Laboratory Waste Disposal Guideline
A simple, clear guideline for proper waste segregation in the laboratory.
General Rules
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• Never mix waste streams.
• Always check container labels before disposing.
• Keep waste containers closed.
• Fill containers only up to ¾ full.
• Ask the lab manager if unsure.
Plastics Waste (Non-Contaminated)
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• Examples: clean empty plastic bottles, pipette-tip boxes.
• Dispose in the Blue Plastics Bin.
• Do NOT dispose contaminated plastics here.
General Waste
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• Examples: clean paper, food packaging.
• Dispose in the Black General Waste Bin.
• No chemicals or contaminated materials.
Sharps
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• Examples: needles, blades, broken Pasteur pipettes.
• Dispose ONLY in the Yellow Sharps Container.
• Never place sharps in glass or solid waste.
Solid Chemical Waste
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• Examples: contaminated filter papers, dried residues.
• Dispose in the Brown Solid Waste Container.
TLC Plates
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• Dispose in the TLC Waste Box.
• Do NOT mix TLC plates with glass waste.
Glass Waste
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• Examples: broken glassware, glass vials.
• Dispose in the Green Glass Waste Bin.
• Remove lids before discarding.
Aqueous Solution Waste
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• Examples: water-based solutions, acid/base waste, metal salt solutions.
• Dispose in the White Aqueous Waste Container.
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• No organic solvents allowed.
Non-Chlorinated Organic Waste
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• Examples: ethanol, methanol, acetone, toluene, ethyl acetate.
• Dispose in the Red Non-Chlorinated Organic Container.
• No water or acids.
Chlorinated Organic Waste
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• Examples: DCM, chloroform, dichloroethane.
• Dispose in the Yellow Chlorinated Organic Container.
• Do NOT mix with non-chlorinated solvents.
Paper Towels & Gloves
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• Clean paper towels and gloves → General Waste.
• Contaminated towels or gloves → Solid Waste Container.