The comment period for the issue of Solid Resources Citywide Recycling for Los Angeles has been extended to Friday, Oct. 7.

HASC believes the current exclusive franchise proposal plan is silent on the unique service and need of hospitals as it relates to the handling of regulated medical waste and pharmaceutical disposal. The creation of waste sheds will impair a hospital’s ability to contract with a specialized waste hauler, which the California Department of Public Health regulates. Health and Safety Code Section 118000, under the Medical Waste Management Act, outlines the manner in which such waste shall be transported, as well as addresses the requirement that such waste be separated from other types of waste.

A hospital may also contract with multiple companies to handle its various waste streams. Factors taken into consideration include pricing, experience, environmental goals and regulatory compliance. Under the exclusive waste shed franchise proposal, the option and ability for a hospital to select and negotiate with a particular waste hauler would be eliminated.

For these reasons, HASC encourages the Bureau of Sanitation to exempt hospitals from the exclusive waste shed concept based on the regulatory requirements they must adhere to. An attempt to incorporate hospitals into a waste shed proposal can place a local ordinance in conflict with state and federal requirements as outlined in the Medical Waste Management Act.

Hospitals can continue to provide comments to HASC regarding this issue. Organizations can also submit comments directly to the City of Los Angeles – Department of Public Works.