Hazardous Waste Pickup + Disposal
Note: The University of Alberta is in the process of transitioning hazardous waste requests from Chematix to UALabSync as our Chematix software license expires June 2025.
HSE expects all labs to facilitate hazardous waste request submissions through UALabSync by May 15, 2025, and will not accept Chematix submissions after this date.
The University of Alberta offers university researchers a hazardous waste pickup service through UALabSync, a web-based chemical inventory and hazardous waste disposal system. Once you're registered in UALabSync, HSE will pick up your hazardous waste as per the pickup process and schedule.
How Do I Access the Software?
- Contact HSE at hse.info@ualberta.ca or use this Google Form open in a new tab to set up a lab
- HSE is currently supporting labs with barcode chemical inventory, system set up, adding staff with the proper permissions, and training staff on using the software.
- If you are unable to sign up, please contact HSE and include your name, contact information, lab location and approximate size of your inventory to be added to the waitlist. You will be contacted if there are any cancellations or additional availability.
Pickup + Disposal Process
Register for Pickup
How to start submitting waste in UALabSync:
- Get access to UALabSync by navigating to https://ualberta.hpahost.com/
ehsa/ and using your CCID and password to log in. - If you/your lab is not currently in the system, fill out the Lab User Access Form to request access from HSE.
- Review the hazardous waste submission training video and How To Submit Waste Documentation. Save these links for future reference as needed.
- Submit your waste request following the training and instructions provided.
Label Waste Containers
The federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act regulates the transportation of specific products. According to TDG regulations, the following information must appear on a container label:
- name of chemical (list all constituents).
- quantity (weight or volume of each component).
Package Waste Containers
- Ensure containers are chemically compatible with contents.
- Choose containers with screw top or sealed lids.
- Place leaking containers in secondary containers.
- Leave 10% air space in containers in case of expansion.
- When possible, autoclave and dispose of as regular garbage.
- When autoclaving is not possible, dispose of wastes in an appropriate container, e.g., box, bag or pail; sharps in a designated container).
- Refer to the Biosafety Manual for more information.
- Use only clear plastic bags and deface radioactive labels inside the bag. If necessary, perform a contamination survey of the container and decontaminate as required.
- If disposing of liquid scintillation vials, separate glass from plastic vials and double bag waste or box in the original shipping container.
If you are not sure how to safely package your waste for disposal, refer to the How to Package Hazardous Waste guide. This guide addresses all types of waste, including high hazard chemicals, building materials and unique research-related items.
Store Waste for Pickup
Once you have packaged and labeled your hazardous waste, store it safely in your lab. HSE will collect it from your lab as per the pickup schedule.
Do not leave it on a loading dock or in any other publicly accessible space.
After Waste is Picked Up
Waste is transferred by truck to the university's hazard waste facility at Cloverbar, where it is sorted and sent for final disposal to licensed waste facilities in and around the City of Edmonton.
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