LE BUREAU DE LA GESTION DU RISQUE, DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT ET DE LA SANTE SECURITE AU TRAVAIL 

OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 
 

UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA

Subject: Biomedical Waste Disposal Procedures No.: 1

Issued by: Office of Risk Management (ORM) Revised: Sept 2007
Target Group: Faculties and Services Effective: Oct 2004

Biomedical Waste Disposal Procedures

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to define biomedical waste and to provide information
on the handling and disposal of this waste stream. These guidelines are intended to ensure
the proper and safe management of biomedical waste at the University of Ottawa. A
summary of this document is provided in Appendix B. Both provincial and municipal
regulations, by-laws and consultative documents were referenced when drafting these
procedures.

This document will cover the following areas:

1. Purpose
2. Definition
3. Roles & Responsibilities
4. General Guidelines
4.1. Segregation
4.2. Containment & Labelling
4.3. Treatment
4.4. Handling/Transport
4.5. Collection
4.6. Storage
4.7. Disposal
4.8. Re-supply
4.9. Records
5. Special Wastes
5.1. Mixed Waste (Radioactive Carcass Disposal)
5.2. Cytotoxic Waste
5.3. Ethidium Bromide
6. Links/Resources
7. Appendices - Appendix A: Faculty/Department Contacts
- Appendix B: Overview of Biomedical Waste Disposal Procedures

¡ The information found within this document can be found on the Office of Risk
Management (ORM) web page; http://www.uottawa.ca/services/ehss/biosafety.htm

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2. DEFINITIONS

Many terms are used to identify and characterize biomedical waste, such as:
biohazardous, pathological, and infectious. These terms are often used interchangeably
without clearly defining their subtle differences and similarities. To assist the reader these
terms are defined below. For the purpose of this document biomedical waste will be used
as the general term. Where the waste may be defined more specifically and require
special treatment, this procedure will specify the requirements.

Biomedical waste: Discarded biological material from teaching, clinical and research
laboratories and operations.

Examples of biomedical waste include but are not limited to;

ƒ Animal Waste - Animals carcasses, tissues and body parts, blood and bodily fluids
and infectious bedding.
ƒ Biological Laboratory Waste - Cultures, stocks or specimens of microorganisms, live
or attenuated vaccines, human or animal cell cultures and laboratory material that has
come into contact with these (solid and liquid).
ƒ Human Anatomical Waste - any part of the human body, including tissues and organs
but excluding extracted teeth, hair, and nail clippings.
ƒ Human Blood and Body Fluid Waste – Human fluid blood and blood products, items
saturated or dripping blood, body fluids contaminated with blood and body fluids
removed for diagnosis during surgery, treatment or autopsy. This does not include
urine or feces. Material with minimal amounts of non-infectious blood (i.e. does not
release blood if compressed) are not considered biomedical waste.
ƒ Sharps - Needles, syringes with needles, lancets, scalpels, razor blades, and precision
knives. Contaminated broken glass, pipettes, test tubes, microscope slides, blood vials
or any other material capable of causing punctures or cuts.

Biohazardous waste: Waste that is known or suspected to contain infectious material or

which because of its physical or biological nature may be harmful to humans, animals,
plants or the environment

Infectious waste: Waste which contains microorganisms in sufficient quantity which

could result in the multiplication and growth of those microorganisms in a host.

Pathological waste: Any waste which contains microorganisms capable of causing

disease.

3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Principal Investigators:

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ƒ Ensure all lab staff/students have received proper training to deal with biomedical
waste. Communicate these guidelines to key personnel.
ƒ Ensure labs are equipped with the proper containers and or bags and that they are
ideally located.

Users (students, lab or clinic personnel):

ƒ Practice due diligence at all times when handling biomedical waste (i.e. wear
protective equipment)
ƒ Ensure familiarity with the handling, treatment and disposal procedures of the waste
you generate.

Service or Faculty/Department Biomedical Waste Representative:

ƒ Arrange for pick-up/drop off of waste with users.
ƒ Transport or assist in transport of waste to designated storage areas.
ƒ Log waste information in the appropriate log.
ƒ Contact ORM to arrange for pick up of full containers and for re-supply (where
applicable)

Office of Risk Management (ORM):

ƒ Pick up all biomedical waste from designated storage areas and arrange for off-site
disposal.
ƒ Maintain records regarding the amount of waste generated.
ƒ Ensure Principal Investigators, users, and representatives are complying with
guidelines.
ƒ Provide guidance regarding the handling treatment or disposal of biomedical waste.

