Sewer Disposal: What Can Go Down the Drain?

Find out what kinds of liquids can go down UC San Francisco drains.

Whatever goes down the drain ends up in the ocean, so the SFPUC strictly regulates sewer waste.

The only substances allowed down drains are those that meet all of the following criteria:

1. Nonhazardous
   • No radioactive waste
   • No hazardous chemical waste
   • No untreated biohazardous waste
2. Liquid
   • No solids, sludges, or viscous substances
3. Will not interfere with sewage treatment operations
   • No corrosive pH levels
   • No grease or oils
   • No hot (125°F or higher) temperatures

    OR

• If you can't find a particular substance and aren't sure how to dispose of it, contact [email protected] external site (opens in a new window) or [email protected] external site (opens in a new window)

Note: Protect drains from chemical spills — do not use sinks for chemical storage or secondary containment. Disposal of hazardous waste using sinks, intentional evaporation, intentional dilution or as regular trash is against the law. Campus laboratories must abide by strict state and federal waste disposal requirements. You may be held liable for violations of applicable laws.                               

Click here: For more information and for disposal instructions for solid biohazardous waste. external site (opens in a new window)

Read Controlled Substances Waste Management   for disposal procedures.

Read Radioactive Waste  for disposal instructions.

Read Chemical Waste or guidance on hazardous chemical waste determination. Follow appropriate disposal procedures.

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