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Gel Waste

Definition

Many labs on campus utilize gel electrophoresis to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or other proteins based on size. Different chemicals are utilized to act as a nucleic stain during this process. Historically, ethidium bromide and acrylamide were the most commonly used chemicals in this process. However, other options now include Sybr safe, red safe, and Sybr green gels to name a few. Although not all of these are a hazardous waste, their disposal is still regulated due to the mutagenic and potential carcinogenic properties of some of these materials.

No gel waste should be disposed of in the general refuse. ALL gel waste must be disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program.

Container Type

If disposing of unwanted gel materials in the original manufacturer’s bottles with an intact label, the materials can be given directly to the EHS Hazardous Waste Program for disposal and should not be transferred into another container.

When reusing empty containers, they must be compatible with the type of chemical waste stored in them. Empty reagent bottles can be used for chemical waste collection after following the Empty Bottle guidance in the Waste Section of the EHS website.

Liquid and solid gel waste should be segregated into different containers, because they are sent for different waste disposal methods

Liquids

Although EHS does not maintain a list of compatible materials, in general gel waste liquids and solutions can be stored in glass and plastic containers. However, do not store liquid waste in containers that previously held solids, as they will leak. Container compatibility information is also available on Safety Data Sheets. EHS provides 5-gallon high density polyethylene (HDPE) carboys for liquid hazardous waste storage, which are proven to be compatible with a variety of waste types.

Former ethanol bottle with label completely defaced, the words “Hazardous Waste” on the bottle, and a MSU Waste Tag attached.EHS provided 5-gallon carboy with the words hazardous waste on the label and a MSU Waste Tag attached.

Solids

Containers for gel waste 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. The liner in the 5-gallon bucket should be thick so the bag does not tear during disposal due to the weight of the gel waste. Note: 5-gallon carboys provided by MSU EHS are intended for liquid hazardous waste only and should not be used to collect gel waste.

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.

 

1-gallon Ziploc bag with gloves, kim wipes, paper towel, with a MSU Waste Tag identifying the contents and hazards, and the words “Hazardous Waste” on the bag5-gallon plastic bucket with snap lid, lined with a thick plastic bag, with a MSU Waste Tag identifying the contents and hazards, and the words “Hazardous Waste” on the bag

DO NOT use red biological waste bags or any type of bag or box marked with a biohazard symbol. Do not autoclave containers or bags containing gel waste.

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. Leaking waste containers will not be accepted, and the contents must be transferred to a new container prior to disposal by the EHS Hazardous Waste group.

  • 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 the 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 to 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 found under the Common Process category.