How should I manage and dispose of ethidium bromide waste?
Answer – Ethidium bromide waste streams typically include: • Buffer solutions • Gels • Stock solutions • Crystals and powders • Contaminated debris Although not regulated as a hazardous waste, ethidium bromide is a mutagen that requires special storage, handling, and disposal as waste. Please keep in mind, however, that: • Ethidium bromide waste exposed to biological hazards and not decontaminated in a manner that would destroy the biological hazard, must be collected and stored in bio-hazardous waste bags. • Ethidium bromide mixed with other chemicals (e.g., solvents) which are required to be managed as hazardous waste, must be managed and disposed as hazardous waste. For ethidium bromide waste that is generated at Harvard, each waste stream is to be managed or accumulated as described below. Key Things To Remember • Ethidium bromide is a mutagen, so take steps to minimize your exposure. • Waste buffer solutions and other dilute aqueous solutions (less than 0.01% by wt.) containing ve
