Biological Waste

Biological waste is any waste that comprises, or is contaminated by, a biological material but excludes food waste and waste that arises from normal management practices carried out by Estates & Building on the grounds and gardens within the University estate.

Examples include:

  • Whole bodies or parts of animals
  • Excretia or body fluids, or material or equipment contaminated with them
  • Biological agents (living organisms, their products or products derived from them) or any material or equipment contaminated with them

Some biological material may also fall into the category of animal by-products or be potentially hazardous for other reasons such as being:

  • infections
  • contaminated with a chemical 
  • contaminated with a radiochemical
  • a combination of the above

Biological material that is hazardous due to its infectious or chemical properties is called special waste and is subject to special disposal requirements.

The University has appointed an approved supplier for disposal of special and non-special biological waste.