Biological Waste
(412) 268-8405

Last updated August 29, 2008 1:45 PM

Defining Biological Waste

Biological Waste Disposal and Supplies

Biological Waste Packaging and Labeling

Biological Waste Forms and Links of Interest

Sharps and Glass Containers

Defining Biological Waste

• Infectious agents


• Pathological wastes


• Cell cultures, stocks and isolates


• Human or animal blood


• Blood contaminated material


• Sharps

Never discard with regular trash!

Some infectious wastes require autoclaving before disposing in biological waste containers. Autoclave all waste from experiments, using human or non-human pathogens or infectious agents BEFORE placing them in biological waste box.

Biological or infectious waste is managed through the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. Infectious waste is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Biological waste is picked up every Friday and sent out for incineration. All generators are responsible for the proper packaging and labeling of their own waste.

Biological Waste Disposal & Supplies

This waste pickup schedule reflects the dates that our waste removal vendor (Stericycle) will be removing waste from the designated waste storage locations. If you request a waste pick-up for your laboratory, waste will be removed during the week of your area’s scheduled pickup unless special arraignments have been made. 

All biological waste must be packaged in the infectious waste boxes provided to you by EH&S. The boxes must be properly sealed and labeled prior to transport. Biological waste supplies, including bags, boxes and sharps containers, are provided by EH&S. Contact Andrew Lawson, Biological Safety Officer at 8-8405 or alawson@andrew.cmu.edu to request these supplies.

• Biological Waste Pickup Request form

Packaging & Labeling Guidelines for Labeling & Packaging Biological/Infectious Waste

• Line biohazard box with red biohazard bag


• Do not overfill biohazard bag


• Liquids over 20cc should be placed in a tightly closed plastic container


• Seal bag with tape


• Close box and tape ALL seams


• Boxes should NEVER exceed 35lbs


• Label all boxes with Building & Room Number


• Any leaking biological waste boxes must be re-packed by the generator.

Sharps & Glass

Guidelines for the safe handling and disposing of sharps

• Sharps include needled syringes, razor blades, slides, scalpels, pipettes and pipette tips. (Anything that is capable of piercing skin.) Uncontaminated pipettes and tips, should be handled as broken glass. 
• Never bend, recap, or remove needles.
• If reuse is required, use a mechanical device or one handed technique.
• Dispose of sharps in red sharps containers. (Available in MI329 or by calling the Biological Safety Office.)
• Full sharps containers should be placed in a Biowaste box for disposal.

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that all skin piercing injuries be reported to Environmental Health & Safety. 

Guidelines for the safe handling and disposing of broken glass

• Never handle broken glass with hands, use tongs or dustpan and broom.


• All glassware must be disposed of in either in a broken glass container or sturdy cardboard box. Consider recycling, if uncontaminated.


• Handle uncontaminated pipette tips as you would broken glass. 


• Seal box with tape and label box with the words “Broken Glass” or “Sharp Objects.”


• Sealed and labeled box can be disposed of with regular trash.