NIH Drain Discharge Application

NIH Drain Discharge Application

NIH Drain Discharge Application is a conduit for DEP to establish a better understanding of the needs of NIH labs to dispose of chemicals to the sanitary sewer (as opposed to the collection of chemical waste and removal by the NIH Chemical Waste contractor). The application process intends to promote prudent laboratory practices that will not harm human health or the environment.


This authorization process is based on NIH Manual Issuance 3032 and was developed with input from the research community to address the limited need for disposal of specific liquid chemical waste to the sanitary sewer. Please consult the

prior to initiating an application.


For step-by-step video instructions on how to complete and navigate the drain discharge application, watch the video tutorials at the bottom of this page .


If you have any questions regarding your application, contact DEP at 301-496-7990.

Application Examples: Case-by-Case

Drain disposal applications are not created equal or precisely the same. Yet, applications can share values that provide similar paths to approval for discharge or collection by Chemical Waste Services. One example of why this requires an approval process is illustrated in the figures below. Both cases pertain to waste generated from flow cytometry, however one application was accepted, and the other was denied.


Application GRANTED for Drain Disposal

Application DENIED for Drain Disposal

Locations that use a preservative-free Sheath fluid containing no hazardous/regulated/harmful constituents.
pH within wastewater discharge permit limits (6 – 10 pH).
Bleach used to clean or disinfect equipment approved for discharge to the sanitary sewer.


Locations that use ‘Sheath Fluid” containing a preservative that is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (e.g., Sodium Azide).
pH exceeds the wastewater discharge limit.


Use of Methanol, or Ethanol if exceeds the allowable limit (10%), use the NIH Chemical Waste Disposal Service.


What information is needed to complete a drain discharge application?

You will need:

  • Applicant Information
  • Process Information
  • Chemical Constituents
  • Attachments Relevant to the Application

If you have any questions regarding your application, contact DEP at 301-496-7990.