Describes the current status of US medical waste management and disposal practices, ranging from handling the waste as nonhazardous municipal solid waste to strict segregation, packaging, labeling, and tracking. Treatment techniques include steam sterilization, incineration, recycling and reuse methods. Also covers EPA studies characterizing types, numbers and sizes of waste generators and wastes generated.Introduction Characterization of Medical Waste Health Hazard Assessment Estimated Costs of the Demonstration Program and Improper Demonstration Program Objectives and Evaluation Medical Waste Handling Methods Medical Waste Treatment Methods Medical Waste Treatment Effectiveness Existing State and Local Requirements Regulatory Options for a National Program Appropriateness of Penalties Home Health Care and Small Quantity Generator Waste Medical Waste Reuse, Recycling and Reduction Part II: EPA Guide for Infectious Waste Management Introduction Infectious Waste Characterization Infectious Waste Management Treatment of Infectious Waste Suggested Treatment Methods for Each Infectious Waste Category Part III: Medical Waste Combustion at Municipal Waste Combustion Facilities Introduction Medical Waste Impact of Medical Waste on Combustor Emissions Important Considerations Current Practices-U.S. MWCs Current Practices-European and Canadian MWCs MWC Manufacturers'/System Suppliers' Recommendations Preliminary Recommendations and Research Needs Part IV: Hospital Medical Waste Incinerator Operation and Maintenance Introduction Hospital Incineration Systems Air Pollution Control Operation Maintenance Control and Monitoring Instrumentation Operatls*