Oklahoma Senate Bill SB264

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Environment and natural resources; reducing amount allowed of certain medical waste. Effective date.

Impact

The bill is anticipated to have significant implications for healthcare providers, particularly smaller clinics and facilities that may generate less medical waste. By allowing a limited amount of untreated medical waste to be disposed of in regular landfills, the legislation aims to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities that find it challenging to meet stringent disposal regulations. Additionally, this change may lead to cost savings for these facilities, enabling them to manage waste disposal in ways that are both economically and environmentally more sustainable.

Summary

Senate Bill 264 addresses the management of medical waste in Oklahoma. The bill amends existing regulations regarding the disposal of untreated, potentially infectious medical waste. Specifically, it reduces the amount of such waste that can be disposed of in municipal solid waste landfills. The new limit allows for untreated, potentially infectious medical waste generated in quantities of less than fifty (50) pounds per month from a single location to be exempt from prohibitions against disposal in solid waste landfills. This change aims to better regulate the disposal of medical waste and enhance environmental protection.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB264 may focus on the potential risks associated with allowing any untreated medical waste in municipal landfills. Critics of the bill could express concerns that even small amounts of potentially infectious waste pose health risks to the public and the environment. Proponents, however, argue that the legislation strikes a necessary balance between regulatory compliance and practical waste management for smaller medical facilities, allowing them to operate more efficiently while still adhering to health and safety standards.