Classification/separation

The main principle is that no living genetically modified organisms (GMOs) shall leave the University unless there are special reasons. Anyone conducing activities with the contained use of GMOs must report this via the University’s Biosafety Committee to the relevant supervisory authority, which can issue a time-limited permit after an inspection.

With regard to the contained use of GMOs (not GMMs) the supervisory authority is the Swedish Board of Fisheries for aquatic organisms and the Swedish Board of Agriculture for other organisms.

Handling/storage

GMOs must be inactivated as soon as possible by either autoclaving or some other approved treatment. Then they can be treated as household waste, provided that they do not contain any other hazardous waste.

GMOs that cannot be inactivated on site are packed in yellow plastic containers (SU Shop article no 6342-030 or 6342-050) intended for this purpose and deposited as soon as possible with the waste contractor. The waste may be held in intermediate storage in a refrigerator (max + 8 C) for 1–7 days; for storage for more than 7 days freeze-storage is required. Storage may take place at the department concerned.

Marking/labelling

Stockholm University waste label filled in with:

  • Special storage: refrigerator or freezer?: (x)
  • Type of waste, specification: “GMO” and specification
  • Submitting department, department number and reference
  • Submitter’s name, phone no and date

GMO that have been inactivated and classed as household waste must NOT be marked.

Hand-over/transport

Waste can be deposited on Wednesdays or Fridays at 10.30-11.00 in room M212 at KÖL (Chemical Education Laboratories), Svante Arrhenius väg 16F. If refrigerator/freezer storage is required, waste may only be deposited on the same day that the carrier has for collection. Contact the University´s waste contractor for hazardous waste to decide a date. The waste contractor then transports the waste for destruction.

Final disposal

Combustion arranged by the waste contractor.

Specific legislation

SFS 2000:271      Ordinance on the Contained use of Genetically Modified Organisms

FIFS 2004:2        Genetically Modified Aquatic Organisms

SJVFS 1995:33   The Use of Genetically Modified Animals

SJVFS 2007:29   Contained Use of Genetically Modified Plants