Safe Work Procedure:
Document Number:
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Issue Date:
Review Date:
Laboratory Waste Disposal Procedure
STGCL SWP.2.1
1.0
TBA
TBA
1.
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to define a clear way to dispose of all waste generated by the
Level 3 Research Laboratories in Research & Education Building. This procedure complies with
SESIAHS and UNSW obligations to dispose of hazardous waste in a safe and environmentally
manner.
2.
Scope
This procedure applies to the Level 3 Research Laboratories in the Research & Education Building
where hazardous substances are used for research. It includes chemical waste (solids and liquids),
infectious and biological hazardous waste, general laboratory waste, glass, sharps, radioactive
wastes and other hazardous liquids and materials. It also includes established SESIAHS Systems
for recycling / disposing of non-hazardous waste.
3.
Definitions
Biological Hazard Waste – any material containing or contaminated with infectious
microorganisms, infectious material sample remains, used petri dishes, culture bottles, disposable
equipment, used gloves, non-recognisable human tissue, human blood or body fluids, infected
animal carcasses and infected bedding, animal blood or body fluids, cell lines / cell culture media,
GMO, broken glassware contaminated with biological hazard
Broken Glass – non-contaminated broken glass
Chemical Waste – All chemicals or materials that are contaminated with chemicals. This
includes but is not limited to explosive, flammable liquids/solids, poisonous, toxic, ecotoxic,
broken glass contaminated with chemicals, waste oils/water, hydrocarbons/water mixtures,
emulsions, wastes from the production, formulation and use of resins, latex and wastes which
contain certain compounds such as: copper, zinc, cadmium, mercury, lead and asbestos.
Contaminated Co-mingled Waste – Contaminated co-mingled waste is a combination of 2 or
more waste categories, such as infectious and radioactive waste, or infectious and chemical
wastes.
Cytotoxic Waste – Cytotoxic waste is material that is, or may be, contaminated with a cytotoxic
drug during the preparation, transport or administration of chemotherapy. Cytotoxic drugs are
toxic compounds known to have carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or teratogenic potential.
Cytotoxic Sharps – These are sharps contaminated with cytotoxic substances
Non-contaminated Co-mingled Waste – Non-contaminated waste other than paper, boxes,
magazines eg glass & plastic bottles, steel, aluminium cans, milk & juice bottles that have not
been in contact with chemical, biological, radiation or other hazardous substances.
Double Containment – Any container of viable microorganisms shall be transported between
laboratories or to pressure sterilizers within the building within a second unbreakable and closed
container which can be readily decontaminated. All GMOs must be transported according to
OGTR Guidelines for the transport of GMOs.
General Laboratory Waste – contains paper, gloves, pipette, tips, tubes or other general
laboratory material contaminated with chemical residues. Absorbent materials and disinfectants
used to disinfect surfaces are included in general laboratory waste.
Note: General Laboratory Waste does not include any gloves, pipette, tips or tubes that have come
in contact with infectious substances or radiation.
Hazardous Waste - Explosive, flammable liquids/solids, poisonous, toxic, ecotoxic, infectious
substances, chemicals, clinical wastes; waste oils/water, hydrocarbons/water mixtures, emulsions,
wastes from the production, formulation and use of resins, latex and wastes which contain certain
compounds such as: copper, zinc, cadmium, mercury, lead and asbestos.
Sharps (other than Cytotoxic Sharps) – These can include syringes with needles, broken glass,
scalpel blades and objects or devices having sharp points, protruding pieces or cutting edges,
capable of cutting or piercing the skin. Sharps must be collected in a rigid, puncture-proof
container (see AS 4031).
Radioactive Waste – is radioactive materials that is:
a) a specific activity less than 100 becquerels per gram (2.7 nCi/gm or 2.7 μCi/Kg) or (<200cps
or <0.5uGy per hour)
b) a total activity less than 40kBq (- 1μCi) of Group 1 radionuclides
or less than 400kBq ( - 10 μCi) of Group 2 radionuclides
or less than 4 MBq (- 100 μCi) of Group 3 radionuclides
or less than 40 MBq (- 1 mCi) of Group 4 radionuclides.
4.
Procedure
All hazardous waste generated for the purposes of research shall be:
 Managed using Sections 4.1 to 4.12 of this procedure
 Segregated into the waste categories identified in Table 1 Waste Categories
 Clearly labeled as defined in Sections 4.1 to 4.12 (additional information may be added if
required).
