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Laboratory Waste

Hazardous Waste 

Information on the identification, handling, storage and collection of laboratory wastes, and personal safety of waste generators, is detailed in SCU's Hazardous and Universal Waste Program.

The program includes procedures for hazard identification, hazardous waste accumulation, requesting removal of hazardous waste, and the disposal process. Also included is information on waste minimization activities. Hazardous waste generator training is provided by EHS annually.

Laboratory Waste Container Matrix

The Chemistry/Biochemistry Department and the Biology Department have each standardized on the types of waste containers and the labels used to identify and collect their various waste steams. A link to each Department's Laboratory Waste Container Matrix is found here:

Non-Hazardous Waste

Certain non-hazardous waste must be handled in specified manners:

  • All “sharps” or needles must be disposed of in “sharps containers” available from EHS. Sharps are defined broadly as any laboratory waste item that can puncture human skin. This includes needles, syringes with needles, lancets, scalpels, razor blades, precision knives, pipettes and pipette tips. Broken glass is specifically excluded as it is addressed below.
  • All broken glass must be disposed of in “broken glass” containers or in completely sealed cardboard boxes. Filled containers should be completely sealed with sturdy tape (to prevent puncture to the handlers), marked “FOR DISPOSAL”.
  • Finely divided powders, such as silica gel or toners, must be placed in tightly sealed containers or bags before disposal.
  • Biological and/or radioactive wastes are addressed separately from other laboratory wastes. Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer, Sean Collins, for information on these wastes and waste disposal.

Sink Disposal

  • DO NOT DISCHARGE ANY WASTE TO THE SEWER unless the EHS department has given explicit permission to do so. A list of permissible sewer discharges is in the SCU Wastewater Program.