(a)  Sharps waste shall be rendered noninfectious prior to disposal by one of the following methods:

(1)  Incineration.

(2)  Steam sterilization.

(3)  Disinfection using an alternative treatment method approved by the department.

(b)  Sharps waste rendered noninfectious pursuant to this section may be disposed of as solid waste if the waste is not otherwise hazardous.

(c)  Onsite medical waste treatment facilities treating sharps waste pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (a) shall ensure that, prior to disposal, the treated sharps waste is destroyed or that public access to the treated sharps waste is prevented.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1996.)