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Air Compliance
Infectious Waste Generators FAQs
What is the purpose of this registration?, The Infectious Waste Generator Registration notifies SCDES that your facility is generating infectious waste. SCDES uses the registration information to perform inspections at your facility to verify that it is complying with regulations., Who issues this registration?, The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services issues this registration., What activities require this registration?, Generating infectious waste that meets the definition in the South Carolina Infectious Waste Management Regulations, R. 61-105 requires a facility to register with SCDES. In general, to be considered regulated waste, the waste must be generated in the healthcare community and includes items such as sharps, blood, bodily fluids, pathological waste, etc. The regulatory definition can be found in…, How much will this registration cost?, The amount of the fee depends on how much regulated infectious waste your facility generates. SCDES does not charge a fee for small quantity generators (those that produce less than 50 pounds of infectious waste per month). For large quantity generators (those that produce 50 pounds or greater in any one calendar month) the fee is $150 annually. For extra large quantity generators (those that…, Where can I get the application for this registration?, You can download the registration form from our website . Applicants can also request a copy by calling (803) 898-0239 or (803) 898-0493 or email: infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov ., What, if anything, do I need to include with my application?, If your facility generates enough infectious waste to warrant a fee, you must submit a check along with the application for the appropriate amount. Make the check payable to S.C. SCDES., Is the decision on my permit application dependent on anything besides the information I provide in my application?, Since this is a registration, there is no permit decision to be made. We register each applicant once we receive the required information and the appropriate fee., How long will it take to review and approve my application?, It typically takes about 14 business days to process an application once we receive it. If you require a faster turnaround, please contact our office at (803) 898-0239 or (803) 898-0493 , or at infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov and we will do our best to accommodate your request., Where do I submit my application?, The application should be submitted by mail to: Infectious Waste Management Program Bureau of Land and Waste Management S.C. SCDES 2600 Bull Street Columbia SC 29201 You can also fax your application to SCDES's Infectious Waste Management Program at (803) 898-0391 ., How long is my coverage valid?, It depends on the volume of infectious waste your facility produces each month. Small quantity generators (those that produce less than 50 pounds of infectious waste per month): Registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. Large and extra-large generators: Registration is valid for up to 3 years, expiring on April 30 of the third successive calendar year. (For example, a…, What is the appeal process for being turned down for a permit or having my registration revoked?, There is not an appeal process since this is not a permit. However, registration may be withheld due to an incomplete or inaccurate form. If this occurs, we will attempt to contact you by email, phone and/or postal service to straighten out discrepancies. Who can I contact if I have questions about this registration or the application process? • Call Kimberley Noonan at (803) 898-0493 ., Legal authority for this permit:, The authority for this registration stems from this state law: S.C. Infectious Waste Management Act
Infectious Waste Regulation - Overview
The Infectious Waste Program regulates generators and transporters of infectious waste in South Carolina as well as facilities that treat infectious waste. In South Carolina, there are approximately 9000 registered generators of infectious waste, 30 registered transporters of infectious waste, and 3 registered treatment facilities for infectious waste., What is Infectious Waste?, Also known as medical or biohazardous waste, infectious waste is material that was used in healthcare, research or postmortem exams. It includes: Sharps - any waste that may cause a puncture or cut Microbiological specimens - culture dishes, vaccines and other waste that has been exposed to human pathogenic agents Blood and blood products - unabsorbed blood or blood products or absorbed blood…, Regulations, The regulations describe the registration process, explain what is considered infectious waste and what is exempted, and define treatment processes. There are three classes of generators, defined by the weight of waste generated in a calendar month: Small quantity Large quantity Extra-large quantity Laws & Regulations regarding Infectious Waste Forms for Infectious Waste Generators &…, Attention, Infectious Waste Registrations and Renewals can now be completed online using ePermitting. Please use the link below to complete a new registration or renew an existing registration., https://epermitting.des.sc.gov/, , If you need assistance or have questions please email , infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov, .
Info for Infectious Waste Generators
Registration, Any facility that generates any infectious waste should register with the infectious waste program. Registration should include at least: The name of the business The name of the owner and responsible party (if different) Physical location of the site (each site must apply separately) Mailing address of site Telephone number of site Contact name Categories and amount (in pounds) of waste…, Attention, Infectious Waste Registrations and Renewals can now be completed online using ePermitting. Please use the link below to complete a new registration or renew an existing registration., https://epermitting.des.sc.gov/, , If you need assistance or have questions please email , infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov, ., Fees, The following fees will be due at time of registration and annually thereafter. Small quantity generators (Less than 50 pounds of waste per calendar month) - no fee Large quantity generators (50-999 pounds per calendar month) - $150 Extra-large quantity generators (1,000 or more pounds per calendar month) - $600 If in any calendar month a facility generates more than allowed under their current…, Inspections, Infectious Waste inspections are random and unannounced. The inspector views areas where infectious waste is being collected or stored. The waste is viewed to determine proper packaging, proper labeling, and proper storage conditions. Manifests, weight records (in pounds), and treatment method records will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. The inspector may also request to view any…, Package and Storage of Infectious Waste, How should infectious waste be packaged and stored? Sharps must be placed in rigid, leak- and puncture-resistant containers secured tightly. All other waste should be stored and maintained in a rigid or semi-rigid leak-proof container that will not allow liquid in or out. Containers must be strong enough to resist bursting and tearing during handling and transport and must be able to be closed…, Transport/Treatment of Waste, Rules:, Containers must be labeled properly before transport. Labeling must be clearly visible and include: Biohazard symbol Infectious Waste Program Registration Number Date the container was placed in storage or sent off-site Words INFECTIOUS WASTE (or BIO-HAZARDOUS WASTE or MEDICAL WASTE). Before waste can be transported, it must be manifested. This manifest must accompany waste at all times after…, Other Health care Regulatory Links, Links to the non-SCDES organizations found below are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs. SCDES is not responsible for the content of the individual organization's web pages found at these links. DOT- www.scdot.org/ Rural Health- http://www.scorh.net/ LLR- www.llr.state.sc.us/ EPA- www.epa.gov OSHA - www.…
Recycling & Waste Reduction
SCDES Laboratories
Analytical and Radiological Environmental Services Division
Radon Poster Contest
A hand-drawn illustration of a house with its interior exposed, showing various rooms and activities. The text "Radon Kills" is prominently displayed at the top. Below, text reads, "You won't know it's there until it's too late. Radon poisoning is preventable. Get your home tested now!" The background is shaded in yellow, emphasizing the message., 2026 South Carolina Radon Poster Contest is NOW OPEN!, 2026 South Carolina Radon Poster Contest Guidelines, , Poster Contest Artwork Submission Form, If you would like information about next year’s contest, contact the SC Radon Program at, radon@des.sc.gov, to be added to the mailing list. 2025 First Place Winner Wilhelm, South Carolina , , , Award Recipients by Year,
Jurisdictional Lines Review Process
Air Dispersion Modeling - Guidance and General Information
Air Quality Modeling Guidance and Forms, Modeling Guidelines for Air Quality Permits (10/15/2018; revised 1/9/2025) Emission Point Data Instructions (9/25/2023) Other Information Guidance for Air Standards Demonstrations (12/19/2024) Standard 7 Increments Guidance (8/30/2024) PSD Minor Source Baseline Date by County (10/16/2023) Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Guidelines EPA SCRAM (Support Center for Regulatory Atmospheric Modeling)…, Consultants, Air Dispersion Modeling Consultants Listing 10/14/2022