Non-Permitted Items
The following items are not allowed to be submitted to the BSSF Autoclave facility:
- Glass (unless it’s in a sharps container)
- Non-contaminated paper towels
- Radioactive materials
- Flammable, reactive, corrosive, toxic, even if mixed with biological waste (not including small spills/general disinfecting)
- Solvents or volatiles
- Radioactive materials
- Non-absorbed Bleach or any liquids containing bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
- Mixed waste materials (Radiological, Chemical)
- Liquids in sealed containers
- Plastics that will melt (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET-G))
- Animal carcasses/anatomical remains.
What is Regulated Medical Waste?
Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) is a solid waste that is contaminated with an infectious agent. RMW may also be referred to as "biohazardous" or "infectious waste." RMW must be properly handled and disposed of to minimize the risk of transmitting infectious agents or endangering human health.
Mandatory Annual Training
All lab groups who use the BSSF autoclave facility must annually review and sign the autoclave safety training form prior to submitting waste. Failure to complete the form will result in refusal to treat RMW. A copy of the form is available via the Autoclave Users Teams channel.
All RMW generators assume responsibility for assuring the facility operator (BSSF and their personnel) that no non-permitted items are contained in the red biohazard bags delivered for treatment.
RMW Material Guidelines
The waste must be double bagged in approved bags and closed with closures, such as a twist tie. The bag cannot be closed with a knot or too tightly. Air needs to pass through the opening throughout treatment.
Approved Bags Parameters: (ex. Fisherbrand Autoclavable Waste Bags)
- Red polypropylene bag that is at least 2 mil thick.
- Must have the Biohazard label, at least 2” in size.
- Must have the words “Potentially Infectious Material” or “Biohazardous”.
- Must have the words “Autoclave Bag”.
- Cannot be more than 2/3 full or more than 10 lbs.
All serological pipettes must be bagged following the guidelines above. Pipettes cannot be mixed with other solid waste and need to be organized so that the bags form a log shape.
Sharps containers are used for items that are RMW and can penetrate the skin. This includes, but is not limited to syringes, scalpels, broken glass, or rigid plastic.
Approved Containers Parameters: (ex. Fisherbrand Sharps Containers)
- Red container with a lid that can be secured.
- Clearly marked with a Biohazard symbol.
- No larger than 14 quarts.
Liquid waste can be treated in individual labs by soaking in 10% Bleach (final conc.) for 20 minutes. Afterwards the contents can be dumped down the drain, except for users in MGB.
- Groups in MGB need to allow the bleach to dissipate overnight before dumping.
Labeling & Transport
RMW
All RMW must be labeled with the Principal Investigator’s name, date, building and room number. RMW bags must have autoclave tape on the bag. RMW bags or sharps containers must be transported in a secure leakproof container, which can be an autoclave tray, using a cart.
Sterilization Trays
All materials for autoclaving must be submitted to BSSF with a sterilization or autoclave tray. The PI’s name must be visible on the tray. Examples of a tray can be found here: ThermoScientific Nalgene Polypropylene Sterilizing Pans.
Waste Receiving Schedule
All RMW drop-offs need to be scheduled by appointment at least 24 hours ahead of schedule using the Biological Sciences Support Facility Autoclave Scheduler.
Upon arriving at the B.S.S.F. laboratory (MGB 207), please be sure to check in with a B.S.S.F. staff member (not a B.S.S.F. student) and never leave your RMW unattended in our hallway or on our rack.