Question:

Proper way to dispose of extra LB agar?

by  |  earlier

0 LIKES UnLike

I just autoclaved a bunch of LB agar with ampicillin in it. I made some agar plates but I have a bunch left over which is still liquified. Is it safe to pour it down the sink? If not, what's the best way to get rid of it?

 Tags:

   Report

3 ANSWERS


  1. The environmentaly correct way to dispose of it is to melt it, then pour bleach in it and put it down te drain with a lot of water.


  2. You can pour into a coffee can or some other disposable container and let it solidify.  Then you can dispose of it in the trash.  If you pour it down the drain, there is a good probability of it clogging the drain.  Small amounts diluted in hot water can safely poured down the drain.

    There is some concern about flushing down the drain because of the ampicillin.  You could be contributing to the development of ampicillin strains of bacteria.

  3. The major concern of disposing spent agar down the drain after autoclaving is that it may solidify and clog the drain. If there is a garbage disposal, dilute the agar with cold water so that the agar solidifies, and then grind the mixture down the disposal. Or you may dispose the agar in the trash.

Question Stats

Latest activity: earlier.
This question has 3 answers.

BECOME A GUIDE

Share your knowledge and help people by answering questions.