This program aims to ensure that items removed from the laboratory do not pose a risk to those who handle the items (Surplus and FP&M personnel) and the general public. This is achieved through a partnership between laboratory personnel, EH&S, and ISU Surplus. Laboratory personnel are responsible for cleaning laboratory items, EH&S is responsible for visually inspecting and confirming that the unit is safe for release, and Surplus is responsible for retrieving the item(s).

Want to dispose of equipment?

Once you've confirmed that your equipment is eligible for disposal, complete the Laboratory Equipment Disposal Form (PDF).

Equipment disposal requirements

  • All items must be disconnected from the building's electrical/water lines. Contact FP&M (525-294-4100) to disconnect gas/air/water lines.
  • All fluids not initially received with the equipment must be emptied from the equipment before disposal. This includes oil from pumps and reagent bottles connected to equipment. Submit a Waste Removal Form for all unwanted waste/chemicals.
  • All equipment, regardless of operable or non-operable condition, must, at minimum, be cleaned with detergent/soapy water to remove debris and/or contaminants.
    • If the equipment has been used with or contained any material listed in section B, perform the appropriate cleaning procedure to remove the hazard.
  • Remove all materials from the equipment.
    • For example, remove tubes from a centrifuge or items from a refrigerator/freezer.
  • All equipment must be easily identifiable and visible.
    • This can be accomplished by numbering or labeling the equipment and placing the items somewhere easily visible.

Unwanted lasers and laser systems

The following guidelines are required when dealing with unwanted lasers or laser systems.

  • Ensure all hazardous substances have been removed and the equipment decontaminated.
  • Ensure a complete Laboratory Equipment Disposal Form (PDF) has been forwarded to EH&S.
  • Verify that EH&S has inspected/tested the equipment and authorized transfer and/or disposal through ISU Surplus.

On-campus transfer of lasers and laser systems

Whenever lasers are being transferred from one laboratory to another, the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) must be notified and provided with the following information:

  • when the laser will be transferred
  • the names of the person(s) transferring and receiving the laser
  • the sending and receiving locations
  • phone numbers of responsible person(s)

EH&S will update the laser inventory for both laboratories and perform a laser hazard assessment in the new location.

Off-campus transfer of lasers and laser systems

When transporting or shipping a laser or laser system off campus, EH&S must be informed in advance to determine correct shipping conditions. The laboratory is responsible for all costs associated with laser shipments. The LSO must be provided with the following information:

  • when the laser will be transferred
  • the names of the person(s) transferring and receiving the laser
  • the sending and receiving locations
  • phone numbers of responsible person(s)

Laser laboratory waste

Laboratories generate various unwanted chemical, biological, and/or radiological materials. Laser laboratories must properly dispose of contaminated laser-related material, such as flue and smoke filters, organic dyes, and solvent solutions. Generators of unwanted materials must manage them as outlined in the Waste and Recycling Guidelines (PDF), Biosafety Manual (PDF), and the Radiation Safety Manual (PDF).

Unwanted radiation-producing devices (RPD)

The following guidelines are required when dealing with unwanted radiation-producing devices:

  • Ensure all hazardous substances have been removed and the equipment decontaminated.
  • Ensure a complete Laboratory Equipment Disposal Form (PDF) has been forwarded to EH&S.
  • Verify that EH&S has inspected/tested the equipment and authorized transfer and/or disposal through ISU Surplus.

On-campus transfer of radiation-producing devices

Whenever RPDs are being transferred from one laboratory to another, the RSO must be notified and provided with the following information before the transfer:

  • When the RPD will be transferred.
  • Names of the person(s) transferring and receiving the RPD.
  • Sending and receiving locations.
  • Phone numbers of responsible person(s).

EH&S will update the RPD inventory for both laboratories and perform an X-ray survey in the new location.

Off-campus transfer of radiation-producing devices

When transporting or shipping an RPD off campus, EH&S must be informed in advance to determine correct shipping conditions. The laboratory is responsible for all costs associated with RPD shipments. The RSO must be provided with the following information before the transfer:

  • When the RPD will be transferred.
  • Names of the person(s) transferring and receiving the RPD.
  • Sending and receiving locations.
  • Phone numbers of responsible person(s).

Equipment used with radioactive material

Laboratory personnel must ensure the equipment is free of all hazardous substances and has been cleaned. Submit a Laboratory Equipment Disposal Form (PDF) to EH&S to request a lab equipment disposal. 

Equipment with embedded sources

Equipment containing embedded sources, such as gas chromatographs and liquid scintillation counters, may be transferred between authorized PIs with EH&S approval. The recipient PI and/or their department will assume all costs for equipment disposal. To request a lab equipment disposal, submit a Laboratory Equipment Disposal Form (PDF) to EH&S.

Disposal of equipment containing embedded sources will be completed through Iowa State University Surplus and the equipment manufacturer under EH&S guidance. If the equipment manufacturer cannot be located or refuses to take possession of the source, EH&S will assist the PI or department with an alternate disposal method. The PI and/or department will be responsible for all costs associated with equipment disposal. Equipment storage to avoid disposal expense is not permitted. Non-operational equipment containing embedded sources should be identified, repaired, transferred, or disposed of within a reasonable time. Common equipment containing embedded sources includes gas chromatographs, liquid scintillation counters, emergency exit signs, and static elimination devices.

Unused, generally licensed devices, such as liquid scintillation counters and gas chromatographs, must be transferred to another licensee or transferred for disposal within two years of their last use.  Devices kept for future use are excluded from the two-year time limit but must be inventoried quarterly by EH&S. Unused device inventory is an EH&S fee-for-service program. 

Visit our Waste and Recycling page for more information about disposing of radioactive materials.

Frequently asked questions

EH&S will go to the location listed on the LEDF to inspect and tag each item. Once approved, the paperwork will be sent to ISU Surplus.

  • Keep all items, especially electronics, secure until Surplus can schedule a pickup.
  • Notify EH&S and Surplus if you plan to reuse or move any submitted equipment. 

Yes, only if no ISU ID numbers are associated with the unit. If there are ISU ID numbers, please submit an individual form for each piece of equipment.

Once a disposal form has been submitted to EH&S, they will inspect the unit within five business days. EH&S will notify ISU Surplus for pickup once the unit has been approved. Contact ISU Surplus for the estimated pickup date.

The PI, administration staff at your office, laboratory personnel, or the individual who cleaned the unit may be the contact person. The contact person must have access to the equipment and knowledge/ability to answer questions about the unit.