Australia's Science Forum

Hi All,
We have a cupboard full of specimens preserved in jars of unidentified liquid.
Some of them are in OK condition. Most of them aren't.
I've been here 5 years and don't know if the previous labbie replaced the formaldehyde or not. I know I haven't opened them.
My HT wants to get rid of them and replace them with plastomount specimens.
Can they just be thrown in the big bin, or do I need to determine whether they are preserved in formaldehyde first? And if so, then what?

Thanks

Carol

If it were me, I would prefer that they be earmarked for the next Chemical Pick up day. Just send them away as they are, specimen and all. Dont send them to landfill.
RS

I absolutely agree with this one. We have a lot of OLD specimens as well and there's no way I'm opening them up and changing chemicals etc The chemical pickup, whenever that may be, sounds the best bet for disposal of any unknowns!