4. GENERAL GUIDELINES

4.1 Segregation
ƒ Biomedical waste must be stored in a secure environment at all times.
ƒ Whenever possible, biomedical waste must not be mixed with chemical, radioactive
or other laboratory trash. This may be unavoidable (i.e. radioactive carcasses) and in
such instances special handling may be required. For further information contact
ORM.
ƒ The various types of biomedical waste should be segregated from each other.
ƒ Fluid waste should be contained separately from solid waste.

4.2 Containment & Labeling

Containers for biomedical waste must be appropriate for its contents. There
are several different kinds of containers and bags available for the
containment and disposal of biomedical waste. Containers and bags are
available through your faculty/service stores, your hazardous waste
Biohazard
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representative or the ORM. The various types of packaging and associated

labelling used for different types of biomedical waste are outlined below.

All containers for biomedical waste must display the biohazard symbol and the words
‘Biohazard’ in a colour contrasting the container.

Sharps
ƒ must be rigid, leak proof, puncture resistant and sealable
ƒ University currently uses 4.5L yellow containers
ƒ 22.5L containers are available upon request
ƒ Label: University of Ottawa Hazardous Waste label

Anatomical/Animal Waste
ƒ Place waste in a red biohazard bag or a black
garbage bag if the waste will immediately be
stored in a barrel lined with red biohazard bags.
ƒ Barrels are approved heavy duty rigid cardboard.
ƒ Label: Each bag must be tagged with a completed
yellow incineration (necropsy) tag.

Biological Laboratory Waste

Review of current practices indicates biological laboratory waste is treated in-house

(autoclaved or chemically treated). If in-house treatment is not suitable, contact ORM to
discuss other means of disposal.

Solid
ƒ Collect waste in a red or orange autoclavable biohazard bag
ƒ Label: University of Ottawa Hazardous Waste label
ƒ For more info see the Autoclave Guidelines

Liquid
ƒ Use leak-proof containers which are able to withstand thermal or
chemical treatment
ƒ Label: University of Ottawa Hazardous Waste label

Blood & Bodily Fluids

Vials
ƒ Deposited in approved sharps container
ƒ Label: University of Ottawa Hazardous Waste label
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Fluids
ƒ Use rigid leak-proof container
ƒ Label: University of Ottawa Hazardous Waste label

Saturated Items
ƒ same as solid waste or anatomical waste

The following are some guidelines to remember when packaging waste;

ƒ Double bag if necessary to prevent perforations.

ƒ Add absorbent material if the possibility of large volumes of liquid exists.
ƒ Ensure the bags are well sealed
ƒ Do not overfill the containers/bags
ƒ If the outside of the bag is contaminated, double bag.
ƒ Secondary containment should also be labeled with the biohazard symbol.

Labels

University of Ottawa University of Ottawa

Hazardous Waste label Incineration (necropsy) tag

4.3 Treatment
If not sent off-site for disposal, all biological waste should be decontaminated prior to
disposal (including level 1 agents). Decontamination of waste results in the destruction
or removal of microorganisms to a lower level, such that there is no danger of infection to
others. The two main choices for waste decontamination at the University of Ottawa are
autoclaving (preferred) and chemical disinfection. Waste that has been decontaminated
or disinfected is no longer considered biomedical waste. Therefore, once the waste has
been treated it can be disposed of in the regular waste stream. Any waste that cannot be

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treated (i.e. sharps, carcasses, tissues and body parts) remains biomedical waste and must
be incinerated off site.

For more information on decontamination/disinfection methods please see one of the

following documents or contact the ORM;

A Guideline for the Safe Use of Autoclaves

Decontamination

4.4 Handling/Transportation
ƒ Untreated waste should be handled as little as possible.
ƒ Avoid contaminating exterior surface of waste container, or ensure exterior surfaces
are decontaminated.
ƒ Avoid transport of untreated waste through non-lab or high traffic corridors.
ƒ Secondary containers must be used when transporting waste (especially for liquids).
The secondary containers should be decontaminated after use.
ƒ Whenever possible use carts with raised sides for transport.
ƒ Ensure containers or bags are tightly closed or taped shut during transport.

