How to Dispose of Plastic Tissue-Culture Pipettes

• Refer to the Empty Research Container Management page for guidance.

Use this process when disposing of pipettes contaminated with biohazards (no chemical or radioactive materials):

Steps: (available on the main campus and SIO)

• Place used pipettes in a BIOHAZARD container that has been lined with 2 labeled, red biohazard bags.
  • Note: Procurement sells bags preprinted with UC San Diego identification labels in different sizes.
• Label the red bag or sharps container (if they are not preprinted) with the following information as soon as you add the first contaminated pipette:
  • "Biohazard"
  • The international biohazard symbol
  • UC San Diego address and phone number:
    • University of California, San Diego (or UC San Diego)
      9500 Gilman Drive
      La Jolla, CA 92093
      (858) 534-4357
      OR
    • UC San Diego Medical Center
      200 West Arbor Drive
      San Diego, CA 92103
      (619) 543-6222
• Building name and room number where the waste was generated
• Tie or secure the 2 liner bags closed when full and wheel the BIOHAZARD container to the biohazard waste collection area for your floor or building to be collected by EH&S.
• Get a replacement container at the collection area.

Request additional BIOHAZARD containers from EH&S Environmental Management Facility, (858) 534-2753.

• Select an acceptable storage container: Options for pipettes contaminated with hazardous materials include:
  • The original pipette box with a plastic bag placed inside
  • A sharps storage container
  • Recycled rigid plastic roller bottles
• Label the storage container:
  • Label with a hazardous waste tag before you place the first contaminated pipette into the plastic bag or another container.
  • Read How to Use Hazardous Waste Tags for more information.
• Dispose of contaminated pipettes:
  • If you stored the pipettes inside a plastic bag in their original box, tightly tie the bag closed.
  • Do not tape the bag or box closed. Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) waste technicians must visually inspect the bags before collection.
  • Request a hazardous waste collection.

For pipettes contaminated with multiple categories of hazardous materials (biological, radioactive, or chemical), contact the EH&S Environmental Management Facility for specific disposal instructions.