In-line waste collection systems

In-line waste collection refers to any system that automatically collects laboratory wastes and is directly connected to a laboratory process; many PCR machines include in-line waste collection systems.

If a container of laboratory waste is connected to an appropriate in-line waste collection system it does not have to be closed by a cap or lid. An acceptable in-line waste collection system must be constructed and operated in a manner which prevents the release of any laboratory waste into the environment. The following standards apply to in-line waste collection systems:

• In-line waste collection systems must have secondary containment in case of an accidental overflow.
• In-line waste collection systems must be attended or periodically inspected by trained laboratory personnel frequently enough so that if there was an accidental overflow, the contents would not overflow the secondary container before the system was shut off.
• The complete system must be inspected monthly as part of the laboratory self inspection.
• There must be specific emergency response instructions posted near the in-line collection system.