After finishing work with a reagent bottle, you should follow these steps to ensure safety and proper disposal or recycling:
- Close the bottle tightly to prevent spills and contamination
- If the bottle is empty, rinse it thoroughly, typically three times, using minimal water. The first rinse should be collected as chemical waste, while the second and third rinses can usually be disposed of down the drain, depending on the chemical involved
- Dry the bottle in a well-ventilated area, preferably under a fume hood or away from workspaces
- Remove the bottle cap or lid to allow any residue to evaporate if recycling is intended
- Deface or cross out the label to prevent misuse or confusion
- Place clean, rinsed, empty bottles with lids removed into designated recycling containers or chemical waste stores, according to your institution’s procedures
- If the bottle cannot be cleaned or contains hazardous residues, treat it as chemical waste and dispose of it following hazardous waste protocols
- Return the bottle to its proper storage location if it still contains reagent and is to be reused
These steps help prevent environmental contamination, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and facilitate recycling or proper hazardous waste disposal.
