Instrument/Equipment Disposal
Laboratory equipment may be contaminated with hazardous materials, posing a safety risk to anyone handling or using it. Common items of concern include refrigerators, freezers, incubators, storage cabinets, glassware, water baths, shakers, and analytical instruments.
Before any laboratory equipment is transferred to the Texas Christian University (TCU) Warehouse or disposed of through Facilities Services, it must be properly cleaned and decontaminated by the originating department. Additionally, the equipment must be inspected and cleared by a representative from Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) prior to disposal.
Important Guidelines:
- Do not discard laboratory equipment or appliances in the trash without EHS approval.
- Do not abandon equipment on loading docks, in storage areas, exterior spaces, or other unauthorized locations.
- Abandoned equipment will be removed by EHS and all associated costs will be charged to the originating department.
Equipment/Instrument disposal Processes
- All items must be disconnected from the building's gas, electrical, and water lines prior to disposal. Contact TCU Facilities, by submitting an AiM work order request, to disconnect from these utilities.
- Any fluids not initially received with the equipment must be emptied or removed before disposal, including oil from pumps and reagent bottles connected to instruments.
- All equipment regardless of operating condition, must, at minimum, be cleaned with detergent/soapy water to remove debris and/or contaminants.
- All materials must be removed from the equipment.
- For example, remove tubes from a centrifuge or items from a refrigerator/freezer.
- For laboratory equipment, please complete and submit a TCU Pre-Clearance Disposal Form to EHS.
- Upon evaluation, EHS will affix a Clearance Tag on the equipment indicating the item(s) are safe for disposal/recycling.
**NOTE: Items on departmental asset lists may require completion and submission of an asset disposal form to the TCU Office of Finance & Administration.
| Items that require clearance (examples): | Items that DO NOT require clearance (examples): |
| Autoclaves | Computers |
| Centrifuges | Carts |
| Ovens | Filing cabinets |
| Refrigerators and Freezers | Chairs |
| Vacuum Pumps | Tables |
Old or replacement computers and printers can be collected and recycled by TCU Information Technology Division. Please visit their website to submit a ticket request.
All other items may be collected by TCU Facilities Services. Please visit their website to submit a service request.
Resources & Forms
Laboratory Equipment Pre-Clearance Disposal Form
TCU Account & Financial Service Forms
TCU Facilities Service Request
TCU Information Technology
TCU Research