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How to Package and Dispose of Biohazardous and Medical Waste  
 
Summary: Learn how to properly dispose of biohazardous and medical waste.

Print a Biohazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines poster, a simplified version of this information, for display in your workplace:

Read Biohazardous and Medical Waste Overview for detailed information about the kinds of waste that fit in each category.

Select a category:

Type of waste Packaging and disposal method
Dispose of dry biohazardous waste.

Biohazard symbol
Biohazard symbol
  • Collect dry waste in double red biohazard waste bags. Marketplace Preview sells bags preprinted with UCSD identification labels in 3 different sizes.
  • Label the bags, with the following information before the first waste is placed in the bag:
    1. The international biohazard symbol and the word "Biohazard"
    2. UCSD identification information:
      • Campus locations:
        • University of California, San Diego
        • 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
        • (858) 534-4357
        • Building name and room number where the waste was generated
      • Medical Center locations:
        • UCSD Medical Center
        • 200 West Arbor Drive
        • San Diego, CA 92103
        • (619) 543-6222
        • Building name and room number where the waste was generated
  • If the waste will be autoclaved on site, additional packaging guidelines apply.
  • Biohazardous waste that will not be autoclaved on site must be collected by a licensed biohazardous waste hauler.
    • Take the sealed bag(s) to your building's designated collection site. Check with your lab or department manager for locations.

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Dispose of liquid biohazardous waste.
Dispose of sharps. The disposal method for sharps depends on whether they are contaminated with a hazardous material, and the type of contaminant. Whether contaminated or not, specific packaging and container restrictions apply.
Dispose of medical waste. Medical waste includes all laboratory trash that has not been contaminated by biohazards, chemicals, or radioactivity.
  • Bag waste in a regular trash bag and place it in a locked dumpster or trash compactor, depending on your building. Check with your lab manager for details.
  • Red biohazardous waste bags that have been decontaminated by autoclaving can also be disposed of in a locked dumpster or trash compactor. Make sure waste is double-bagged and labeled as described in the biohazardous waste guidelines.

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Dispose of biohazardous liquids containing chemicals or radioactive contamination.
  • For chemically contaminated waste, contact the EH&S Environmental Management Facility, (858) 534-2753, for instructions.
  • For radioactive waste, read instructions for mixed infectious-radioactive waste on How To Store and Dispose of Radioactive Waste.

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Return used human anatomical specimens for disposition.
  • Return pathological human specimens obtained from SOM Anatomical Preparation to them at completion of use for disposition. If you have questions, contact Anatomical Preparation, (858) 534-4126.
  • Return used human specimens or tissues obtained from other tissue banks or sources to the supplier for disposition.

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Dispose of animal carcasses and parts. The Animal Care Program, (858) 534-6064, oversees collection and disposal. Package according to these guidelines:
  • Noninfectious: Place in regular trash bag or sturdy cardboard box and store in a vivarium freezer.
  • Infectious: Place in double red biohazard bags and label according to instructions in step one above. Store the bagged waste in a vivarium biohazard freezer.
  • Radioactive: Read How to Store and Dispose of Radioactive Waste for detailed instructions on packaging, labeling, and disposal.

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If you are a UCSD employee with questions, contact EH&S Biosafety, (858) 534-5366.


Notice: Disposal of hazardous waste using sinks, intentional evaporation, or as regular trash is against the law. Campus laboratories must abide by strict state and federal waste disposal requirements. You may be held liable for violations of applicable laws.


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