Environmental Affairs

Laboratory Glass Disposal

How to Dispose of Broken Lab Glass

Broken glass and glass which could potentially break and become a cut or puncture hazard must be carefully packaged before being put in the trash. Remember, custodians and waste haulers must be able to do their work without being subjected to undue hazard. At UWM, the custodians will dispose of laboratory glass if a few considerations are taken:

• the glassware cannot be contaminated with hazardous material, including chemicals, biohazards, or infectious agents,
• the glassware must be stored inside of a puncture-resistant, leak-proof container (such as a plastic bucket or sturdy cardboard box),
• the glassware must be substantially free of liquids,
• the container must be marked or labeled "BROKEN GLASS", "SHARP GLASS" or some other appropriate warning,
• the container must be sealed with tape and placed next to the waste basket or other area designated by UWM Custodial Services,
• Glassware which previously held chemicals must be rinsed and placed in a rigid container. The container should then be sealed and labeled "GLASS" or "SOLID NON-HAZARDOUS WASTE".
• If the glassware is contaminated with hazardous materials, please contact Environmental Affairs staff at x4999 or x2883 to request further assistance.

Examples of appropriate containers for broken glass. Dispose of any needles, syringes, razor blades and scalpels in a separate sharps container.

Signs Available for Printing and Posting

(Click on Image to Open a Copy of the Sign for Printing)

Related Topics

• Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
• Miscellaneous Surplus Items
• Sharps

October 2, 2007 by SAK