Biological Waste
Biological Waste Pick-Up and New Container Request Form
Biological Waste Disposal Flyer (post in lab)
Biological Waste Disposal Chart
Liquid Biological Waste Disposal Procedures
Biohazard waste bins (Red bins)
Red, 28 gallon polyethylene bins are provided to each lab that generates biohazardous waste. A non-autoclavable liner bag is also supplied. The type of waste that is disposed of in red bins includes, but is not limited to:
- Cultures and stocks of etiologic agents
- Human and nonhuman blood, blood products,body fluids, and tissue
- Lab waste contaminated with human/animal blood, blood products, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials
- Materials and microorganisms used in recombinant DNA technology
- All contaminated glass and plastic ware (pipettes, petri dishes, etc.)
Laboratories are responsible for the following:
- Waste should be stored, transported and autoclaved in a proper bag placed into a leakproof, secondary container, such as a labeled garbage can, autoclavable plastic bin, or stainless steel pot.
- Indicator tape or steam indicator bags must be used for autoclavable materials. You can order these from:
Location: Fisher Scientific - Medical Science Stores, 2102 Scott Hall
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
Contact: Gary LaPorte, (734) 306-1357, gary.laporte@fishersci.com
Website: Fischer Scientific
- After waste is treated, place it into red bins, tie the liner bag and properly close the lid when the bin is full.
Sharps waste
Sharps containers are provided free of charge. Place containers close to areas where work with sharps is done, and don't allow containers to overfill. Never recap needles. Place them, uncapped, directly into the sharps container.
Examples of "SHARPS" include, but are not limited to:
- Needles
- Syringes
- Scalpels and lancets
- Razor and microtome blades
- IV tubing with needles attached.
- Contaminated glass Pasteur pipettes
- Contaminated broken and unbroken glass and plastic ware.
- Any other contaminated items that could potentially puncture a bag.
Uncontaminated glass and plastic waste
Laboratory glass and plasticware that is not contaminated with human or animal blood or other potentially infectious biological material may be disposed of in sturdy cardboard boxes. Boxes should not weigh more than about 25 lbs. when full. Tape boxes shut and label them "broken glass" for collection by custodial staff.