Definition of infectious waste:
Sharps: includes needles, scalpel blades, lancets and glass tubes. Sharps are placed in a segregated area in a landfill permitted to take them
Pathological/Anatomical Waste: includes biopsy materials, human tissues, anatomical parts (that result from surgery, obstetrical procedures, autopsy and laboratory procedures). Animal carcasses exposed to pathogens in research and the bedding and other waste from such animals. "Pathological waste" does not include teeth or formaldehyde or other preservative agents. Pathological waste should always be stored in a corrugated paper box. State law requires incineration of this category of waste.
Biological Waste: includes blood and blood products, excretions, exudates, secretions, suctionings and other body fluids that cannot be directly discarded into a municipal sewer system, and waste materials saturated with blood or body fluids. Biological waste is processed at a state approved retort system where the material is held at 270° for 45 minutes then disposed at a permitted landfill.
Stocks and Cultures: includes etiologic agents and associated biological, including specimen cultures and dishes and devices used to transfer, inoculate and mix cultures, wastes from the production of biologicals, and serums and discard live and attenuated vaccines. "Cultures" does not include throat and urine cultures. Stocks and cultures should be included with the biological waste.