Proper management of biohazardous waste protects people and the environment and supports compliance with university and regulatory requirements. Biohazardous waste must be properly segregated, treated when required, labeled appropriately, and disposed of using approved procedures.

Use the sections below to identify common biohazardous waste types and basic handling requirements.

Contaminated laboratory materials, disposable personal protective equipment (PPE), cultures, stocks, plates, and other laboratory waste associated with biological agents must be placed in approved red biohazard bags or designated containers.

Microbiological waste must be properly decontaminated, typically through autoclaving, before disposal. Use approved biohazard bags and containers, and prepare waste properly before pickup or disposal.

Instructions for Biohazard Waste Disposal for Housing, Sports Med, Dental, Optical, PUSH, Dean of Students, and Police:

Please bring all biohazard waste disposal bag and Biohazard Waste Disposal Form to Chesnut Hall, Suite 145 (located on the east side of Chestnut Hall near the loading dock/ambulance entrance).  Medical biohazard waste must be placed in a red biohazard bag, no sharps or needles allowed. If an item is too large to fit in the biohazard bag, it may be placed in a large plastic bag for transport. Upon arrival at SHWC, the waste should be transferred into the designated large biohazard disposal box.  If the waste is improperly bagged, it will not be accepted.

Follow spill management guidelines found in UNT’s Biosafety manual found here: https://research.unt.edu/support-units/research-integrity-and-compliance/references-and-resources.html

For more information contact Shari Ruhberg shari.ruhberg@unt.edu or Rose Fleeks rose.fleeks@unt.edu