Laboratory Waste Disposal Table
Do not dump any waste down the drain or throw in the garbage unless you are SURE it is non-hazardous and it is legal to
do so.
Wastes
Corrosives
Characteristics
pH <2 or >12.5
Examples
solutions of acids and
bases
chloroform,
dichloromethane
acetone, acetonitrile,
hexane, alcohols, THF,
phenol
cadmium, chromium,
lead, barium
Devices, mercury
compounds
sodium metal
phosphorus
sodium azide,
acetaldehyde, nicotine
compounds, cyanides,
carbon disulfide
formalin and specimens
in formalin
broken glassware,
Pasteur pipettes, used
slides
needles, scalpels, razor
blades
Disposal
In lab dilution and neutralization, then
drain
Hazardous Waste – Commingle with
other halogenated solvents
Hazardous Waste – Commingle with
other non-halogenated solvents
Halogenated Solvents
Flammable
Non-Halogenated
Solvents
Flammable
Heavy Metals
Toxic
Mercury and
compounds
Reactive
Toxic
P-listed
Toxic
Formaldehyde
Toxic
Broken glass (clean)
Sharp
All Other Sharps
Sharp
Infectious waste (not
sharps)
Potentially infectious
Blood or body fluids,
animal bedding,
microbiological lab waste
Autoclave then trash
Batteries
Contain hazardous
materials. Possible fire
hazard. Recyclable.
alkaline, lead acid, nickelcadmium, nickel-hydride,
lithium
Use clear tape so that leads can’t
contact each other and collect for
recycling through Surplus
Lamps/Bulbs
fluorescent lamps, light
bulbs
vacuum pumps
Collect for recycling (Custodial)
Oil (Uncontaminated)
Contain mercury and
other heavy metals
Recyclable
Electronics
banned from landfills
tvs, monitors, keyboards,
mice, speakers, media
players, phones,
appliances
Hazardous Waste – Commingle with
other heavy metals (NOT mercury)
Hazardous Waste – Collect separately
Consult CHO
Consult CHO
Hazardous Waste – Collect separately
Collect in broken glass box. When full
close according to instructions, secure
with tape and leave for Custodial
Collect in biohazard sharps container
Collect and Label as “Used Oil”
(Maintenance)
Recycle through Surplus