How should BrdU (Bromodeoxyuridine) be disposed of?

studies have indicated that BrdU has cytotoxic, mutagenic, and strongly teratogenic properties. It is also a suspected carcinogen. Exposure to BrdU is a significant health and safety threat. 

In order to minimize its adverse effects, BrdU must be disposed of as a hazardous chemical in compliance with the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) guidelines. This involves double bagging surplus BrdU as well as contaminated items such as laboratory materials, animal carcasses, tissue samples, animal bedding and all other potentially contaminated materials and placing them in biohazard bags. Bags containing the BrdU contaminated items must be clearly labeled as “Bromodeoxyuridine” so they can be disposed of correctly. Care must also be taken to store the bags securely while awaiting disposal.

Sharps used in BrdU assays must not be disposed of along with the other contaminated items. Sharps contaminated with BrdU must be stored in special sharps containers that are clearly labeled “Bromodeoxyuridine”. Care must be taken to store the containers securely awaiting disposal.