There must be ready access to Spill Kits and PPE close to the waste storage location.
SESIAHS Waste Collection Days
Waste Type
Radioactive Waste
Biohazard Waste
General Lab Waste
Contaminated Co-mingled Waste
General Waste
Co-mingled Waste
Empty Bottles for Recycling
Non-contaminated Broken Glass
Contaminated Broken Glass –
Biological contaminated
Collection
Days
As Required
Removed from
Laboratory By
Arranged between Lab
Users, Radiation Officer
and Cleaning Services
Dr Javed Akther Ext
32973 or Dr Richard
Smart Ext 33129
No prior arrangement
for collection required
Monday Friday
ISS Cleaning Services
When Full
Contact
ISS Cleaning Services
Supervisor: Ext: 33047
Sharps
Empty Drums
Recyclable Printing Cartridges
On Request
Waste Management
Waste Manager,
Ext 33039,
Page 147
Collection Day
Fax Number
Thursday
Organised by Assets
Department
93852365
A completed disposal
form must be submitted
to the Administrative
Manager which is sent
to Head of School for
approval, and then sent
to Assets for approval.
Obsolete Equipment if Owned by
the Hospital
UNSW Waste Collection Days
Waste Type
Chemical
Obsolete UNSW Assets
Fax must be received
on
Monday Noon
As required
For disposal of Chemicals, a Chemical Waste Request Form must be completed and faxed to 9385 2365.
This form can be downloaded from the UNSW OHS website:
http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/docs/frm_waste_chemical.doc
Table 1 Waste Categories
Waste
Waste Descriptor
Category
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Radioactive
Radioactive
Chemical
Biological
General
Laboratory
Waste
Sharps
Contaminated
Co-mingled
Empty Bottles
Office
Materials
Section
Place in Yellow Bags in Perspex
Bin specific for the radionuclide.
4.1
Chemical, Chemically contaminated
Broken Glass
Includes: All Chemical Liquids / Solids,
Solvents, Acids, Alkalis, Chemically
treated Culture Media, Buffer Mixtures,
Culture Medias, Electrophoresis
Running Buffers, Stains, Ethidium
Bromide contaminated Agarose Gels etc
Bunded in individual labeled
suitable containers if possible
OR
4.2
&
4.3
Infectious, Biological, Clinical, GMO,
human blood or body fluids, infectious
animal carcasses or material,
Biologically Contaminated Broken
Glass
After autoclaving, place in
Yellow Bags with Biohazard
Symbol or Chemically treat
General Laboratory disposable materials
eg. Including soft waste (PPE) and
tips/tubes contaminated with residues
including absorbent materials used with
disinfectants eg paper, gloves, pipette,
tips, tubes
Sharps, e.g. scalpel blades, syringe
needles
Mixed contaminated waste categories
RECYCABLE WASTE
NonAll non-contaminated recyclable
Contaminated
material excluding Paper / Cardboard
Co-mingled
Broken glass
Summary of Disposal Procedure
Broken glass – non contaminated
Rinsed Empty Glass Chemical /
Reagent Bottles
Office Equipment, Toners & Materials
All non-contaminated Paper /
Magazines
Non-contaminated Cardboard
Batteries
GENERAL WASTE
Landfill
Food Scraping, Polystyrene, Plastic
not for recycling
Legislation, Australian
Standard




NSW Radiation
Control Act and
Regulation
AS/NZS 2243.4
NSW OHS Act and
Regulation
AS/NZS 2243.2
in the following categories:
Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Non-Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Aqueous Electrophoresis Waste
Aqueous Tissue Culture Waste + 1%
Sodium Hypochlorite
Aqueous Waste – Acid [dilute solns
< 5 M]
Aqueous Waste – Alkali [dilute
solns<5 M]
Aqueous Waste with Heavy Metal
Content
Aqueous Waste with non-Heavy
Metal Content
4.4



AS/NZS 2243.3
AQIS
Gene Technology
Act and Regulation
4.5


ANZCWMIG
EMIAA
Yellow Sharps Container
4.6
Address all hazards. Contact
OHS & WC Unit as dealt with on
a case by case basis.
