Laboratory Waste Disposal
Facility Waste Disposal
Properly managing wastes generated at UVM is essential. Mishandling unwanted material can damage the environment and/or be hazardous to the people who handle the material downstream.
Aerosol Cans
Any type of spray can. Most aerosols have a flammable or chlorinated solvent propellant. Empty, partially-full, or unused cans must be collected as waste.
How to Collect: Call 656-5408 to request a properly labeled waste container to collect unwanted cans.
How to Dispose: Fill out a Waste Tag (login required)
Where does it go? Non-hazardous empty aerosol cans are punctured to remove the residues. Empty, punctured cans end up in scrap metal recycling.
Antifreeze (glycols)
Examples: propylene glycol, ethylene glycol
How to Collect:
- Store in a secondary containment bin.
- 5 - 55 gal drums must be stored with some form of spill containment
How to Dispose: Fill out a Waste Tag (login required)
Where does it go? Managed as hazardous waste.
Ballasts
Includes PCB, Non-PCB and Electronic
How to Collect: Call 656-5408 to request a properly labeled container. Container label must remain visible at all times. Lid must be secured when not in use. For more information follow the Universal Waste Requirements for Lightbulbs & Ballasts.
How to Dispose: Fill out a Waste Tag (login required)
Where does it go? Recycled
Batteries
Small assorted batteries such as Alkaline, NiCad, Lithium, Button Cell
How to Collect: Call UVM Recycling 656-4171 to get a brown Battery Bucket.
How to Dispose: Fill out a Waste Tag (login required)
Where does it go? Recycled
Batteries - Lead Acid
Contain Sulfuric Acid & Electrolyte
How to Collect: Store on a pallet.
How to Dispose:
- You may fill out ONE Waste Tag for several Lead Acid Batteries.
- Please note how many batteries on the tag. In "amount" section, write, for example, "4 each".
- Fill out a Waste Tag (login required)
Where does it go? Recycled
Lightbulbs and Compact Lightbulbs
- 3 ft, 4 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft, U-Tubes, etc
- Green lightbulbs
How to Collect: Follow the Universal Waste Requirements for Lightbulbs & Ballasts. For large bulb removal or replacement projects, call 656-5408 BEFORE THE PROJECT BEGINS. We can provide a cardboard cylinder for multiple bulbs.
How to Dispose: No waste tag needed since these are considered Universal Waste in VT. Contact Risk Management and Safety 656-5408 for pickup.
Compact Lightbulbs
Assorted shapes
How to Collect: Collect in cardboard box.
How to Dispose: Follow the Universal Waste Requirements for Lightbulbs & Ballasts. No waste tag needed since these are considered Universal Waste in VT. Contact Risk Management and Safety 656-5408 for pickup.
Where does it go? Recycled
Lightbulbs - Broken Bulbs
Broken CFL bulbs of any size may be placed together.
How to Collect:
- Small amounts: collect in a sealable clear plastic bag or Ziploc bag.
- For more information, follow this link to view the Universal Waste Requirements for Lightbulbs & Ballasts.
- For larger amounts, call 656-5408 to request a properly labeled container.
How to Dispose: You may fill out ONE Waste Tag for the broken material. Enter the Hazardous Waste Tag online.
Where does it go? Managed as hazardous waste
Oils and Oily Debris
Collect Hydraulic oil separate from Motor oil. No gasoline may be mixed in.
How to Collect:
- Oils are regulated in VT.
- Call 656-5408 to request a properly labeled container. Please specify whether you need a container for liquid OR solid (oily debris/rags).
How to Dispose: Fill out a Waste Tag (login required)
Where does it go? Managed as hazardous waste
Paint and Related Materials
Separate Latex Paint Cans from Oil-based paints. Paint-related materials, such as epoxy and glues should be collected. Part B epoxy component should be kept separate.
How to Collect: Keep cans and buckets out of the weather.
How to Dispose:
- LATEX: Residues inside latex cans may be left out to dry. Throw empty, dried latex paint cans in the trash. Cans that have unused material in them should be closed and tagged for disposal. Fill out ONE waste tag for multiple containers.
- OIL BASE: Fill out ONE waste tag for multiple oil-based paint cans if there is more than 5% paint left in each can. Enter the Waste Tag online.
Where does it go? Managed as non-hazardous or hazardous waste depending on paint type.
Propane Canisters, Includes full, partially full, or empty canisters
Various sizes
How to Collect: Store in a flammables cabinet.
How to Dispose:
- How to Dispose: Fill out a Waste Tag (login required)
- Several propane canisters may be included on ONE tag.
Where does it go? Full or partially full canisters are managed as hazardous waste. Empty canisters are devalued and sent for scrap metal. Solvents Examples: Acetone, Xylene, Mineral Spirits, Paint Thinners, etc.
How to Collect: Store in a flammables cabinet in a secondary containment bin.
How to Dispose:
- Fill out a Waste Tag (login required)
- If you have multiple solvent containers, call 656-5408 before tagging. We can help sort them out and minimize your tagging.
Where does it go? Managed as hazardous waste. Empty metal cans may go in scrap metal recycling.
Sternos
From dining halls and campus events
How to Collect: Call 656-5408 to request a properly labeled container. Container label must remain visible at all times. Lid must be secured when not in use.
How to Dispose: Fill out a Waste Tag and enter online here.
Where does it go? Managed as hazardous waste.
Recycling Guide
Learn the proper way to recycle on Recycling & Waste Management