University of Essex, Emissions & Discharges and Laboratory Waste Policy
The University is committed to preventing pollution by reducing emissions and discharges, ensuring
the correct disposal of laboratory waste and regularly reviewing practice against benchmarks.
It is our responsibility to ensure the safe disposal of all waste resulting from our work. Appropriate
disposal must be taken into account at the planning stage of any project that may involve the
possibility of emissions or discharges to the environment.
Ongoing improvement
The University is committed to ongoing improvement in its environmental performance relating to
emissions, discharges and the disposal of waste. The University commits to the following SMART
targets:
Our objectives for 2012/13 are to:

Review asbestos management and data availability for emissions/discharges management

Review HVAC contracts, suitability and maintenance of the systems

Review fridge/freezer use in labs by April 2013

Promote student Switch off, and Green Impact to students and staff to increase carbon emissions and
pollution awareness-raising

Review Emergency Plans to deal with abnormal conditions where spillages occur or emissions are
exceeded, establish single working document

Implement refresher training programme on emissions & discharges and operational procedures for all
key staff, e.g. maintenance team, porters, cleaners
Types of Waste
If you are intending to produce large quantities of waste for disposal or any waste which may require
special handling and/or disposal, please consult the Technical Services Manager before producing
the waste. We are legally bound to handle and store many types of waste separately and securely.
It is not possible to cover all hazards in this guidance - the ultimate decision should be made by a
competent person in the relevant laboratory.
Waste "streams" include

Drains (for aqueous solutions and suspensions only - see link below)

Laboratory bins (non-hazardous materials which can be put into landfill sites)

Designated Bags - for further treatment as special waste (biological, radioactive)

Fume cupboards (by evaporation - for very small quantities only)

Destruction to less harmful products (e.g. sodium)

Specialist contractors (but the legal responsibility remains with us)
Your care is necessary, because waste material
 is handled by others
 is breathed in
 ends up in possible sources of drinking water
 pollutes the remote or local environment
 can be VERY costly to dispose of
Guidance on specific emissions and discharges
Please follow the links below to guidance on emissions and discharges.
Aqueous
Laboratory Equipment
Chemical
Laboratory Glass
Clinical
Genetically Modified Waste
Sharps
Solvents
Some substances can NEVER be disposed of down the sink or to domestic waste, no matter how
small the quantities. These are shown at the link below.
Substances prohibited from sink disposal
Contact
Dr David Knight
Technical Services Manager
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Daniel Dempsey
Carbon Change Advisor
November 2012