Types of waste generated from GM activities

Storage of LMO & related waste

Treatment of bio hazardous waste

Transport

It is the clear responsibility of all research workers

to ensure the safe and correct disposal of all

wastes produced in the course of their work.

Improper and irresponsible disposal of biological

wastes down drains or into the atmosphere is

forbidden by law

o [Environmental Quality Act 1974, Environmental Quality

(Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 1989; Biosafety Act

2007].

Proper segregation of laboratory waste is essential

for a safe work environment.

Contaminated liquid & solid materials

Consumables

Sharps

Waste

WHY?

o Personal safety

o Safety of co-workers, facility personnel & service providers

o The public

o The environment

Proper segregation

Storage

Treatment

Disposal

Non-hazardous waste

Non-hazardous biological waste

Solid biohazardous waste

Contaminated liquid waste

Broken glassware

Sharps

Puncture resistant

leak proof sharp

container

Heavy duty autoclavable begs

Heavy-duty leak

proof

Biohazardous waste should be treated and

disposed of promptly and not allowed to

accumulate

May be held temporarily, within lab or in

designated storage area prior to disposal

Biohazardous waste boxes designated for pick-up

by service provider should be stored in a secure

area

Sheltered from inappropriate weather conditions

No access to unauthorized persons

Warning signs posted

Storage enclosures must be clean after disposal

Inventory required

o Date (storage & removed)

o Laboratory generated from

o Laboratory supervisor’s name & contact number

Biohazardous waste must be rendered harmless by

appropriate treatment

Waste should be treated as near the point of

origination as possible

At facility or by license service provider

Autoclaving

Incineration

Dry heat

Chemical disinfection

Review and establish standard conditions for

sterilization

o Type of materials

o Volume

o Contamination level

o Moisture content

Written procedure for operation and testing of any

equipment used

Written procedure for preparation or chemical used

in treatment

Verification of efficiency of processes, showing

records to proof compliance to specified

performance standards

All biohazardous materials and all contaminated

equipment or apparatus should be sterilized before

being washed, stored or discarded

Autoclaving the preferred method

Pathogenic organisms and infectious wastes

should be inactivated prior to leaving the facility

Waste transported outside of facility (to autoclaved

or incinerator) should be in closed, leak-proof bags

or containers

All GM related waste should be double-contained

when transported outside the facility-sealed bags

placed in bin

Containers display the biohazard sign

Consignment labeled

o Date

o Quantity

o Facility supervisor’s name & contact numbers

Facility should maintain record

o Date of treatment/disposal

o Method/conditions of treatment

o Name of persons/service provider performing treatment

Responsibility of all researchers to ensure the safe

and correct disposal of LMO and all wastes

produced in the course of their work