does not issue permits or identification numbers, use the transporters' addresses. [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.33(b)]
RAIL TRANSPORTERS
When accepting regulated medical waste generated, stored, transferred, treated, destroyed, disposed of, or otherwise managed in New Jersey from a non-rail transporter, did the initial rail transporter do the following: i. Sign and date the tracking form acknowledging acceptance of the regulated medical waste; ii. Return a signed copy of the tracking form to the non-rail transporter; iii. Forward at least three copies of the tracking form to: (1) The next non-rail transporter, if any; or (2) The intermediate handler or destination facility, if the shipment is delivered to that facility by rail; or (3) The last rail transporter designated to handle the waste in the United States; and iv. Retain one copy of the tracking form and rail shipping paper in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.34? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.46(a)1]
Does rail transporter ensure that a shipping paper containing all the information required on the tracking form (excluding permitting or licensing numbers, generator certification, and signatures) accompanies the shipment at all times? Note: Intermediate rail transporters are not required to sign either the tracking form(s) or shipping paper(s). [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.46(a)2]
When delivering regulated medical waste to an intermediate handler or destination facility, does the rail transporter do the following: i. Obtain the date of delivery and handwritten signature of the owner or operator of the facility on the tracking form or the shipping papers (if the tracking form has not been received by the facility); and ii. Retain a copy of the tracking form or signed shipping paper in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.34? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.46(a)3]
When delivering regulated medical waste to a non-rail transporter, does the rail transporter do the following: i. Obtain the date of delivery and the handwritten signature of the next non-rail transporter on the racking form; and ii. Retain a copy of the tracking form in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.34? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.46(a)4]
Upon accepting regulated medical waste generated or to be treated, destroyed or disposed of in New Jersey from a rail transporter, does the non-rail transporter sign and date the tracking form (or the shipping papers if the tracking form has not been received by the transporter) and provide a copy to the rail transporter? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.46(a)5]
TRANSPORTER TRACKING FORM REQUIREMENTS
Did the transporter deliver the entire quantity of regulated medical waste that the transporter accepted from a generator or another transporter to: 1. The intermediate handler or destination facility listed on the tracking form; or 2. The next transporter? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.32(a)]
If the regulated medical waste could not be delivered in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.32(a), did the transporter contact the generator for further directions, revise the tracking form according to the generator's instructions, and deliver the entire quantity of regulated medical waste from that generator according to the generator instructions? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.32(b)]
Note: Notwithstanding N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.32(b), a transporter may deliver all or a portion of the regulated medical waste, in unopened containers, to a destination facility other than the destination facility designated on the generator's tracking form, if the generator in writing consents to the use of such specific alternative destination facility prior to the transfer of regulated medical waste from the generator to the transporter. The transporter shall enter the required information in Box 14 of the tracking form and shall comply with all other tracking form requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.31. [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.32(c)]
TRANSPORTER ACCEPTANCE OF RMW
Does transporters not accept for transport any regulated medical waste unless the outer surface of the container: 1. Is labeled and marked in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.14 and 3A.15; and 2. Appears to be in good condition and shows no signs of leakage or other visible packaging deficiencies? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.28(a)]
Does transporter only accept a shipment of regulated medical waste only from registered regulated medical waste generators and are all shipments accompanied by a properly completed tracking form as required by N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.19? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.28(b)]
When regulated medical waste is handled by more than one transporter, did each subsequent transporter attach a water resistant identification tag below the generator's marking on the outer surface of the packaging that did not obscure the generator's or previous transporter's markings which includes the following information: 1. The name of transporter taking possession (receiving) of the regulated medical waste; 2. The transporter's NJDEP solid waste registration number. If the transporter does not transport in New Jersey, use the permit or identification number issued by the state in which the transporter is registered. If the transporter's state does not issue a permit or identification numbers, then use the transporter's address; and 3. The date of receipt? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.28(c)]
Before accepting regulated medical waste for transport to a facility outside New Jersey, did transporter obtain certification from the out-of-state facility that such a facility was authorized or permitted to accept such waste by the receiving state and submit the certification to the Bureau of Medical Waste and Technical Assistance in the Department? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.28(d)]
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
Does transporter not store regulated medical waste in vehicle if it becomes putrescent or emits any odors? If the regulated medical waste became putrescent, or emitted odors, did the transporter dispose of the waste immediately? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.27(i)]
Does vehicle have a fully enclosed, leak-resistant cargo-carrying body? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.30(a)1]
Does transporter ensure that the waste does not become putrescent in the vehicle through lengthy storage and is not subject to mechanical stress or compaction during loading and unloading or during transit? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.30(a)2]
Does transporter maintain the cargo-carrying body in good sanitary condition? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.30(a)3]
Is the cargo-carrying body securely locked if left unattended? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.30(a)4]
Does the transporter ensure vehicles used to transport regulated medical waste have the following identification on the two sides and back of the cargo-carrying body in letters a minimum of three inches in height: 1. The name of the transporter; 2. The transporter's NJDEP solid waste transporter registration number; and 3. A sign or the following words imprinted. i. Medical Waste; or ii. INFECTIOUS WASTE? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.30(b)]
Did transporter not transport regulated medical waste with other solid waste in the same container, unless both wastes were managed as regulated medical waste in compliance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.27 through 3A.36? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.30(c)]
TRANSPORTER SPILL MANAGEMENT
Did transporter develop and implement a Spill Management Plan to govern the management and decontamination of regulated medical waste spills and submit this plan to the Department for approval?? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.37(a)]
Does transporter maintain at each site and in each vehicle used to transport regulated medical waste a copy of the Spill Management Plan and appropriate equipment and supplies for cleaning up a spill of regulated medical waste, including the following: 1. A spill containment and cleanup kit in each area utilized for the collection, transfer, storage, treatment, packaging or other such handling of regulated medical waste. All vehicles operating under a New Jersey regulated medical waste transporter registration, or any out-of-State transporter transporting regulated medical waste through New Jersey in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.27(g), shall carry a spill containment and cleanup kit in the vehicle whenever regulated medical waste is transported? Note: personnel are to be trained in the use of the spill kit. [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.37(b)]
Does disinfection and routine decontamination procedures for soiled surfaces include the following: 1. Exposure to hot water of at least 82 degrees Celsius (180 degrees Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 15 seconds; or 2. Exposure to a chemical sanitizer by rinsing with or immersion in a chemical disinfectant. Such disinfectants shall be registered with the USEPA as hospital disinfectants that are tuberculocidal, fungicidal, virucidal and effective against HIV-1. Also approved for this specific purpose as a disinfectant is ten percent volume/volume of sodium hypochlorite and water? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.37(c)]
In case of any spill of any regulated medical waste, did the transporter immediately take steps to contain and clean up the regulated medical waste in accordance with the procedures specified in the Spill Management Plan and take the following actions: 1. The spill of any medical waste by a transporter shall be immediately reported by the transporter or its designee to the DEP Emergency Response 24-hour Hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP. 2. The transporter shall submit a written accident report to the Department within 48 hours of the occurrence of any spill of regulated medical waste on an accident report form provided by the Department. A copy of the report shall be kept on file for a minimum of three years from the date of submission in the same location as the registration certificate. The record retention period shall be extended during the course of any unresolved litigation, or when otherwise required by the Department? [N.J.A.C. 7:26-3A.37(d)]