Owners

Whenever laboratories close, move, or choose to clean out a substantial amount of material, the EH&S Chemical Waste Program (CWP) can perform a laboratory waste cleanout. This service includes labeling relief for unwanted reagents in good condition. Samples and waste mixtures can also be included. 

  • Laboratories must have at least 100 chemicals to be considered for a cleanout.
  • Reagent chemicals in non-leaking and intact containers with an original manufacturer's label are considered surplus chemicals (as opposed to hazardous waste) and may be candidates for our chemical redistribution program.
  • Lab personnel should label and manage samples, waste mixtures, and radioactive wastes in the normal fashion. 
  • Materials left behind by former occupants of the space are managed as part of the lab cleanout.
  • CWP cannot accept unknown materials. If you have materials that are unlabeled or otherwise unknown, you must make all reasonable efforts to identify them. If you still cannot identify a material, you may request an unknown material analysis.
  • Ensure proper segregation of chemicals.
  • Do not combine incompatible materials in boxes or trays.
  • You must provide a description of all materials to be removed before the cleanout. Use the online form. Include the following:
    • Total number of chemical containers
    • General description of the contents of each container (e.g., assorted buffers, non-halogenated solvents, toxic solids, flammable liquids, acids, or mercury containing materials)
    • General condition of the containers
    • Whether any containers are stored in a freezer

The cleanout will then be scheduled, and we will notify the requesting party.

Costs will be recovered from non-research operations, such as housing, operations and maintenance (O&M), utilities, and facilities projects. To schedule a cleanout for non-research operations, you must provide:

  • An account number
  • The name of an authorized approver on the account