EHS&RM – Hazardous Waste Management Manual, App K, Disposal of Biological Waste


PROCEDURES FOR DISPOSAL OF BIOLOGICAL WASTES


I. Microbiological Waste

Microbiological waste can either be treated on-site in the lab or can be given to
EH&S for disposal. The following requirements must be met when treating biological
waste in the lab.

A. Record Keeping

All lab personnel who treat and dispose of microbiological waste on site in accordance
with the guidelines described below, must keep the following records.

  1. date of treatment;
  2. amount of waste treated;
  3. method/conditions of treatment;
  4. name (printed) and initials of person(s) performing treatment; and
  5. written procedure for the operation and testing of any equipment used and a written
    procedure for the preparation of any chemicals used in treatment.

B. Performance Monitoring

A minimum 4 log10 reduction shall be demonstrated on routine performance
testing using appropriate Bacillus species biological indicators. This testing needs to be
performed on autoclaves that are used to treat special waste. EH&S has a program in
place for the testing of autoclaves.

C. Treatment Methods

Acceptable methods of treatment of microbiological waste include:

 1. Steam Disinfection

To allow for sufficient steam access to or penetration of the waste, the waste shall be:

  • packaged according to the recommendations provided by the manufacturer, and
  • loaded into the chamber so as to not exceed the capacity limits as set by the
    manufacturer.
  • When subjecting waste to steam under pressure, the temperature in the chamber of the
    autoclave must reach at least 121°C and there must be at least 15 pounds per square inch
    (psi) gauge pressure for at least 30 minutes. The autoclave must be operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Chemical Disinfection

  1. Use a chemical agent that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture as a disinfectant and in accordance with the
    manufacturer’s instructions.or
  2. Immerse the waste for not less than three minutes in:
    1. A freshly prepared solution of household chlorine bleach diluted 1:10 (volume/volume)
      with wateror
    2. A solution of 70% by volume 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol).
  3. Waste that has been immersed in a liquid chemical agent must be thoroughly drained
    before disposal.

D. Disposal

Microbiological waste which has been treated in accordance with the methods described
above can be disposed of through the regular trash as long as the following procedures are
followed:

a. Place a label on the original bag or container stating “treated in accordance
with ___ requirements” (available from EH&S)

         and

b. Place the bag or other container into another bag or container that is a different
color and is opaque, e.g., a black trash bag.

Note: If treated waste is in a liquid form it can be disposed of through the
sanitary sewer.

II. Animal Waste

Disposal

Carcasses and Body Parts of Animals
Carcasses and body parts of animals that have not been preserved must be double bagged to
prevent leakage and kept frozen until pickup by EH&S or transferred to the Animal
Resources Center. Carcasses and body parts of animals that have been preserved must be
separated from the preservative (refer to the chemical waste section of this manual for
the disposal requirements of the preservative) and double bagged to prevent leakage.
Submit a Request for Disposal form to EH&S when the waste is ready for pick-up.

Whole Blood, Serum, Plasma, and/or other Blood Components from Animals
All should be disposed of through EH&S. Place into a non-breakable, closeable
container. If you need advice on what kind of container to use, call EH&S at 646-3327.
Place a request for disposal form to EH&S when the waste is ready for pick-up.

Bedding of Animals Intentionally Exposed to Pathogens
This waste can be treated on-site in the lab as long as all the requirements listed under
Microbiological Waste are followed. Another option is to submit the waste to EH&S for
disposal. Place the waste into a Biohazard bag. Request disposal when the waste is ready
for pick-up.

III. Human Blood and Blood Products Waste

Disposal

Human Blood, Serum, Plasma, other Blood Components, and Body Fluids
All should be disposed of through EH&S. Place into a non-breakable, closeable
container. If you need advice on what kind of container to use, call  646-3327.
Request disposal form when the waste is ready for pick-up.

Disposable Items Contaminated with Human Blood or Body Fluids

Non-sharp items: This waste can be treated on-site in the lab as long as all the
requirements listed under Microbiological Waste are followed. Another option is to submit
the waste to EH&S for disposal. Place the waste into a Biohazard bag. Request for
disposal from EH&S when the waste is ready for pick-up.

IV. Pathological Waste

Disposal

Pathological waste must either be preserved or kept frozen until pick-up by
Safety. Submit the waste to EH&S for disposal. Place the waste into a Biohazard bag.
Request disposal when the waste is ready for pick-up.