A. Infectious wastes which have been rendered noninfectious prior to grinding as specified in Title 22, California Code of Regulations, Section 66840(i) from hospitals, clinics, and mortuaries may be disposed of to the sanitary sewer system subject to the following limitations and requirements:
1. Pathologic specimens may not be disposed of to the sanitary sewer system;
2. The material shall be ground by an approved grinder having the capabilities of meeting or exceeding the following fineness: at least forty (40) percent shall pass a No. 8 sieve; at least sixty-five (65) percent shall pass a No. 3 sieve, and one hundred (100) percent shall pass a 3/8-inch screen opening;
3. Ground organic kitchen waste from hospital food preparation and disposal facilities excluding all paper and plastic items may be discharged into the sanitary sewer system;
4. Disposable hypodermic needles, syringes, and associated articles following their use in hospitals, out-patient clinics, medical and dental offices, etc., may not be discharged to the sanitary sewer system;
5. The materials must not violate any other requirements of these rules and regulations.
B. The following shall not be discharged to the sanitary sewer by any means:
1. Solid wastes generated in the rooms of patients who are isolated because of a suspected or diagnosed communicable disease;
2. Recognizable portions of the human anatomy;
3. Wastes excluded by other provisions of this title except as specifically permitted in this section.
C. All hospitals within the limits of the city desiring to dispose of a ground "infectious waste" by discharge into facilities of the city shall first have a valid nonsignificant discharge permit. All applicants for such permits shall fill out completely the application form, pay the appropriate fee, receive a copy of the city regulations governing discharge of ground hospital wastes, and shall agree in writing to abide by the regulations. The nonsignificant discharge permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed four years from date of issuance.
D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the health officer of Tulare County to define wastes as being infectious. (Ord. 2006-02 (part), 2006: Prior code § 4253)