4.5 Collection
Collection of biomedical waste varies for different services or faculty/departments
depending upon waste generation practices, available resources or management
approaches. For more specific information contact your service or faculty/departmental
representative (Appendix A).

4.6 Storage
Although biomedical waste should be treated as promptly as possible it can be held
temporarily. Treatable waste should not be allowed to accumulate. Waste that is to be
disposed off-site should be stored in designated areas which are secure and access is
limited to delegated individuals. To prepare for off-site disposal the following measures
must be undertaken.

Sharps

ƒ Sharp containers must be placed in a defined cardboard box,

double lined with two yellow bags, which displays the biohazard
symbol.
ƒ When boxes/containers are full they should be closed, taped shut
on all sides (with a tape that withstands condensation).
ƒ Boxes should be held in designated biomedical waste cages

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Anatomical/Animal Waste

ƒ Drums, either while filling or when full must be held in cold

storage at a 4° minimum.
ƒ Once full, drums should be closed and the lid should be taped
securely.
ƒ All barrels which contain carcasses or anatomical waste must
have an ‘Anatomical’ sticker affixed. These may be applied by
ORM or the waste generator.

4.7 Disposal
The service or faculty/department representatives will contact the ORM to arrange for a
waste pick-up from the storage area. Any further preparation for transport (i.e. labelling,
monitoring, and paper work) will be conducted by ORM. Biomedical waste is currently
picked up every week at Roger-Guindon Hall and bi-weekly at the Main Campus.

4.8 Re-supply
New and/or replacement supplies may be requested through the service or
faculty/department representative or through faculty stores. Those who produce
relatively low volumes of waste will have labels for their waste containers which have
contact information for disposal or re-supply.

For disposal or additional containers

contact the Office of Risk Management
at 562-5800 x 3153

Disposal/Re-supply label

4.9 Records
As biomedical waste is potentially hazardous, it is important to document the nature of
the waste. Labels attached to waste bags or sharps containers should detail the contents.
While the ORM maintains records of the type of waste (tissue or sharp), the weight and
the corresponding cost for disposal, each waste generator should have a system to track
their own waste. The following forms are used for tracking biomedical waste at the
University of Ottawa;

ƒ Sharps Waste Container Disposal Log - log is kept at the biomedical waste cage.
ƒ Radioactive Carcass Disposal Log - log is kept with disposal container and at the
decay freezer.

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5. SPECIAL WASTES

5.1 Mixed Waste

Mixed waste may consist of any combination of biohazardous, chemical and radioactive
waste. These combinations present various challenges and inactivation and disposal will
be considered on a case-by-case basis or as required. As a general rule, the biological
component should be inactivated first.

Radioactive Carcass Disposal:

ƒ All carcasses labeled with radioisotopes must be disposed of

separately from biomedical waste.
ƒ Carcasses must be placed in a black garbage bag and tagged with a
yellow incineration tag
ƒ Carcasses must be held in a designated container which displays the
radioactive trefoil and the words ‘Radioactive’ as well as the
Biohazard symbol. The container must be held in a temperature
controlled room/freezer (contact your hazardous waste representative
or ORM for locations).
ƒ The Radioactive Carcass Disposal log must be completed.

5.2 Cytotoxic Waste

Cytotoxic waste is any material that may have come into contact with a cytotoxic drug.
Cytotoxic waste has the potential for causing carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic
effects. Therefore, this waste must be handled with caution and ORM must be consulted.
Waste of this nature cannot be treated by autoclaving and must be incinerated off-site.
While cytotoxic waste is handled similarly to other biomedical waste there are some
important differences;

ƒ Cytotoxic waste must be segregated from other biomedical waste

ƒ Sharps containers or red biohazard bags used to contain cytotoxic material must be
labeled as ‘Cytotoxic Waste’
ƒ Packaging for disposal (boxes or barrels) must also be labeled as ‘Cytotoxic Waste’
ƒ Cytotoxic waste must not be refrigerated

* Note when the waste consists or both cytotoxic and anatomical components (i.e. tissue
from chemotherapy treated patient or animal) the anatomical classification assumes
priority.

5.3 Ethidium Bromide

While ethidium bromide (EtBr) is not a regulated waste per say, due to its properties it
may present a hazard if it is poured down the drain or placed in the regular garbage
untreated. Correct procedures for the disposal of EtBr depend on the nature of the waste
materials and the concentration of EtBr that they contain. Therefore, due to its many

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uses, it is not possible to have one all encompassing mode of disposal. Please contact the
ORM to discuss disposal approaches which are tailored to the characteristics of your
waste.

