FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6264

                                  C 171 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored bySenators Metcalf, Kreidler, Smith and Anderson)

Requiring a report on the management of infectious wastes.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Infectious wastes are generally defined as those capable of producing an infectious disease.  Health officials are devoting increasing attention to the public health risks associated with the management and disposal of wastes which may contain infectious agents.  The sources of such waste are potentially as broad as the entire waste stream, including wastes originating in households and those generated by many commercial and institutional facilities.  Considerable uncertainty exists within the public health community of the magnitude and specific sources of the risks associated with infectious waste.

The State Board of Health is authorized to adopt regulations for the prevention of health hazards related to solid and liquid waste disposal and for the prevention of infectious diseases.  The board has adopted regulations requiring hospitals to handle and dispose of infectious wastes properly but has not adopted regulations regarding infectious wastes which pertain to other sectors of the waste stream.  The Department of Ecology is authorized to and has adopted standards for solid waste management and disposal.  The department has not adopted regulations specific to the handling and disposal of infectious wastes.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature makes several findings regarding infectious wastes, including the inadequacy of existing risk assessments, the diversity of waste streams within which infectious wastes may be included, and the need, in the public interest, for state action.  The Department of Ecology is directed to prepare and transmit to the Legislature by January 1, 1990, a report that contains an assessment of the risks to public health due to infectious waste, including identification of those diseases presenting the greatest risks, and those waste streams having the highest risks.

The report is also to contain a review of existing infectious waste management practices and regulatory programs, a review of preferred management practices, including waste reduction and disinfection on-site, and recommendations for necessary legislation and appropriations.  A cost analysis must be prepared for elements of the report reviewing local government waste management practices.

The report is to be prepared with the assistance of the Department of Social and Health Services, which shall be primarily responsible for an assessment of health care facilities and the environmental transmission of infectious agents in solid, liquid or airborne wastes.  The state agencies shall consult with local health departments and others in preparing the report.  The act expires January 1, 1990.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    46     0

      House 98   0

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988