1. K-State home
  2. »University Operations
  3. »Environmental Health and Safety
  4. »Environmental
  5. »FAQs

Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental Health and Safety
135 Dykstra Hall
1628 Claflin Rd
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

785-532-5856
785-532-1981 fax
safety@k-state.edu

Disposal Guide

 

Waste/Recyclable ItemHow do I dispose of this item?Are there any special instructions?Who picks it up?How soon before it is picked up?Are disposal containers provided?Is there a fee?
Aerosol CansFill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form on the EHS website.Place a completed Hazardous Waste label on each can.  If there are many cans, place them in a bag and put the label on the bag. EHSWill usually be picked up within 3 days of pickup form submission. NoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services
Animal carcassesFill out a Medical Waste pickup form on the EHS website.Keep frozen until EHS picks them up. EHSIn the summer we wait until the day before the medical waste truck arrives (twice/month).NoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.
BatteriesSend small quantities to EHS through campus mail OR fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form on the EHS websiteFor Lithium batteries, tape top and bottom, covering both terminal ends. EHSPicked up in order of requestNoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.

Biohazard or regulated medical waste
*If the waste is mixed with a hazardous waste, see the Mixture of Biohazardous and Hazardous Waste section below.

Fill out a Medical Waste pickup form.Place in red biohazard bags or totes. Indicate whether it is pathogen-containing waste. EHSWill usually be picked up within 3 days of pickup form submission.NoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.
CDs, DVDs, portable mediaTake to the KSU Recycling Center or request a Ewaste pickup.Delete all information from the media.Facilities RecyclingDetermined by recyclingNoNo
Confidential or security documents for shreddingPlace in a secured Document Resources box.NoEach dept. can request a drop box (console) or locked box with a drop slot. Call Document Resources 537-1222.Determined by vendorYesYes 
Controlled substances - if you are the registered owner of the substanceRegistrant (owner) of controlled substance is responsible for the return or destruction their substances. See the Use and Disposal of Controlled Substances Used for Research document on the EHS website.Registered owners may contact a Reverse Distributor or destroy the substance in a way that it is no longer viable and is not retrievable. You must document your actions.Reverse Distributor, is using that methodDetermined by Reverse DistributorNoYes, for Reverse Distribution
Electronic waste (computers, computer screens, printers, cables, etc.)Take to the KSU Recycling Center or request a Ewaste pickup.Need to fill out a Disposition of Property Form (DA110) for KSU property. Facilities RecyclingDetermined by recyclingNoNo
Empty chemical containersRinse and dispose of in the trash EXCEPT for those that held a P-listed chemical (they are hazardous waste).  See the Lab Safety Manual, pages 72-73.Do not rinse “empty” containers that held P-listed materials or wastes. If you do, the rinsate must be collected and handled as hazardous waste.EHS does not pick up empty containers except for those that contained a P-listed waste. For containers that held a P-listed waste: 3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submissionNoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services
Ethidium bromide gels or solutionsFill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form on the EHS website.Ethidium bromide does not require a Hazardous Waste label.EHSPicked up in order of requestNoNo
Gas cylindersFill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form on the EHS website.Cylinders must be labeled with their contents. Valve caps must be in place. Place a Hazardous Waste label on the cylinder or attache the label with a wire or other method.Vendor (bought from)Determined by vendorN/AOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.
Glass (not contaminated with biohazardous materials) Place in a box marked "broken glass."  If not contaminated with bodily fluids, it's not medical or biohazard waste.  Do not use a biohazard or hazardous waste label. This item in not picked up by EHS. Put the box in a dumpster.N/ANo.  You can use any cardboard box or order broken glass boxes thru lab supply companies.N/A
Hard drivesCall Document Resources at 537-1222. Hard drives will be shredded.They will log your hard drives you'll sign for them. There will be a charge.Document ResourcesUpon requestNoYes
Hazardous waste, expired or unwanted chemicals (if more than 30 chemicals, see "Laboratory Cleanouts")Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form.Make sure all containers are closed and marked with a completed hazardous waste label.EHS3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submissionOnly for solvents. We may provide drums for certain items on request.Only for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.
Human blood, vomit or other bodily fluid discovered on campusPlace in a biohazard bag or medical waste container.Make sure bag or container is closed.Facilities will clean up & place in a biohazard bag.Will usually be picked up within 3 days of pickup form submission.EHS will provide biohazard bags.Only for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.
Laboratory Cleanouts (chemicals)Fill out the "Laboratory clean out(xls)" form on the EHS website.Must fill out form completely and list ALL chemicals you wanted disposed.  EHS will set a date for the cleanout with you.EHSEHS requires 60-days notice of cleanout.NoUsually there is no fee for this service; however, if EHS must bring in a special team to deal with highly hazardous or unknown materials, the department might be charged.  
Light bulbs (fluorescent, HID, mercury, etc.)Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form.All bulbs must be in a closed cardboard box and marked "Used Lamps"EHSPicked up in order of requestWe can provide boxes for 4' and 8' bulbs fluorescent bulbs.Yes
MicrowavesFacilities will take KSU-owned microwaves. Call Recycling at 2-6389.NoFacilities RecyclingUpon requestN/ANo
Paint, latex and acrylicFill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form.Does not require a Hazardous Waste label.EHSPicked up in order of requestNoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.
Paint, oil-based (flammable)Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form.Make sure all containers are closed and marked with a completed hazardous waste label.EHSPicked up in order of requestNoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services
Printer/toner cartridges

Place in the plastic blue tote provided specifically for cartridges.
- OR -
Ship back to supplier or manufacturere per instructions in toner box.

No

- OR -
Follow directions on the box.

Facilities Recycling

- OR -
UPS or other carrier.

Facilities picks up periodically.
- OR -
Depends on carrier

Facilities will provide container. If you need one call 2-6389.
- OR -
Usually use the box the cartridge came in.

 

No

- OR -

No

Radioactive wasteFill out a Radioactive waste pickup form.Container must be closed. Must be labeled with a Radioactive Waste label.EHSWill be picked up as soon as possible after pickup form submission.NoNo
Recycled items: paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass, newspaper, etc.Place in recycle bins that are located in your office and many other locations on campus.NoFacilities empties all KSU recycling containers.N/ARecycling will provide recycling containers. If you need containers, call 2-6389.No 
RefrigeratorsContact Facilities at 2-6389. It must be KSU property. 

If working, Recycling will take them.

If not working, call Facilities, 2-6389, to ask about removing refrigerant. There may be a charge. Recycling will take after refrigerant is removed.

Facilities RecyclingUpon requestN/AMay be a fee for removing refrigerant
Sharps, medical (syringes, needles, surgical blades)Place in an approved sharps container and fill out a Medical waste pickup form on the EHS website. Container must be closed. EHSWill usually be picked up within 3 days of pickup form submission.NoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.

Spill cleanup
debris/materials

Place in a closed container, put a completed Hazardous Waste label on the container and fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form on the EHS website. NoEHS3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submissionNoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.

Used Oil

Fill out the Waste Pickup Form on the EHS website.Container must be closed.  Write “Used Oil” on the container or use a Used Oil label.  EHSPicked up in order of requestNoOnly for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.

More recycling information can be found at K-State Recycling.