Glass Waste

Contaminated glass waste should be disposed of as a category 1 or 3 sharp depending on the nature of the contamination.

Dispose of glassware in a box with a lid or which can be securely closed. Do not throw glassware in regular trash cans. Broken glass or glassware waste containers are available from laboratory supply vendors. Any sturdy, undamaged corrugated box is suitable. The boxes should be lined with a 2 mil poly bag.

All containers must be clearly labeled with one of the following:

1. Laboratory Glassware
2. Lab Glassware Only
3. Broken Glass or Glass

Keep glassware for disposal separate from all other waste in the laboratory or shop. Laboratory glassware and chemical containers cannot be recycled. Chemical and reagent containers must be empty prior to disposal. All contents must be removed prior to disposal by ordinary means (e.g., draining, pouring, scooping).

Once the glassware waste container is three-quarters full, seal the top of the box with packaging and transport the closed container to the building trash dumpster. Custodial services is not required to take out laboratory or shop glassware waste.

Do not handle broken glass with your hands. Use a brush and dustpan, tongs, or forceps to pick up broken glass. Substitute plastic ware for glassware when practical in laboratories with infectious agent work.