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Contaminated Lab Debris

Definition

Laboratory debris includes solid materials that contact hazardous chemicals.  Debris can include, but is not limited to, glassware, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and gowns, tips and tubes, kim wipes, weigh boats, paper towel, and many other items.  Contaminated lab debris DOES NOT include sharps or razor blades, or containers or vials with free flowing liquids.  Liquid and solid waste should be segregated into different containers, because they are sent for different waste disposal methods.  
 
Not all laboratory debris that contacts a hazardous chemical must be disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program.  The EHS Hazardous Waste Program only collects two types of chemically contaminated debris for disposal:
 

  1. If the chemical you are using is listed on the back of the MSU Waste Tag, noted as D004-D040 and 001S-007S. **Insert picture of back of tag**
  2. If the chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen, mutagen, or teratogen. Refer to the chemical SDS sheet to determine if the material is a known or suspected carcinogen.

Common Types of Contaminated Lab Debris Waste at MSU

Carcinogenic Chemicals: Formaldehyde, Formalin, Aflatoxins, Arsenic, Cadmium, Dioxins, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Container Type

Containers for contaminated lab debris must be kept closed at all times except when adding waste.  EHS recommends using either a lined 5-gallon bucket with a lid, or heavy duty Ziploc bags that can be sealed.  Note: 5-gallon carboys provided by MSU EHS are intended for liquid hazardous waste only and should not be used to collect contaminated lab debris. Red Bio Bags must not be used for contaminated lab debris. 
 
The container must be marked with the words “Hazardous Waste”.  MSU EHS provides a printable Hazardous Waste label that can be affixed to the waste container.
 
 *Insert example photos of container types and lids

Storage

Waste containers must be kept free of any liquids or residue on their exteriors.  EHS Hazardous Waste Staff will reject any container with liquid or residue on the exterior until it has been cleaned. 

  • All container lids MUST be closed tightly unless waste is being actively added to the container.
  • Do not overfill containers.
  • Secondary containment is not required but is recommended for waste storage.
  • Do not accumulate more than 55-gallons total of hazardous waste in your location. This limit applies to the sum of full containers and partial containers being filled.
  • Submit frequent requests for waste pick up through the EHS Hazardous Waste Request form to stay within the 90-Day storage limit and minimize the amount of waste containers in your space.
  • Do not move hazardous waste from the location that it was generated.

MSU Waste Tag Required

Yes  - A MSU Waste Tag is required for all waste not contained in a manufacturer’s bottle with an intact or legible label.
 
MSU Waste Tags must be directly affixed to the waste container either with string, a twist tie, chain and clipboard, rubber band, or tape.  MSU Waste Tags are provided by EHS and can be requested through an EHS Hazardous Waste Request.

Labeling

A MSU Waste Tag should be filled out and completed when the first drop of waste is added to the container, or when the material becomes unwanted.  The date the first drop or piece of waste is added to the container starts the 90-Day accumulation limit.    
 
The contact information at the top of the MSU Waste Tag must be filled out to identify where the hazardous waste was generated, the container size and type, and who to contact with questions regarding the waste container.
 
All chemical constituents must be accounted for on the MSU Waste Tag.  Chemical names must be printed legibly, in English, and with no abbreviations.  The amount of chemical constituents can be captured by either using percentages up to 100%, or by units of volume.  Either way, these need to match the amount of waste in the container when EHS arrives to pick up the material.  Inaccuracies and discrepancies on the MSU Waste Tag can result in the waste being rejected by the EHS Hazardous Waste Staff for safety and compliance reasons.  For aqueous solutions, the check box for “Water Balance” can be used to account for the remaining percentages or volume.  Chemical constituents must be identified on the MSU Waste Tag as they are added to the container, as guessing the contents of a full container creates safety and compliance violations.
 
Review and check all applicable potential hazards at the bottom of the MSU Waste Tag each time when adding waste to the container.  The color and consistency section can be completed when the container is full, or when approaching the 90-Day storage limit.
 
Guidance on how to accurately fill out the MSU Waste Tag can be found in the Waste Section of the EHS website.

Submit Hazardous Waste Request

When container is full or close to the 90-day accumulation limit, submit a Hazardous Waste Request via the EHS Safety Portal as follows:

  • EHS Website: ehs.msu.edu
  • Log in into the Safety Portal through a preferred web browser using your MSU Net ID and EBS Password
  • Select: Hazardous Waste Request
  • “Contaminated Lab Debris/Gel Waste” selection is found under the Common Process category.

Waste