University of Maryland • Safety Fact Sheet • Department of Environmental Safety
Biological, Pathological OR Medical Waste
Introduction
The handling, storage, and disposal of biological, pathological and medical waste (BPMW) is regulated by several Maryland State agencies, as well as the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. BPMW includes microbiological laboratory waste, human blood and blood-soiled articles, recombinant organisms, anatomical material, and sharps, whether contaminated or not.
Applicable University Policy
- VI-11.00(B) - UM Policy on Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
- VI-17.00(A) - UM Policy on Biosafety
Applicable Regulations
- COMAR 10.06.06 - Communicable Disease Prevention - Handling, Treatment, and Disposal of Special Medical Waste
- COMAR 26.13.11 - Special Medical Wastes
- COMAR 26.13.12 - Standards Applicable to Generators of Special Medical Wastes
- 29 CFR 1910.1030-Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
Summary of Requirements
BPMW must be treated in one of the following ways:
- Incineration - Incineration is used for disposal of medical waste and by those research departments that do not have access to an autoclave. Incinerator boxes are available from the Department of Environmental Safety (DES); when full, request pickup on the DES web site.
- Autoclaving - Non-sharp solid waste is collected in autoclave bags (preferably not red or orange), then autoclaved for 50 minutes. Autoclaved waste should be discarded in the building dumpster.
- Chemical disinfection - Chemical disinfection is used for decontamination of liquid waste. Add household bleach to a final concentration of 1:10, then dispose of by pouring down the sink.
- Sharps - All sharps, whether contaminated or not, must be discarded into puncture-resistant sharps containers. Request pickup on the DES web site.
Training
There are no specific training requirements.
Reporting
MDE has removed the manifest exception requirement
Inspections
There are no specific requirements for inspections.
Recordkeeping
None required by regulation.
Written Program
The written program, Hazardous and Regulated Waste Procedures Manual and UM Biosafety Manual are available from DES.
University Resources
Department of Environmental Safety (301) 405-3960
DES Fax No. (301) 314-9294
Environmental Affairs Office (301) 405-3968
DES Web Site: http://www.des.umd.edu
UM Waste Disposal Guidelines Calendar
Hazardous and Regulated Waste Procedures Manual
Written 5/98
Revised 4/02
Reviewed 4/05
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