4.7



AS/NZS 2243.3
AS 4031
AS/NZS 2243.3
Orange Bin / Clear Bags
4.8

AS/NZS 2243.3
Solid Container (Noncontaminated broken Glass)
Rinse bottles & put in bin for recycling
Cardboard Recycle Bin
4.9

AS/NZS 2243.1
For Tissue Culture Media Waste
treat with 1% Hypochlorite &
dispose of as chemical waste
Yellow Bags with Biohazard
Symbol
4.10
4.11
Blue Bags
Metal Trolley
Specific Container for recycling
Green Bin / Clear Plastic Bag
4.12
4.1 Radioactive Waste
4.1 Radioactive Waste
The following radionuclides are used in the radioactive lab.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
P32
S35
C14
3
H-thymidine
I125
Level 3 facility is classified as a low level radioactive lab. Iodination with I125 is not permitted in this lab.
This is normally carried out at the Nuclear Medicine lab as there are more monitory procedures in place.
After the iodination the finished product is brought back to the 3 rd floor for further experiments.
Disposal of radioactive waste
Solid P32 and S35 radioactive waste must be placed in the appropriately marked perspexed boxes placed on
the bench.
When the boxes get filled then either the radiation safety officer should be notified or placed the yellow bag
in the appropriately labeled bin the in the storage room. Before placing the waste please write the date and
the radioactivity on the bag. Use the Radioactive monitor located in the storage self adjacent to the fume
hood.
P32 waste
S35 waste
Radioactive waste can roughly be divided into two categories: Low and high activity
Low activity waste includes all material whose activity does not exceed the limits of discharge specified for
the radionuclide. This will include samples which have been prepared for gamma or liquid scintillation
counting and some disposable material used in handling radionuclide e.g. tips, tubes (must check for
activity before disposing as low activity). As a rough “rule of thumb”, items with a surface count rate
<200cps or where the surface dose rate is < 0.5uGy per hour could be described as low activity.
High activity waste basically takes in the remainder but specifically include unused stock solutions, early
rinsing through ion exchange columns and the column itself, material used for handling stock solutions and
during iodination procedures.
Liquid Radioactive waste through the sink
Low activity liquid waste can be discharged via the designated sink in the radioactive laboratory. This
normally is very low activity liquid (< 200cps).
This type of waste include the Elisa plate rinsing e.g 3H thymidine assay washings. Radioactive waste
should be discharged while tap is running at least for 5 minutes.
Radioactive sharps
All needles and other sharp material should be disposed of into a designated sharp container. The sharp
container must not be overfilled. Filled sharp container with the external dose rate of <0.5 uSV/hr can be
disposed of as normal biologically contaminated waste.
ATTENTION!!
Cleaner is not permitted to carry out any cleaning work without supervision. If the room need
cleaning or you want to get rid of full bins then notify the radiation safety officer.
Remember that waste only can be discharged when its surface activity count rate <200cps or where the
surface dose rate is < 0.5uGy per hour. It will then go as a normal contaminated biological waste. If you
ever have to dispose of full bin then use contamination monitor to check its activity.
Contamination monitor.
It can give you reading both in µSV/hr or CPS.
4.2 Chemical Waste Requirements
Hazardous substances must, under no circumstances, be allowed to enter storm water drains. Disposing of
hazardous chemicals down the sink is strictly forbidden. In addition, careful consideration shall be
given to the location of chemical waste containers to ensure any potential leaks do not enter storm water
drains.
Bunding (i.e. containing the waste in an embankment or secondary container to prevent it from traveling)
should be carried out to contain any liquid in the event of an emergency spill or leak. The height of the
bund required depends on the volume of liquid in storage and normally is 120% of the size of the original
container.
Spill kits must be available for all types of hazardous waste generated and the staff trained and competent
in spill clean up procedures.
Where metal drums are used for waste transport, they must be placed in spill containment trays at all times
to contain the waste in the event of a leak. Glass containers should be packaged to minimize damage to the
container. Glass Winchesters should be transported in polypacks, racks or other suitable non breakable
container.
Peroxide Forming compounds (e.g. diethyl ether,) must have a date of receipt and date of opening written
on the container. The maximum storage period must not have expired. This is generally six months.
Unknown waste is handled on a case by case basis. Avoid generating this waste by diligently labeling all
waste containers.
Explosive waste is handled on a case by case basis. Avoid generating this waste by diligently observing the
expiration dates on chemical labels.
Radioactive liquids measured above background levels are not allowed to be disposed of down the sinks
(see Section 4.1).
