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Environmental Health & Safety

Waste Pickup

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As a registered hazardous waste generator with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), TCU is committed to the safe, compliant management of laboratory and operational waste. To support our faculty, researchers, and staff, EHS has transitioned all chemical and biological waste collection requests to the CampusOptics public portal. Submitting a request is fast, secure, and requires no system login. 

Requesting a Chemical or Biological Waste Pickup

All routine chemical and biological waste pickups must be scheduled through the CampusOptics portal. Because this is a public form, any student, staff, or faculty member can submit a request without needing to log in. 

  • Access the Form: Launch CampusOptics 
  • Provide Details: You will be asked to supply the specific building, room number, waste type, and volume. 
  • Response Time: EHS typically collects requested waste within 2-3 business days. 

Pre-Pickup Compliance Requirements

To prevent regulatory violations and ensure the safety of our EHS staff during transport, all waste must meet minimum EPA and TCEQ standards before you submit a pickup request. EHS will not collect waste that is improperly packaged.

Ensure the following criteria are met: 

  • Proper Labeling: All containers must have a completed label securely attached. The label must explicitly list the contents (no abbreviations or formulas) and the accumulation start date. 
  • Closed Containers: All containers must be fully sealed with a tight-fitting, screw-on cap. Flask stoppers, foil, and Parafilm are not acceptable closures. 
  • Segregation: Ensure incompatible chemicals are properly segregated in secondary containment prior to pickup. 
  • Container Integrity: Containers must be clean on the outside, free of leaks, and compatible with the waste being stored inside. 

Managing Other Waste Streams

The CampusOptics public portal is currently configured exclusively for chemical and biological waste. If you need to dispose of other regulated materials, please follow the specific guidelines below or contact EHS directly at safety@tcu.edu or 817-257-3687. 

  • Radiological Waste: Refer to the Radioactive Safety page for specific disposal protocols and decay-in-storage requirements. 
  • Universal Waste (Batteries & Lamps): Refer to the Universal Waste page to request a pickup for spent lithium batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and electronics. 
  • Controlled Substances: Disposal of DEA-regulated substances requires specialized documentation (DEA Form 41). Refer to the Controlled Substance Waste page for instructions. 
  • Broken Glass & Sharps: Ensure items are placed in designated, puncture-resistant sharps containers or broken glass boxes prior to requesting disposal via CampusOptics. Broken glass boxes must be closed and the lid sealed with tape; sharps containers must be completely closed.