Gloves, test tubes, paper towels, etc. , that are grossly contaminated with ethidium bromide should be placed in medical waste for incineration. Consider deactivating in bleach before disposal if the items are significantly contaminated. If you have any questions about disposal of ethidium bromide or any other hazardous material, contact Robin Izzo or Garth Walters at 258-5294. More information is available in the Waste Disposal section of EHS web page. Orphans of the Lab University laboratories are dynamic places.
Professors retire, employees get promoted, and graduate students move on.
Chemicals left undisposed are often poorly labeled and can present a safety hazard to the people who eventually do the cleanup. And cleanup can be years or sometimes even decades later. Unlabeled chemicals must be characterized to ensure responsible disposal. Unknowns also eliminate opportunities for redistribution or other kinds of recycling. The person most directly involved in using the material should arrange for disposal, as they are the most knowledgeable about uses.