Compliance & Accreditations
Every step of the remedi process is built around federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
Medical waste disposal is one of the most heavily regulated activities in healthcare. Improper handling, storage, or transport of regulated medical waste can result in fines, facility citations, and risk to staff and the public.
remedi operates as a fully integrated waste management provider with its own fleet, personnel, and processing facilities. Every touchpoint in the chain of custody is controlled internally, which means there are no handoffs to subcontractors and no gaps in documentation.
Federal Regulatory Framework
These federal regulations apply to every healthcare facility in every state we serve.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), which governs how healthcare facilities must handle, label, store, and dispose of materials contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
- Sharps containers must be closable, puncture-resistant, and labeled with the biohazard symbol
- Red-bag waste must be contained in leak-proof bags marked with the biohazard symbol
- Exposure control plans must be written, implemented, and updated annually
- Employee training required at hire and annually thereafter
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requires that protected health information (PHI) be safeguarded throughout its lifecycle, including during destruction. Medical waste that contains patient-identifiable information must be disposed of in a manner that prevents unauthorized access.
- PHI on waste containers, labels, or documents must be rendered unreadable before disposal
- Secure document destruction with certificate of destruction
- Chain-of-custody documentation from pickup through final disposition
- Business associate agreements with all waste handling vendors
DOT (Department of Transportation)
Regulated medical waste classified as UN-3291 must be packaged, labeled, and transported in compliance with DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 171-180). These rules apply to every pickup and transport route.
- Proper UN-3291 packaging: triple-packaged with absorbent material
- Hazmat shipping labels and markings on all transport containers
- Driver hazmat certification and training documentation
- Waste manifests accompany every shipment from pickup to processing
DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
The DEA regulates the disposal of controlled substances under 21 CFR 1317. Healthcare facilities must follow strict chain-of-custody requirements when disposing of Schedule II-V medications.
- Controlled substances require witnessed destruction or authorized collection
- Reverse distribution for expired or recalled pharmaceuticals
- Record-keeping and reporting for all controlled substance disposals
- Separate handling from non-controlled pharmaceutical waste
State-Level Compliance
Each state where remedi operates has its own environmental agency with specific rules for medical waste storage, treatment, transport, and disposal.
Texas (TCEQ)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates medical waste under 30 TAC Chapter 326. Texas has some of the most detailed state-level medical waste rules in the country.
- Generator registration required for facilities producing RMW
- On-site storage limited to 30 days at room temperature
- Transporter must hold TCEQ registration
- Treatment facility permit required for processing
- Manifests required for all off-site shipments
Arizona (ADEQ)
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality oversees medical waste management under Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 13, Article 14.
- Biohazardous medical waste must be segregated at point of origin
- Storage at or below 40°F if held more than 24 hours
- Transporter registration with ADEQ required
- Different labeling requirements from Texas
- Annual reporting for large-volume generators
Georgia (GA EPD)
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division regulates biomedical waste under Georgia Rules Chapter 391-3-4. Georgia uses the term "biomedical waste" rather than "regulated medical waste."
- Generators must register with GA EPD
- Storage limited to 30 days without refrigeration
- Transporter permit required from GA EPD
- Treatment must render waste unrecognizable and non-infectious
- Quarterly reporting for permitted facilities
New Mexico (NMED)
The New Mexico Environment Department regulates infectious waste under 20 NMAC 9.1. New Mexico applies to remedi operations servicing the Las Cruces area and border region.
- Infectious waste permit required for treatment facilities
- Generator identification and tracking
- Transport manifests required
- On-site storage limited to 7 days without refrigeration
Colorado (CDPHE)
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulates medical waste under 6 CCR 1007-2, Part 17. Colorado requires separate manifesting and tracking for all regulated medical waste shipments.
- Generator notification required
- Regulated medical waste segregation at source
- Transporter registration with CDPHE
- Treatment must meet time-temperature sterilization standards
Multi-State Operations
remedi maintains active registrations, permits, and compliance programs in every state where we operate. Our internal compliance team monitors regulatory changes and updates procedures accordingly.
- Active permits and registrations in all service states
- Regulatory change monitoring and procedure updates
- Cross-state manifest coordination for border regions
- State-specific training for field personnel
MEDI-Secure Compliance Program
MEDI-Secure is the remedi compliance management program that gives your facility documented proof of proper waste handling from pickup through final disposition.
Learn MoreChain-of-Custody Documentation
Every container is tracked from the moment it leaves your facility through treatment and final disposition. Manifests, weight tickets, and treatment records are stored and accessible.
Compliance Reporting
Monthly and annual reports document your facility's waste volumes, disposal methods, and regulatory compliance status. Use them for audits, inspections, or ESG reporting.
Staff Training Support
Access to OSHA and HIPAA compliance training through our Compliance Publishing portal, with annual certification tracking for your team.
Audit Readiness
All documentation is organized and available on demand. When a surveyor or regulator visits, your waste management records are ready.
What remedi Handles for You
When you work with remedi, these compliance responsibilities are managed as part of your service agreement.
Container supply and servicing
Properly labeled, DOT-compliant containers provided and replaced on schedule
Waste manifesting
Compliant manifests generated for every pickup and maintained on file
Licensed transport
State-registered vehicles operated by trained, hazmat-certified drivers
Treatment and processing
Autoclave sterilization at our own permitted facilities
Weight and volume tracking
Every pickup weighed and recorded for your compliance and ESG records
Certificate of treatment
Documented proof that waste was properly treated and rendered non-infectious
Regulatory monitoring
We track changes in state and federal regulations that affect your program
Annual compliance training
OSHA and HIPAA training access through Compliance Publishing portal
Compliance FAQ
What happens if my facility fails a medical waste compliance inspection?
Penalties vary by state and severity. In Texas, TCEQ can issue fines up to $25,000 per day per violation. In Arizona, ADEQ enforcement actions can include facility closure orders. When you work with remedi, your waste management program is designed to meet all applicable regulations, and our documentation is organized for audit readiness.
Does remedi hold its own permits for waste transport and processing?
Yes. remedi is a fully integrated operation with its own fleet, employees, and processing facilities. We hold active registrations and permits in every state where we operate. There are no subcontractors in the chain of custody.
How does remedi handle compliance across different states?
Each state has its own environmental agency and medical waste regulations. remedi maintains state-specific compliance programs for Texas (TCEQ), Arizona (ADEQ), Georgia (GA EPD), New Mexico (NMED), and Colorado (CDPHE). For facilities near state borders, we coordinate manifesting and documentation to satisfy both jurisdictions.
What documentation will I receive for compliance audits?
Through the MEDI-Secure program, you receive waste manifests, weight tickets, certificates of treatment, chain-of-custody records, and monthly or annual compliance reports. All documentation is maintained on file and available on request for regulatory inspections or internal audits.
Is medical waste recycling compliant with state regulations?
remedi is the first company in Texas permitted to recycle regulated medical waste. Our process uses autoclave sterilization to render waste non-infectious, followed by shredding and material recovery. The entire process is permitted by state environmental agencies and does not compromise compliance in any way.
Do I need a compliance training program for my staff?
Yes. OSHA requires that all employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials receive training at the time of initial assignment and annually thereafter (29 CFR 1910.1030). remedi provides access to structured OSHA and HIPAA compliance training through the Compliance Publishing portal as part of our service programs.