Laboratory Recycling Training
Sustainability Program
This training complies with US EPA, SC DHEC, OSHA, DOT regulations, MUSC policies, and JCAHO standards.
Training Program
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Purpose of Training
Preparing to Recycle Safely
Hazardous Waste Storage
What is Recyclable?
Plastic, Glass & Metal
Paper
Cardboard & Paperboard
E-Waste & Batteries
Toner Cartridges
Universal Waste Lamps and CFL Bulbs
 Ensure that Generators (MUSC Employees) understand their responsibilities
 Recycling Pick-up Requests
Purpose of Training
Laboratory Waste, whether chemical or biological, can pose a significant risk to human
health and the environment if not handled correctly
 Must complete Hazardous Waste Training – CATTS
 Risk Management will determine eligibility
 Review hazardous waste storage
 Recycle only clean, uncontaminated lab related plastic, glass and metal containers
 Recycle paper and e-waste for confidentiality
 Other recyclable items
Review Hazardous Waste Storage
Requirements for Laboratory Storage of Hazardous Waste
Most labs are considered to be satellite accumulation areas.
In order for a lab to remain in compliance it must abide by the following rules and
regulations:
 There should be no more than 55 gallons of hazardous waste stored in any lab.
 If the waste is an acutely hazardous waste (P001-P2051) then no more than one
quart may be stored in the lab.
 All hazardous waste must be stored in a container that is compatible with the
waste being stored in it. This container must be in good condition with a
closeable lid. It should remain closed unless waste is being added to the
container.
 USEPA and SCDHEC consider the container to be closed if it could be turned
over and retain the contents inside the container.
GENERATING HAZARDOUS WASTE – SATELLITE ACCUMULATION AREA
STEPS FOR PROPER ACCUMULATION OF REGULATED AND NON-REGULATED WASTE
Generate Hazardous
Waste
Prepare Waste Area
Generate NonRegulated Waste
Waste generators should go
to link below to fill out the
online Chemical Waste
Pickup Request .
Designate a waste
collection area near the
waste generation point.
The waste collection area
must be a safe location
away from hazards.
Waste must remain in the
collection area until it is
picked up.
Recommendation:
Post this sign near the
waste generation area.
Request Pickup
1.
Place a yellow MUSC
Hazardous Waste Label
on all chemical waste
determined as hazardous.
2. Include the full chemical
name on the label.
3. Hazardous waste
container must remain
closed unless waste is
being added.
4. Waste containers must be
in good condition.
1.
Place a blue MUSC NonRegulated Waste Label
on all chemical waste
not regulated by US
EPA/SCDHEC.
2. Include the full chemical
name on the label.
Examples of
Non-Regulated Waste:
Ethidium bromide
Diaminobenzidine
Examples of
Regulated Waste:
Ethanol
Isopropanol
Xylene
Glacial Acetic Acid
Visit our website for chemical and laboratory safety resources:
http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/vpfa/operations/Risk%20Management/occpsafety
Contact Occupational Safety and Health Program staff at 843-792-3604
We will not pick up any
unidentified waste.
The steps in this guide help staff
comply with SCDHEC regulations
R.61-79.265.173(a), 262.34(c)(1)(ii),
262.11, and MUSC policy. This stepby-step guide is not all inclusive of
all safety measures, but provides
main points for safe hazardous
waste generation.
