Question 1

What is a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) under RCRA?

Accepted Answer

Hospitals generating more than 2,200 lbs of RCRA hazardous waste per month are classified as LQGs. LQGs must remove hazardous waste within 90 days, maintain trained personnel, have a contingency plan, and submit biennial reports to EPA. Exodus provides LQG-compliant waste management with all required documentation.

Question 2

How does The Joint Commission evaluate medical waste management?

Accepted Answer

The Joint Commission's Environment of Care (EC) standards require hospitals to properly identify, segregate, label, and dispose of all categories of waste including infectious, chemotherapy, pharmaceutical, and hazardous waste. Exodus provides documentation supporting EC.02.02.01 compliance.

Question 3

Can chemotherapy waste go in the same containers as regular medical waste?

Accepted Answer

No. Chemotherapy (antineoplastic) waste must be segregated from regular biomedical waste. RCRA-listed chemo drugs are P-listed hazardous waste requiring incineration at a licensed TSDF. Bulk chemo waste (IV bags, gloves, drapes) is treated as trace-contaminated chemo waste with different disposal requirements.

Question 4

What documentation is required for DEA controlled substance disposal from hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Hospital pharmacies must use DEA Form 222 for Schedule I/II controlled substance transfers and must use a DEA-authorized reverse distributor for destruction. DEA Form 41 is used for on-site destruction. Exodus is DEA-authorized and provides complete Form 41 and destruction documentation.

Question 5

How often should hospital sharps containers be exchanged?

Accepted Answer

Sharps containers should be exchanged when ¾ full — never overfilled. For high-volume hospital units, this may be daily or several times per week. Exodus provides container exchange programs sized to your unit volumes so containers are never a compliance risk.

Hospital Medical Waste Disposal Services Florida