Biomedical Waste

Both the Department of Health and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have responsibilities under this program. The Department of Environmental Protection has primary responsibility for biomedical waste incineration and final disposal. The Department of Health has primary authority and responsibility for facilities that generate, transport, store, or treat biomedical waste through processes other than incineration. 

When biomedical waste is improperly managed, it places health care workers, sanitation workers, and the general public at risk for contracting dangerous diseases. Section 381.0098, Florida Statutes and Chapter 64E-16, of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC), provides guidance to facilities that generate biomedical waste to aid them in ensuring proper management of that waste. A model biomedical waste operating plan is available to assist facilities in documenting their procedures for management of biomedical waste. Many facilities have their biomedical waste removed by a registered biomedical waste transporter.

Facilities who generate, transport, store and/or treat Biomedical Waste must obtain a Biomedical Waste Permit from the DOH county office in which the facility operates. Examples include Dental Offices, Acupuncture Clinics, Veterinarian Offices, Hospitals, Crime Scene Cleanup Companies, Medical Offices, Laboratories, Research Centers etc.

Biomedical waste generated by individuals in their own homes from use of syringes or diagnostic lancets also should be properly managed. Where biomedical waste is produced in a home through injury or other major traumatic conditions, the guidelines for home cleanup of biomedical waste provide information for proper cleanup or trauma scene clean up providers can be contacted to manage site decontamination.

Complaints concerning biomedical waste are investigated by county health departments. Small amounts of improperly disposed biomedical waste are cleaned up under Department of Health supervision. Emergency situations are referred to the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Emergency Response at 850-245-2010.

How to Apply for a Permit

To apply for a Generator’s Permit, complete and return the Application for Biomedical Waste Generator/Permit Exemption, Form DH4089 with the fee of $85.

To register as Biomedical Waste Transporter, complete Department of Health form DH4106 The fee for the transporter registration varies, as it is based on the number of transport vehicles used.

Facilities who store biomedical waste also need a permit. A completed Application for Biomedical Waste Storage form DH4107 with the fee of $85 should be submitted.

To register as a Commercial Treatment of Biomedical Waste, complete an Application for Biomedical Waste Treatment permit, form DH4111 and submit with the fee of $85.

To apply for a Sharps Collection Program Permit, complete and return an application for Biomedical Waste Sharps Collection Program Permit, form DH4108.

Applications can be mailed to or submitted in person at the Environmental Public Health office.

Questions? Call 305-623-3505 or 305-623-3509, or email MiamiDadeEH@FLHealth.gov.

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Needle Collection Programs Miami-Dade County

The Sharps Disposal Program safely collects needles, syringes, and other potentially dangerous items and properly disposes of them to ensure the safety of Miami-Dade County residents and visitors.

Participants of the Sharps Disposal Program should:

• Place needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects into an approved biomedical wastes sharps container or a heavy-duty plastic or metal container with a screw-on top that can be secured and closed tightly
• Reinforce the closure with tape
• Do not use clear plastic or glass for the container
• Bring the container to the reception desk of a participating DOH-Miami-Dade location between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Bring in containers once they are three quarters full
• Never place the container in a regular trash for disposal

Only properly packaged sharps containers will be accepted.