Is Your Institution Disposing of Culture Media Containing Antibiotics?

Abstract

The disposal of culture media containing antibiotics is a daily practice in research laboratories at any level (ie, academia, industry, federal/state). Generally, good microbiological practices recommend that the biohazard be treated before disposal of the culture media. This brief summary aims to provide a different angle in the waste management of culture media containing antibiotics from the perspective of handling the biohazard (microbiological agent) and the chemical hazard (antibiotic) before disposal. Available practices and suggested discussion points are presented to initiate conversation among biosafety professionals and within institutions.