Biohazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines
The management of biohazardous waste is administered by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) in accordance with State of Texas regulations and University policy developed in conjunction with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). It is the responsibility of each researcher/units to properly dispose of any biohazardous waste that is generated as a result of research, teaching and other activities.
These guidelines have been developed to assist in that responsibility. They address the most common general categories of biohazardous wastes and are not intended to be all-inclusive or to supersede any alternate waste management procedures specified in research protocols as approved by the IBC. If you have questions contact EHS.
Note: If your IBC protocol specifies alternate procedures, follow your protocol.
Biohazardous waste is defined as materials containing:
- Infectious agents (to human, plants, animals)
- Biological toxins
- Materials derived from humans and primates (blood, body fluids, tissues)
- Human and primate cell lines (including recombinant)
- Recombinant animal cell lines
- Recombinant microorganisms
- Transgenic animals (vertebrate and invertebrate)
- Materials derived from transgenic animals (body fluids, tissues)
- Transgenic plants
- Recombinant materials such as plasmids, DNA/RNA, synthetic DNA
Liquid Waste
Biohazardous liquid waste are liquids containing biohazardous waste.
Disposal Method: Decontaminate by treating with an appropriate disinfectant. The amount of contact time will depend on the chemical used and the material decontaminated. For specific procedures, refer to your approved protocol or contact EHS.
Solid Waste
Biohazardous solid waste are solids that contain biohazardous materials or lab waste that has come in contact with biohazardous materials. These include:
- Culture media
- Personal Protective Equipment (contaminated)
- Plasticware including pipette tips
- Transgenic plants including soil
Disposal Methods: Place material in an autoclave bag, close bag loosely, attach a strip of autoclave tape and autoclave. Apply “treated” label and place in black garbage bag for disposal in trash. Record treatment on autoclave waste treatment record form.
Autoclave bag
Autoclave bag with “treated” label attached.
Treated bag placed in black trash bag for disposal.
or;
Place in biohazard waste container and contact EHS for pickup.
Sharps: Dispose into sharps container
Glassware: Decontaminate for re-use or dispose in sharps container. Do not use glass trash boxes for glassware contaminated with biological materials.
Transgenic Animals and Materials
Transgenic animals and materials includes animals (vertebrate and invertebrate) and materials (tissues and infected bedding) from transgenic animals.
Transgenic insects: Freeze, then autoclave or place in biohazard container
Transgenic animal carcasses/tissues: Place in 2X biohazard bags and place in freezer
Animal bedding from animals shedding pathogens: Place in biohazard waste container.
Disposal Method: Place in appropriate container. Request EHS pickup.
Non-transgenic Animals/Tissues
Non-transgenic animals or tissues include animal carcasses/tissues not infected with infectious agents.
Disposal Method: Place in double bags and place material in freezer and request EHS pickup.
Used Animal Bedding
Used animal bedding includes bedding from animals that is free of pathogens or biological toxins
Disposal Method: Can be disposed as conventional trash. Containers should be secured.
To request a pickup by EHS, complete the request form (PDF) and fax to 512-471-6918.
References: Texas Administrative Code 30 TAC 330.1207(c)
