Collect waste in clear autoclavable waste bags that are inside an outer container labeled with a Biohazard Sticker. When the bag is almost full, transfer it to the autoclave, include an autoclave tag, and autoclave with bag open. The autoclave process used will depend on the specific type of autoclave in the lab. You should know how to use your equipment. After the autoclave runs, let the waste cool. When cool, close bag, fill in and fix tag, and place the autoclaved waste into a trash container. Complete the autoclave waste log. The log is required by State Public Health Regulations. Note: Autoclave tags and log sheets are available through your department’s Administrative Officer, EHS Coordinator or BSP at 2-3477. Autoclaves must be validated periodically, monthly is recommended. Contact BSP for information.

Either autoclave, let cool, and pour down drain, or use chemical disinfectant, such as chlorine or iodophor compounds. Add to appropriate concentration. The concentration will depend on the disinfectant and the amount of liquid waste. For bleach, the final concentration should be 10% volume by volume (e.g., add one part Chlorox bleach to nine parts liquid waste). Let sit for twenty minutes. Pour down the drain.

Biologically contaminated sharps should be collected in Stericycle puncture-resistant sharps container labeled with a biohazard sticker. When container is filled to fill line on the side, close lid completely, lock lid, and label container as full. Place container in hallway late on Wednesday or early on Thursday for collection. Collection of most sharps waste occurs on Thursdays. Contact Environmental Management Programs for questions about container availability and pick up. Email requests and inquiries should be directed to biosharps@mit.edu

Chemically contaminated sharps should be collected in a puncture-resistant, sealable container. When container is full, contact the Environmental Management Program at 2-3477 or on the web collection form for pick-up.

Radioactive sharps should be placed in the appropriate container, depending upon the isotope half-life, provided by the Radiation Protection Program (RPP). Direct questions to RPP at 2-3477.

For further questions concerning appropriate disposal methods for various materials please contact the EHS office at 2-3477.

Tissues and organs must be incinerated. BSP will provide assistance to arrange for incineration of this waste. Solid waste that has come in contact with human blood, body fluids, or tissue must be autoclaved or incinerated. Contaminated liquid waste may be autoclaved or chemically decontaminated using 10% bleach final volume and allowed to stand for 20 minutes, then poured down the drain. Contact BSP at 2-3477. All use of human materials requires approval from COUHES and participation in the MIT OSHA BBP Program.

Inactivate biological component with a disinfectant treatment that will not increase the chemical hazard associated with the waste. Once the biological component is inactivated, the waste can be managed as Hazardous Chemical Waste. Note: Autoclaving is not recommended; under heat and pressure, some chemicals may explode or become volatile. The Environment, Health and Safety Office has MSDS and chemical waste packaging information. The Industrial Hygiene Program (IHP) has advice on chemical compatibilities, 2-3477.

Inactivate biological component with a disinfectant treatment that will not volatilize the radioactive component of waste. Disinfectant used must be compatible with radiation waste storage and packaging rules (pH, etc.). Once the biological component is inactivated, the waste can be managed as Radioactive Waste. Autoclaving radioactive waste is on a case by case basis. Autoclaving is not recommended where radioactive off gases may be released. Call RPP at 2-3477 for advice.

Incinerate or autoclave all plant materials, soil, and pots. If autoclaving, establish temperature and time necessary to kill most resistant recombinant biologicals involved (e.g., seeds). Contact BSP at 2-3477 for specifics.