Covid Testing Disposal

Safe handling and management of rapid antigen COVID-19 testing waste

Ontario’s hazardous waste framework

Ontario has a strict regulatory framework governing the safe management and disposal of hazardous waste. This framework makes sure that people and the environment are protected.

Waste generated from point-of-care tests (or rapid test kits is considered hazardous waste and requires proper management and disposal.

We prepared this guideline to help you with proper and safe handling, storing and disposal of waste from covid 19 antigen point-of-care testing kits.

Collecting and storing used rapid test kits

This section applies to:

  • sites that are performing covid 19 antigen point-of-care testing
  • any sites that receive this waste for storage

Take appropriate biosafety precautions in accordance with the manufacturer’s label to ensure the safety of the individual being tested and the individual conducting the test.

You should also take the following steps when storing and handling rapid test kitwaste:

  • liquids, swabs, their containers, and all items used in testing are considered hazardous wastes. They must be kept separately from all other wastes on the premises and not be disposed of in the regular garbage
  • the box and paper instruction can be placed in the general recycling or waste stream
  • the waste should be stored in an appropriate sealed biohazard container that is designed to prevent leaks and spills. Care should be taken to prevent any damage or deterioration of the container
  • do not mechanically compact, treat or process this waste
  • the waste should be stored indoors in a well-ventilated area and not around areas used for food preparation or consumption
  • storage areas should be secured and accessible only by designated staff and not accessible to the general public
  • walkways, windows, access and exits, ventilation, and fire prevention equipment should not be blocked by the waste
  • in case of spills the waste should be cleaned up immediately and put in an appropriate biohazard container
  • the waste should be collected and removed at regular intervals
  • if the waste is not collected from the test site by an authorized hazardous waste hauler, it should be transported in accordance with the “Transporting used rapid test kits” guidance below
  • all applicable requirements related to health and safety such as those in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations continue to apply

Transporting used rapid test kits

You can engage an approved biomedical waste hauler to transport covid 19 antigen point-of-care tests to an appropriate disposal facility.

If you choose to transport rapid test kit waste without the assistance of an approved hauler, you should take the following precautions:

    • the waste should be transported as directly as possible to a disposal site or storage facility in Ontario and without overnight storage in a vehicle
    • the waste should be stored in an appropriate sealed biohazard container that is designed to prevent leaks and spills
    • any waste that is spilled should be cleaned up immediately and put in an appropriate biohazard container. People cleaning up the spill should take precautions by wearing appropriate personal protection equipment
    • containers should be stored in a way that prevents or limits movement during transport
    • vehicles containing covid 19 antigen point-of-care testing waste should remain locked while the driver is not inside
    • you should ensure that you comply with all applicable legislative or regulatory requirements related to health and safety, such as those in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations

Treatment or final disposal sites

The Environmental Protection Act and Regulation 347 require that antigen rapid-test waste be finally disposed of at an authorized hazardous waste disposal site.