Items contaminated with infectious agents, human body fluids or blood

Contaminated, broken glassware

Hypodermic needles

Razor blades and scalpels

Guidelines

Procedures

Try not to contaminate waste with chemicals or radioactive materials.

Separate sharps waste from other medical and pathology wastes.

Disinfect contaminated liquids prior to disposal.

Call EH&S for drop-off locations or to request a pickup.

Examples

Automotive wastes (e.g., used oil)

Chemical/mixtures

Mercury and PCBs

Surplus paint and spent solvents

Unlabeled/unknown chemicals

Guidelines

Refer to EH&S Facts Sheets:

Procedures

Label each container (EH&S provides "chemical mixture" tags).

Segregate chemicals by compatible hazards.

Pack compatible chemicals into boxes with packing material.

Complete a separate Material Packing List (mpl.ehs.berkeley.edu) for each box of chemicals.

Attach a copy of the Material Packing List to each box.

Store box(es) in a secure area for EH&S pickup.

Examples

Radioactive dry waste

Radioactive chemical waste

Radioactive sharps

Radioactive biohazardous waste

Guidelines

Refer to Section K of the Radiation Safety Logbook.

Procedures

Segregate waste by isotope.

Deposit glassware in puncture-resistant containers.

Place dry waste in strong, clear plastic bags.

Label each according to instructions in Section K of the Radiation Safety Logbook.

Call EH&S for drop-off locations or to request a pick-up.

Examples

Soapy water

Proteins, soluble fats, carbohydrates

Nucleic acids

Disinfected or autoclaved blood and body fluids

Some radioactive liquids (call EH&S)

Latex paint wash water

Refer to EH&S Drain Disposal Guidelines.

Chlorinated solvents

Corrosive liquids (pH < 5 or >10)

Glassware rinseate (first two washes must be captured and managed as a hazardous material)

Ignitable/flammable materials

Reactives (cyanides, sulfides, water reactives)

Toxic materials/heavy metals (check MSDS)

Storm drains lead to Strawberry Creek and are for rainwater only.

Be especially careful if moving chemicals between buildings. Use bottle carriers and secondary containment.

Examples

Empty hazardous materials containers (must follow guidelines below)

Incandescent light bulbs

Non-recyclable items (see below)

Smoke detectors (remove battery)

Uncontaminated lab glassware

Guidelines

Refer to Refuse and Recycling web site and
H&S Fact Sheet: "Empty Containers"

Recycle:

Bottles and cans

Food waste

Green waste

Paper and cardboard

Plastic film

Reusable items

Styrene peanuts (packing material)

Toner cartridges (ask for prepaid mailing labels)

Wood waste

Physical Plant-Campus Recycling and Refuse Services
Tel: 643-4612
FAX: 643-4486
MC 1384

Examples

Lamps

Neon, fluorescent, mercury vapor, metal halide, high pressure sodium, high intensity discharge (HID)

Physical Plant-Campus Services
642-9348

University Property and Equipment

Electronics

Lab equipment (cleaned of hazardous materials)

Office furniture

Refrigerators

Items deemed appropriate for reuse or recycling

(There is a recycling and/or handling fee for some items.)

Proper Management (Excess, Surplus and Salvage)
642-5330

Asbestos-Containing Material
Asbestos Control Unit (PP-CS)
642-1680

Construction Debris with Hazardous Components

Office of Environment, Health and Safety
642-3073

Old Tires
City of Berkeley Solid Waste
981-6350

For information, contact the Office of Environment, Health & Safety at 642-3073, FAX: 643-7595, www.ehs.berkeley.edu