Labelling
The Chemical Waste label requires the following information:
Waste Category
Specific hazard information
Dept Generating Waste
Chemical Waste
Name of substance,
DG Class;
if a safe mixture then list the ingredients
Department Name
Storage
(a) Collection Point
There are specific locations in the Research Facility where Chemical Waste is stored which have restricted
access to members of the public. Waste collection points are to be kept clear, are dedicated to waste
storage and are labeled accordingly. Bunding is recommended at all collection points appropriate to the
size of the container.
(b) Waste Segregation
Waste should be segregated in accordance with chemical compatibility and Dangerous Goods Class.
Where practical, place chemical waste for one particular solvent in its own separate bottle.
Where mixtures of chemicals are being used and it is not practicable to have separate containers for each
individual substance, the following waste categories can be used:
Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Non-Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Aqueous Waste – Acid [dilute solutions less than 5 M]
Aqueous Waste – Alkali [dilute solutions less than 5 M]
Aqueous Waste with Heavy Metal Content
Aqueous Waste with non-Heavy Metal Content
Aqueous Electrophoresis Waste
Aqueous Tissue Culture Waste with 1% Hypochlorite etc
Disposal
For collection of chemical waste, complete a chemical waste request form.
All waste request forms should be faxed through to the OHS & WC Unit on Ext 9385 2365
Procedure for Waste Collection by Chemical Contractor
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Have an appropriate designated area in the laboratory for the storage of hazardous waste until pick-up.
Ensure that waste storage is in accordance with chemical compatibility.
Containers must be in good condition, not leaking and not overflowing. All containers must be lidded.
If lids do not adequately seal, then containers must be replaced. We have a duty of care to the
chemical waste contractor to ensure that our waste is in a safe condition for transport.
The material of the waste container must be compatible with the waste it contains. Appropriate
dangerous goods containers can be obtained from the UNSW Biosciences Chemical Store or the
Applied Sciences Chemical Store.
Containers should be bunded to at least accommodate the container’s contents.
Containers must remain closed unless adding or removing waste.
Containers must be labeled as ‘Hazardous Waste’ and the components must be listed. This list of
contents MUST be updated whenever waste is added. Labels must be waterproof or laminated to make
them so. The label must include the name of the person responsible for generating the waste.
In order to arrange to get your waste picked up:
a) Download the Chemical waste form from OHS & WC unit website
http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/docs/frm_waste_chemical.doc
b) Complete the details accurately especially regarding the Chemical Substance, the quantity, the
exact location of the waste and local contact details for the contractor in case there are specific
questions about the nature of the waste etc.;
c) Fax the completed form to OHS & Worker Compensation Unit (Fax No. 9385 2365) by 12 noon
on Monday.
d) On the day of pick-up ensure access for the contractor.
4.3 Broken Glass (Chemically contaminated) Waste Requirements
Chemically contaminated broken glass is to be placed in a puncture proof container.
The puncture proof containers are available from UNSW:
a) Biological Sciences Store, Biological Sciences Building D26 9385 2007
b) Chemistry Store, Applied Science Building F10 – 9385 4695
When disposing of any broken glass ensure any contamination hazard is taken into account before disposal.
Note: No sharps are to be placed in these buckets.
Labelling
Chemically contaminated broken glass waste label requires the following information:
Waste Category
Specific Hazard Information
Department Generating Waste:
Chemical Waste
Name of substance,
DG Class;
if a safe mixture then list the ingredients &
Broken Glass Hazard – Always keep lid closed
Name of the Department generating the waste
Storage
Chemically contaminated broken glass must be stored in puncture proof container with the lid closed. This
waste must not be mixed with non-contaminated broken glass or other contaminated broken glass.
Disposal
Close the lid and inform Senior Technical Officer that this chemically contaminated waste needs to be
included on the Chemical Waste Request Form for next collection by waste contractor.
4.4 Biological Waste Requirements
Requirements
Where possible, all wastes containing or potentially contaminated with Genetically Modified Organisms
(GMO) or by-products derived from GMOs must be decontaminated by autoclaving at 121°C for 20 mins
or by chemically treating (see Table below) before collection and disposal by the waste contractor.
Where possible all wastes containing or potentially contaminated with live microorganisms must be
decontaminated by autoclaving at 121°C for 20 mins or by chemically treating (see Table below) before
collection and disposal by the waste contractor.
