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Formaldehyde/Formalin Solutions and Specimens

Definition

Formaldehyde and formalin solutions are used in research and clinical settings at MSU to preserve tissues and samples.  Formaldehyde and formalin can become waste when the original material becomes unwanted, or when they are produced in solutions with other chemicals.  All formaldehyde and formalin liquids must be disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program. 

Formaldehyde and formalin cannot be disposed of down the drain. Refer to MSU’s Drain Disposal policy located here.

As these materials are known carcinogens, all contaminated lab debris including pipette tips, tubes (no free liquids), kim wipes, gloves, etc. must be collected and disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program.

Container Type

If disposing of unwanted formaldehyde and formalin 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. 

Liquids

Although EHS does not maintain a list of compatible materials, in general formaldehyde and formalin 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.

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Solids

Containers for formaldehyde 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 wastes only and should not be used to collect contaminated lab debris.

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Tissues/Specimens

Unwanted tissues and specimens preserved in formaldehyde or formalin can be given directly to the EHS Hazardous Waste Program for disposal and should not be transferred into another container.

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.  One MSU Waste Tag can be completed for all tissues and specimens in formaldehyde and formalin solutions requested for hazardous waste pick up.

No – A MSU Waste Tag is not needed when submitting chemical reagents in the original manufacturer’s bottle with an intact 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 located here.

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 into the Safety Portal through a preferred web browser using your MSU Net ID and EBS Password
  • Select Hazardous Waste Request
  • Formaldehyde/Formalin Solution is found under the Waste Container category
  • Tissues in Formalin is found under the Waste Container category

Waste