Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search


Español  Other Languages


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
 Search

		Submit


Ebola Disease


Section Navigation
			
			CDC Home








Guidance for Decontamination and Removal of Ebolavirus-Contaminated Waste for U.S. Residence						Print
																Related Pages
										Page Summary**Who this resource is for**: Public health, state and/or local authorities who may have to decontaminate or arrange for a contract company to decontaminate a U.S. residence and remove contaminated waste because someone living there was confirmed to have Ebola disease.
Members of the general public who have concerns regarding their residence and environmental contamination because a member of the residence, whether owned or rented, had a confirmed case of Ebola disease should contact local public health and/or assigned authorities for Ebola disease emergency response in their location. If the public health and/or assigned authorities cannot be reached, please call the CDC Emergency Operations Center at: 1-770-488-7100.
**What this resource is for**: These recommendations list effective disinfectant products and procedures, guidance for contract companies to follow in dealing with contaminated wastes, and guidance on how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).
**How to use this resource**: Use this document for guidance on decontaminating a residence and disposing of waste that could be contaminated.Key Points
**Effective disinfectant product(s):** Currently, no EPA-registered hospital disinfectant products state on the label that the product can kill ebolaviruses. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered hospital disinfectants with label claims for hospital disinfection (or the equivalent microbial pathogen claims) and claims against nonenveloped viruses (norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, poliovirus). These products are broadly antiviral and capable of inactivating both enveloped and nonenveloped viruses, including ebolaviruses. These disinfectants should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s labeled instructions. One simple way to identify an appropriate product effective against ebolaviruses is to use a product included in EPA’s List L: Disinfectants for Use Against the Ebola Virus or List Q: Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens (EVPs).
**Level of cleaning and decontamination**: Once a person has been confirmed to have Ebola disease, the way to decontaminate the residence depends on the person’s symptoms at the time they were in the residence:
Cleaning by residents – If the person with Ebola disease **had only a fever** with no gastrointestinal (diarrhea, vomiting) or hemorrhagic (bleeding) symptoms while he or she was in the residence, the person should not be contaminating their environment. The remaining members of the residence can clean and launder as normal using detergent and/or disinfectant.
Cleaning by a contract company – If the person with Ebola disease had a fever AND diarrhea, vomiting, and/or unexplained bleeding, public health and/or assigned authorities may need to contact a contract company that will assess the residence to determine the proper decontamination and disposal procedures. Remaining members of the residence should avoid contaminated rooms and areas until after the completion of the assessment and decontamination.
**Which contract companies can conduct the cleaning?** Companies with experience in cleaning biohazard and crimes scenes can conduct the cleaning. OSHA provides guidance for cleaning and decontaminating in non-healthcare settings. Any contract company conducting such work must comply with its state’s Ebola disease policies and with OSHA standards for, among others that may apply, bloodborne pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), PPE (29 CFR 1910.132), respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134), and hazard communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) (for example, for chemical hazards). In states that operate their own occupational safety and health programs, different or additional requirements may exist.
**Transport of waste:** Ebolavirus-contaminated waste (materials that cannot be decontaminated and were in contact with the person with Ebola disease having fever AND diarrhea, vomiting, and/or unexplained bleeding) must be packaged and transported in accordance with regulations on the transportation of ebolavirus-contaminated items provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulation for Category A Infectious Substance. If a contract company is handling the waste, requirements in OSHA standards, including Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030) may also apply.Definitions
**Contract company**: A company hired to complete a needed task. Regarding ebolavirus-decontamination of residences, the contract company is specialized in decontaminating, handling, and discarding of toxic chemicals and infectious agents, with experience in cleaning biohazard or crime scenes, and complies with all health and safety regulations. These companies may be certified through such associations as the National Institute of Decontamination Specialists (NIDS), Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA), or complete training as outlined in the OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER).
**Disinfection product**: A product that will make certain biological agents inactive. Specific to ebolaviruses, use an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant or one with the equivalent microbial pathogen claims that also have a label claim against a nonenveloped virus. Such products are included in EPA’s List L: Disinfectants for Use Against the Ebola Virus or List Q: Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens (EVPs).
**Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: Equipment worn to prevent exposure to hazardous substances (chemicals, infectious agents, particles). For ebolavirus decontamination, the level of PPE will vary because of the contamination level and chemicals used for cleaning and decontaminating. Refer to the OSHA PPE Selection Matrix for Occupational Exposure to Ebola Virus [PDF – 3 pages] for appropriate PPE and related recommendations in CDC’s Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment To Be Used by Healthcare Workers During Management of Patients with Ebola Virus Disease in U.S. Hospitals, Including Procedures for Putting On (Donning) and Removing (Doffing).Decontamination and waste disposal – Determined by the symptoms of the person with Ebola disease while they were within the residence
Remaining members of residences where a person with Ebola disease **only had a fever** with no gastrointestinal (diarrhea, vomiting) or hemorrhagic (bleeding) symptoms can clean and launder as normal because the individual should not be contaminating their environment.
