Biohazardous waste
Biohazardous wastes are derived from the medical treatment of animals or humans or from bio-research where there is a relatively low probability that infectious substances are present. This includes wastes from cell culture and microbiological work, anatomical and expired medicines.
It is sub-divided into three main categories:
Infectious waste:
- GMO/ GMMO (genetically modified organisms/ microorganisms)
- Inactivated (Class 2 & 3)
- Non-inactivaed (Class 1)
- Non-GM waste
Cytotoxic waste:
- This includes tail-end pharmaceuticals, and must be segregated from general infectious biohazard waste. It must be packaged in 60L yellow rigid bins with purple lids or 22L cytotoxic sharps bins.
SRM (Category 1) Animal by-product waste:
- This refers to experimental animals & zoological specimen waste. It includes carcasses suspected of being infected by TSE. This waste must be kept segregated from other biohazard waste. Please inform HMF if you wish to dispose this waste.
More information regarding the safety aspects of this waste type is available from the Health & Safety Authority here.
Disposal procedure
Biohazardous waste is brought to the central stores for processing. HMF stores locations and opening times are detailed here.
- All biohazardous waste transactions must be accompanied by a traceability form available from HMF office or stores.
- Every item of waste must be tagged using a numbered cable tie and recorded in this form by the disposer. The correct waste designation must be indicated for each item.
- Replacement pacakagings, cable ties etc. may be ordered using this form.
Please note:
- Bags and bins must not be overfilled and closures must be properly secured
- Class 2 and Class 3 GMO waste must be inactivated prior to disposal
- Large metal items that could damage the waste macerator are not permitted in biohazardous waste
Biohazardous waste must be deposited at stores during opening hours only. Autoclave facilites in TBSI are operated by Shared Services, who may be contacted directly for information regarding this service.
Segregation of waste
| Requirements | Clinical waste bags | Sharps bin | Yellow rigid bin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of waste | Soft waste | Sharps waste | Bulky or voluminous waste and small amounts liquid |
| Typical contents | Gloves, wipes, contaminated materials | pipettes, broken glassware, syringe, blades | Tips, tubes etc. or wastes containing liquid (provided there is sufficient absorbent material) |
| Prohibited contents | Any waste that could rupture or puncture the bag e.g. pipettes, broken glassware, needles, sharps and free liquids | Free liquids | Free liquids (small amounts permissible- see above) |
| Filling | No more than 2/3 full or maximum 12Kg | No more than 3/4 full | No more than 3/4 full or maximum 18Kg |
| Closure | Close bag with a numbered cable tie | Press down on lid to ensure secure fit to base. Once 2/3 full revolve closure until in locked position | When closing, hook lid into place aligning the two hinges into the appropriate slots. Firmly press down on all sides to ensure a complete seal |
| Tracking | Record numbered cable tie in HMF Requisition Form | Attach a numbered cable tie to lid and record in Requisition Form | Attach a numbered cable tie to lid and record in Requisition Form |
More information regarding the segregation of healthcare risk waste published the the Health Service Executive is available here.
Billing
The requisitioner in each area will be contacted after the end of each month with a summary of all items disposed and packaging supplied. These orders must be raised and received in iProc according to the instructions provided by email. Payment will happen upon receipt and is therefore charged retrospectively.
Please contact HAZMAT@tcd.ie if you have any queries.