Tissue Culture Media Waste Disposal
Tissue Culture Media Waste must be decontaminated by treating the waste media with a final
concentration of fresh 1% Hypochlorite solution.
This chemically treated waste is then labeled and disposed of as chemical waste through UNSW (See
Section 4.2).
Bacterial Broths
Where possible, it is preferable that bacterial broths are decontaminated by autoclaving at 121°C for 20
mins. Once autoclaved, the broth can be disposed of down the sink with plenty of water.
If autoclaving is not possible, bacterial broths can be treated chemically and then disposed of as chemical
waste through UNSW (See Section 4.2).
Tissue Culture waste consumables including Tissue Culture Plates, Flasks, Pipettes, Tips etc must be
collected in a robust plastic bag autoclave bag displaying the Biohazard symbol. The robust plastic bag
must be contained in a solid-based container. The container is labeled with Biological waste and a
Biological Hazard Symbol.
Where possible, this waste is autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes. The waste is then placed in a yellow
clinical waste bag which is contained in a solid-based container. The container is labeled with Biological
waste and a Biological Hazard Symbol.
Note:
-
All biological waste or GMO waste that has been chemically treated must be disposed of as general
laboratory waste or chemical waste whichever is most appropriate eg bleached cell culture as chemical
waste, spill clean up paper as general lab waste.
For chemical treatments, use a chemical that is effective against the microorganism being handled and use
the correct concentration of that chemical (see Table below).
Chemical
Concentration
Effective Against
Sodium Hypochlorite
(the active ingredient in
Bleach)
1% v/v of sodium
hypochlorite
Vegetative Forms of Bacteria &
Viruses, HIV & Hepatitis
Iodine
Glutaraldehyde
Spores
2% w/v glycol
complexed
formulation
A wide range of
microorganisms including
sporing bacteria (spores require
3 – 10 hours treatment)
Advantage /
Disadvantage
Make fresh daily
Corrosive to Stainless
Steel
Ineffective against
Spores
Skin Staining &
Sensitization
Irritating to eyes and
mucous membranes
& can cause
respiratory problems /
dermatitis.
Peroxygen Biocides eg
Virkon
1% w/v
concentration
Fungi & Viruses
Items need to be
rinsed well after
decontamination.
Ineffective against
Mycobacterium spp
& against HIV in the
presence of blood
Hydrogen Peroxide
3% w/v
but higher if
disinfecting against
bacterial spores or
enteric viruses
70% w/v (approx
80% v/v)
A range of microorganisms
except Fungi.
Corrosive to metal
Absence of toxic end
products of
decomposition.
Ethanol
Phenolics
Vegetative Bacteria & Lipid
Containing Viruses
Used for disinfecting clean
surfaces & skin
Bacteria & Lipid containing
viruses
Flammable
Unsuitable for
application to
proteinaceous
material
Inactive against
spores & Non-Lipid
containing viruses
May cause toxic
effects if ingested
Quaternary Ammonium
Compounds
Chlorhexidine
Gram-positive bacteria & Lipid
containing viruses eg herpes &
influenza
Not deactivated by
organic matter
Used mainly in the
food industry
Used in Skin
disinfectant
formulations
Acids /Alkalis
Animal Holding
Areas / Animal
facilities
Storage
Tissue Culture Media treated with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite is stored in plastic drums in bunding. The
waste is labeled with Tissue Culture Media Waste with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite. When the drum is full,
the drum is added to the Chemical Waste list for the next UNSW chemical waste collection.
Tissue Culture waste consumables including Tissue Culture Plates, Flasks, Pipettes, Tips etc must be
collected in a robust autoclave bag displaying the Biohazard symbol. The robust plastic bag must be
contained in a solid-based container. The container is labeled with Biological waste and a Biological
Hazard Symbol.
Where possible, this waste is autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes. The waste is then placed in a yellow
clinical waste bag which is contained in a solid-based container. The container is labeled with Biological
waste and a Biological Hazard Symbol.
Disposal
The cleaner places the yellow clinical waste bags containing Biological waste in the yellow wheelie bin for
Clinical Waste. Biological waste is removed from the Research Facility in the yellow bin every day by the
cleaner to the Ground Floor Waste collection Point, where it is collected by Waste Management.
At the waste management centre, the waste is labeled with the date, size, weight and area collected from.
Biological waste is collected from Waste Management Centre by the biological waste contractor Red Lam.
This waste is chemically treated or autoclaved by the contractor.
