Sharps Disposal
Sharps and Laboratory Glass Disposal Poster
| To print a copy of the "Sharps and Laboratory Glass Disposal" sign to post in your laboratory, studio or office, please click on the sign image on the right. |  |
What are Sharps?
Sharps are waste items that can potentially cut or puncture skin, such as:
- Needles
- Syringes
- Lancets
- Scalpels
- Razor blades (Razor blades must be disposed of in a puncture-resistant sharps container
- X-Acto knife blades
What Items are NOT Considered Sharps?
- Broken glass
- Glass Pipettes
- Microscope slides
- Other Glass
For these items refer to the Laboratory Glass Disposal page.
What are the Disposal Procedures?
UWM Main Campus and Satellite Facilities Disposal Procedure:
- The Department of University Safety & Assurances has provided sharps boxes in major men's and women's restrooms on the first floors of academic buildings. Our Environmental Affairs staff picks up full boxes and places empty sharps boxes in the locked holders.
- Put sharps into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof, sharps container.
- Label the container with the word, "SHARPS".
- Seal the container tightly.
- Contact Environmental Affairs staff at x4999 or x2883 to request a pickup.
Additional Resources:
- "Medical Waste -- Disposal of Household Sharps"
published by the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Please refer to Chapter 6 of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan for additional biohazard information.
Contact Environmental Affairs staff at x4999 or x2883 if you need empty containers, or assistance with other steps.
October 2, 2007 by SAK