CEHS has a sharps exchange program available for all academic units at SIUC. Once a sharps container is full, a request for collection should be made using the CEHS biological collection request form and CEHS will replace your sharps container at no cost. Sharps containers are available in three sizes:

   


The following items are classified as sharps and must be disposed of in a biohazard sharps puncture proof containers:

• Hypodermic, intravenous or other medical needles

• Hypodermic or intravenous syringes (with or without needles)

• Pasteur pipettes

• Scalpel and razor blades

• Blood vials (glass and plastic)

• Microscope slides and coverslips that have been in contact with infectious agents

• Other glassware contaminated with infectious agents

The following items are not to be disposed of in biohazard sharps containers:

• Broken glass that has not been contaminated with infectious agents

• Petri plates (except glass petri plates contaminated with infectious agents)

• Glass or plastic non-pasteur pipettes (not contaminated with human tissue culture)

• Other miscellaneous biohazardous waste

Broken glass not contaminated with infectious agents can be disposed of in broken glass cardboard disposal containers. When those containers are full, close the top and seal with tape. Set the box out for custodians to collect, or dispose directly in a dumpster.

Disposal of biohazard sharps containers:
Request a collection by submitting a biological collection request online. CEHS will replace sharps containers to all academic units without charge.

 

Definition of an infectious agent: Any organism (such as a virus or bacteria) that is capable of being communicated by invasion and multiplication in body tissues and capable of causing disease or adverse health impacts in humans.