Glassware Disposal

Glassware to Recycle

  • Glassware used with non high-risk chemicals can often be cleaned and recycled. 
  • Glassware used with biological hazards may be recycled after it has been autoclaved and cleaned.
  • Clean glassware may be recycled provided it is free of stains and residue.

Chemically contaminated glassware

  1. Empty remaining chemicals into a properly labeled waste container.
  2. Clean your glassware using warm water, soap and an appropriate cleaning brush. Remove all labels.
  3. Collect water from the first rinse and dispose of via CHEMATIX.

Biologically contaminated glassware

  1. Autoclave the glassware using cycle parameters that are appropriate for the biological agent involved.
  2. After the glassware has returned to ambient temperature, empty autoclaved biological material into the appropriate waste receptacle.
  3. Clean reusable glassware or glassware that will be recycled using warm water, soap and an appropriate cleaning brush. Remove all labels.

Once you have cleaned your glassware and it is free of stains and residue:

  1. Collect it in an impervious container for transport.
  2. Dispose of it in either a yellow or blue recycling bin at the university.

Note: if the glassware is stained or has liquid or other residue remaining in it, dispose of it via CHEMATIX. Do NOT dispose of it in recycle bins.

Glassware to Dispose

  • Glassware that has been used with radiological hazards cannot be recycled. It must be disposed of in accordance with regulations and best practices.
  • Glassware used with high-risk chemicals must be disposed of in accordance with regulations and best practices.
  • Glassware that cannot be cleaned because it: 
    • is stained.
    • cannot be effectively cleaned with a brush.
    • is broken.

Collect hazardous glassware in an impervious container and dispose of it as hazardous waste via CHEMATIX. Glassware that hasn't been cleaned must never go in a recycling bin as it will contaminate the other contents of the bin.

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