Mixed waste

Mixed waste disposal

Guidance for disposing of lab waste that may contain or be contaminated with a combination of biological, chemical and radioactive materials.

Contents

— Overview

— Cytotoxic waste

— Anatomical waste in chemical preservatives

Overview

Mixed waste refers to materials that contain a combination of biological, chemical or radioactive substances. Because of the multiple hazards involved, disposal must follow a case-by-case approach.

General disposal guidelines:

  • If all three hazards are present (biological, chemical, radioactive):
    Inactivate the biological hazard first following the biological waste procedures.
  • Do not steam sterilize waste containing significant quantities of chemical or radioactive.
  • After disinfection, dispose of the remaining waste according to the procedures for chemical or radioactive.
  • If waste contains only chemical and radioactive materials:
    Treat it as radioactive waste and follow the radioactive waste procedures.

Cytotoxic waste

Cytotoxic waste is generated from:

  • Cytotoxic drug therapy
  • Research involving cytotoxic compounds

Examples include:

  • Drug vials and leftover product
  • Used IV bags, tubing, and syringes
  • Gowns and gloves
  • Urine, feces or other bodily fluids from treated animals or subjects

Disposal instructions:

  • Collect all cytotoxic waste in red biowaste pails
  • Clearly label as “Cytotoxic Waste”
  • The waste will be incinerated by an approved contractor

Questions or need support?

Call the Environmental Protection Services team at 416-978-7000.

Anatomical waste in chemical preservatives

Some anatomical samples (for example, tissue) are stored in chemical preservatives like Formalin. This creates a mixed waste stream that must be separated before disposal.

Separation process:

  1. Decant the preservative liquid into an appropriate container.
  2. Dispose of the preservative as chemical waste.
  3. Place the anatomical sample in a red biowaste pail for biological incineration.
  4. Perform the separation in a certified fume hood.

Important notes:

  • The lab is responsible for separating the waste before disposal.
  • If the sample is human tissue, contact the Environmental Protection Services team before you begin.

Questions or need support?
Call the Environmental Protection Services team at 416-978-7000.