Biological Waste

Waste

Biohazardous waste in an autoclave bag.

All biohazard-contaminated waste generated from teaching or research activities must be collected and rendered inactive before disposal. For detailed guidance, refer to the Biomedical Waste Plan, which outlines proper handling procedures for biomedical waste. Only a limited number of inactivation methods are approved, so contact EHS to verify that your chosen method is authorized and will effectively render the waste inactive. Answers to some frequently asked questions are included below.

Biomedical Waste includes any of the following when used in teaching or research activities:

  • Cultures of any microbes (bacteria, rickettsia, protozoa, virus, fungi, yeasts, molds, etc.)
  • Cultures of human materials, including cells, blood, tissues.
  • Preserved anatomical specimens
  • Animals and plants that are used with recombinant/synthetic nucleic acids (i.e. are genetically modified).
  • Sharps waste
    • The following items are always classified as sharps waste, even if they are not contaminated with biohazards: hypodermic needles, syringes with needles attached, IV tubing with needles attached, scalpel blades, and lancets that have been removed from the original sterile package.
    • The following types of waste are considered sharps waste when contaminated with biohazards: razor blades, broken glass, fragile glass items, glass slides, Pasteur pipettes, and blood tubes.

How to Handle Sharps Waste:

  • Sharps contaminated with biohazards must be collected in puncture resistant sharps containers and labeled with the universal biohazard symbol.  Sharps containers must not be filled more than two-thirds full. When two-thirds full, the lid must be closed and autoclave indicating tape placed over the lid and sides, taking care not to cover the vent holes. The PI’s name and room number should be clearly marked on the container. The sharps waste generator is responsible for ensuring proper sterilization with a registered autoclave. All closed and sterilized sharps containers are then collected by WWU EHS for final disposition.
  • Sharps that have never come into contact with biohazards must be collected in puncture resistant sharps containers and labeled with the universal biohazard symbol. Sharps containers must not be filled more than two-thirds full. When two-thirds full, the lid must be closed. The PI’s name and room number should be clearly marked on the container. All closed sharps containers are then collected by WWU EHS for final disposition.

To Request a Sharps Pick-up:

  • Submit a pickup request in the Hazardous Waste Portal.
  • Sharps can be kept in the same area as the chemicals for hazardous waste pickup. They do not have to be inside of secondary containers.
  • Radioactive sharps have to be segregated from all other sharps and collected in a separate container.
  • No liquids should be put in the sharps containers.
  • Containers must be puncture resistant containers with a secure lid closure. Lids should be securely closed when ready for pick-up by EHS.
  • Containers ready for pick up should be free of damage (not cracked) and should be clean on the outside, (e.g. no sticky residue, spills, etc.)

If there are any questions please contact ehs@wwu.edu or call 650-3064.

Clinical and Residential Waste are processed differently see the Waste Matrix for more information.