Biological Waste Management
Biological waste may consist of animal tissues, bacteria, viruses, agar plates, animal carcasses, plants, soil, contaminated lab materials (pipet tips, pipets, 96 well plates, etc.), cell cultures, human body materials, as well as other biological waste sources. Learn about the various methods of waste management to help you decide the most appropriate method for your lab with our guide: Biological Waste Disposal Management Options SOP
Autoclaves
An autoclave is used to sterilize surgical equipment, laboratory instruments, pharmaceutical items, and other materials. It can sterilize solids, liquids, hollows, and instruments of various shapes and sizes. Autoclaves vary in size, shape and functionality.
Biological Waste (with the exception of animal carcasses and medical waste from UHS) is placed into CLEAR autoclave bags for treatment. Clear autoclave bags are used, as landfills cannot accept red or orange bags, or materials with a biohazard symbol on them.
For additional information on autoclaves, please visit the Autoclave Resource Library.