Iowa State University generates various waste materials from multiple campus sources. Waste materials range from common paper trash and glass to hazardous items such as chemicals, appliances, computers, and radioactive materials. Our Waste and Recycling Guidelines help Iowa State University personnel manage waste items, including identification, disposal, recycling, and waste minimization.
Biohazardous materials must be decontaminated and disposed of properly to keep personnel and the environment safe from unintended material releases.
Animal tissue and carcasses must be properly managed to curb the spread of disease, prevent the release of non-approved material to the food chain, and reduce offensive odors and unsightly discharges. Contact EH&S or reference the Sharps and Biohazardous Waste Disposal Flowchart (PDF) for questions regarding the disposal of animal waste.
Most supplies for decontaminating biohazardous waste, such as autoclave biohazard bags and sharps containers, may be purchased through Central Stores. Purple incineration tags are available on request at EH&S. An EH&S Biosafety Specialist can provide assistance with finding supplies for special disposal needs.
For guidance on proper waste decontamination and disposal, consult the Sharps and Biohazardous Waste Procedure (PDF) and Sharps and Biohazardous Waste Disposal Flowchart (PDF).
University employees and students are prohibited from improperly disposing of chemicals. EH&S collects and properly disposes of unwanted chemicals from Iowa State University areas. Submit a Waste Removal Request or contact EH&S for specific guidance if your situation is unique.
The user determines when a chemical is no longer wanted. Unwanted chemicals may be used, unused, expired, or even unknown. Indicate which chemicals you wish to dispose of, place them in your Satellite Accumulation Area, submit a Waste Removal Request, and EH&S will pick them up.
While it’s true that some chemicals are relatively safe and could be discarded down the drain or in the trash, the regulations are complicated, so EH&S will help you make that determination.
Call EH&S before you pour any chemicals down the drain.
Once EH&S has collected the unwanted chemicals, the best management of disposal method will be followed. If you would like to learn more about disposal procedures at EH&S, contact us at ehsinfo@iastate.edu or by calling 515-294-5359.
Unwanted concentrated cleaners must not be poured down drains. Use these products for their intended purposes or discard them through the Waste Removal Request.
Users can prevent the expense of disposing of unknown chemicals by properly labeling and identifying all containers. Identification of unknown chemicals is the responsibility of the generator. EH&S will assist with identification on a cost-recovery basis.
Unwanted chemical products suitable for reuse are segregated from waste chemicals and offered for redistribution to campus users. These chemical products still need to be submitted for pick up, similar to a routine waste pick up.
Please check the Chemical Redistribution Program inventory for items that may fill your needs. Chemicals are free and delivered right to your laboratory.
The Laboratory Equipment Disposal 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 to the general public. Visit our Laboratory Equipment Disposal page to learn more about the program and/or complete the lab equipment disposal form (PDF).
Radioactive material users must follow several specific procedures regarding radioactive waste generated in their laboratories. Request a radioactive waste collection by submitting an online waste removal request form.
Radioactive waste is separated and labeled by its radionuclide half-lives:
All radioactive waste must be bagged, labeled, and placed in the laboratory's designated waste accumulation area before requesting a waste collection. Solid and liquid waste containers, secondary containment, plastic bags, and radioactive waste labels are supplied by EH&S.
EH&S will provide guidance for radioactive material or devices that do not fit established disposal processes. Items may include equipment with embedded radioactive sources, contaminated equipment, legacy materials, and materials with multiple hazards.
Solid radioactive waste must be separated and labeled as combustible (plastics, paper, etc.) or noncombustible (glass, metal, etc.). Uncommon combustible materials include aluminum foil and soil.
Liquid radioactive waste must be separated and labeled according to whether it is aqueous (miscible in water) or bears solvents. Liquid waste can contain a mix of radionuclides. Aqueous liquid waste containers require secondary containment.
Solvent-bearing waste may only contain 3-H, 14-C, 137-Cs, and 60-Co radionuclides. Solvent-bearing wastes containing other radionuclides require the approval of the RSO before generation.
Flammable solvent-bearing wastes, such as those containing toluene or xylene, must be placed in containers specifically approved for flammable liquids. Original solvent containers are recommended for all organic liquid wastes.
Treat organic liquid radioactive waste as chemical waste with a radioactive hazard, following the guidelines for chemical waste and attaching a radioactive waste tag. Organic, liquid radioactive waste containers require secondary containment.
