At a glance
Facilities are encouraged to destroy all unneeded or nonessential poliovirus material. If your facility intends to destroy some or all the poliovirus PIM or infectious material it possesses, you will be asked to complete an attestation of destruction for the material.
Autoclave
The use of moist steam under pressure is the most effective method for sterilizing laboratory materials.
All cultures and contaminated materials should be autoclaved in leak-proof containers (e.g., autoclave bags placed in a leak-proof tray) before disposal. Packaging should allow the penetration of steam.
After being autoclaved, the materials may be placed in transfer containers for transportation to the disposal point. Autoclaves should be validated in order to ensure that sterilizing conditions are fulfilled under all loading patterns.
Incineration
Incineration is the method of choice for final disposal of contaminated waste, including carcasses of laboratory animals, preferably after autoclaving.
Incineration of materials is an alternative to autoclaving only if:
- The incinerator and transport to the incinerator is under laboratory control.
- The incinerator is provided with an efficient means of temperature control and a secondary burning chamber.
Other
If other means of destruction are to be used, contact the National Authority for Poliovirus Containment (poliocontainment@cdc.gov) prior to destruction.
Please note that the disposal of laboratory and medical waste is subject to various national regulations. In general, ash from incinerators may be treated in the same way as normal domestic waste and removed by local authorities. Autoclaved waste may be disposed of by off-site incineration or in licensed landfill sites.