What is the appropriate disposal method for a used melting point capillary?

The appropriate disposal method for a used melting point capillary is placing it in a sharps container. Melting point capillaries are typically made of glass and can have sharp edges that pose a risk of injury if not disposed of properly. A sharps container is specifically designed to safely contain items that could cause punctures or cuts, thereby minimizing the risk of injury to those handling the waste.

In addition to safety considerations, using a sharps container helps ensure that hazardous materials are segregated correctly. While regular trash may seem convenient, it does not provide the necessary safety measures for handling sharp objects. Broken glass containers are reserved for larger shards of glass, and solid chemical waste containers are intended for non-sharp, chemical-laden waste rather than items like capillaries. Thus, using a sharps container aligns with the best practices for laboratory safety and proper waste management.