Read Biohazardous and Medical Waste Overview for more information about biohazardous waste disposal. See Biohazardous Containers and Bags for more details.

Sharpscontainer label requirements

Biohazardous contaminated sharps are sharps that have come into contact with infectious agents, transgenic animals, zoonotic agents, environmental pathogens, human and non-human primate cells, tissues, organs, and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids.

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Laboratory glassware can easily cause injuries. Ensure that others aren't injured by improperly disposed of broken glass. See Empty Container Management page for detailed information when handling and glassware.

These are sharps contaminated with radioactive materials. They may also be contaminated with chemical or infectious materials, but must be handled first as radioactive waste.

Biohazardsharpsdisposal sign

Find approved biohazard bags, sharps containers, plastic pasteur pipets and needles for your lab. The Research Safety Buyer's Guide is updated with products that meet ASTM and other regulatory standards.

Whether contaminated or not, specific packaging and container restrictions apply. Follow specific disposal procedures below in each section.

Sharps are devices or objects with corners, edges, or projections capable of cutting or piercing skin or regular waste bags. State and local laws regulate the disposal of sharps to protect waste handlers from both physical and contamination hazards.

Only needle Disposal sign

Get trained before using sharp devices. Improper use and poor technique can increase your risk of a sharps exposure or other injuries. Receive proper training from senior personnel on techniques and equipment specific to your lab setting before conducting a procedure involving biological or other hazardous materials.

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If the sharps cannot be disposed right away or hazard associated with the sharp is unknown, secure and cordon off the container (to prevent continued use/handling). Contact ehsrap@ucsd.edu for hazard evaluation and waste disposal determination/process.

Plastic and glass containers that may pierce a bag should be in an appropriate rigid container. Review the Empty Research Container Management page for disposal guidelines for those items.