Infectious waste materials shall be treated properly to eliminate the potential hazard that these wastes pose to human health and the environment. Treatment commonly involves steam sterilization or incineration.

Separation and Packaging of Infectious Waste.

Infectious wastes shall be separated from general, noninfectious waste materials and from wastes containing radioactive, carcinogenic, or toxic materials. Some wastes may contain multiple hazards. These shall be handled such that priority is given to the greatest hazard present. A procedure for handling mixed biological/radioactive waste has been prepared by ORS and is available on request.

Disposable infectious materials shall be placed in red or orange plastic bags. The bags shall be seamless, tear-resistant, and autoclavable. Single bags shall have a minimum thickness of 3.0 mils and double bags, 1.5 to 2.0 mils. Bags shall be closed by folding or tying when full, at the end of the day, or before transporting.

To minimize formation of aerosols, infectious wastes shall not be compacted prior to decontamination.

Storage and Transport of Infectious Waste. Infectious wastes that are removed from a laboratory or stored temporarily shall be closed and double-bagged or placed inside a covered, unbreakable outer container.