Outpatient facilities across Illinois, ranging from physician offices and dental practices to urgent care clinics, are responsible for safely handling regulated medical waste. But one regulation often overlooked is the 90-day storage limit for medical waste in Illinois.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires that facilities cannot store untreated medical waste for longer than 90 days, starting from the date the first piece of waste is placed in a container. This rule exists to reduce contamination risks, prevent biohazard buildup, and ensure safe disposal before waste creates a compliance or health hazard.

Understanding this regulation, and the consequences of violating it is critical for outpatient centers that may not generate large volumes of waste but still need proper disposal timelines.

Why the 90-Day Storage Limit Matters

Protecting Public Health and Safety

Medical waste is classified as potentially infectious because it can contain bloodborne pathogens, sharps, or contaminated materials. Storing this waste for more than 90 days increases the risk of leakage, exposure, and improper handling.

Avoiding Costly Fines

Illinois medical waste regulations are enforced by both the IEPA and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Facilities that fail to comply with the 90-day storage rule may face hefty penalties, including fines that can add up quickly for repeated violations.

Maintaining Facility Reputation

Patients trust Outpatient centers for their quality of care. Compliance failures such as unsafe storage or missed pickups can negatively impact brand reputation, patient trust, and even licensure.

Common Misunderstandings About the 90-Day Rule

Even well-intentioned facilities make mistakes when interpreting the Illinois medical waste storage rule. Some of the most common include:

• Assuming the 90-day clock starts when containers are full (it starts from the day the first item goes in).
• Believing the rule doesn’t apply to small generators (all outpatient facilities must comply, regardless of waste volume).
• Storing waste in non-compliant conditions, such as unlocked rooms, unlined containers, or near general trash.

For official reference, the Illinois Environmental Protection Act provides guidance on medical waste accumulation limits.

How Scheduled Pickups Keep You Compliant

The best way to ensure compliance with the 90-day storage limit is to implement a medical waste pickup schedule tailored to your facility’s waste volume. Outpatient clinics that manage pickups “as needed” often face compliance issues because waste sits too long before being removed.

At AMS MedWaste, we work with facilities to create a routine waste pickup schedule that:

• Keeps waste storage under 90 days at all times
• Ensures sharps containers and biohazard bags are swapped regularly
• Reduces the risk of missed deadlines or accidental overages
• Offers flexibility for busy outpatient facilities

By choosing a consistent schedule, facilities not only avoid fines but also streamline operations and reduce stress for staff.

Compliance Tips for Outpatient Facilities

To stay on top of the 90-day storage rule in Illinois, outpatient centers should:

1. Track Waste Accumulation Dates

Always label containers with the start date (the day the first item goes in). This prevents staff from losing track of timelines.

2. Train Staff on Regulations

Proper training helps ensure every team member understands the rule. Consider enrolling in an OSHA-compliant medical waste training program .

3. Separate Storage Areas

Keep regulated medical waste containers in clearly marked, restricted-access areas away from general trash or supply storage.

4. Partner With a Certified Medical Waste Company

Not all waste haulers are the same. Outpatient facilities in Illinois and Southern Wisconsin benefit from partnering with AMS MedWaste because of our local expertise, compliance-driven processes, and IEPA-approved methods.

AMS MedWaste: Helping Outpatient Facilities Stay Compliant

At AMS MedWaste, we understand the unique challenges outpatient clinics face. Whether your facility generates a few pounds of waste each week or larger volumes, our team ensures you remain compliant with the 90-day medical waste storage rule while keeping costs manageable.

Our services include:

• Scheduled medical waste pickups tailored to your needs
• Sharps disposal programs for outpatient settings
• Sustainable disposal practices that reduce environmental impact

Don’t Risk Non-Compliance

The 90-day medical waste storage rule in Illinois is not optional. it’s a critical requirement for all outpatient facilities. By misunderstanding or overlooking this rule, clinics risk fines, safety hazards, and reputational damage.

The solution is simple: implement a pickup schedule, train your staff, and partner with a provider who understands Illinois regulations inside and out.

AMS MedWaste helps outpatient facilities across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin manage medical waste safely, sustainably, and always in compliance.

Contact AMS MedWaste today to schedule a compliant pickup for your outpatient facility.