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AAT Bioquest

How should ethidium bromide be disposed of?

Posted November 10, 2021


Answer

Ethidium bromide has suspected mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties. Although it is not regulated as hazardous waste, its highly toxic properties present several hazards if disposed of carelessly. It cannot be placed in regular trash or poured down the drain untreated.

Recommended disposal of ethidium bromide:

  • Place in laboratory trash only at low concentrations of less than 0.1% ethidium bromide.
  • Place in a biohazard box for incineration if the ethidium bromide concentration is equal to or more than 0.1%.
  • Aqueous solution containing less than 10ug/ml ethidium bromide can be poured down the drain without the need for deactivation.
  • Aqueous solutions containing more than 10ug/ml ethidium bromide must be deactivated or filtered before pouring down the drain. Charcoal filtration is strongly recommended over chemical deactivation.
  • All solid waste and lab equipment such as test tubes, sharps, slides, and gloves used in ethidium bromide experiments must be collected in a double-bagged plastic container and sealed before placing in the appropriate trash bin. 
Additional resources

Ethidium bromide: destruction and decontamination of solutions

Gelite™ Safe DNA Gel Stain *10,000X Water Solution*