Ontario’s hazardous waste framework

Ontario has a strict regulatory framework governing the safe management and disposal of hazardous waste. This framework makes sure that people and the environment are protected.

Waste generated from point-of-care tests (or rapid test kits is considered hazardous waste and requires proper management and disposal.

We prepared this guideline to help you with proper and safe handling, storing and disposal of waste from COVID‑19 antigen point-of-care testing kits.

This information is not and should not be considered legal advice. Review the Environmental Protection Act and information on the laws that apply to the management of waste. Consult a lawyer if you have any questions about the application or interpretation of Ontario laws or if you have other legal questions.

Special exemptions for businesses participating in the Provincial Antigen Screening Program

To help get people up and running with rapid antigen testing faster, we’ve made amendments to the regulation governing the collection, storage and transportation of biohazardous waste.

Businesses participating in the Provincial Antigen Screening Program, or anyone who who generates waste from COVID‑19 antigen point-of-care testing kits (rapid test kits), are exempt from certain regulatory requirements, including requirements related to the collection, handling, storage, transfer and transportation within Ontario.

The exemptions only apply to waste from antigen point-of-care testing kits. They do not apply to other hazardous waste that a facility might generate.

The exemptions do not apply to the rules governing the treatment, processing, deposit or disposal of rapid test kits. Waste from rapid test kits must still be finally disposed of at an authorized hazardous waste disposal site.

Collecting and storing used rapid test kits

This section applies to:

  • sites that are performing COVID‑19 antigen point-of-care testing
  • any sites that receive this waste for storage

Take appropriate biosafety precautions in accordance with the manufacturer’s label to ensure the safety of the individual being tested and the individual conducting the test.

You should also take the following steps when storing and handling rapid test kitwaste:

  • liquids, swabs, their containers, and all items used in testing are considered hazardous wastes. They must be kept separately from all other wastes on the premises and not be disposed of in the regular garbage
  • the box and paper instruction can be placed in the general recycling or waste stream
  • the waste should be stored in an appropriate sealed biohazard container that is designed to prevent leaks and spills. Care should be taken to prevent any damage or deterioration of the container
  • do not mechanically compact, treat or process this waste
  • the waste should be stored indoors in a well-ventilated area and not around areas used for food preparation or consumption
  • storage areas should be secured and accessible only by designated staff and not accessible to the general public
  • walkways, windows, access and exits, ventilation, and fire prevention equipment should not be blocked by the waste
  • in case of spills the waste should be cleaned up immediately and put in an appropriate biohazard container
  • the waste should be collected and removed at regular intervals
  • if the waste is not collected from the test site by an authorized hazardous waste hauler, it should be transported in accordance with the “Transporting used rapid test kits” guidance below
  • all applicable requirements related to health and safety such as those in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations continue to apply

Transporting used rapid test kits

You can engage an approved biomedical waste hauler to transport COVID‑19 antigen point-of-care tests to an appropriate disposal facility.

If you choose to transport rapid test kit waste without the assistance of an approved hauler, you should take the following precautions:

  • the waste should be transported as directly as possible to a disposal site or storage facility in Ontario and without overnight storage in a vehicle
  • the waste should be stored in an appropriate sealed biohazard container that is designed to prevent leaks and spills
  • any waste that is spilled should be cleaned up immediately and put in an appropriate biohazard container. People cleaning up the spill should take precautions by wearing appropriate personal protection equipment
  • containers should be stored in a way that prevents or limits movement during transport
  • vehicles containing COVID‑19 antigen point-of-care testing waste should remain locked while the driver is not inside
  • you should ensure that you comply with all applicable legislative or regulatory requirements related to health and safety, such as those in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations

Treatment or final disposal sites

The Environmental Protection Act and Regulation 347 require that antigen rapid-test waste be finally disposed of at an authorized hazardous waste disposal site.

Approved facilities for final disposal of biomedical waste include:

If you are exporting COVID‑19 antigen point-of-care testing waste for treatment and disposal outside of Ontario, you cannot rely on the exemptions in s. 29.6 of Regulation 347. You must strictly comply with the normal requirements related to the registration, reporting, manifesting and management of hazardous waste.

Spills notification requirements

Under the Environmental Protection Act, a spill is a discharge into the natural environment, from or out of a structure, vehicle or other container, and that is abnormal in quality or quantity in light of all the circumstances of the discharge.

Should a large spill of the waste occur at a site or during transportation, owners of pollutants are required by provincial law to report spills and are required to contact the Spills Action Centre by telephone:

Learn more about how to report spills and the information we require when you report.