Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-513
Waste management (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. Segregation. All producers of infectious waste must segregate such waste as a separate waste stream from point of origin to transfer to a licensed hauler or disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7-28-511 through 7-28-519 . All licensed haulers of infectious waste must package, contain, store, transport and dispose of in a manner that shall prevent any uncontrolled release of the waste materials. B. Containment. (1) Except as is otherwise provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection relating to the containment of sharps, infectious waste shall be contained and placed in disposable plastic bags which are impervious to moisture and of strength sufficient to preclude tearing, ripping or bursting under normal conditions of usage and handling. The bags shall be securely tied to prevent leakage or expulsion of waste during storage, handling and transport. (2) All bags used for the containment of infectious waste shall be in red in color and clearly labeled by the producer with the standard international biohazard symbol or with the words "Infectious Waste". (3) All sharps shall be contained in rigid, puncture-resistant containers which are taped closed or tightly enclosed to prevent loss of the contents. Rigid containers of sharp waste shall be red in color, clearly labeled by the producer with the international biohazard symbol or with the words "Infectious Waste", and placed, fully secured, in the labeled disposable bags used for other infectious waste. C. Storage. (1) All infectious waste shall be placed for storage or handling in pails, cartons, drums, dumpsters or portable bins used exclusively for the storage of such waste. Such a containment system shall be leakproof, have tight-fitting locked covers and be kept clean and in good repair at all times. Containers used for such storage shall be prominently labeled with either the standard international biohazard symbol or with the words "Infectious Waste" on the lids or sides so as to be readily visible. (Added Coun. J. 9-12-90, p. 20461) Loading...
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-513 establishes detailed requirements for how infectious waste must be handled from the moment it is generated through its final disposal. The rule requires that infectious waste be kept separate from other waste streams, placed in red, labeled, moisture-resistant bags or rigid puncture-resistant containers for sharps, and stored in locked, leakproof containers marked with biohazard symbols. Licensed haulers who transport such waste are also required to package, contain, and move it in ways that prevent any uncontrolled release.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing facilities that generate infectious waste—such as on-site medical or care operations—should be familiar with the segregation, containment, and storage standards set out in Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-513. Compliant operators typically ensure that infectious waste is placed in red, properly labeled plastic bags or rigid sharps containers from the point of origin, and stored in locked, leakproof bins used exclusively for that waste type. Operators also generally verify that any hauler they engage holds the required license and follows the handling and transport standards referenced in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in buildings where infectious waste is generated or stored—such as in facilities with medical services—may have an interest in whether their building complies with Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-513. This provision requires that such waste be properly segregated, contained in labeled red bags or sharps containers, and kept in locked, leakproof storage units marked with biohazard symbols. Tenants who observe what appears to be improperly handled or stored infectious waste can consider reporting concerns to the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city authority, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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