Laboratory Safety

Hazardous Waste Pickup + Disposal

The University of Alberta offers university researchers a hazardous waste pickup service through CHEMATIX, a web-based waste disposal system. Once you're registered in CHEMATIX, HSE will pick up your hazardous waste as per the pickup process and schedule .

Pickup + Disposal Process

Register for Pickup

University research groups that generate hazardous waste should enroll in CHEMATIX, a web-based system to manage waste disposal. Based on CHEMATIX input, HSE will schedule waste pickup and transfer for the university. Here's how to get started:

Register online to get access to CHEMATIX.
Take the Hazardous Waste Management course and review the CHEMATIX user manual.
Visit the CHEMATIX website for more information or to log in.

Use your university CCID and password to log in to the system.

Don't have a CCID?

TEC Edmonton and other groups at the university may not currently have a CCID. Contact IST to request a guest CCID.

Label Waste Containers

The federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act regulates the transportation of specific products. According to TDG regulations, the following information must appear on a container label:

name of chemical (list all constituents).
quantity (weight or volume of each component).

Package Waste Containers

Ensure containers are chemically compatible with contents.
Choose containers with screw top or sealed lids.
Place leaking containers in secondary containers.
Leave 10% air space in containers in case of expansion.

When possible, autoclave and dispose of as regular garbage.
When autoclaving is not possible, dispose of wastes in an appropriate container, e.g., box, bag or pail; sharps in a designated container).
Refer to the Biosafety Manual for more information.

Use only clear plastic bags and deface radioactive labels inside the bag. If necessary, perform a contamination survey of the container and decontaminate as required.
If disposing of liquid scintillation vials, separate glass from plastic vials and double bag waste or box in the original shipping container.

If you are not sure how to safely package your waste for disposal, refer to the How to Package Hazardous Waste guide. This guide addresses all types of waste, including high hazard chemicals, building materials and unique research-related items.

Store Waste for Pickup

Once you have packaged and labeled your hazardous waste, store it safely in your lab. HSE will collect it from your lab as per the pickup schedule.

Do not leave it on a loading dock or in any other publicly accessible space.

After Waste is Picked Up

Waste is transferred by truck to the university's hazard waste facility at Cloverbar, where it is sorted and sent for final disposal to licensed waste facilities in and around the City of Edmonton.

Audience

Employees, Students