EH&S is responsible for the management of regulated wastes at Pitt. No lab chemicals or untreated biological wastes should be placed in general trash, flushed down drains or otherwise inappropriately disposed. Contact EH&S at 412-624-9505 with questions regarding proper disposal procedures.
Research / Teaching Laboratory Waste
All biological, infectious, and chemotherapeutic waste that is generated at the University must be decontaminated and disposed of properly. No infectious wastes are permitted to leave the premises or control of the Principal Investigator without first being decontaminated to ensure that they present no harm to others or the environment.
All biological waste must be placed in a red biological waste bag. Once full, seal/close the biological waste bag and place it into a biological waste box. All biological waste boxes must be labeled with a University biological waste label. Please do not use biological waste bags, boxes or labels for chemical waste.
- Infectious Waste/Biohazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines (PDF)
- Sharps Disposal Guidelines (PDF)
- Biological Waste Supplies & Pickup Schedule
Residence Halls Medical Waste
Medical waste cannot be disposed of in the trash. Federal, state, and municipal regulations require that medical waste be disposed of in an approved container. Medical waste includes hypodermic needles, lancets, test strips, small quantities of medical waste, and other medical devices having corners, edges, or projections capable of cutting or piercing the skin, or that pose a safety hazard to personnel who handle waste. If you generate this type of waste, please follow the procedures listed below.
- Purchase an approved sharps or medical waste disposal container from a local pharmacy, physician, or hospital. These containers can also be purchased on-campus at the Student Health Pharmacy, Nordenberg Hall, 103 University Place.
- Immediately transfer any used needles or other contaminated waste into the container to minimize possible injury to anyone.
- When full, take the container to Student Health Service, Nordenberg Hall, 119 University Place, or another authorized disposal site (pharmacy, doctor’s office, etc.)
- In situations where medical supplies need to be stored by a residence hall student, Residence Life recommends the student establish a secure location or devise for storage.
Additional information can be found on the Housing Services Policies webpage or by contacting Panther Central.