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Procedures/Request a Pick Up

Hazardous Waste Line 713-500-5837

Call the Waste Line at 713-500-5837 and follow the instructions given.

Press 1 for radioactive wastes
Press 2 for chemical or facility related wastes
Press 3 for biological wastes

Please provide the following information in your message:

Your name
Building and room number
Type and volume of waste

Chemical Waste Disposal

Storage: Waste must be stored in compatible containers utilizing secondary containment and kept closed  except when filling. Once the pickup request has been received via the hazardous waste line, chemical waste will be     removed from laboratories within three days by the Environmental Protection Program. 

Chemical waste containers, secondary containment, and labels are available at no cost, and can be requested by calling the hazardous waste line.
Liquid & Solid:

Place waste in compatible container, then secondary containment (i.e. plastic tub), complete and attach "Hazardous Waste" label, then call hazardous waste line to request pickup.
Empty Containers:

Deface chemical name, label "Housekeeping," place by regular trash. Note: containers which held “P Listed” materials must be collected by EPP.
Broken Glass: Place in container or cardboard "broken glass box", label "Housekeeping,", and place next to regular trash. Call 713-500-3498 “FIXT Line” to request a pickup from housekeeping.
Pharmaceuticals: Call hazardous waste line
Laboratory Cleanouts: Chemical waste pickups of more than 10 containers of unused materials are considered a laboratory cleanout and may require special scheduling. Please call the hazardous waste line to request laboratory cleanouts.

Medical/Biological/Infectious Waste Disposal 

Storage:

Store waste in leak proof containers such as biological waste boxes, plastic tubs or plastic waste containers with a lid. Sharps must be placed in approved sharps containers.

Biological waste boxes, red tubs, plastic waste containers with a lid and labels are available at no cost, and can be requested by calling the hazardous waste line.
Solid: Autoclave, then dispose of in designated white refuse container in autoclave area, record activities in log book. If you do not have access to an autoclave:

MSB, MSI, UCT: Place in biological waste box or tub, then call hazardous waste line for pickup

MSE: Place in biological waste box, store in MSE 118

SOD: Place in biological waste box, store in DBB 1266

RAS: Place in biological waste box, store in RAS B01a

SRB: Place in biological waste box or tub, store in SRB 120

UT Physicians: place in biological waste box, contractor will pick up
Liquid: Add disinfectant (EPA-registered, bleach, 2-propanol), let sit for 15 minutes, pour down drain, and record activities in log book.
Sharps: Place in approved "Sharps" container, call hazardous waste line for pickup. Sharps containers are provided at no cost by the EPP.>
Animal: Segregate animal carcass from associated waste (plastic, paper, and bedding), fill out and attach a biological waste tag. Call hazardous waste line for pickup.
Pathological:

Contact Kurt Clark, Neurobiology and Anatomy (713-500-6156).

Radioactive Waste Disposal

Storage: Store in remote area of the laboratory; shield to less than 2 mR/hr; survey frequently.
Disposal: Solid waste & liquid scintillation vials - segregate by half-life, place in black opaque bag, complete and attach radioactive waste tag, close securely with a plastic tie wrap, & place in the nearest radiation waste alcoves.
Biological (Animal): Segregate by half-life; place in two black opaque bags; complete and attach biological and radioactive waste tags; Call hazardous waste line for pickup.
Liquid:

Collect in a plastic one gallon jug provided by EHS; complete and attach radioactive waste tag; call hazardous waste line for pickup. Store in secondary containment.
Mixed: Call hazardous waste line 

Note - Black opaque bags, hazardous materials tags, and plastic tie wraps are located in radiation waste alcoves.  One gallon plastic jugs may be obtained by calling the hazardous waste line.

Facility Related Waste Disposal

Fluorescent Lamps: Place in original containers or boxes provided by EHS. When full, seal with packing tape, write “Used lamps” and the date full on the outside of the box & place in collection area.

EPP will arrange quarterly pickup for recycling through an outside transporter.
Used Fluorescent Light Ballasts: Place old ballasts in drums located through out UTHealth maintenance rooms.            Call Waste line when 3/4 full EHS will arrange quarterly pickup for recycling through an outside transporter.
Used Oil: Includes: (motor oil, compressor oil, transmission fluid, etc.)
Do not mix with other waste (solvents, cleaning agents, etc.)
Collect in a compatible container
When full call Waste line for collection
Batteries:

Lead-Acid batteries, Ni-Cd, silver oxide, Ni-hydride and Lithium batteries are eligible for recycling. 
Insulate battery terminals
Collect in leak proof container (5 gallon container)
Call Waste Line when container is 3/4 full for collection

Household alkaline batteries are not recycled at UTHealth
Paint: All paints and associated paint thinners are bulked and shipped for recycling, or entered into on & off site recycling programs.  Call Waste Line for collection.