Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby finds that there is a need for more clarity and uniformity regarding the definition of infectious waste and in the requirements for the handling, treatment, and disposal thereof and that the absence of such clarity and the inappropriate designation of general waste as infectious waste will result in further substantial and unnecessary costs, disparity, and confusion in the management of infectious waste, ultimately affecting many business and residential operations and facilities, including the operations and quality of care rendered by health-care providers. (2) For the purposes set forth in subsection (1) of this section, the provisions of this part 4 are enacted as a matter of statewide concern. The provisions of this part 4 shall not apply to infectious waste which is also deemed to be hazardous waste pursuant to section 25-15-101 (6), nor shall infectious waste be deemed hazardous waste solely because it is characterized as infectious waste. (3) The general assembly further finds that, because of the nature of infectious waste and the manner of its designation as provided in this part 4 and because this part 4 recommends portions of the guidelines of the United States environmental protection agency, no rules or regulations governing the generators of infectious waste are necessary for nor shall be applicable to the implementation of this part 4. This limitation shall not be construed to limit any other rule-making which is permitted under other authorizing statutes.