Housekeeping and Waste Disposal
All regulated waste must be placed in properly labeled containers or red biohazard bags for disposal at an approved facility.
Discarded feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins, are not generally considered regulated waste. Under most circumstances, the absorbent material in such products prevents the release of liquid or semi-liquid blood or the flaking off of dried blood. Feminine hygiene products should be discarded into waste containers lined with plastic or wax paper bags to protect housekeeping employees from physical contact with the contents.
Non-regulated waste (i.e., does not fit the definition of regulated waste provided above) that is not generated by a medical facility or human health-related research laboratory may be disposed in regular plastic trash bags if it has been decontaminated or autoclaved prior to disposal. However, all bags containing such materials must be labeled, signed, and dated, verifying that the materials inside have been decontaminated according to acceptable procedures and pose no health threat.
Check with your supervisor for specific requirements and procedures for handling and disposing of wastes at your institution.