Where should broken laboratory glassware be disposed?

• A. In regular trash
• B. In recycling bin
• C. In chemical waste drums
• D. In dedicated broken glass containers

Answer: (D)

The main safety concept here is preventing injury and contamination when disposing of sharp, potentially contaminated glass. Broken glass has sharp edges that can cut hands, bags, or other waste containers if it’s placed in regular trash or recycling. It can also carry chemical residues that shouldn’t enter recycling streams or general waste, creating health and environmental risks.

That’s why the best practice is to use dedicated broken glass containers. These are sturdy, puncture-resistant, and clearly labeled so workers know exactly where shards belong. When handling, use gloves and appropriate tools to place pieces into the container, never picking up broken glass with bare hands. Follow your lab’s procedures for disposing of the container once it’s full or for any glass that is contaminated with chemicals, which may require treating it as chemical waste. Regular trash and recycling are not appropriate for broken lab glass because of the injury risk and potential contamination.