(A) Infectious wastes which have been rendered noninfectious prior to grinding as specified in the Cal. Health and Safety Code § 118215, from hospitals, clinics and mortuaries may be disposed into the city’s sewer system subject to the following limitations and requirements:
1. Pathologic specimens may not be disposed to the city’s sewer system;
2. The material shall be ground by an approved grinder having the capabilities of meeting or exceeding the following fineness: at least 40% shall pass a no. 8 sieve; at least 65% shall pass a no. 3 sieve; and 100% shall pass a three-eighths inch screen opening;
3. Ground organic kitchen waste from hospital food preparation and disposal facilities excluding all paper and plastic items may be discharged to the city’s sewer system;
4. Disposable hypodermic needles, syringes and associated articles following their use in hospitals, outpatient clinics, medical and dental offices and the like, may not be discharged to the city’s sewer system; and
5. The materials must not violate any other requirements of this chapter.
(B) The following shall not be discharged to the city sewer system by any means:
1. Solid wastes generated in the rooms of patients who are isolated because of a suspected or diagnosed communicable disease;
2. Any portions of the human anatomy; and
3. Wastes excluded by other provisions of this chapter except as specifically permitted in this section.
(C) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the health officer of Merced County to define wastes as being infectious.
(Ord. 497, passed 6-20-2000)