6. LINKS & RESOURCES

University of Ottawa Sharps Waste Management Procedures

University of Ottawa Hazardous Waste Guide
Radioactive Materials – Waste Management
A Guideline for the Safe Use of Autoclaves

Block, S.S. (Ed.). (2001). Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, (5th Ed.). New
York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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APPENDIX A – Faculty/Department Contacts

FACULTY/DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT INFORMATION

141 BioSci
BIOLOGY Yves Genest Lab Technician x 6343 ygenest@science.uottawa.ca
Phase II

Chief Technician,
CHEMISTRY
Daniel Lafleur Undergraduate x 6813 dlafleur@science.uottawa.ca 308 MRN
EARTH SCIENCES
Labs

Laboratory & Field

005-B
GEOGRAPHY Jean Bjornson Resource x 1039 bjorn@uottawa.ca
SMD
Technician

Francois Haman x 4262 fhaman@uottawa.ca 344 MNT

HUMAN KINETICS Lab Co-ordinator fdbeauli@uottawa.ca
Francois Beaulieu x 4249 346 MNT

MEDICINE Environmental,
(all departments) Nancy Delcellier Health and Safety x 8046 ndelcell@uottawa.ca 2160 RGN
NURSING Officer

Animal Care x 4553

PSYCHOLOGY Sylvie Emond semond@uottawa.ca 018 VNR
Technician x 4546

Biosafety
tpreseau@uottawa.ca
ORM Tina Preseau Compliance X 3153 306 BRS
Inspector

* If your faculty/department is not represented here please contact the ORM.

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Office of Risk Management Oct 04
Appendix B - Overview of Biomedical Waste Disposal Procedures

Biological Lab Waste
Cultures, stocks or specimens of
microorganisms, live or attenuated
vaccines, human or animal cell
Identification cultures and laboratory material
that has come into contact with
these (solid and liquid).
Sharps
Needles, syringes with needles,
lancets, scalpels, razor blades,
and precision knives.
Contaminated broken glass,
pipettes, test tubes, microscope
slides, blood vials or any other
material capable of causing
punctures or cuts.
Anatomical/Animal Waste Blood an Bodily Fluid Waste
Fluid blood and blood products, items saturated or dripping
Animals carcasses, tissues and body parts,
blood, body fluids contaminated with blood and body fluids
infectious bedding, liquid or semi-liquid blood
and blood products, body fluids, items
removed for diagnosis during surgery, treatment or autopsy.
This does not include urine or feces.
contaminated with blood bodily fluids

Segregation Solid Liquid Radioactive carcasses Saturated items Vials Fluids

Orange Rigid, leak-

Approved sharps Rigid, leak-proof
Containment autoclavable proof container Black garbage bag
Black garbage bag container container
biohazard bag (i.e flask) Approved sharps container
University of
University of
University of Ottawa Hazardous University of Ottawa Hazardous Ottawa
University of Ottawa yellow Ottawa Hazardous
Labeling waste label waste label
necropsy label
University of Ottawa yellow necropsy
waste label
Hazardous
label (individual bags) waste label
(individual bags)
Autoclave or chemical Autoclave or
Treatment decontamination chemical
decontamination

Once treated
affix a ‘non-
hazardous
Place inside approved cardboard
Place inside designated
Place inside approved
Place inside
approved 9
Packaging for waste’ sticker cardboard box For larger
box double lined with 2 yellow cardboard drum double volumes (+
disposal Place inside a Place inside approved cardboard double lined with 2
biohazard bags lined with 2 red biohazard 300ml) contact
sealed black drum double lined with 2 red yellow biohazard
bags ORM
garbage bag biohazard bags bags

Store in designated cold Designated

storage (at least 4°C) Store in designated cold storage (at biomedical waste
Storage Designated biomedical waste cage
cage
Allow to decay in least 4°C)
designated freezer
Radioactive carcass
Records Sharps disposal log
disposal log
Sharps disposal log

Pour down
Regular Pour down ORM will arrange for off- Picked up by ORM – sent off-site for Picked up by ORM
Disposal garbage drain*
Picked up by ORM – sent off-site
site disposal incineration – sent off-site
drain*

* In accordance with the sewer use by-laws

Detailed information is available in the Biomedical Waste Disposal Procedures

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