WASTE DISPOSAL

PROCEDURES
OBJECTIVES

 Identify hazards associated with general,

radioactive, biological, and chemical wastes
generated in a microbiological laboratory
 Specify how each category of waste should be stored,
identified, and treated before leaving the laboratory
and during transport
 Identify the applicable final disposal method for
each category of waste

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LABORATORY WASTE

Category of Waste Hazard

General cuts, punctures
Chemical fire, corrosion, toxicity
Biological infection
Radioactive radiation

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National Institutes
of Health
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 Lined pipette boxes to
dispose of
contaminated pipettes

“non-infectious”
disposal of sharps

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APPROPRIATE SEGREGATION AND DISPOSAL
OF SHARPS

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Contaminated
material, to be
decontaminated,
washed, and
reused

Contaminated
material to be
autoclaved and
disposed

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“COMMINGLED” WASTE

 Combinations of chemical, biological, and

radioactive materials
 Treatment and transport: judgment as to greatest
hazard

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STORAGE, LABELING, AND PACKAGING
FOR TRANSPORT

 Types of containers
 Labeling

 Packaging

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INITIAL WASTE TREATMENT

 On-site autoclaving
 Dilution or Neutralization of Chemicals

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ON-SITE HANDLING SYSTEMS FOR WASTE

 Discharge to Sewer
 Transport Containers

 Other: Compactors

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FINAL WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS

 Recycle
 Incineration

 Land Disposal

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RECYCLE???
 Generally not suitable for lab waste:
 Hazardous materials

 Maybe:
 Non-contaminated oil (waste pump oil,
lubricating oil, mineral oil)
 Laboratory glassware (non-contaminated
or autoclaved)

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INCINERATION

▪ Excellent method of
biological waste
disposal
▪ Emission standards
▪ Public opposition
▪ Capital costs

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OTHER HAZARDOUS WASTE
DISPOSAL

 Burial of Radioactive Waste = Limited Sites

Approved!
 Hazardous Waste sites = Limited Sites Approved!!!

 Shipment across political boundaries could be

problems

Always check with local authorities!!

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MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR LABORATORY
WASTE

 Procurement limits
 Clear identification of responsibilities
 Administration
 Institution (Safety Officer)
 Laboratory
 Disposal Cost Considerations
 Training

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CONCLUSIONS

 Categories of laboratory waste may be processed

differently
 Waste materials should be packaged and
transported to protect the workers and
environment
 Waste treatments and disposal methods should be
considered for each category according to local
regulations

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