Biohazard cleanup in Missouri

Licensing for cleanup companies

We did not find a Missouri law that licenses or registers crime scene or trauma cleanup companies as such. Ask any company you consider what permits it holds for hauling and disposing of waste.

Drug lab and meth-contaminated properties

Missouri law (RSMo 441.236 and 442.606) requires owners, sellers and landlords who know a property was used to make meth to disclose it in writing to buyers or renters, even without a conviction. DHSS publishes meth lab cleanup guidelines. Unconfirmed: we could not open them to check for a cleanup standard, a state registry, or a certified-contractor requirement.

Source: RSMo 441.236 (Missouri Revisor of Statutes); RSMo 442.606 (Missouri Revisor of Statutes); Missouri DHSS - A to Z index (lists Meth Lab Cleanup)

Medical and biohazard waste

Missouri DNR rule 10 CSR 80-7.010 covers infectious waste, including blood, blood products and sharps. It must be packed in rigid or semi-rigid, leak-resistant containers marked with the biohazard symbol, never in plastic bags alone. Shipments need tracking documents and generally a DNR-licensed transporter. The transporter license is applied for through MoDOT. Household waste is exempt.

Source: 10 CSR 80-7.010 Infectious Waste Management (PDF); Missouri DNR - Hazardous Waste/Infectious Waste Transporter License; Missouri DNR - Permits for Medical/Infectious Waste businesses

Help paying for cleanup after a crime

No. The Crime Victims' Compensation Program, run by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, lists crime scene clean-up as a loss it does not cover. It pays for medical, counseling and funeral costs and lost wages or support, up to $25,000 in total. Some smaller items, such as lock repair, were added in 2021. Phone (573) 526-6006 or 1-800-347-6881.

Source: Missouri DPS - Crime Victims' Compensation brochure (PDF); Missouri DPS - Crime Victims' Compensation; Missouri DPS - CVC Program Bulletin (01/04/2024) (PDF); RSMo 595.030 (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)

Who investigates a death

Missouri has no state medical examiner system. Each county has an elected coroner or an appointed county medical examiner, who must be a licensed physician. Some larger counties must appoint a medical examiner. Violent, suicide, sudden, suspicious and unattended deaths must be reported to the coroner or medical examiner right away (RSMo 58.451, 58.720).

Source: CDC: Missouri Coroner/Medical Examiner Laws

Workplace safety rules

Missouri does not have an OSHA-approved State Plan. Most private employers in Missouri are covered by federal OSHA. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA. The federal Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies to cleanup workers at private companies.

Source: OSHA - State Plans

Repairs and contractor licensing

Missouri's Division of Professional Registration has no general, residential or home improvement contractor board; it does have an Electrical Contractors board. Unconfirmed: we found no statewide general contractor license on an official page. Cities and counties may set their own contractor licensing and permit rules, so check locally.

Source: Missouri Division of Professional Registration - Boards