After effective sterilization, autoclaved wastes may be disposed. Depending on the nature of the material, disposal can be accomplished as ordinary refuse or through EHS. Autoclave bags must go in dark (opaque) bags or liners prior to disposal in regular trash. Users have been instructed to do the following:
- Ensure that the autoclave indicator tape clearly indicates the load has been through the autoclave. (hash lines or text are dark)
- Inspect the bag to make sure no sharps are protruding from or have punctured the bag, if there are sharp items protruding/puncturing the bag, place the bag in a sturdy cardboard box, prior to disposal.
- Place the autoclaved bag or red sharps bin in a black (opaque) trash bag. Some autoclave rooms have trash cans lined with a black (opaque) trash can liner and autoclaved bags can be placed in those cans.
- Cardboard boxes of sharps can be closed, sealed and placed directly in the building dumpster.
- If any free liquids (i.e., condensate) are present, add sufficient absorbent to the bag.
- Seal the trash bag and take to building dumpster or set aside for building custodial staff to dispose of as regular trash.
Note: UNL Custodial staff will not remove or dispose of autoclaved biohazard waste bags that are not in black trash liners (bags).
Cite this item if you happen to observe autoclaved bags loose in a dumpster or regular trash can that does not have a black liner, or if you observe a leaking bag, protruding sharps, etc.
DO NOT handle a bag observed like this, just inspect to the extent possible and document with a picture.