How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste in New Jersey

New Jersey has specific guidelines for disposing of biohazardous waste, also known as regulated medical waste, such as blood, human waste, needles and other infectious materials. These materials need to be labeled appropriately, as well as sterilized, before they are to be picked up by the janitorial team. Failure to properly dispose of these types of items can result in infecting patients, as well as the medical staff that works with them. By following the regulations for disposing of biohazardous waste properly, you can ensure the safety of those around you.

Things You'll Need

• Red bag-lined medical waste boxes
• Generator information labels
• Autoclave
• 1:10 bleach solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Disinfect any sharp objects, such as needles and other medical instruments by allowing them to be sterilized in an autoclave. If you are unable to gain access to an autoclave, disinfect the materials with a cleaning solution that consists of 1:10 bleach. This should be done for all items that contain viral capabilities, as well as bacteria and other contaminants.

• 2

  Collect all of your non-sharp waste items in the red bag-lined medical waste boxes that feature the biohazard logo on the front. Usually, the Building Services for each facility will provide you will these waste bags and boxes.

• 3

  Throw all sharp waste objects into sharp object biohazardous waste containers that feature the biohazard logo on the front on them. Place the biohazardous waste containers into the medical waste box when they become too full to house any more items.

• 4

  Seal the biozardous waste bag liners when the medical waste box becomes full, then label the bag with the generator information. Each label should include the date, the building it came from, the specific lab number, and the contact representative for your department. This label must be placed on each medical waste container, as well as on the outside of the medical waste box itself.

• 5

  Seal the medical waste box, as well as any bag liners, then inform your janitorial team of the need for the waste to be picked up. Arrange for Building Services to collect the biohazardous waste in a timely manner, to avoid any spills or risk of contamination.