Biohazardous Waste
Biohazardous Waste
Biohazardous waste, also known as biomedical waste or infectious waste, refers to materials that are generated from healthcare and research facilities that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. This type of waste can contain pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms, which can potentially cause infections or diseases.
Common examples of biohazardous waste include:
- Sharps: Needles, scalpels, and other sharp objects that can puncture the skin.
- Pathological waste: Human or animal tissues, organs, and body parts.
- Microbiological waste: Cultures, stocks, or specimens from laboratories.
- Contaminated materials: Gloves, gowns, and other materials that have come into contact with infectious agents.
- Blood and body fluids: Waste containing blood, urine, saliva, and other bodily fluids.
Biohazardous waste must be handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with strict regulations to prevent exposure and ensure public safety. This typically involves using special containers, proper labeling, and disposal through licensed facilities.
- We currently have small (28x31”), medium (33x39”), and large (37x48”) biohazard bags containing the pre-printed SDSU’s address. These are available from EH&S for on-campus labs. Please submit a request for these bags by using the waste request in BioRAFT/SciShield, or emailing [email protected].
- Address Labels
- Address labels must be placed on medical waste sharps containers.
- If you are not using red bags that are prelabeled then they must be labeled with a generator address label prior to use. It is best to apply the generator address label to the middle or bottom of the red bag so that it is still legible after the red bag is tied. Red bags must be tied as soon as they are 75% full or no more biohazardous waste will be put into the red bags.
Red bags must be inside a secondary container while in use, transport, and storage.
Secondary containers must be sterilized before being used again.
Submit a biohazardous waste removal request by submitting a waste request in BioRAFT/SciShield. Biohazardous waste typically includes red bags and medical waste sharps containers.