In research and clinical settings, the safe disposal of microorganisms is of paramount importance. Microbes encountered in the hospital laboratory have often been isolated from patients. These organisms can be the cause of the malady that has hospitalized the patient. Once examination of the microorganisms has ended, they must be disposed of in a way that does not harm anyone in the hospital or in the world outside of the hospital. For example, if solutions of the living microorganisms were simply dumped down the sink, the infectious organisms could find their way to the water table, or could become aerosolized and infect those who happened to inhale the infectious droplets.

A similar scenario operates in the research laboratory. Research can involve the use of hazardous microorganisms. Facilities can be constructed to minimize the risk to researchers who work with the organisms, such...