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DNA Extraction Kit Waste

Definition

Many different types of extraction kits are utilized during research to isolate DNA or RNA from samples. These kits are manufactured by several companies and contain different concentrations of chemicals that are often labeled “proprietary”. Kit waste can come in two forms; (1) used solutions (i.e. when ethanol has been added or solutions have been mixed), or (2) when kits expire or become unwanted. Both forms of DNA Kit waste must be disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program and cannot be disposed of in the general refuse or down the drain system(s). Refer to MSU’s Drain Disposal policy.

 

Qiagen Genomic Tip Extraction kit in blue box.RNeasy Mini Kit extraction kit in red box.

Storage

Solids

If disposing of unwanted or expired DNA extraction kits in the original manufacturer’s box or bottles with an intact label, the materials can be given directly to the EHS Hazardous Waste Program for disposal and should not be transferred into another container.

Spent/Used

When reusing empty containers for spent DNA extraction kit waste, they must be compatible with the type of chemical waste stored in them. Empty reagent bottles can be used for chemical waste collection after following the Empty Bottle guidance in the Waste Section of the EHS website.

Although EHS does not maintain a list of compatible materials, in general DNA extraction kit solutions can be stored in glass and plastic containers. However, do not store liquid waste in containers that previously held solids, as they will leak. Container compatibility information is also available on Safety Data Sheets. EHS provides 5-gallon high density polyethylene (HDPE) carboys for liquid hazardous waste storage, which are proven to be compatible with a variety of waste types.

Former ethanol bottle with label completely defaced, the words “Hazardous Waste” on the bottle, and a MSU Waste Tag attached.lonEHS provided 5-gallon carboy with the words hazardous waste on the label and a MSU Waste Tag attached.

MSU Waste Tag Required

Yes - A MSU Waste Tag is required for all waste not contained in a manufacturer’s bottle with an intact or legible label.

No – A MSU Waste Tag is not needed when submitting DNA Extraction Kit materials in the original manufacturer’s bottle with an intact label.

MSU Waste Tags must be directly affixed to the waste container either with string, a twist tie, chain and clipboard, rubber band, or tape. MSU Waste Tags are provided by EHS and can be requested through an EHS Hazardous Waste Request.

Labeling

A MSU Waste Tag should be filled out and completed when the first drop of waste is added to the container, or when the material becomes unwanted. The date the first drop or piece of waste is added to the container starts the 90-Day accumulation limit.

The contact information at the top of the MSU Waste Tag must be filled out to identify where the hazardous waste was generated, the container size and type, and who to contact with questions regarding the waste container.

All chemical constituents must be accounted for on the MSU Waste Tag. Chemical names must be printed legibly, in English, and with no abbreviations. The amount of chemical constituents can be captured by either using percentages up to 100%, or by units of volume. Either way, these need to match the amount of waste in the container when EHS arrives to pick up the material. Inaccuracies and discrepancies on the MSU Waste Tag can result in the waste being rejected by the EHS Hazardous Waste Staff for safety and compliance reasons. For aqueous solutions, the check box for “Water Balance” can be used to account for the remaining percentages or volume. Chemical constituents must be identified on the MSU Waste Tag as they are added to the container, as guessing the contents of a full container creates safety and compliance violations.

Review and check all applicable potential hazards at the bottom of the MSU Waste Tag each time when adding waste to the container. The color and consistency section can be completed when the container is full, or when approaching the 90-Day storage limit.

Guidance on how to accurately fill out the MSU Waste Tag can be found in the Waste Section of the EHS website.

Submit Hazardous Waste Request

When the container is full or close to the 90-day accumulation limit, submit a Hazardous Waste Request via the EHS Safety Portal as follows:

  • EHS Website: ehs.msu.edu
  • Log in to the Safety Portal through a preferred web browser using your MSU Net ID and EBS Password
  • Select Hazardous Waste Request
  • DNA Kit Extraction Waste is found under the Common Process category