Equipment & Procedures > Clean up and Waste Disposal

Estimated Total Time: 10 minutes

Summary: Many people use the lab. Good lab hygiene is a must!

SAFETY: Wear appropriate PPE at all times. You are handling waste.

Cleanup:

• Put all equipment and extra supplies in their designated locations (Locations on General Inventory List).

• Remove all labeling tape from glass/plasticware.

• Wash all glassware and containers used, and hang them from the racks above the sinks.

• Replace all reagents in their proper locations.

• Wipe down all used surfaces with a 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Solution.

• Dispose of waste, hazardous and non-hazardous.  

• Consult Lab Staff if unsure about any of the above.

The Waste Pathway:

The laboratory disposes of waste in many separate ways. Each type of waste is classified by the risks it poses, and is disposed of in a manner commensurate with said risk. Therefore, this is what you do:

• GLOVES, PAPER TOWELS, KIMWIPES, PAPER WRAPPERS, MAY ALL GO INTO THE REGULAR TRASH.

• GELS FROM ELECTROPHORESES MUST BE WRAPPED IN SARAN WRAP, WHEREUPON THEY CAN BE THROWN INTO THE TRASH.

• IF IN DOUBT, ASK!

See the EHRS link for more details on waste disposal.