How to Package and Dispose of Biohazardous and Medical Waste

• Collect dry waste in double red biohazard waste bags. STORE 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.
  • Read Autoclaving Guidelines for Biohazardous Waste for details.
  • If you are not autoclaving right away, store the sealed bags according to your lab's procedures.
  • Note: After biohazardous waste has been autoclaved, it is considered medical waste.
• 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.

Biohazard symbol

• Dilute liquid waste with bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts liquid waste) before pouring it down the drain.
• Occasionally, liquid waste is autoclaved. Do not add bleach in this case. Read Autoclaving Guidelines for Biohazardous Waste for more information.

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.

• For disposal instructions, read How to Dispose of Sharps.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.