In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about waste containers.
Q: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is allowing a waiver for 96-gallon containers for clean waste outside a hazardous area. Unfortunately, the vendor that handles our recycling does not have a 96-gallon container that meets the fire rating, which would allow us to take advantage of the waiver specifications (FM approval labeling). Hence, how many 32-gallon containers can be stored in an area, and is there a requirement to space them apart?
A: Technically, you could have as many 32-gallon containers as you choose as long as they are in their own 64-square-foot area.