The objective of the biomedical waste program is to protect health care workers, environmental-service staff, waste haulers, and the general public from risks associated with potentially infectious biomedical waste.

Both the Department of Health and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 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. The Health Department in Lee County issues permits and inspects all biomedical waste generators, storage and transporters in Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.

When biomedical waste is improperly managed, it places health care workers, sanitation workers, and the general public at risk for contracting dangerous diseases. Chapter 64E-16, Florida Administrative Code, requires facilities that either generate, transport or store biomedical waste ensure 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. Watch the "Management of Biomedical Waste in Florida" video on YouTube.

Complaints concerning biomedical waste are investigated by the Health Department in Lee County . 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) 488-2974.

To apply for the permit, complete and return the Application for Biomedical Waste Generator Permit/Exemption Department of Health form DH4089 to the Health Department in Lee County along with the required $150.00 annual fee($85.00 state fee, plus $65.00 Lee county fee).

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