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What can go into the glass trash?

Submit a glass trash disposal request

Broken glass that is not contaminated with:

Do not overfill glass trash; it must be able to be closed for disposal.

If glassware is contaminated with biohazards (media plates, etc.), these should be autoclaved before being disposed of in the regular trash (non-sharp glass only). Autoclaved waste must be tracked on the waste treatment log, and red autoclave bags must be used with the Treated Medical Waste label placed on the outside of the original red autoclave bag after autoclaving. The labeled red bag is then placed into a regular black trash bag, another Treated Medical Waste label is placed on the outside of the black bag, and the black bag is placed into the regular trash.

Sharp glass (ex. glass slides, etc.) should be placed in a sharps container rather than autoclaved. If it will not fit in a sharps container (large broken bottles, for example), sweep the glassware into a dustpan, transfer to an autoclavable bin, then place in a regular broken glass container after autoclaving. The dustpan, broom, and other contaminated surfaces should be appropriately decontaminated, as necessary.

If broken glass is contaminated with radioactive materials, place it in smaller, rigid container (avoid plastic bags so it doesn’t poke through) and place inside a radioactive waste container (be sure to log this). If you are unable to do so safely, contact EH&S.

If broken glass is contaminated with acutely toxic chemicals:

Unbroken lab glassware may fall under the Controlled Substances, Precursor Chemicals & Apparatus category; contact EH&S at 940-898-4001 ext. 3 to check/arrange for pickup if necessary. Regulated lab apparatus CANNOT be placed into the regular trash.

Empty, unbroken glass reagent containers can be discarded in the regular trash; the container should be empty, rinsed, and the label defaced prior to disposal. Any waste (i.e., rinsate) removed should be handled as hazardous waste.

Glass trash boxes must be completely closed, taped shut, in good condition (no glass poking out), and meet the requirements outlined above to be accepted for disposal. Failure to comply will result in a declination of the disposal request. Submit the glass trash disposal request by clicking the button below.

Page last updated 5:00 PM, June 2, 2022