Disposal Restricted Waste

Agarose and polyacrylamide gels may contain mutagens or teratogens like ethidium bromide, SYBR Gold, or SYBR Green. Properly disposing of gels with known mutagens reduces the risks of harming aquatic life, custodial exposure incidents, and nuisance odors in labs and dumpsters.

Low mutagenic concentrations

You can dispose of gels that contain low mutagenic concentrations (typically between 0.3 mcg/mL and 0.5 mcg/mL) in the trash.

1. Dry out the gels or place them in a sealed zipper-lock bag.
2. Place the dried-out gel container or sealed bag in the trash for normal waste disposal.

Higher mutagenic concentrations

You must arrange for chemical waste vendors to dispose of gels with higher mutagenic concentrations (typically above 0.5 mcg/mL).

1. Collect gels in an appropriate storage container for disposal:
   • 1-gal jar.
   • 5-gal bucket (double bagged).
   • Sealed zipper-lock bag.
2. Affix a DRW label to the container. Include the date you started accumulating the waste.
3. Check the "Agarose or Polyacrylamide Gels" checkbox.
4. Store the collected gels near your hazardous waste satellite accumulation area (SAA) for pickup. Do not store the container in your SAA.
5. When the container is three-quarters full, request a chemical waste pickup.

Mercury amalgams and solvents are regulated recyclable materials that must follow 310 CMR 30.200.

To dispose of mercury amalgams and solvents:

1. Submit a Class A recycling permit (contact EHS for support).
2. Collect materials in a container that is in good condition, you can close tightly, and is compatible with the waste.
3. Affix a DRW label to the container. Include the date you started accumulating the waste.
4. Check the "Regulated Recyclable Material" checkbox and the checkbox for the applicable material. List the contents of solvent containers.
5. Store the collected waste near your hazardous waste SAA for pickup. Do not store the container in your SAA.
6. Follow your location’s established procedures to manage regulated recyclable materials.

You can recycle metal blades like razors, scalpels, and saws if they meet these criteria:

• Blades are not contaminated with hazardous materials. You can recycle blades with cutting oil residue.
• Blades are not commingled with needles or glass sharps.

If you do not properly dispose of metal blades, they can present significant hazards to coworkers, custodial staff, and waste management staff.

To dispose of metal blades:

1. Collect blades in a shatter-resistant glass jar.
2. Affix a DRW label to the container. Include the date you started accumulating the waste.
3. Check the "Metal Blades" checkbox.
4. Store the collected blades near your hazardous waste SAA for pickup. Do not store the container in your SAA.
5. When the container is three-quarters full, request a chemical waste pickup.

Review how to dispose of other non-biological sharps.