Please explain the conditions for 32-gallon and 96-gallon capacity in relation to hazardous and clean waste.

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.

Clean Waste
Recycling containers used for clean waste (e.g., bottles, cans, paper) pose a lower fire risk than trash containing grease, oil, or flammable liquids. Allowing the size of container used for recycling to increase will reduce the number of trash receptacles and hazardous storage areas required, which will reduce undue cost burden.  Containers used solely for recycling clean waste or for patient records awaiting destruction which are located outside a hazardous storage area shall be a maximum capacity of 96-gallons but only if in compliance with sections 18/19.7.5.7.2 of the NFPA 101 (2012). These recycle containers for clean waste or patient records awaiting destruction are to be labeled with FM Approval Standard 6921, Containers for Combustible Waste.  Anything above 96-gallons shall be located in a room protected as a hazardous area when not attended. 

Hazardous Waste
In accordance with Life Safety Code NFPA 101 Chapters 18/19.7.5.7 there are restrictions on deployment of soiled linen and trash collection receptacles in health care occupancies. When located outside of hazardous protected rooms, container capacity is not to exceed 32 gallons, and when there are multiple containers, the density of soiled linen or trash is not to exceed 0.5 gallons per square foot. Container size and density restrictions are not required within hazardous rooms.  

Reference LS.02.01.70 EP 6, LS.03.01.70 EP 6