Health Waste

7/23/20 COVID-19 UPDATE:

Badger Bounce Back Phase 2

Thank you for your patience during the COVID-19 public health emergency. As state agencies continue operations, please understand that most of our staff are continuing to telework and may have limited access to files and delayed online connectivity. The department is following the Badger Bounce Back [exit DNR] plan's phased approach to the resumption of activities that have been delayed or put on hold due to Safer at Home.

Now that the department has entered phase 2 of the plan, programs will continue the transition back to field work – including compliance inspections – that began in phase 1. In most cases, staff will continue to schedule pre-inspection calls with facilities to gather some of the information that would previously have been collected while on-site. These advance calls will also be used to discuss safety protocols for on-site visits that may be needed to complete all aspects of a compliance assessment.

Staff will keep their voicemails and out-of-office messages up to date and will respond as they are able.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our COVID-19 information webpage. For program-specific information, please search keyword "COVID19."

Healthcare waste may be generated in households or healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, as well as medical research facilities, laboratories, veterinary practices, first aid stations and schools. Some products used for healthcare, such as sharps, chemotherapy drugs, pharmaceuticals and disinfectants, may harm the environment and human health if they are not disposed of properly. Guidelines for properly managing healthcare waste can differ depending on where the waste is generated, managed and disposed.