Biohazardous Waste At SFSU

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Biohazardous waste refers to any waste that is potentially infectious or poses a threat to human health, animals, or the environment. It is regulated under California’s Medical Waste Management Act and must be handled carefully to ensure compliance and safety

Characteristics of Biohazardous Waste:
• Includes materials contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other infectious agents.
• Can harbor pathogenic microorganisms or biological toxins.
• Requires special containment and disposal to prevent contamination or spread of disease

Biological Waste Information

  • Contaminated gloves, lab coats, and other personal protective equipment (PPE):
  • Petri dishes, culture tubes, and items used in microbiological studies.
  • Blood-soaked materials (e.g., gauze, bandages).
  • Human or animal tissue or body parts.
  •  Contaminated sharps (needles, scalpels, etc.)

Environmental Health & Safety:

Juliana Cayetano Email: jcayetano@sfsu.edu

 Telephone: (415) 361-2135

OR

Dipak Janda (Dk) Email: Dipakjanda@sfsu.edu

 Telephone: (415)-542-8046

  • Red Biohazard Bags: For soft, non-sharp biohazardous waste like contaminated gloves
    or gauze.
  • Sharps Containers: Rigid, puncture-proof, and labeled containers for needles, blades, or
    broken glass.
  • Secondary Containment: Leak-proof trays or bins for added safety during transport
  • "Biohazard” Symbol with the words “Biohazardous Waste.”
  • Labels must clearly state:
    o Type of waste (e.g., “Biohazard – Culture Tubes”).
    o Accumulation start date

Biohazardous waste must be removed within:

  • 7 days if stored at room temperature.
  • 30 days if stored at or below 0°C (freezing).
     

Lab personnel or facility staff transfer biohazardous waste to a designated biohazard storage area on campus. The waste is temporarily stored in a refrigerated biohazard waste room or secure containment area until pickup by a licensed biohazard waste hauler

Biohazardous waste is picked up for disposal weekly

After leaving SFSU, biohazardous waste is:
 1. Treated: Typically, autoclaved or incinerated to neutralize pathogens.
 2. Disposed: Treated waste is shredded or landfilled in compliance with state and federal
 regulations.

Biological Waste from Laboratories

Contact Information

For further information about the Biohazardous waste Management Program at SFSU or how you can get involved, please contact:

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Dipak Janda (Dk)