Environmental Health & Safety

Waste Disposal

EH&S is responsible for the management of regulated wastes at Pitt. No lab chemicals or untreated biological wastes should be placed in general trash, flushed down drains or otherwise inappropriately disposed. Contact EH&S at 412-624-9505 with questions regarding proper disposal procedures.

We provide University-specific waste labels free to University users upon request. Email us at safety@ehs.pitt.edu to request waste labels. Labels can be delivered by University drivers on waste pickup days, sent by campus mail, or picked up at the EH&S office.

Forms of Disposal
Biological Waste Disposal

All biological, infectious, and chemotherapeutic waste that is generated at the University must be decontaminated and disposed of properly.

Chemical Waste Disposal

The proper disposal of waste chemicals at the University of Pittsburgh is necessary to meet our stewardship and regulatory compliance requirements. EH&S is available to provide technical guidance, assistance, and additional information.

Controlled Substances Disposal

Controlled substances that are expired or are no longer of use to your research must be disposed of through a reverse distributor.

Electronic Equipment Disposal

"E-Waste," "electronic waste" and "e-scrap" are terms used to describe used electronics that are nearing the end of their useful life, and are disposed, donated, or given to a recycler.

Universal Waste (used lamps, bulbs, batteries)

Federal regulations identify four categories of materials that can be managed as Universal Waste: lamps/bulbs, batteries, pesticides, and mercury-containing equipment.

Radioactive Waste Disposal

Radioactive waste is collected and processed by the Radiation Safety Office. Contact them with any questions regarding disposal.

Spill Response

Chemical Spill
Biological Spill
Radiation Spill
spill
Additional Information
Chemical Redistribution Program

The Chemical Redistribution Program provides faculty and staff a way to obtain and donate chemicals throughout Oakland campus laboratories.

Sustainable Waste Processing

Veolia partnered with Pitt for sustainable waste processing methods. View their solutions for handling chemical waste (PDF).

Recycling Program

Facilities Management is responsible for recycling in the Pittsburgh Campus.

Waste Disposal Label Request

EH&S provides University-specific waste labels free to University users upon request.Email EH&S at safety@ehs.pitt.edu to request waste labels.

Labels can be delivered by University drivers on waste pickup days, sent by campus mail, or picked up at the EH&S office.