Biohazardous Waste Guidelines

Biohazardous waste is waste material that could harbor pathogens that could transmit infectious disease. This includes medical equipment such as needles and scalpels, human or animal body parts, and laboratory specimens. It also includes paper or cloth material like masks, gowns and washcloths. All of these items must be disposed of properly to prevent transmission of disease and to be in compliance with state and federal laws.

Sharps

• Dispose of sharps in a properly labeled container. These containers are usually made of thick red plastic and are placed within reach of the area where sharps are commonly used such as at a patient bedside. Sharps include needles, razors, scalpels, slides and broken glass. Needles should never be recapped, the needle must be inserted into a stopper instead to prevent an accidental puncture. If the needle is immediately placed in a sharps container a stopper is not required.

Blood

• Disinfect blood before disposal. Small amounts of blood, less than 500 ml, can be treated with bleach and sent through the sewer. Larger amounts must be treated and solidified with a substance such as Isolyzer, which turns blood from liquid to solid. It is then placed in a biowaste tub for transport from your facility.

Body Parts

• Arrange to have human tissue and body parts disposed of in an anatomy crematory. Store the tissue in a properly labeled biohazard container. If no crematory is available, the parts may be sterilized and sent to a biohazard landfill. Some individuals may request the body part be released to them for proper burial. The body part must be stored in a sealed leakproof container.

Disposables

• Line trashcans and hampers with red plastic bags which are stamped with the universal biohazard symbol. Never throw sharps into these bags as these are for the collection of paper and cloth waste only. When bags are full, knot them off and double bag then for removal from the room. Place bags inside boxes marked with the biohazard symbol. All biohazard containers must be sealed with tape before being set out for pickup. Do not overfill. They must close easily so they will not pop open. Place properly sealed boxes inside the area designated for pickup. If you generate a lot of biomedical waste, you may have a dumpster designated for this purpose. A contractor or designated trash collection agency will pick up the waste and dispose of it in a sanitary landfill where it will be isolated from contact with the environment.