Procedures/Request a Pick Up

Waste must labeled as “waste” or “hazardous wastes” and include the signal word or pictogram indicating the hazard. Waste must be stored in compatible containers utilizing secondary containment and kept closed except when filling.

Once the pickup request has been received via the hazardous waste line, chemical waste will be removed from laboratories within three days by the Environmental Protection Program.

Chemical waste containers, secondary containment, and labels are available at no cost, and can be requested by calling the hazardous waste line.

Place waste in compatible container, then secondary containment (i.e. plastic tub), complete and attach "Hazardous Waste" label, then call hazardous waste line to request pickup.

Deface chemical name, label "Housekeeping," place by regular trash. Note: containers which held “P Listed” materials must be collected by EPP.

Store waste in leak proof containers such as biological waste boxes, plastic tubs or plastic waste containers with a lid. Sharps must be placed in approved sharps containers.

Solid biological waste from research laboratories must be autoclaved as a means of disposal. Minimum autoclave waste treatment parameters are 30 minutes, at 15 PSI, and 121 degrees Celsius. Once the waste is autoclaved, it should be placed in a black liner, which housekeeping will remove and dispose as regular trash. Autoclavable waste bags and black liners are purchased by the research laboratory or department.

As part of the treatment process, the researcher or waste autoclave room attendant must also fill out the use log and perform routine sterility or parameter monitoring. The log sheet and supplies for sterility monitoring are located in the Waste Autoclave Binder; additional log sheets, chemical test strips or live spore efficacy vials may be requested through the hazardous waste line at 713-500-5837. The chemical test strips and live efficacy vials are provided at no cost to the laboratories. Autoclave waste training is available by calling EHS at 713-500-8100.

If an autoclave is inaccessible to the department, or if the biological waste contains materials such as fecal samples, nanoparticle waste, or exempt quantities of radioactive material, the solid waste may be shipped offsite for treatment and disposal.

Researchers and clinicians can obtain boxes and liners and place full closed boxes in regional biological waste storage rooms:

Contact Neurobiology and Anatomy (713-500-6156).

Collect in a plastic one gallon jug provided by EHS; complete and attach radioactive waste tag; call hazardous waste line for pickup. Store in secondary containment.

Call hazardous waste line 713-500-5837

Note - Black opaque bags, hazardous materials tags, and plastic tie wraps are located in radiation waste alcoves. One gallon plastic jugs may be obtained by calling the hazardous waste line.

Place in original containers or boxes provided by EHS. When full, seal with packing tape, write “Used lamps” and the date full on the outside of the box & place in collection area.

EPP will arrange quarterly pickup for recycling through an outside transporter.

Rechargeable batteries are eligible for recycling. Small Rechargeable batteries may be recycled please insulate the terminals with tape, label the battery with the words “Spent Battery – Universal Waste and include the date. Call waste line for collection.

For larger batteries, insulate battery terminals
Collect in leak proof container or place on a pallet. Call Waste Line for collection.

Household alkaline batteries and non-rechargeable lithium batteries are not recycled at UTHealth.