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Introduction

The hazardous waste division is responsible for the removal of hazardous biological waste (red or orange bag waste), and the custodial staff is responsible for the removal of non-hazardous autoclaved biological wastes (black bag).

Applicable ASU Policy

Applicable ASU Guidelines

Applicable Regulation

Summary of Requirements

Waste Determination

In order for the biological wastes to be removed by EH&S, one of the following procedures must be followed: Biological wastes derived from human sources such as blood, body fluids, tissues, tumors, human cell lines, etc. are hazardous biological wastes and should be placed in a red or orange biohazard bag. This bag should be autoclaved and placed in a red drum or other secure area for removal by hazardous waste personnel. Bacteria or other microorganisms which are known human pathogens should also be put into a red or orange bag, autoclaved and be secured for disposal by hazardous waste employees. Some biological waste will need to be placed in a yellow drum, EH&S will determine if a generator needs to use a yellow drum.

Sharp objects such as glass, syringes, plastic pipets, and pipet tips contaminated with human derived biological waste or pathogenic material should be placed in a separate rigid, leak-proof, puncture resistant container which is then placed in a red or orange biohazard bag, autoclaved and secured for removal by the hazardous waste employees.

Non-human biological wastes are non-hazardous biological wastes and should be placed in black bag, autoclaved, and labeled "AUTOCLAVED, CONTAINS NON-HUMAN BIOLOGICAL WASTES". Agar-containing media should be cooled before bagging for disposal. Please keep in mind that some of these bags containing media tend to be too heavy if they are too full. Bags containing media will be removed by the custodial staff and placed in the dumpsters.

Sharps and sharp objects that are contaminated with non-human pathogens should be placed in a rigid leak-proof, puncture resistant container before autoclaving, labeled and secured for removal by hazardous waste personnel. Remember, it is the responsibility of each individual laboratory to separate the hazardous biological waste from the non-hazardous biological waste.

When your "red-bag" or red/yellow drum waste is ready for removal call Hazardous Materials Management at x5-3899 or x5-8554 to arrange a pick-up, or go to http://www.asu.edu/uagc/EHS/waste.htm and fill out a Hazardous Waste Pickup Request. If you need any other assistance or have questions, please feel free to contact Environmental Health & Safety at (480) 965-1823.

Training

There are no specific training requirements at this time, however, it is suggested that individuals take advantage of the following EH&S training:

• Hazardous Waste Management
• Laboratory Chemical Safety
• Laboratory Chemical Safety Refresher
• Bloodborne Pathogens in the Workplace

Training details, times and locations are available at: http://www.asu.edu/uagc/EHS/

Reporting

EH&S is responsible for any reporting that may be required.

Inspections

EH&S is responsible for any reporting that may be required.

Recordkeeping

EH&S maintains records of biological waste sent for offsite disposal.

Written Program

EH&S Biological Hazardous Waste Management Compliance Guidelines

Mailing Address: PO Box 873804, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3804
Contact Email: EHS@asu.edu
Phone: (480) 965-1823
FAX:  (480) 965-0736