4.6 General Laboratory Waste
All waste paper, gloves, plastic pipette tips, plastic tubes or other general laboratory material that is
contaminated with chemical residues must be disposed of as General Laboratory Waste. Absorbent
materials and disinfectants used to decontaminate surfaces or spills should be treated as General Laboratory
Waste.
Storage
All General Laboratory Waste may be placed directly into the yellow clinical waste robust plastic bag.
The robust plastic bag must be contained in a solid-based container.
Disposal
The cleaner places the yellow clinical waste bags containing the general waste in the yellow wheelie bin for
Clinical Waste. General Laboratory Waste is removed from the Research Facility in the yellow bin every
day by the cleaner to the Ground Floor Waste collection Point, where it is collected by Waste Management.
At the waste management centre, the waste is labeled with the date, size, weight and area collected from.
This waste is collected from Waste Management Centre by the waste contractor Red Lam.
This waste is chemically treated or autoclaved by the contractor.
4.5 Sharps Waste Requirements
All sharps are to be collected in a rigid, puncture-proof container that meets Australian Standard
requirements (see AS 4031).
St George Hospital Waste Management Department (Tel 9113 3039) supply Australian Standard AS 4031
approved sharps containers. These sharps Bins come in two different sizes (S14 and S22) and the size is
displayed on a White Barcode Label on the side of the sharps bin (See Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Sharps Containers supplied by Waste Management, St George Hospital.
Storage
Sharps containers are to remain in the area where the sharps are generated until the container is full or until
the container is no longer required.
Note: Never fill beyond the fill mark as this will prevent the lid from being closed.
Disposal
When a Yellow Sharps bin is full, close the lid, press in the locking mechanism and contact the Waste
Management Department to arrange collection of the full bin(s). Waste Management Dept can be
contacted by dialing 611 and then paging 726.
Alternatively, Lab personnel can e mail Izat Zayed (Waste Management Department):
izat.zayed@sesiahs.Health.nsw.gov.au
Provide the Waste Management Department with the following information:
1.
2.
3.
The quantity and what size full Sharps Bins need to be collected
The quantity and what size empty Sharps Bins need to be provided (it is a good idea to have one
or two spare empty sharps bins as collection may not take place on the day that you contact Waste
Management)
Leave the full sharps bins in the Level 3 Lobby for collection by Waste Management.
Note: Do not give the Sharps Bins to the Cleaner for disposal.
4.7 Contaminated Co-mingled
When dealing with mixed waste streams, e.g. biological and radioactive, infectious material and animal
carcasses or cytotoxic material and animal carcasses, you must ensure that you addresses all hazards
associated with the waste (Contact the OHS & WC Unit for information regarding co-mingled waste – this
should be done during the planning phase of the project). However, an assessment of each situation shall be
conducted before combining wastes prior to storage or disposal.
4.8 Broken Glass (non-contaminated) Waste Requirements
All non-contaminated broken glass is to be collected in the white 20L broken glass buckets. These buckets
are reserved for non-contaminated broken glass only and are labeled specifically for that purpose.
The white 20L broken glass buckets are available from UNSW:
a) Biological Sciences Store, Biological Sciences Building D26 9385 2007
b) Chemistry Store, Applied Science Building F10 9385 4695
When disposing of any broken glass ensure any contamination hazard is taken into account before disposal.
Note: No sharps are to be placed in these buckets.
Labelling
The broken glass waste label requires the following information:
Waste Category
Specific Hazard Information
Dept Generating the Waste:
Broken Glass
Broken Glass Hazard – Always keep lid closed
Name of Department generating the waste
Storage
All broken glass must be stored in a broken glass bucket with the lid closed
Disposal
When the bucket is full, close the lid and inform the Cleaning Staff that it is ready for collection. The
Cleaning Staff will take the bucket containing the glass and will not return the bucket. A new bucket can
be obtained by contacting the Senior Technical Officer.
4.9 Non-contaminated Co-mingled Waste
This waste includes all non-contaminated recyclable material except cardboard and paper eg glass, plastic
bottles, steel, aluminium cans, milk & juice bottles.
Place this waste in a clear bag in a White Bin.
Labelling
The white bin for collecting non contaminated recyclable waste must be labeled as ‘Non-contaminated Comingled Waste’.
