Most wastes generated in the laboratories and shops located on campus are prohibited from disposal in the regular trash or down the drain.
Follow the protocol and request pickup using the request form.
Empty chemical containers can be disposed of in the regular waste stream by following
protocol.
- Make sure they have been emptied by normal means (pouring, pumping, etc.) so that no more than 0.3% by volume is left
- NOTE: Containers that previously contained chemicals listed on table 205a have additional requirements—contact EHS prior to disposing of these containers.
- NOTE: Aerosol cans are considered "empty" when all liquid has been expelled. Contact EHS for instructions on disposing of partially full aerosol cans
- Using Sharpies, write "Empty" and mark off the chemical name and hazard symbol.
- Rinse or air dry as appropriate.
- Put them in thick black garbage bag(s) or cardboard boxes and bring the bags directly to the dumpster. Do not put them in a regular trash bin
Metal powders (debris):
Collect them in metal container. Do not place them in regular trash.
Metal pieces:
Contact Ground to check if they will be able to pick them up for disposal. Large quantities can be directly brought to the recycler BUT they need to use legitimate recycling service such as Menco or Ed's. Others should be approved
by EHS.
Broken glass that is not contaminated with chemicals, infectious agents, or other hazardous materials can be collected in either approved broken glass boxes or 5-gallon buckets with lids. Find more details here.
Rented cylinders:
Return to rental company (Air Gas or AWG, most likely)
Cylinders we "own":
Contact Air Gas or AWG to see if they will take them. If not, contact EHS for disposal options
Helium "Tanks":
Only applies to retail tanks used for filling balloons or similar.
MUST BE EMPTY then put in a work order for Grounds to recycle.
If not empty contact EHS for options.
See Unversal Waste
Refer to the guideline.
Follow your laboratory's biological safety manual and protocols. University biological safety Manual has some guidelines.
Following items are categorized as Universal Waste.
- Battery (car, recyclable, or dry cell)
- Unbroken* lamp (fluorescent or other mercury containing)
- Mercury-containing device (thermostat, thermometer)
* Broken fluorescent lamps are considered hazardous waste.
Refer to Electronics for “E-waste,” (computer equipment, office electronics)
For other Universal waste, request waste pick up using the request form.
Contact Financial Services and Operations for approval if the equipment or office furniture has a property tag. Once Financial Services and Operations approve for disposal Facilities can remove the property.
For disposal of equipment containing or potentially contaminated with biological materials or toxins, hazardous chemicals, radioactive material, oil or fuel, refrigerants or other health or environmental hazard, refer to the guide.
Facilities Management staff assist departments with disposing/recycling of a variety of materials, furniture, equipment, and other waste materials. Faculty, staff, and students can request disposal/transfer assistance by submitting a work request through the department’s work request system, Maintenance Direct.
Consumer electronics, computers, monitors, printers, and cell phones are considered electronic waste (e-waste). Please contact it-help@mtu.edu for questions related to the disposal/recycling of e-waste on campus.