Per our UNMC #2005 Waste Handling Policy these items are defined as biohazardous waste no matter how they are used. All pipettes and pipette tips must be disposed as biohazard waste even if they are autoclaved. For convenience we have allowed used pipettes and pipette tips to be collected in boxes for disposal lined with plastic bags. When ready for disposal the bag should be twisted closed and tied in a single knot (liquid tight), the box closed and placed in a biohazardous waste container for disposal. This process will protect those that must handle these items through the disposal process.
USEFUL LINKS TO INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC:
Information on biohazardous waste at: http://info.unmc.edu/safety/safety-office/biohazardous-waste/index.html
Educational handout: http://info.unmc.edu/safety/safety-office/biohazardous-waste/sharps_biowaste_info_OCT2012.pdf
UNMC #2005 Waste Handling Policy: http://wiki.unmc.edu/index.php?title=Waste_Handling
Let me know if you have any questions
John M. Hauser
Safety Manager
University of Nebraska Medical Center
987150 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 98198-7150
EMAIL: jhauser@unmc.edu
Phone 402-559-7315