Waste Packaging

All BSL2 waste (generated during research activities in a BSL2 laboratory) must be decontaminated before disposal. This includes:

  • Any biological sample;
  • Culture media;
  • Plastic consumables (tubes, pipette tips, serological pipettes, etc.);
  • Gloves and other protective equipment;
  • Packaging of all products handled in a BSL2 laboratory;
  • Etc.

Note: BSL2 blue microfiber lab coats should also be packed in designated bags before being taken out of the BSL2 laboratories for decontamination and washing.

Users are responsible for properly bagging and identifying waste for pickup and processing by our Facility as specified below:

All solid waste (gloves, packages, plastics, etc.) must be placed in biohazard bags and sealed with a plastic strap. These items can be ordered from the SV Store through the Catalysis ordering system with the following references:

Sac biohazard: code19
Bride de fermeture: code21

P2 barcodes specific to the unit must also be applied to the bags before they are placed in the red plastic bins.

Important! It is the responsibility of the units and users to ensure that the bags are not damaged by their contents. If a bag ruptures, users must repackage the damaged bag and the contents in a second bag in good condition. Proper placement of the serological pipettes is essential to ensure that the waste bags do not get punctured.

Sharp items (scalpels, needles, etc.) or glass (broken glass, tubes, etc.) should be disposed of in the yellow plastic boxes intended for this type of waste. These boxes are also available at the SV Store with the following references:

  • Poubelle E-Safe 1.7L: code174
  • Poubelle E-Safe 3.1L: code628
  • Poubelle E-Safe 7L: code629

These containers must also be labeled with the identification barcode before being placed in the red bins for pickup.

All gel and agar waste must be disposed of in specific 30L yellow plastic containers. These containers can be ordered by email from the Facility. Once full, these containers are to be deposited in the P2 waste collection area with an identification barcode. They will also be picked up by the Facility.

Liquids should be collected in 4 liter polypropylene bottles with screw caps, resistant to 121°C. These bottles can be ordered through the Catalyse system with the following reference:

  • Heavy Duty bottle 4L: code867

Once the bottles are filled, they must be closed, cleaned externally with a decontaminating agent, identified with the laboratory barcode and placed in the red BSL2 waste bins.

Caution! For hygiene and safety reasons, it is imperative to fill the bottles of P2 liquids to 3/4 of their capacity! Overfilled bottles will not be collected by the Facility staff. Users may inactivate their BSL2 liquids prior to processing with products such as Gigasept or Virkon. Under no circumstances should liquids to be autoclaved be pre-treated with Vesphene or bleach. Autoclaving would form highly toxic vapors in the tank of the equipment, which can be accidentally inhaled by Waste Facility personnel when the doors are opened.

IMPORTANT: Each container, bottle or bag containing BSL2 waste or Class 1 GMOs must be identified with a barcode label specific to the laboratory. Users can order labels by emailing our Service.

For more information regarding the disposal of biological waste, you can refer to the pages of the biosafety website by clicking here.

Note: The concerned users are requested to contact Ms. Emilie Gesina of the CPG concerning the disposal of all waste of animal origin. Under no circumstances should these be disposed of in laboratory waste containers.