Medical waste rules in Akron, OH
Ohio calls it infectious waste. Ohio EPA regulates generators under Ohio Revised Code 3734.021 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-570, which replaced the old Chapter 3745-27 rules on April 6, 2025. The line that matters is 50 pounds a month: below it a practice is a small generator with light duties, at or above it a large generator that registers with Ohio EPA.
- Small generators (OAC 3745-570-110): less than 50 pounds of infectious waste in any one month at a premises. They separate infectious waste at the point of generation, put sharps in a labeled sharps container, weigh and record their monthly generation for each premises, and treat cultures on site or through a licensed facility. Packaged and labeled to federal (DOT) standards, a small generator's other infectious waste may go out with solid waste.
- Large generators (OAC 3745-570-120, 3745-570-125): 50 pounds or more in any one month. They apply for a registration certificate within 30 days after the end of that month, with a $140 fee; the certificate covers every premises, lasts three years and is renewed 30 days before it expires. They segregate into biohazard-labeled containers, never compact untreated waste, and send it to a licensed Ohio treatment facility or an out-of-state facility.
- Storage (OAC 3745-570-31, 3745-570-100): containers are kept intact and non-putrescent, refrigerated or frozen if needed; indoor storage carries the biohazard symbol at every access point and outdoor storage is locked; self-storage units are prohibited. Closed containers must reach a treatment facility, or lawful disposal for small generators, within 60 days.
- Transport: Ohio does not license infectious waste transporters. Packaging for shipment follows the US DOT rules in 49 CFR Parts 173 and 178, and large generators also follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030.
- Records: large generators keep disposal papers for waste treated on site for at least five years (OAC 3745-570-120); small generators keep their monthly weight records and produce them on request.
Source: Ohio EPA, Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-570, Infectious Waste.
Reviewed September 2026.
General information, not legal advice. Requirements change; we confirm what applies to your facility during onboarding.Ohio overviewAll states