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Best Practices for Managing Laboratory Waste
Learn how different types of laboratory waste are categorized, plus how to safely manage disposal.Byline: BTB Author
October 23, 2025 / Time to read: 5 minLaboratories are the epicenter of discovery and innovation. But alongside groundbreaking advancements comes the generation of waste, ranging from hazardous chemicals to biological materials and even radioactive substances. Many types of laboratory waste, if not managed properly, pose significant health threats to people, plus contamination risks to soil, water and air.
We've broken down the best practices for
What Is Laboratory Waste?
Laboratory waste is a set of by-products, chemicals and other materials that are discarded during or after laboratory activities. Laboratory waste can come from various sources within a lab, including:
- Research experiments
- Chemical analysis
- Biological studies
- Medical testing
What Are the Different Types of Laboratory Waste?
1. Chemical Waste
- Hazardous chemical waste: Toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive chemicals — such as solvents, acids, bases and heavy metals — that pose a risk to people and the environment.
- Non-hazardous chemical waste: Chemicals, such as certain salts and buffers, that do not pose significant risks but still require proper disposal.
2. Biological Waste
- Infectious waste: Materials that may contain pathogens such as cultures, stocks, blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious materials.
- Non-infectious biological waste: Biological materials, like plant material or certain animal tissues, that do not contain pathogens but need proper disposal.
3. Radioactive Waste
- Low-level radioactive waste: Materials such as lab clothing, gloves and tools contaminated with low levels of radioactivity.
- High-level radioactive waste: Materials with higher levels of radioactivity, such as certain isotopes and contaminated equipment used in research.
4. Sharps Waste
- Medical sharps waste: Needles, syringes, scalpel blades, broken glass and other items that can puncture or cut skin. These items are usually contaminated with hazardous or infectious materials.
5. General Waste
- Non-hazardous waste: Typical laboratory waste, such as paper, plastic, packaging and food waste, that does not pose chemical, biological or radiological risks.
- Contaminated general waste: Non-hazardous items that have come into contact with hazardous or infectious materials and require special handling.
6. E-waste
- Electronic waste: Discarded electronic equipment used in laboratories, such as computers, monitors, lab instruments and other devices. E-waste contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium.
7. Mixed Waste
- Hazardous and radioactive waste: Waste that contains both hazardous chemical and radioactive components. This type of waste requires specialized disposal procedures.
8. Other Specialized Waste
- Compressed gas cylinders: Cylinders — used for storing gases in laboratories — that require proper handling and disposal to minimize the risk of explosion.
- Broken glassware: Non-contaminated broken glass that must be disposed of safely to prevent injury.
How to Segregate and Store Laboratory Waste Effectively
To ensure safety, regulatory compliance, environmental protection and proper laboratory waste management, follow these segregation and storage guidelines:
1. Understand waste categories.
Familiarize yourself with the different types of laboratory waste: chemical, biological, radioactive, sharps, general, electronic and mixed waste. Understanding these categories will help you identify the appropriate segregation methods.
2. Use color-coded bins.
- Chemical waste: Use separate, clearly labeled containers for different types of chemical waste (e.g., acids, bases, solvents). Containers should be compatible with the chemicals they hold to prevent reactions or leaks.
- Biological waste: Use red biohazard bags or containers for infectious waste. Non-infectious biological waste should be placed in designated containers, often marked with a different color (e.g., yellow or green).
- Radioactive waste: Use clearly marked containers with radiation hazard symbols. Segregate based on the type and level of radioactivity.
- Sharps waste: Use puncture-resistant containers specifically designed for sharps. These containers, which are typically red, should be labeled as “sharps waste” and include biohazard symbols if contaminated with infectious materials.
- General waste: Use standard waste bins for non-hazardous, non-contaminated waste. These can be color-coded (e.g., black or white) and labeled as general waste.
- E-waste: Designate and label separate containers for electronic waste.
3. Label containers clearly.
Make sure all waste containers are labeled with the appropriate category and hazard symbols. Labels should include details like the type of waste, date of disposal and any relevant hazards.
4. Designate separate areas.
Establish designated areas in the laboratory for storing different types of waste. Keep chemical, biological and radioactive waste storage areas separate to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of accidents.
5. Follow compatibility guidelines.
For chemical waste, segregate based on chemical compatibility. Avoid storing reactive chemicals together (e.g., acids with bases or oxidizers with flammables) to prevent dangerous reactions.
6. Provide training.
All laboratory personnel should be trained in waste segregation practices. Regularly update training programs to reflect changes in regulations or laboratory procedures.
7. Conduct regular waste audits.
Conduct regular audits of waste segregation practices to ensure compliance, identify areas for improvement, maintain high standards and reduce the risk of improper disposal.
