Autoclaves use saturated steam under pressure to sterilize biological materials and render many types of biohazardous waste non-infectious prior to disposal. Autoclaving is an effective decontamination method only when operated using validated cycles appropriate for the waste type and load configuration. Personnel must receive appropriate training before operating an autoclave. Once biological waste has been successfully decontaminated, it may be disposed of in accordance with UMES EHS waste management procedures. Waste requiring additional regulatory oversight (e.g., pathological waste, recombinant DNA waste, or mixed hazardous waste) must continue to follow all applicable institutional and regulatory disposal requirements after autoclaving.
Important: Autoclaving does not eliminate all hazards. It sterilizes biological agents but does not neutralize chemical, radioactive, or other hazardous contaminants. Waste containing multiple hazards must be managed according to the most stringent applicable disposal requirements.
Waste Appropriate for Autoclaving
The following biological waste may be autoclaved when approved by laboratory procedures:
- Microbiological cultures and stocks
- Cell culture materials and media
- Contaminated disposable laboratory supplies
- Biohazard bags containing solid biological waste
- Animal bedding from approved research activities (where applicable)
- Other biological waste approved by EHS or the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
Waste That Should Not Be Autoclaved
Do not autoclave:
- Chemical waste
- Radioactive waste
- Mixed biological and chemical waste unless specifically approved
- Volatile, flammable, or corrosive chemicals
- Pressurized or sealed containers
- Large quantities of liquid unless using an approved liquid cycle
- Materials prohibited by the autoclave manufacturer or institutional procedures
Autoclave Requirements
- Use only approved autoclave bags and compatible containers.
- Loosely close bags and vent containers to allow steam penetration.
- Do not overfill autoclave bags or chambers.
- Follow validated cycle parameters established for the waste being treated.
- Verify successful sterilization using the institution’s required quality assurance procedures (e.g., biological indicators, chemical indicators, or other approved monitoring methods).
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when loading and unloading the autoclave.
