Standard Operating Procedure
Department of Chemistry
Disposal of Laboratory Glass Waste, Syringes, or other sharps
IT IS PROHIBITED TO DISPOSE OF ANY CHEMICAL IN A TRASH CAN, CROCK, BARREL, PLASTIC BAG, BOX, DUMPSTER, ETC.
Designated Area:
All glass waste should be disposed of in a cardboard container marked glass waste.
Syringes should be placed into a green sharps container, not in the glass waste container.
Personal Protection:
Safety Goggles, Lab coat and appropriate gloves.
Training:
No formal training is necessary to complete this task.
Process:
Lift off the lid of the glass waste barrel and visually check for any contents other than glass. Do not place your hand into the container. If there are any chemicals in the container– STOP. Contact CMC at 1327 immediately.
If there is only glass waste in the container, close the lid and then tape the container with duct tape.
When the container is approximately 3/4 full take it to the dumpster (in the driveway, South end of WBSH) and throw away the entire container.
The Chemical Management Center staff can do this for you. When the container is ready for pickup, call 1327.
Hazards involved in procedure:
Use caution when handling all glassware.
Emergency numbers – (X911)
Environmental Health and Safety Department – (X3700)