This section deals specifically with waste sharps, which are identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “Type 4 Regulated Waste”. The EPA has identified certain common laboratory and industrial materials as “Regulated Medical Waste”. Most of these regulated materials are infectious biological agents, pathological waste, human blood products and any other medical waste considered a threat to human health or the environment.
Chart #1 shows examples of various regulated sharps. Example A-E are considered to be regulated medical wastes even if these sharps are not used for medical or pathological purposes. Some of these examples have the distinct look of medical waste and the EPA wishes to minimize further improper disposal of aesthetically offensive medical waste in the environment. Examples F-L pose more of a physical danger to waste handlers. Waste handlers carry this waste from its point of origin to the facility dumpster and can be injured during the transportation of improperly packaged waste.
To use the charts in this section, you must first identify the type of waste you have generated. See Chart #1. Each sharps example is bracketed by a Type # at the right side of the chart. Each example falls into one of three sharps types (Type 1, 2&3). Sub-classes of these types are indicated with an (R) for radioactive or a (B) indicating a biohazard. Sharps types with sub- classes R or B require additional treatment before they can be disposed. Once you have identified the Type # that best describes your sharps waste, use Chart #2 and the detailed instructions outlined in this safety manual for instructions to safely and correctly dispose of your hazardous waste. Laboratory sharps disposal equipment and supplies are available from the Sciences Stockroom (HA054). Stockroom personnel have been instructed to assist you with your sharps disposal problems. The Director of EHS can also help you design a sharps disposal plan for your laboratory of operation.
CHART #1
CHART #2
