Medical Waste
The purpose of this program is to protect the health of the public, health care facility personnel, and landfill personnel from exposure to medical wastes containing potentially communicable pathogenic organisms. The purpose of this program is accomplished by regulation of medical waste generators through inspection, complaint investigation, emergency response, enforcement, public education and assistance to industry.
The Division of Environmental Health also assures that tattoo, body piercing and permanent cosmetic facilities operate in a safe manner.
Home Generators of Sharps
For home generators, sharps or syringes can be disposed of in a sharps container, empty coffee can, or a bleach bottle. When the coffee can is half full the lid should be securely taped to the can to prevent accidental exposure. These containers can be dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility located at the landfill.
Home-Generated Sharps Disposal InformationFor further information, contact Vickie Hayer at vhayer@co.merced.ca.us or (209) 381-1083.
