Home-generated medical waste is waste produced as a result of medical care in the home (home self-care) through self-administration practices or by a family member or other person not receiving money for their services. Home-generated medical waste is created through the administration of injectable medications and other invasive or non-invasive procedures. It includes, but is not limited to, syringes, needles with attached tubing, and other materials.
Medical waste produced by health care workers (physicians, nurses, home health aides, etc.) as a result of providing medical care in the home is not home-generated medical waste. It is Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) as defined in the NJ.A.C. 7:26-3A and must be disposed of by a licensed RMW generator in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) RMW regulations. The responsibility for the proper and safe disposal of regulated medical waste rests with the health care professional providing services in the home.