7.19 Ethidium Bromide
Mutagenic chemicals, such as ethidium bromide (EtBr), pose a significant hazard due to their ability to interact with and alter genetic material. Because of this risk, all EtBr waste must be managed as hazardous chemical waste under Cornell University’s Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) procedures and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regulations.
Active ethidium bromide waste—including gels, contaminated solids, wipes, and labware—may not be disposed of via the sanitary sewer or municipal trash without decontamination. The absence of fluorescence under UV light does not guarantee that EtBr is absent or inactive, and therefore does not make such waste suitable for regular disposal. Check with EHS if in doubt!