Schools must manage laboratory chemicals safely and in line with guidance from the Health and Safety Authority and the Department of Education. Certain substances, including Substances of Very High Concern, should no longer be used in schools and must be isolated and removed by competent specialists. Ambipar provides a compliant, end-to-end service to identify, pack, transport and dispose of expired, out-of-date and banned school laboratory chemicals.

Substances commonly removed

We collect and dispose of small laboratory containers and bulk items, including friable solids, liquids and powders. Typical examples include:

• Chromium VI compounds such as sodium chromate, sodium dichromate, potassium chromate, potassium dichromate, ammonium dichromate, copper chromate and copper(ii) dichromate

• Cobalt(ii) compounds such as cobalt(ii) chloride and cobalt(ii) nitrate, including cobalt chloride indicator paper

• Borates such as boric acid and disodium tetraborate, in anhydrous and hydrated forms

• Other chemically related compounds designated as Substances of Very High Concern

If you are unsure about a container’s contents or condition, leave it in place, isolate the area and contact us.

What Ambipar provides

• Site survey and inventory
  We catalogue all items, note condition and hazards, and advise on immediate risk controls.

• Sampling, analysis and classification
  Where required, we sample unknowns and classify each item to the correct EWC code and transport category.

• Packaging, redrumming and labelling
  UN-approved packaging, repacking of degraded containers, absorbent and segregation for incompatibles, and full hazard labelling.

• Transport and logistics
  Collection by our trained crews under ADR for road transport and, where relevant, IMDG for sea transport. Nationwide coverage with scheduled or out-of-hours collections to minimise disruption.

• Documentation and traceability
  Waste transfer and consignment paperwork, Dangerous Goods Notes and TREM cards. Chain-of-custody records supplied for your audit file.

• Certified treatment and disposal
  Routing to authorised facilities. Certificates of disposal are issued on completion. Where bulk export is required, we manage Transfrontier Shipment of Waste notifications.

Compliance and assurance

• Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers certified by the Health and Safety Authority

• Managed under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001

• Verification that all carriers and facilities hold the correct permits and licences

• Clear reporting for governance and annual environmental returns

Safe storage guidance for schools

Until collection, isolate listed substances in a secure, ventilated area, segregate incompatibles, keep containers closed and intact within secondary containment, and maintain an up-to-date inventory. Do not decant, neutralise or dispose to drain.

Arrange a school laboratory clean-out

Ambipar delivers a compliant clean-out service for secondary schools, colleges and training centres. We can coordinate visits during holidays or after hours to avoid class disruption.

Call 021 435 1020 or 1800 730 730, or email info@ambipar.ie to schedule a survey or request a quotation.