Biological Waste Management

Definition of Waste Stream

Biohazardous/Pathological waste is defined as animal and human pathogens, infectious animal bedding/feces, animal carcasses and tissue, and all disposable items contaminated with human blood or body fluids. Non-infectious waste such as regular animal bedding/feces, plant pathogens, agar and culture plates inoculated with non-pathogenic agents may be discarded into the regular trash. Wastes that have been autoclaved can also be disposed of as regular trash after consulting with the building's custodial staff. Landfill restrictions require supplemental bagging and labeling. The building custodial staff is familiar with landfill requirements.

Laboratory Responsibilities

Laboratory personnel will be responsible for the packaging of biohazardous/pathological waste and for the transportation of such waste from their respective laboratories to the designated collection points. Packaging requirements are as follows: animal carcasses and tissue wastes must be segregated from other wastes. All waste types must be double-bagged in 4 mil red bags (bags can be purchased through a vendor like W.W. Grainger or VWR). Both bags need to be sealed to prevent possible leakage. Tissue and animal carcass waste needs to be taken to the biohazardous waste containers in University Animal Care at AHSC or the Central Animal Facility on Main Campus. All other waste needs to be deposited in the closest biohazardous waste collection point (locations to the right). A container for the red bags will be provided at each collection point. The containers are labeled "Biohazard" or "Infectious Waste." The weight of the full container must not exceed 75 pounds. When full, the container will be removed from the collection point and replaced with a clean, sanitized container. Red bags not placed in the designated container will not be removed. Cleanliness of the collection areas is the responsibility of the laboratory personnel.

Risk Management Responsibility

University of Arizona Risk Management Services (RMS) will transport full biohazardous/pathological waste containers from the collection points to the central accumulation point. Clean, sanitized waste containers will be returned to all collection points. The Research Laboratory Safety Services (https://rgw.arizona.edu/compliance/RLSS) will coordinate training for all University personnel involved with the biohazard/pathological waste program. Training includes information on personal protective equipment, designation, segregation, packaging and handling of contaminated waste. RMS staff will be available to assist laboratory personnel in rectifying any problems that may arise. Any questions should be addressed to RMS.

Bio-hazardous Waste Collection Sites

Here is the list of Bio-hazardous Waste Collection Sites.