This guidance addresses the proper disposal of non-hazardous laboratory waste materials that are not classified in regulated waste streams. These materials generally include uncontaminated laboratory items generated during routine research, teaching, and operational activities that do not pose a chemical, biological, radiological, or other regulated hazard. Proper segregation of laboratory waste is essential to ensure employee safety, prevent contamination of waste streams, and support compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. Laboratory personnel should evaluate all waste before disposal and ensure that materials requiring specialized handling are managed through their respective disposal programs.
Managing Laboratory Trash
Laboratory trash consists of non-hazardous solid waste generated during routine laboratory activities that does not contain chemical, biological, radiological, or other regulated contamination. The trash should be collected in sturdy, lined waste containers appropriate for routine laboratory waste. Containers should be clearly identified and maintained separately from regulated waste streams to prevent improper disposal. Waste containers should be removed before they become overfilled or create a safety concern.
Example of materials that fall in this category include:
- Clean disposable gloves
- Paper towels and bench liners without hazardous contamination
- Packaging materials
- Empty plastic containers that are free of hazardous residues
- Clean disposable laboratory supplies
- Non-contaminated pipette tip boxes and similar materials
The following materials must not be disposed of as laboratory trash and must be managed through the appropriate University disposal process.
- Chemical waste, including liquids, solids, powders, or containers with chemical residues
- Biohazardous waste or materials contaminated with biological agents
- Radioactive materials
- Sharps, including needles, scalpels, razor blades, or other puncture hazards
- Broken glass or other sharp objects
- Materials generated from hazardous material spill cleanup
Laboratory Glassware Disposal
Laboratory glassware requires separate handling from general laboratory trash due to the potential for cuts, punctures, and injuries during handling and disposal. This guidance applies to clean, uncontaminated laboratory glassware and broken glass that does not contain chemical, biological, radioactive, or other regulated contamination. The container should be rigid and puncture resistant, most common is a specialized cardboard box. When the container is 3/4 full, securely closed, labeled appropriately, and then contact EHS for disposal.
Examples of materials that fall in this category include:
- Broken beakers, flasks, and bottles
- Damaged glass laboratory equipment
- Unwanted glassware free of hazardous residues
- Clean microscope slides
- Clean glass tubing
Do not place the following materials into glass disposal containers:
- Chemical-contaminated glassware
- Biohazard-contaminated glassware
- Needles, syringes, scalpels, or regulated sharps
- Items containing free liquids or hazardous residues