Remaining members of residences where a person with Ebola disease **had a fever AND diarrhea, vomiting, and/or unexplained bleeding** should have local public health and/or assigned authorities for Ebola disease emergency response managing the decontamination and waste disposal through a contract company. **Members of the residence (or property owners, if the residence is rented) should not handle contaminated materials; do not touch any body fluids or soiled surfaces and materials.**The public health authorities can assist in finding a qualified contract company. Any contract company conducting such work must comply with its state’s Ebola disease policies and with OSHA standards for, among others that may apply, bloodborne pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), PPE (29 CFR 1910.132), respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134), and hazard communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) (for example, for chemical hazards). In states that operate their own occupational safety and health programs, different or additional requirements may exist. The contract company will assess the residence to determine the proper decontamination and disposal procedures. **Only areas/rooms with contamination from diarrhea, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, and/or other body fluids will need to be cleaned and disinfected.**
Recommendations for contract companies about disinfectants, training requirements, PPE, and waste removal
Recommendations for the contract company to follow are described in CDC’s Interim Guidance for Environmental Infection Control in Hospitals for Ebola Virus and OSHA Fact Sheet 3756 on Cleaning and Decontamination of Ebola on Surfaces – Guidance for Workers and Employers in Non-Healthcare/ Non-Laboratory Settings [PDF – 4 pages].
For nonporous surfaces (door handles, tile floors), use an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant or a disinfectant with equivalent microbial pathogen claims with a label claim against a nonenveloped virus, such as norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, or poliovirus. Use disinfectants according to manufacturer’s instructions. Any EPA-registered disinfectant that is effective against a nonenveloped virus will also be effective against ebolaviruses. One simple way to identify an appropriate product effective against an ebolavirus is to use a product included in EPA’s List L: Disinfectants for Use Against the Ebola Virus or List Q: Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens (EVPs).
Porous materials (linens, carpet, mattress, pillows) should be properly contained and disposed of according to regulations set by the state where the waste is located. Store the properly contained contaminated material in a room that is not being used until it can be collected for disposal. Additional CDC recommendations for Ebola Medical Waste Management provides further information about safe handling and disposal of medical waste from patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola disease.
Waste contaminated with an ebolavirus must be packaged and transported in accordance to U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR, 49 CFR, Parts 171-180). If a contract company is handling the waste, requirements in OSHA standards, including Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030) may also apply.**Contract company requirements and PPE (biological and chemical)**: Contract company employees must be properly trained. The contract company is responsible for selecting and providing PPE to protect their workers from exposure to an ebolavirus and to chemical hazards from the cleaning and disinfectant agents. Refer to the OSHA PPE Selection Matrix [PDF – 3 pages] for assistance in determining the appropriate PPE. Where respiratory hazards exist, such as from aerosolized viral particles or chemicals used in cleaning and disinfection, workers must use NIOSH-approved respirators, be fit-tested before using respirators, and be medically cleared. (Note: Medical clearance for respirators is determined by the institution, which may involve a questionnaire for screening, physical examination and spirometry, and/or chest X-ray).
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
OSHA Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910.132)
OSHA Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
Hazard Communication Standards (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Biological – PPE recommendations for contract companies are the same as those in the CDC. See Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment To Be Used by Healthcare Workers During Management of Patients with Ebola Virus Disease in U.S. Hospitals, Including Procedures for Putting On (Donning) and Removing (Doffing) and OSHA Fact Sheet 3756 on Cleaning and Decontamination of Ebola on Surfaces – Guidance for Workers and Employers in Non-Healthcare/ Non-Laboratory Settings [PDF – 4 pages].
Chemical – Contract companies are required to have completed OSHA training for Hazard Communication Standards and should follow OSHA/ NIOSH guidelines for “Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals.”Table 1. Guidance Summary for Decontamination and Waste Disposal in a U.S. Residence Where a Person Has Ebola disease
Category
Definition
Decontamination and Disposal
Training and PPECleaning by residents
Residence where a person with Ebola disease only had a fever and no gastrointestinal (diarrhea, vomiting) and/or no hemorrhagic (bleeding) symptoms
Residents can clean and launder normally, using detergent and/or disinfectant
Residents can discard waste as normal
No training required
Follow detergent and disinfectant product manufacturer’s instructionsCleaning by contract company
