Materials that qualify as “sharps” are defined at the state level and shall be disposed of as Potentially Infectious Medical Waste (PIMW). In Illinois, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has designated the following material (used or unused) as sharps:
All sharps shall be disposed of in approved Sharps Disposal Containers (SDCs), which are provided free of charge to university personnel. SDCs are closable, puncture resistant, leak-proof on the sides and bottoms, and available in three sizes (1-quart, 2-gallon, or 8-gallon sharps disposal container). Because the IEPA requires sharps to be rendered unrecognizable prior to disposal, disposal of sharps in the regular trash is forbidden.
NEVER dispose of these items in SDCs:
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Broken glassware is not necessarily considered to be a sharp. Broken glass that is not biologically, chemically, or radiologically contaminated may be disposed of in the regular trash. For more information see Laboratory Glassware Disposal
Campus Stores manages the distribution of new SDCs. Requests for new SDCs are made by phone at 217-244-0139 or by email and should include quantity and size of SDCs and delivery location. Containers are usually delivered within three business days. If new containers are broken, cracked, or are missing parts, contact Campus Stores.
When new SDCs arrive, secure the lid by snapping all corners in place. SDCs must be easily accessible to laboratory personnel and located as close as possible to the area where sharps are used. When discarding sharps:
Oversized items for disposal, such as a 20-liter flask contaminated with an infectious agent, may be carefully boxed in an ordinary cardboard box for collection. The box must be sturdy and no larger than 18" x 12" x 9". Bottom seams on the box should be taped and the bottom lined with absorbent laboratory bench paper. Items should be emptied of all liquids before being packaged. The box lid should be closed and seams secured with tape. The box should be labeled on two sides with the words “OVERSIZED SHARPS”. Materials not packaged in this manner will not be collected.
Individuals who have medical reasons for using sharps while on campus should refer to our personal use pages for students and employees.
When full, lock the lid in place, and request a sharps pick-up from the Division of Research Safety. Containers are usually picked-up within three business days.
ATTENTION: If your sharps are contaminated with radioactive materials, please use the Online Radioactive Waste Pick Up Request Form.