SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5081

                    As of February 15, 1999

Title:  An act relating to biomedical waste treatment technologies.

Brief Description:  Changing evaluation requirements for biomedical waste treatment technologies.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  2/16/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Richard Ramsey (786-7412)

Background:  In order to reduce potential liability, many generators of infectious biomedical waste choose to contract for the treatment or disinfection of waste prior to disposal.  Since 1992, state agencies can evaluate biomedical treatment technologies if requested to do so by a person representing such a technology.  The 1992 legislation specified no standards or guidelines for evaluating treatment technologies.

Conventional treatment of biomedical waste includes incineration and autoclaving (steam and pressure sterilization).  Other alternative technologies include electrothermal deactivation (or EDT, a Stericyle trademark), microwave, chemical, and dry heat.  The State and Territorial Association on Alternative Treatment Technologies has developed guidelines for evaluating alternative treatment technologies.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Ecology and local health departments, is required to evaluate biomedical waste treatment technologies consistent with guidelines developed by the State and Territorial Association on Alternative Treatment Technologies.  Such a review is required of firms seeking approval from a local health department to operate a biomedical waste treatment facility.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.