Module 04 - Occupational Health and Safety

Safe Waste Disposal Practices in Animal Facilities

Work in animal facilities commonly involves use of sharp instruments. All sharp items (e.g., needles, scalpels, capillary tubes, etc.) must be handled safely, and placed in designated sharps containers for disposal as per institutional policy. Needles should never be recapped and re-used.

Animal Waste Disposal

All animals, animal wastes and related materials should be disposed of as per institutional policy. Institutions commonly have a protocol defining proper disposal of all animal carcasses or organs. For example, this might involve collection of all such materials for incineration or other safe disposal. Disposal of non-contaminated waste (dirty bedding, feed, etc.) may differ from institution to institution. Adherence to animal facility waste disposal policies will minimize the risks to the community.