Storage
White Bins and lined with clear plastic bags
Disposal
Cleaning staff collect Non-contaminated Co-mingled Waste everyday Monday – Friday and leave it in the
Waste area, Ground Floor Research & Education Building for collection by Waste Management Dept Staff
to the Waste Management Centre at the Hospital. At the Waste Management Centre, the non-contaminated
co-mingled waste is sorted and it is collected everyday by the contratctors Sita.
4.10 Empty Chemical Bottles
This waste includes all empty bottles that contained chemicals. These bottles must be well rinsed with
plenty of water. The rinsed bottles and caps must be placed in the designated bin for empty bottles for re-
cycling. These bottles will be collected by the cleaner and will be laced at the waste collection point on the
Ground Floor. Waste Management will collect these bottles and send for recycling.
4.11 Office Materials
Used Toner Cartridges
Used toner cartridges from printers and photocopiers are placed in the designated cardboard bin for
recycling. When the bin is full, the cartridges transferred to clear plastic bags and labeled as printer
cartridges for recycling. The cleaner takes these cartridges to the waste collection point on the Ground
Floor. Waste Management collects the cartridges and sorts for recycling.
Cardboard
All cardboard boxes are placed in the designated metal trolley. The cleaner removes the cardboard
everyday Monday – Friday to the Ground Floor Waste Collection Point. Waste Management collect the
cardboard and bring it to the Waste Management Centre for recycling.
Magazines / Pamphlets
All waste magazines and pamphlets and office paper are placed in a blue bag for recycling. The cleaner
removes the blue bags down to the Ground Floor Waste Collection Point. Waste Management collect this
waste and sort it for recycling at the Waste Management Centre.
Batteries
Batteries are placed in designated area for recycling. The cleaner removes the batteries to the Ground Floor
Waste Collection Point. Waste Management collect the waste batteries and send for recycling.
4.12 General Waste
This waste type includes Food Scraps, Polystyrene & non-recyclable Plastic
General waste must only be placed in a bin labeled ‘General Waste Only’. This may also include
uncontaminated plant material. General Waste must not be mixed with any other waste category.
If general waste is contaminated it takes on the waste category of the contaminating material.
Labelling
The bin for collecting non contaminated waste must be labeled as ‘General Waste Only’
Storage
White Bins and lined with clear plastic bags
Disposal
Cleaning staff collect General Waste Only bins everyday Monday – Friday and leave it in the Waste area,
Ground Floor Research & Education Building for collection by Waste Management Dept Staff to the Waste
Management Centre at the Hospital. At the Waste Management Centre, the General waste is sorted /
labeled and it is collected everyday by the contractors Sita.
5. Responsibility
Managers and Supervisors
Must ensure that all:
 Staff and Students implement the requirements of this procedure;
 Hazardous waste is identified and segregated into the appropriate waste streams;
 Hazardous waste stored, labeled and transported appropriately;
 Staff receive appropriate training that includes waste segregation, storage requirements,
transportation requirements, labeling, emergency procedures, spill control and awareness of
associated hazards.
6. Legal & Policy Framework
NSW Occupational Health & Safety Act 2000 and Regulation 2001
NSW Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act 1985
NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001
OHS Regulation 2001 Chapter 6
Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POPEO Act)
Environmental Guidelines; Assessment , Classification & Management of Liquid& Non-liquid Wastes
(NSW EPA 1999)
Radiation Control Act and Regulation 1993
Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989;
Biological Control Act 1984;
Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2002
Code for Transport of Dangerous Goods
NH&MR National Guidelines for Management of Clinical and Related Wastes,
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, Handbook on the Regulation of Gene Technology in Australia,
2001
Australian Standard 1940 The storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Australian Standard 2243.2 Safety in Laboratories Part 2: Chemical Aspects
Australian Standard 2243.3 Safety in Laboratories Part 3: Microbiological Aspects and containment
facilities, 2002
Australian Standard 2243.10 Safety in Laboratories Part 10: Chemical Storage
6.1 Associated Documents
UNSW OHS Policy
Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Procedure
Radiation Safety Procedure
Biosafety Procedure
Disposal of PCB Procedure
SESIAHS Waste management, Area Policy Directive PD 079
SESIAHS Dangerous goods and Hazardous Substances Area Policy Directive PD 082
SESIAHS Emergency Management Area Policy Directive PD 069
7 Evaluation & History
Version
Date
1.0
19/02/2009
Author
Approval
Sinead
O’Reilly
Head of School
Sections
Modified
-
Details of
amendments
New
Document