CMU has two laboratory cleanout periods per year to focus on chemical inventory reduction and management. This is a good opportunity to remove excess chemicals and wrap up student research projects. The cleanout period is also a good time to review chemicals that are required by the Chemical Hygiene Plan to have a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place. Remember to update your inventory records as you add or remove chemicals from your laboratory.
Chemical removal process (during lab cleanout periods only):
1. Segregate chemicals and solutions/reagents for removal. Chemicals should be placed on a cart, in a tub, etc. with a notice for pick-up. For reasons of health and safety, lab personnel should review chemical inventories and eliminate the following:
- Outdated chemicals, solutions, and reagents
- Unlabeled chemical containers
- Corroded chemical containers
- Excess inventory
- Improper storage of toxic gases
- Improper storage of chemicals
- Chemicals no longer in use
2. Go to
Hazardous Waste Disposal, which is located on the Environmental Health & Safety website, and submit a request for waste pickup. Your chemicals will be picked up directly from your lab. Please make every attempt to label and identify all materials to minimize the amount of unknowns.