Natural Sciences Department

Storage of Infectious Waste

Infectious waste must be stored in a manner that:
- Maintains the integrity of the containers, prevents the leakage or release of waste from the containers, and provides protection from water, rain and wind.
- Prevents the spread of infectious agents.
- Maintains the waste in a nonputrescent state.
Storage containers must be:
- Leakproof
- Impervious to moisture
- Sufficient in strength to prevent puncturing, tearing or bursting during storage.
Sharps containers, in addition to the criteria listed above, must be:
- Rigid
- Tightly lidded
- Puncture resistant