Type of Sharp |
Disposal Guideline |
Non-contaminated sharps (excluding syringes)
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Sharps must be free of all biohazardous, chemical or radioactive contamination.
Container:
- Use a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container (a rigid cardboard box with a clear inner bag is also acceptable).
- Remove or deface any other labels or biohazard symbols on the container.
Use:
- Store container near where sharps are generated.
- Carefully place sharps into the container.
- Do not place free liquids, such as full syringes, into sharps container.
Disposal:
- Seal full container with tape so it can not be easily opened.
- Place sealed container into normal trash.
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Radioactive sharps |
Sharps contaminated with radioactivity might also be contaminated with chemical or biohazardous material; they must be handled as radioactive waste:
Container:
- Use a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container.
Labeling:
- Remove or deface any other labels or biohazard symbols on container.
- Label container as "radioactive waste" and list the following:
- Isotope used
- Any additional chemical or biological hazards
- Methods of deactivation or disinfectant used, if any.
Use:
- Store container near where the waste is generated.
- Deactivate any infectious agents on sharps before placing them in the container. Caution, some isotopes react with certain deactivation chemicals (i.e., bleach will react with isotopes of iodine).
- Carefully place sharps into container.
- Do not place liquids, such as full syringes, into sharps containers.
Disposal:
- Seal full container and move it to your lab's designated radioactive waste storage area.
- Request a radioactive waste collection from EH&S.
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Chemically contaminated sharps |
Sharps might have chemical contamination only. No radioactive or infectious contamination.
Container:
- Use a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container (a rigid cardboard box with a clear inner bag is also acceptable).
Labeling:
- Label the container with a UC Merced Hazardous WASTe tag.
- Remove or deface any other labels or biohazard symbols on the container.
Use:
- Store container near where the waste is generated.
- Carefully place sharps into container. Do not place liquids, such as full syringes, into sharps container.
Disposal:
- Seal full container and request a hazardous waste collection from EH&S.
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