Frequently Asked Questions
Biological Waste Topics


Can unused syringes (unopened package) be disposed in normal trash?

No, all syringes whether used or not must be disposed of in a sharps container.


Where do I obtain red bags labeled with the generator's name and address to use for College-generated biological waste?

For areas on the main campus that are serviced or managed by the College’s Housekeeping Services Department (A-E, LBRC, S, Kipps Bay, WGC, Whitney, Oxford) red bags for regulated medical waste can be obtained by contacting Housekeeping Services at (646) 962-9947 (ext. 1-9947 internally). These bags come pre-printed with the College’s name and address to be used for College-generated biological waste. The sizes available from the College are:

  • 23” x 24” Red Bag Liner
  • 33 x 40” Red Bag Liner

For areas on the main campus that are serviced by NYP Housekeeping (areas within NYP buildings), red bags can be purchase through NYP General Stores. You can order in person in Room AN-007 or by phone at 746-1961. The three types of red bags that are available through General Stores are:

  • 117018 BAG LINER RED 15 X 9 X 24 WC 500 EA/CA (5923XHRP)
  • 147900 BAG LINER RED 30 X 36 WC 250 EA/CA (AD13036RPCP)
  • 125745 BAG LINER RED 39 X 48 WC 100 EA/CA (D13948RPC)

For areas that are located off campus (425 E. 61st Street, New York Blood Center, etc.) red bags for regulated medical waste should be obtained from the service provider that is removing the waste from the facility. These bags must be properly labeled with the generator’s company name and address prior to leaving the facility.


How do I request an additional sharps container?

To request an additional sharps container, please use the Sharps Collection Request Form. Complete the Contact Information section of the form. In the comments section, write the number and size of sharps containers you need. The click the submit button. You will receive an email confirmation of your request.


How do I request a collection for sharps containers?

To replace sharps containers at no cost, submit an online Sharps Collection Request Form. Complete the Contact Information section of the form and specify the number of large, regular, or small sharps containers to be replaced. You will receive an email confirmation of your request. An empty container will be left for each full container collected.


How do I request additional sharps containers?

To request additional sharps containers at no cost, submit an online Sharps Collection Request Form. Complete the Contact Information section of the form and specify the number of large, regular, or small sharps containers requested in the comments section. You will receive an email confirmation of your request.


When are sharps containers collected?

WCMC areas other than the Weill Greenberg Center (1305 York Avenue): Sharps containers are collected and exchanged on Wednesday and Thursdays of each week. An online Sharps Collection Request Form must be submitted by Tuesday at 5:00PM to be collected that Wednesday and Thursday.

Weill Greenberg Center (1305 York Avenue): Sharps containers are automatically collected and exchanged on Tuesdays of each week for all known sharps container locations


What sizes of sharps containers are available?

Information about the available sharps containers can be seen at the Sharps Collection Request Form.


Can I schedule routine sharps container collections?

In order for EHS to ensure all collection requests are completed in a timely manner, an online Sharps Collection Request Form must be submitted for each collection. Collections submitted by Wednesday at 5:00PM are collected that Thursday or Friday.