Plastic, Glass & Metal
Clean, uncontaminated lab related plastic, glass and metal
containers can be recycled in the blue container labeled “Plastic,
Glass & Metal” Follow these guidelines:
 Deface the label by marking a large red X across the name
of the chemical
 “Triple-Rinse” containers that contained liquids, chemicals
or media pour into compatible waste container
 Do not recycle containers that contained biohazard, noxious
or highly toxic chemicals
 Place lids or caps back on whenever possible
Plastic, Glass & Metal
Plastic #1- #7
 Clean rigid plastics only
X NO Styrofoam
X NO plastic wrap
Plastic, Glass & Metal
Plastic or Metal Tools
 Funnels, beakers, tongs, disposable cups
 Clean rigid plastic
Plastic, Glass & Metal
Beverage and Food Related Plastic, Glass & Metal
X - No food or drinks are allowed in the labs
Bins for these materials are found in your break room or other
common areas. Scrape off food and empty contents of cans
and bottles
Beverage bottles and cans
Soup cans
Microwavable dinner trays
Yogurt cups
Cleaning supplies containers
All rigid plastic including pens
Plastic, Glass & Metal
Glass
 Clean, clear & brown glass
X NO ceramics, NO plate glass, NO tempered glass (Pyrex)
Plastic, Glass & Metal
Metal
 Metal trays (foil) and any item or container made of aluminum
 Steel
 Any other metal
Paper
All confidential lab paper must be
shredded
 Use locked containers in public
spaces for confidentiality
 All paper is shredded on campus
 Paper is picked up once a week
Cardboard & Paperboard
Cardboard & Paperboard
 Flatten cardboard and paperboard (tissue, glove boxes, etc.) and
place it next to your trash container
 Housekeeping collects all cardboard when they pick up your trash
 The cardboard is then baled and recycled
E-Waste & Batteries
E-Waste and Batteries
All confidential E-waste must be handled properly
E-waste items include wires, plugs, and small electronic items
 CD’s, flash drives, tapes & degaussed(cleaned) hard drives
 Collect e-waste in a box
Batteries include lead acid, Li-Ion, Ni-Mh, Ni-Cad & alkaline
 Collect small batteries in a jug
Call (Univ) 2-4119 or (MUHA) 2-5600 to request a pick-up
 Large equipment (one with an asset tag) must go to Surplus
 Return MUSC cell phones to Univ Communications 2-4040
Toner Cartridges Recycling for
Departments
Toner Cartridges
 Sign up for the program, go to the OfficeMax website:
https://www.maxcartridgerewards.com/login/locationregister.asp
x?id=2211
 Get a username and password
 Download FREE shipping labels
 Fill the box
 Tape up the box and schedule a free UPS pick up
 Disposing of a single toner cartridge and want it to be recycled,
you can use one of the drop-off locations listed online
www.musc.edu/gogreen
Universal Waste Lamps
& CFL Bulbs
Fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs contain mercury which is released
when they are broken. Yet, when unbroken, they are regulated by
the USEPA and SCDHEC as Universal Waste which is a subset of
hazardous waste. MUSC recycles all bulbs through a vendor.
In most cases fluorescent bulbs are changed and handled by
maintenance, although bulbs which have been changed by the
occupants of an area have been found stored improperly.
Universal Waste Lamps
& CFL Bulbs
In order to remain in compliance, used florescent tubes and
CFL bulbs must be:
 Stored in an appropriate container such as the box it was
shipped in
 Closed securely
 Labeled as “Universal Waste – Lamps” *
 Dated (when the first bulb is placed in the container)
*Universal Waste stickers may be obtained through OSHP (2-3604)
How to Recycle?
Follow hazardous waste guidelines first
Decide what materials you will be recycling
Request a bin for your area by calling
(Univ) 2-4119 or (MUHA) 2-5600
Select a bin: for list of bins, go to
www.musc.edu/gogreen
Provide operator with room number where the
bin will be located and contact name
Recycling Pick-up Request
Questions about hazardous waste should be directed to:
Risk Management 2-3604
Your recycling bins will be collected weekly
For extra collection or cleanout bins:
(UNIV) 2-4119 or AIM Customer Request online
(MUHA) 2-5600 or Facilities Intranet online
Questions/concerns 2-4066 or recycle@musc.edu
For Green Chemistry Tips:
http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/vpfa/operations/Risk%20Management/occpsafet
y/greenchemistry.htm
Training Completion
Time for the test…
You have completed the learning portion of your
lesson…
You may begin your test by closing this page and
returning to the Lesson Plan screen. Click on the test
link to begin taking the test.
The Sustainability Program thanks you for your participation in this annual training which
was designed to comply with USEPA, SCDHEC, OSHA, HIPPA, DOT regulations; The Joint
Commission Accreditation Standards; and MUSC policies.