How should sharps and infectious waste be disposed of in the lab?

• A. Sharps go in puncture-resistant containers; infectious waste goes in red biohazard bags; never recap needles; follow regulatory guidelines.
• B. Sharps go in trash.
• C. Sharps go in red biohazard bags.
• D. Recap needles before disposal.

Answer: (A)

Preventing exposure and ensuring proper treatment of waste are the guiding ideas. Sharps must be disposed of in rigid, puncture-resistant containers that are closable and never overfilled. Infectious waste goes into red, leak-proof biohazard bags that are clearly labeled and designed to be treated (for example by autoclaving or incineration) according to local regulations. Never recap needles, because that significantly increases the risk of a needlestick injury. Always follow regulatory guidelines for waste segregation, containment, labeling, storage, and disposal. Putting sharps in ordinary trash is unsafe and often illegal, using red bags alone omits the necessary sharps container, and recapping needles clashes with safety practices.