In 2025, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) finalized several updates to Division 335-17, which governs the state’s medical waste program. The reconciliation statement and rulemaking adjustments clarified definitions, corrected federal references, and strengthened expectations around packaging, transport, and training. These updates go together with stricter expectations for documentation to help reshape how regulated medical waste must be managed. Healthcare generators of all sizes–hospitals, surgery centers, physician groups, labs, and long-term care facilities–need to pay attention. Here’s a summary of what’s new in Alabama medical waste regulations and how these rules will impact your facility going into 2026.
Key ADEM Changes Affecting Generators
Federal DOT Reference Updated for Packaging
ADEM updated the fiberboard packaging standard to the correct reference, aligning Alabama with national DOT medical-waste transport rules.
What this means: Red-bag-and-box systems—when meeting DOT standards—remain compliant.
Spill Cleanup Kits Required in All Transport Vehicles
The rule was rewritten for clarity and now stands alone. Spill kits are explicitly required for any medical waste transporter.
What this means: Your hauler must carry an approved spill kit in every vehicle. If they don’t, you’re exposed.
Treated Medical Waste Clarifications
ADEM removed outdated requirements that treated waste must be repackaged in non-red containers. Treated waste is now managed according to solid-waste guidelines.
What this means: No extra repackaging step; once treated, it becomes a solid waste. Your documentation still matters.
Segregation, Sharps, and Anatomical Waste Requirements Tightened
Clarifications emphasize:
- Sharps must be handled using compliant sharps containers.
- Anatomical waste must be rendered unrecognizable.
- Reusable containers must be decontaminated properly.
What this means: Your treatment partner must meet the post-treatment destruction requirements.
Timeframes: 14 Days to Transport, 30 Days to Treat
ADEM confirmed that:
- Waste must reach treatment within 14 days of pickup.
- Treatment facilities must process waste within 30 days.
What this means: Pickup schedules and vendor reliability matter more than ever.
More Focus on Training & Documentation
Training expectations were clarified, and facilities must maintain documented processes and staff training records.
What this means: Verbal training or undocumented “in-service reminders” aren’t enough.
What’s Ahead
ADEM noted several comments it did not address in the latest rulemaking cycle but may revisit at a later date. TriHaz monitors all proposed updates and provides proactive guidance if new rules are adopted.
What You Should Do Now
Review your facility’s Medical Waste Management Plan.
Ensure it references the correct DOT citation and reflects ADEM’s latest clarifications.
Verify your transporter and treatment partner’s compliance.
TriHaz maintains ADEM transporter permits spill kits, and local treatment capacity.
Document your staff training and manifest.
Keeping an up-to-date training log and retaining Certificates of Destruction is critical for audits.
Ask TriHaz for a compliance checkup.
We’ll review your documentation and waste flow to ensure you’re fully aligned with Alabama’s Division 17 requirements.
Staying Ahead with TriHaz
Regulatory updates can be complex, but with TriHaz Solutions, you’re always one step ahead. Our team ensures your medical waste handling–from pickup to treatment–is compliant with ADEM, EPA, DOT, and OSHA standards.
Need help updating your medical waste management plan or staff training records?
Contact us now to schedule your free compliance review!