Title
a. Ratify the execution by the Director of Health Services or designee of a non-standard Agreement with Stericycle, Inc., for hazardous medical waste retrieval and disposal services, for a maximum County obligation of $140,000 for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029;
b. Approve the recommendation of the Director of Health Services or designee to accept all non-standard provisions in the Agreement, including insurance, limitation of liability and indemnification; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($14,000) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly alter the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum amount of $154,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve:
a. Ratify the execution by the Director of Health Services or designee of a non-standard Agreement with Stericycle, Inc., for hazardous medical waste retrieval and disposal services, for a maximum County obligation of $140,000 for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029;
b. Approve the recommendation of the Director of Health Services or designee to accept all non-standard provisions in the Agreement, including insurance, limitation of liability and indemnification; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($14,000) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly alter the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum amount of $154,000.
SUMMARY
Medical waste retrieval and disposal services are required by various regulating agencies, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), per waste segregation requirements as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Proper disposal of sharps, pharmaceuticals, and biohazards prevent spread of infection and environmental contamination.
Approval of the recommended action will maintain uninterrupted, essential medical waste removal and disposal services for Clinic Services and Public Health Bureaus, respectively, while complying with regulatory agencies to avoid penalties and protect public health.
DISCUSSION
The Health Department Clinic Services Bureau (Clinic Services) operates twelve community clinic sites designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) which provide preventive primary, dental and specialty medical care services.
On June 26, 2018, the Board of Supervisors approved Agreement No. A-14007 with Stericycle, Inc. to provide hazardous medical waste retrieval and disposal services for certain Clinic Services Bureau and Public Health Bureau sites. The most recent Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. A-14007 expired on June 30, 2026 and Clinic Services presented a more current standard agreement template to Stericycle for the continuation of services effective July 1, 2026.
Lengthy negotiations, as well as system changes occurring at Stericycle, delayed the negotiation process, and the new Standard Agreement was not signed in time to meet internal Board of Supervisor’s deadlines.
Ratification of this agreement will maintain uninterrupted, essential medical waste removal and disposal services for both Bureaus while maintaining a vetted relationship with a compliant vendor to meet legal requirements and avoid penalties.
While this work is not directly in support of a Health Department strategic goal, it is in support of one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
Sufficient funds are available in FY 2026-27 Adopted Budgets for both Clinic Services Bureau, (1001-400009) and Public Health Bureau (1001-400026). This Agreement is funded in part by revenue generated from Medi-Cal and Medicare. There is no financial impact to the General Fund resulting from approval of this Agreement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Proper medical waste disposal services help to protect community well being and quality of life by preventing the spread of disease, reducing environmental contamination, and ensuring that hazardous materials are handled safely.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
_X__Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Prisca Segovia, Management Analyst II, 755-4939
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement