TLC spotters are capillary tubes and so they should be disposed of in the…. aqueous waste glass waste organic waste solid waste
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Glass waste
Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) spotters are typically made from capillary tubes, which are small hollow glass tubes used to apply liquid samples onto TLC plates. Since these capillary tubes are made of glass, they should be disposed of in glass waste, not in aqueous, organic, or solid waste.
Proper disposal of laboratory materials is essential for safety and environmental protection. Glass waste containers are specifically designed to collect broken or used glass materials such as pipettes, slides, vials, and capillary tubes. These containers are usually rigid, puncture-resistant, and often clearly labeled for glass. Placing glass items like capillary TLC spotters in the correct container prevents injuries such as cuts or punctures that can happen if someone unknowingly encounters broken or sharp glass in regular trash or other types of waste bins.
It is incorrect to dispose of TLC spotters in aqueous or organic waste because those waste streams are intended for liquid chemicals. Aqueous waste is meant for water-based solutions, while organic waste is for organic solvents like ethanol or acetone. Since capillary tubes are solid and not liquid, they do not belong in either of those categories.
Solid waste bins are meant for general non-hazardous solids like paper towels, gloves, and plastic items. Although capillary tubes are solid, they are sharp and fragile and therefore pose a risk if not disposed of in a container meant for glass.
Failing to dispose of glass properly can lead to accidents in the lab, contaminate waste streams, and complicate the waste management process. Proper disposal practices maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory safety protocols. Always check your institution’s chemical hygiene plan or safety guidelines for specific disposal procedures.