Residence where a person with Ebola disease had a fever AND diarrhea, vomiting, and/or unexplained bleeding
Members of the residence or property owners should NOT handle contaminated materials
Contact local public health or assigned authorities
Contract company should conduct decontamination and disposal procedures
Contract company should follow local state policies, and comply with OSHA standards and federal guidelines as appropriate
Resources
CDC Ebola-Associated Waste Management
CDC Interim Guidance for Environmental Infection Control in Hospitals for Ebola Virus
CDC Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment to Be Used by Healthcare Workers During Management of Patients with Ebola Virus Disease in U.S. Hospitals, Including Procedures for Putting On (Donning) and Removing (Doffing)
OSHA Fact Sheet 3756, Cleaning and Decontamination of Ebola on Surfaces [PDF – 4 pages]
OSHA Fact Sheet 3761, PPE Selection Matrix for Occupational Exposure to Ebola Virus [PDF – 3 pages]
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
OSHA Hazard Communication Standards (29 CFR 1910.1200)
OSHA Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910.132)
OSHA/NIOSH Infosheet: Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals [PDF – 4 pages]
OSHA Ebola Web page
U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs, List L: Disinfectants for Use Against the Ebola Virus
U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs, List Q: Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens (EVPs)
U.S. EPA Where You Live – State Medical Waste Programs and Regulations
U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations
Electronic Code for Federal Regulations Title 49: Transportation
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  April 20, 2023						Source: 	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP), Viral Special Pathogens Branch (VSPB)
					Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate homeEbola Disease
What is Ebola Disease?
Transmission
Signs and Symptoms
Prevention and Vaccineplus icon
Handwashing
Diagnosis
Treatmentplus icon
Survivors
Outbreaksplus icon
History of Ebola Outbreaks
Ebola Disease Distribution Map: Cases of Ebola Disease in Africa Since 1976
September 2022 Uganda, Mubende District
August 2022 Democratic Republic of the Congo, North Kivu
April 2022 Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equateur Province
October 2021 Democratic Republic of the Congo, North Kivu Province
2021 Guinea, N’Zérékoré Prefecture
February 2021 Democratic Republic of the Congo, North Kivu Province
2020 Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equateur Province
2018 Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congoplus icon
Overview
What’s New
What CDC is Doing
Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Ebola Outbreak Map
Ebola Communication and Awareness Resources
2018 Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bikoro
2017 Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bas Uélé District
2014–2016 Ebola Outbreak in West Africaplus icon
The Cost of the Ebola Epidemic
2014–2016 Ebola Outbreak Distribution in West Africa
Case Counts
2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa Epidemic Curves
2014 Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Outbreak Preparedness
Outbreak Response Storiesplus icon
A Focus on Ebola Response
It’s not over until it’s over
Long flights, long days mark vaccine campaign
Roads to Uganda
How community feedback shapes the Ebola response
Ebola outbreak becomes a class act for EIS officers
In the shadow of the volcano
Congo-born CDC photographer rooting for Ebola responders
Fighting Ebola on familiar ground
There’s no silver bullet
Strength In Numbers
Responding to a case of Ebola in Goma
Fighting Ebola: Every day is a Monday
Protecting the Health of Communities
Collaborating across Time Zones
Being Creative in Goma
Crunching the Numbers
Supporting the Laboratory in Uganda
Supporting the Ministry of Health
Protecting Uganda’s Border
Watching DRC’s Border
Cliniciansplus icon
Ebola Disease for U.S. Cliniciansplus icon
Infection Prevention and Control
Acute Hemodialysis
Pregnant Women
Handling Human Remains
Neonatal Care
Ebola Vaccine: Information about ERVEBO®plus icon
Contraindications and precautions for ERVEBO®
Administration of ERVEBO®
Request initial doses ERVEBO®
Request Booster Doses of ERVEBO®
Screening Patientsplus icon
Guide for Evaluating an Ill Person
Management of Survivors
Considerations for Discharging people under evaluation for selected Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF)
Hospital Guidance
Survivability of Ebolaviruses in Medical Waste
Handling Ebola-Associated Waste
Emergency Servicesplus icon
EMS Systems and 9-1-1 Answering Points
Air Medical Transport SOP
Patient Handoff SOP
Air-to-Ground Patient Handoff SOP
Ambulance Decontamination
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)plus icon
Guidance for Confirmed Ebola Patients or Clinically Unstable PUIs
Guidance for Clinically Stable PUIs
Ebola PPE Frequently Asked Questions
Non-US Healthcare Settingsplus icon
Preventing Injury from Injections and Sharps in Non-U.S. General Healthcare Settings
Hand Hygiene in Non-U.S. General Healthcare Settings
Rationale and Considerations for Chlorine Use in Infection Control for Non- U.S. General Healthcare Settings
Laboratory Testingplus icon
Specimen Collection, Transport, and Submission
Packing and Shipping Specimens
Managing and Testing Routine Clinical Specimens
Non-CDC Resources
Health Departments and Plannersplus icon
Guide for Monitoring a Returned Traveler
Case Reporting Recommendations
Top 10 Ebola Response Planning Tips
Hospital Preparednessplus icon
Preparing Frontline Healthcare Facilities
Preparing Ebola Assessment Hospitals
Preparing Ebola Treatment Centers
Cleaning and Decontaminationplus icon
Guidance for Decontamination and Removal of Ebolavirus-Contaminated Waste for U.S. Residence
Guidance for Handling Untreated Sewage
FAQs: Guidance for Managers and Workers Handling Untreated Sewage from Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Ebola Disease in the U.S.
Guidance for Cleaning, Disinfection, and Waste Disposal in Commercial Passenger Aircraft
Resourcesplus icon
Communication Materialsplus icon
Videos and Audio
Posters and Factsheets
Media Archive
Training


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue