Sharps

Sharps are items capable of puncturing, piercing, cutting, or abrading the skin. Sharps are also handled according to the same categories that apply to biohazardous medical waste: Category 1 waste is known, assumed, or suspected of being infectious to humans, plants, or animals and could cause harm if released to the environment, Category 2 waste has the appearance of biohazardous/medical waste, but is not contaminated with regulated materials, Category 3 wastes are contaminated with hazardous chemicals or radioactive material. The below requirements apply to all three categories. For detailed information on handling category 1 or 3 sharps (contaminated sharps), see Biohazardous/Medical Waste Management and Sharps Procedures.

Sharps must be disposed in an appropriate sharps container as soon as possible after use. Place waste in a rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof (on sides and bottom), labeled waste container that has a secure lid with an alternate smaller opening appropriate to the type and size of waste.

Never:

a. Place sharps in regular trash bags or waste cans.
b. Reach into a sharps waste container (or other waste receptacles).
c. Place liquids, such as full syringes, in the sharps waste container.
d. Fill the container beyond the “fill” line where applicable (approved medical waste containers have a fill line). Containers must not be over ¾ full or at full capacity such that: 1) lids do not fit securely, 2) materials poke out from the opening, or 3) the capacity presents a puncture or contamination risk to individuals handling the container.
e. Reuse sharps waste containers.
f. Place sharps in food containers or items resembling containers of food.
g. Place sharps in waste containers designed for broken glass

When ready for container disposal, transport, or treatment, ensure the lid is properly secured. Follow the procedures for proper disposal management based on the nature of the sharps waste category.

Category 2 Sharps (Non-biohazardous, Uncontaminated)

Use a container that is puncture-resistant and leak-proof. Do not use red containers. Deface any existing container markings. Clear or white regular medical sharps containers may be used as long as biohazardous markings are removed or defaced. Some re-purposed plastic containers may be used to collect and store sharps that are not contaminated and were not generated in a clinic or laboratory that generates and/or handles biohazardous or other potentially infectious materials (which must be handled only as Category 1 sharps).

To use containers other than those specifically manufactured and/or sold for sharps waste, the container must be a rigid, undamaged, and be puncture resistant. Sturdy liquid laundry detergent containers are acceptable. As a guide, containers made of polypropelene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) displaying the recycling designations numbers of 5 or 2, respectively, are generally suitable.

Any original product labeling must be completely defaced or covered with proper secondary label. These re-purposed containers are acceptable, but not recommended due to the tendency for this to be mistaken for empty reusable/recyclable materials. If this type of container is used, all original product marking should be removed and replaced with appropriate precautionary labeling to include:

a. Sharps
b. Non-Biohazardous or Non-Medical
c. Do not recycle

Glass Waste

Contaminated glass waste should be disposed of as a category 1 or 3 sharp depending on the nature of the contamination. See Biohazardous and Sharps Waste Management Manual for more information. Dispose of glassware in a box with a lid or which can be securely closed. Do not throw glassware in regular trash cans. Broken glass or glassware waste containers are available from laboratory supply vendors. Any sturdy, undamaged corrugated box is suitable. The boxes should be lined with a 2 mil poly bag.

All containers must be clearly labeled with one of the following:

a. Laboratory Glassware
b. Lab Glassware Only
c. Broken Glass or Glass

Keep glassware for disposal separate from all other waste in the laboratory or shop. Laboratory glassware and chemical containers cannot be recycled. Chemical and reagent containers must be empty prior to disposal. All contents must be removed prior to disposal by ordinary means (e.g., draining, pouring, scooping).

Once the glassware waste container is three-quarters full, seal the top of the box with packaging and transport the closed container to the building trash dumpster. Custodial services is not required to take out laboratory or shop glassware waste.

Do not handle broken glass with your hands. Use a brush and dustpan, tongs, or forceps to pick up broken glass. Substitute plastic ware for glassware when practical in laboratories with infectious agent work.