Source vials and source vial storage containers must be bagged separately from other solid waste. Submit radioactive-material-vial consignment sheets with the source vials. To avoid contaminating the vial consignment sheets, place the consignment sheets near the waste bag. Do not place the consignment sheets inside the waste bag with the vials.
EH&S will collect lead shielding and lead aprons for recycling.
Radioactive animal carcasses, viscera, and blood must be sealed in a plastic bag or container, labeled, and frozen before removal by EH&S. Laboratory personnel must notify EH&S of any issues with the waste (animal size, fluid leakage, putrefaction, biohazard, etc.) and be available to assist with removal.
All scintillation vials must be emptied into a liquid waste container and recapped before disposal. Plastic vials containing biodegradable cocktails and 14C or 3H do not need to be emptied.
Visit our Laboratory Equipment Disposal page for more information about disposing of equipment with embedded sources and equipment used with radioactive material.
You can reference the Sharps and Glass Disposal Guide (PDF) to review the disposal guidelines for your waste material. You can find more detailed information in the Sharps and Biohazardous Waste Procedures (PDF) document or in the Biosafety Manual (PDF), Section E.
If you have unopened chemicals that haven't expired, consider donating them to our Chemical Redistribution Program. EH&S stores surplus chemicals received in new condition from Iowa State facilities and offers them free of charge to the university community. If you'd like to donate your eligible chemicals, contact us at ehs_envprog@iastate.edu.
Environmental Health & Safety collects all aerosol cans.
Large volumes of audio/visual materials such as video tape, movie film, and reel-to-reel tape may often be reclaimed or recycled. Submit a waste removal request.
Cell phones and other handheld electronics are recycled in the same manner as batteries. Submit a waste removal request.
Computers and electronics contain hazardous materials. All unwanted university computers and electronics must be sent to Iowa State University Surplus for resale or recycling.
Cosmetics may be discarded in the trash, with the exception of aerosols and flammable liquids. Submit a waste removal request for disposal of flammable cosmetics.
Many compressed gas cylinders may be returned to the manufacturer through Chemistry Stores. EH&S collects lecture bottles and propane cylinders. Contact EH&S or Chemistry Stores for assistance.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license holder is responsible for the security, return, or destruction of their controlled substances. The Iowa State University Purchasing Department maintains the controlled substances purchasing policy. Review the Disposal of Controlled Substances SOP (PDF) for internal customers.
The regulations involving empty chemical containers are complicated. All empty chemical containers should come through EH&S. Submit a waste removal request.
Expired or unused film may contain silver. Bulk film may be reclaimed through a silver recovery company. Contact EH&S for assistance or submit a waste removal request.
Ink and toner cartridges may be recycled by returning them to Central Stores.
Oil is 100% recyclable. Iowa State University collects used oil and oil filters for recycling. Oil filters must be punctured and drained while warm. Drain filters for 24 hours. EH&S collects oil-contaminated rags and debris.
Laboratories and small campus users – EH&S collects oil and oil filters. Label as “Used oil.”
FP&M – Used oil is collected by Campus Services. EH&S collects crushed filters. Puncture, hot drain and crush oil filters. Label filter container “Used Oil Filters – Drained and Crushed.” Contact EH&S when the drum is full and ready for exchange.
Transportation Services – Used oil is collected at the shop. Puncture, hot drain and crush oil filters. EH&S collects crushed filters. Label filter container “Used Oil Filters – Drained and Crushed.” Contact EH&S when the drum is full and ready to exchange.
Iowa State Research Farms and outlying areas – Large quantities of oil should be collected on site in drums or tanks for collection by a used oil vendor. Contact EH&S if you need assistance with setting up a vendor. Smaller quantities will be collected by EH&S. Label as “Used Oil.” Puncture and hot drain oil filters and collect in a drum or bucket for EH&S collection. Label filter container “Used Oil Filters – Drained and Crushed.”
EH&S collects all paints and paint products. Submit a waste removal request.
EH&S disposes of pesticides as Universal Waste. Generators of unwanted pesticides should follow the guidelines on the orange Satellite Accumulation Area sign. EH&S will collect unwanted pesticides only after the user has attempted the following options:
EH&S will collect all intact or broken metallic mercury-containing items. Users may follow the guidelines on the orange SAA sign, depending on where the item is generated when collecting mercury items. Submit a waste removal request or contact EH&S with any questions.
Confirm that your equipment is eligible for disposal, then complete the Laboratory Equipment Disposal (LED) Form.
