BioHazard and Special Waste

All biologically contaminated waste materials and non-contaminated "medical-like" waste materials (such as needles, syringes, pipettes, pipette tips, petri dishes, etc.) are handled separately from the general waste stream. These wastes are not accepted by the facility to which the College sends its general wastes. Identification of these materials in the general waste stream could jeopardize the College’s use of that facility facility. Therefore, all such wastes generated on campus are collected in a separate waste stream by arrangement with the Environmental Health and Safety Officer and are removed from campus by a contracted firm for incineration. Special red bagged-boxed containers are used to hold these materials at certain locations until transferred to the contractors for eventual removal from campus.

Definition and Scope

The procedures described in this section apply to all biologically contaminated wastes; biologically noncontaminated medical-like materials that could be perceived as infectious generated from Bridgewater State College.

Procedure

A standard medical waste box is provided by Environmental Health and Safety, which includes a red plastic bag liner. When the box is full, lab personnel seal the red bag. The box is then closed and taped shut.

• Ensure that all individuals generating waste are aware of and follow the prescribed waste disposal procedures.
• Ensure that filled Medical Waste boxes are properly sealed. Ensures that sealed boxes are placed in the designated area in the Conant Science Building’s basement corridor for pick-up by the Environmental Disposal Company personnel. The Disposal Company will not take unsealed boxes and those exceeding 60 lbs.

• Provide medical waste boxes upon request.
• Contacts the Environmental Disposal Contractor for pick up of properly sealed boxes of medical waste.
• Provide consultation and advise on medical waste handling and issues of regulatory compliance.