Apart from sharps, which are dealt with above, all contaminated (potentially infectious) materials should be autoclaved in leak-proof containers, e.g. autoclavable, colour-coded plastic bags, before disposal. After autoclaving, the material may be placed in transfer containers for transport to the incinerator. If possible, materials deriving from healthcare activities should not be discarded in landfills even after decontamination. If an incinerator is available on the laboratory site, autoclaving may be omitted: the contaminated waste should be placed in designated containers (e.g. colour-coded bags) and transported directly to the incinerator. Reusable transfer containers should be leak-proof and have tight-fitting covers. They should be disinfected and cleaned before they are returned to the laboratory for further use.
Discard containers, pans or jars, preferably unbreakable (e.g. plastic), should be placed at every work station. When disinfectants are used, waste materials should remain in intimate contact with the disinfectant (i.e. not protected by air bubbles) for the appropriate time, according to the disinfectant used. The discard containers should be decontaminated and washed before reuse.
Incineration of contaminated waste must meet with the approval of the public health and air pollution authorities, as well as that of the laboratory Safety Officer.