How to Dispose of Sharps

These sharps must be free of any biohazard, chemical, or radioactive contamination.

• Container

  • Choose a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant sharps container. Containers sold on procurement fit most needs.
  • Remove or deface any labels or biohazard symbols that may be on the container. 
  • Label with an OTP label indicating Non-Hazardous sharps.
  •  

• Store/Use

  • Store the container near where the sharps are generated.
  • Carefully place sharps in the container in an orderly fashion.
  • Do not place free liquids, such as full syringes, in sharps containers.
  • Sharps cannot extend above the "fill" line.

• Disposal

  • Seal the full container with tape so it can't be easily opened.
  • Request pickup through the Online Tag Program

Note: Custodial staff will not collect boxes of broken glass weighing more than 50 pounds.

• Review the Biohazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines for Sharps

  • Use the Biohazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines chart to help you determine the container, storage, labeling and more.  

• Container

  • Select a rigid (puncture-resistant ), leak-resistant and tight-fitting container. Sharps containers available on procurement fit most needs.
  • The words "Biohazard Waste"; or International biohazard symbol and the word "Biohazard"

• Labeling

  • Label the sharps container with the international biohazard symbol and UC San Diego 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
      • Campus Address Label Template (Word file)
    • Medical Center locations:
      • UC San Diego Medical Center
      • 200 West Arbor Drive
      • San Diego, CA 92103
      • (619) 543-6222
      • Building name and room number where the waste was generated
      • Medical Center Address Label Template (Word file)

• Store/Use

  • Do not place free liquids, such as full syringes, in sharps containers.
  • Sharps cannot extend above the "fill" line.

• Disposal

  • Place the full sharps container in your department's designated biohazardous waste collection area to have it autoclaved, deactivated, or hauled for destruction. Ask your lab manager for instructions.
  • For autoclaving information, read Autoclaving Guidelines for Biohazardous Waste.

Read Biohazardous and Medical Waste Overview for more information about biohazardous waste disposal. See Biohazardous Containers and Bags for more details. 

Find approved biohazard bags, sharps containers, plastic pasteur pipets and needles for your lab. The Research Safety Buyer's Guide is updated with products that meet ASTM standards.

These sharps have chemical contamination only — no radioactive or infectious contaminants.

• Container

  • Select a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container. Containers sold on procurement fit most needs.

• Labeling

  • Label the container with a hazardous waste tag.
  • Select Chemical Waste Option with Chemical Sharps as the constituents.
  • Remove or deface any other labels or biohazard symbols on the container.

• Store/Use

  • Store the container near where the waste is generated.
  • Carefully place sharps in the container in an orderly fashion.
  • Do not place liquids, such as full syringes, in sharps containers.
  • Sharps cannot extend above the "fill" line.

• Disposal

  • When the container is full, request a hazardous waste collection from Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S).

These are sharps contaminated with radioactive materials. They may also be contaminated with chemical or infectious materials, but must be handled first as radioactive waste.

• Container

  • Select a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container. Containers available from procurement fit most needs.

• Labeling

  • Remove or deface biohazard symbols that may be on the container.
  • Label the container with a hazardous waste tag. List all of the following information:
    • Isotope used
    • Any additional chemicals or biological hazards
    • Method of deactivation or disinfection used, if any
    • Mark the waste type as "other" and write SHARPS on the tag

• Store/Use

  • Store the container near where the waste is generated.
  • Deactivate any infectious agents.
    Caution: Some isotopes may react with certain deactivation chemicals. For example, you don't want to bleach isotopes of iodine.
    • Contact the Chemical Safety Team for assistance with deactivation.
    • See Summary of Disinfectants (PDF) (Excel) for recommended disinfectants, their uses, and requirements.
  • Do not place free liquids, such as full syringes, in sharps containers.
  • Sharps cannot extend above the "fill" line.

• Disposal

  • When the container's full, seal it and move it to the lab's designated radioactive waste storage area.
  • Request a hazardous waste collection from EH&S.

Laboratory glassware can easily cause injuries. Ensure that others aren't injured by improperly disposed of broken glass. See Empty Container Management page for detailed information when handling and glassware.

When applicable:

• Secure sharps with a magnet
• Store razor blades in a petri dish
• Put needles into cork and do not recap needles
• Avoid placing sharps on the bench
• Store a sharps waste container near where the sharps are generated.
• Deactivate any infectious agents
• Do not place free liquids, such as full syringes, in sharps containers.
• Sharps cannot extend above the "fill" line.

Get trained before using sharp devices. Improper use and poor technique can increase your risk of a sharps exposure or other injuries. Receive proper training from senior personnel on techniques and equipment specific to your lab setting before conducting a procedure involving biological or other hazardous materials.

Contact an EH&S RAP member if you need more assistance.