The University of Michigan (U-M) Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) collects and processes the biological waste generated at U-M.  Lab directors (faculty/lab managers/supervisors) must follow the EHS protocols for proper disposal of biological waste to help reduce costs, ensure regulatory compliance, maintain a safe work place, and protect the environment.

Contact EHS, Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) at (734) 763-4568 regarding these protocols.

Standard Operating Procedures, Guidelines, and Manuals

• Solids
  • Autoclaving Solid Biohazardous Waste that Will Not Puncture the Skin
  • Autoclaving Solid Biohazardous Waste that May Puncture the Skin
  • Chemically Treating Solid Biohazardous Waste that May Puncture the Skin
  • Preparing Solid Biohazardous Waste that Will Not Puncture the Skin for Collection

• Liquids
  • Preparing Liquid Biohazardous Waste for Collection
  • Disposing Liquid Biohazardous Waste Using the Sanitary Sewer Drain

• Sharps
  • Preparing Biohazardous Sharps Waste for Collection

• Pathological
  • Preparing Pathological Waste for Collection

• Uncontaminated Waste
  • Disposal of Uncontaminated Waste

Supplemental Information

Laboratory Refuse Collection poster

General Guidelines for Managing Biological Waste

• All biological waste must be treated or collected by HMM within 60 days of the first waste being placed in the container
• All containers of biological waste must have a “Biohazard Label” attached – NOTE: For containers that are not pre-labeled, biohazard labels can be ordered through HMM at (734) 763-4568
• The accumulation start date, which is the date the waste is first placed in the container, must be clearly written on the label