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Click here​ to view the Waste Disposal Guide

NIH waste management programs cover comprehensive waste services at the NIH, organized around the following waste streams:

• Chemical Waste​
  
• Multihazardous Waste
  
• Radioactive Waste
  
• Medical Pathological Waste (MPW)
  
• Recycling​
  
• General Waste
  
• Laboratory Waste Disposal Matrix​
  

The key goals of the NIH waste management programs are to: maximize the amount of waste that gets recycled, recovered, or beneficially reused; reduce the amount of toxic chemicals purchased and used at the NIH; provide prompt and effective service in support of the NIH research​ mission; comply with all applicable waste regulations; and avoid unnecessary chemical wastes through smaller quantity orders.

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The NIH Waste Disposal Guide​ is your first-step resource for hands-on understanding of NIH Waste programs and the role of NIH staff in managing waste across all waste streams. The NIH tracks progress towards waste management sustainability goals on a yearly basis within the HHS Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan. Click here for the latest information and progress updates for NIH and HHS sustainability goals​.

General waste is waste material free of any apparent pathological/infectious, radioactive, or hazardous chemical contamination. Please note that most general waste can be recycled​!

At the NIH Bethesda Campus, the Office of Research Facilities (ORF) Division of Property Management (DPM) is primarily responsible for the oversight of waste collection (janitorial) services. The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) takes the lead in the promotion and implementation of waste recycling programs. The NIH recycles various waste streams, including mixed paper, white goods, electronics, toner cartridges, glass/metal/plastic (#1, 2, 6, HDPE carboys and soft plastic bags only, Styrofoam), cardboard, yard waste, and wood pallets. NIH buildings are varied and unique. Factors such as available space for recycling containers, staff needs and interests are taken into account by DEP and the IC Green Teams​ when making recycling tools available.

 

For more info on recycling at other NIH locations, please visit the Recycling By Campus page.

​​Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: Will the trash bins be marked to identify the correct container for trash?

Answer 1: Yes. The bins will be marked "general trash." Also see the attached picture above for the container style.

Question 2: Will the blue/turquoise trash containers and glass boxes be picked up?

Answer 2: Yes. The containers must be placed in the hallway. Call custodians for the pickup.

Question 3: What is the scheduled time for trash to be removed from corridor receptacles?

Answer 3: Trash will be removed between 10am – 12pm and surveilled throughout the day. In addition, trash will be picked up and removed on Friday afternoon to avoid waste sitting until Monday.

Question 4: Who do I contact if I have procedural questions regarding the change in general waste services?

Answer 4: Please contact Eugene Howie at eugene.howie@nih.gov​.

Question 5: Who do I contact if the general trash container is overflowing?

Answer 5: Call 301-435-8000 and provide them with the necessary information to address the container(s).  

Resources:

Solid Waste Management in Maryland