The Department of Health and Safety (DHS) is responsible for compliance with and enforcement of the federal and state laws and regulations that apply to the use and disposal of biologically hazardous materials. Specific regulations and policies are located in the Biological Safety Manual.
The University no longer incinerates any materials on campus.
Medical Waste disposal requires the services of an outside contractor and the segregation of waste materials at the departmental level.
How to Package Medical Waste for Disposal:
- Medical Waste must be packaged in the containers provided by Health & Safety.
- Containers will be red, plastic drums with handles. 22″ wide by 28″ high.
- All containers will be provided with a liner. Medical Waste must be placed in the provided liners.
- Containers may be filled up to a maximum weight of 45 pounds (21 Kg)
- Sharp Materials (Sharps – needles, broken glass, and other contaminated materials that could potentially pierce the inner liner) must be placed in puncture resistant containers.
- Animals must be frozen and packed for shipment on the day the shipment is scheduled to be picked up.
- Each liner must be twisted and tied with an overhand knot to prevent any liquid leaks and to meet shipping requirements.
- The container must be securely closed.
- Labels on the container must not be defaced, covered or removed.
- A Request for Biomedical Waste Disposal, Form DHS-71 must be submitted with the waste.
- When you have full container, call DHS 5433. You will be put on the pick-up schedule.
Read more: Medical Waste Disposal Procedures
