Non-Hazardous Waste
Definition: To be considered “general waste”, material must be free of any actual or apparent contamination (pathological/infectious, radioactive and/ or hazardous chemical). In some cases, after disinfection or decontamination, previously contaminated material may be treated as general waste.
Examples of general waste include: Office waste (paper, boxes, folders, plastic, glass), decontaminated labware (see Medical Waste section), animal bedding (not contaminated), etc.
General Instructions: Never dispose as general waste:
- Items labeled with either a biohazard or radioactive materials label
- Sharps (needles, syringes, scalpel blades, etc.)
- Material considered to be medical/infectious waste
- A Red bag labeled with a biohazard symbol, regardless of content
- An Orange bag labeled with the biohazard symbol, regardless of content
- Any Yellow bag (indicates radioactive waste)
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If Discarding: |
Then: |
Collected by: |
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Computers |
Do not place in hallway. Call Medical Center Operations (7-1462). |
GU Recycling Office |
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Office Waste |
Place in clear plastic bag. |
Housekeeping |
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General Office Recycling (paper,glass & plastic) |
Place in recycling boxes located throughout the Medical Center. |
GU Recycling Office |
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Glassware (not contaminated) |
Place in a cardboard box, tape closed, and label “Glassware Trash.” Place in hallway for pickup. |
Medical Center Operations |
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Refrigerator/Freezer (not Contaminated) |
Do not place in hallway. Call Medical Center Operations (7-1462). |
Not Applicable |
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Media |
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Liquid media (not contaminated) |
Pour liquid into sink. |
Not Applicable |
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Biologically contaminated liquid media |
Inactivate (decontaminate) biological agents using a 10% bleach solution. Let stand for 20 minutes, then dispose via lab sink. |
Not Applicable |
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Solid media |
Place in an Orange “Biohazard” bag. Autoclave tape must be used. |
Not Applicable |