Who is responsible for appropriate regulated waste disposal?

The generating facility is responsible for appropriate regulated waste disposal because it is the entity that produces the waste. Under various regulations, including those set by OSHA and the EPA, any facility that generates hazardous or regulated waste must ensure that it is managed and disposed of in compliance with established laws and practices. This responsibility includes proper segregation, labeling, storage, and transportation of the waste to ensure that it does not pose a risk to public health or the environment.

The dental hygienist, while integral in following protocols and procedures, does not have the ultimate responsibility for waste disposal practices. Similarly, while local waste management authorities play a role in the overall waste disposal process, they typically handle collection and processing rather than being responsible for the generation of the waste. State health department officials oversee public health regulations but do not directly manage waste disposal from individual facilities; their role is more about regulation and ensuring facilities comply with safety standards. Hence, the generating facility holds the primary obligation to manage its regulated waste appropriately.