8. Use proper containers.
Use high-quality containers with secure lids to prevent spills or leaks. All waste containers should be in good condition and replaced if damaged.
9. Document and track waste.
Maintain detailed records of waste segregation, including the type and quantity of waste generated, how it was segregated and its final disposal method.
10. Implement spill management procedures.
Have clear procedures in place for managing and cleaning up spills. Segregated waste should be handled according to the specific protocols for the type of waste involved.
Recommended Methods for Laboratory Waste Disposal
Consider these options for proper lab waste disposal. Remember that laboratory waste should not be disposed of
1. Chemical Waste Disposal
- Neutralization: Certain acidic or basic chemical wastes can be neutralized to form non-hazardous substances. Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and local guidelines before neutralizing chemicals.
- Chemical treatment: Some chemical wastes can be treated with other chemicals to render them non-hazardous or less toxic. This method, which should be performed by trained personnel, is used for reactive or toxic chemicals.
- Hazardous waste collection: Hazardous chemical wastes should be collected by licensed hazardous waste disposal companies like Republic Services. We will handle, transport and dispose of the waste in accordance with regulations.
- Incineration: Hazardous chemical wastes can be incinerated at high temperatures in specialized facilities that can handle toxic emissions.
2. Biological Waste Disposal
- Autoclaving: Infectious
biological waste , such as cultures and contaminated materials, can be sterilized using an autoclave before disposal. Autoclaving kills pathogens, rendering the waste non-infectious. The waste can then be disposed of as regular medical waste. We use microwave disinfection to sterilize contaminated materials. - Chemical disinfection: Biological waste can be treated with chemical disinfectants (e.g., bleach) to kill pathogens before disposal. This method is suitable for liquid waste and certain solid materials.
- Medical waste disposal: After autoclaving or chemical disinfection, biological waste can be disposed of through licensed
medical waste disposal services , which will ensure compliance with local and federal regulations. - Incineration: Incineration is an effective method for disposing of biological waste. High-temperature incineration ensures the complete destruction of pathogens.
3. Radioactive Waste Disposal
- Decay in storage: Some radioactive waste with short half-lives can be stored securely until the radioactivity decays to safe levels. After decay, the waste can be disposed of as regular waste.
- Authorized disposal facilities: Radioactive waste with longer half-lives or higher activity levels must be sent to licensed radioactive waste disposal facilities with specialized containment systems to prevent environmental contamination.
- Segregation by radioactivity: Segregate radioactive waste by isotope and activity level to facilitate appropriate disposal. Follow strict labeling and documentation procedures for all radioactive waste.
4. Sharps Waste Disposal
- Sharps containers: All sharps, including needles, syringes and broken glass, should be placed in designated puncture-resistant sharps containers. These containers should be clearly labeled and have secure lids.
- Medical waste disposal: Full sharps containers should be collected by licensed medical waste disposal companies who will treat or incinerate the waste.
5. General Waste Disposal
- Regular waste collection: Non-hazardous, non-contaminated waste, such as paper, plastic and packaging materials, can be disposed of through regular
waste collection services . - Recycling: Whenever possible, segregate recyclable materials. Work with local recycling programs to ensure proper disposal.
6. Electronic Waste (E-waste) Disposal
- E-waste recycling: Electronic waste should be collected for recycling through certified
e-waste recycling programs . These programs recover valuable materials and safely dispose of hazardous components. - Return to manufacturer: Some manufacturers offer take-back programs to recycle or dispose of old or unused equipment.
7. Mixed Waste Disposal
- Specialized disposal: Mixed waste containing both hazardous chemicals and radioactive components requires specialized disposal methods. This waste should be
managed by licensed facilities equipped to handle multiple hazards.
8. Spill Cleanup and Disposal
- Spill kits: Keep spill kits readily available for immediate cleanup of chemical, biological or radioactive spills and follow specific procedures for cleaning up and disposing of waste from spills. It's highly recommended that you get in touch with hazardous waste specialists to provide
emergency spill cleanups . - Contaminated material disposal: Materials used in spill cleanup such as absorbents and PPE should be disposed of according to the type of waste involved.
9. Regulatory Compliance
- Follow local, state and federal regulations: Ensure that all waste disposal practices comply with applicable regulations.
- Work with licensed disposal services: For hazardous, biological and radioactive waste, always work with licensed waste disposal professionals to ensure waste is handled and disposed of in compliance with the law.
We Can Help You Safely Manage Lab Waste
Proper laboratory waste management practices help safeguard the health of laboratory personnel, the surrounding community and the environment. We can assist with the proper classification and disposal of your lab waste while keeping your liability and landfill impact low and limiting your regulatory burden. Visit our
