Bulky Personal Items? Here's Where to Dispose of Them (Hint: Not the Lab)

Life happens, and sometimes bulky personal items pile up with nowhere obvious to go. But the Lab isn’t the answer. Through regular waste audits and contamination reports, the Lab’s Facilities Division has a clear picture of what’s being disposed of and when.

In recent years, findings have included some unexpected items: children’s playsets, personal luggage, personal clothing, pillows, camping chairs, and even children’s bicycles, to name a few.

Lab policy states that employees who use government property for personal business are subject to disciplinary action. Though it may seem harmless, it constitutes a misuse of Lab funds, since the Lab pays for waste disposal services. This applies specifically to bulky personal items brought from home to dispose of at the Lab, such as the examples mentioned above, and not regular waste accumulated during the course of work or Lab-owned property.

Sharing this is about keeping the Lab running smoothly for everyone and ensuring financial stewardship. If you’re unsure whether something crosses the line, please reach out to Facilities before your next trash run. The good news is that there are plenty of free or low-cost options available in your area.

Community Resources

See below for a short list of resources serving neighboring counties and cities.

• Albany Solid Waste & Recycling Resources
• City of Berkeley Trash & Recycling Resources
• Contra Costa County Solid Waste & Recycling Services and Resources
• Recology San Francisco Bulky Items
• RE:Source – serving Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and the City of Palo Alto

Lab Resources

For information about waste disposal at the Lab, visit https://wasteguide.lbl.gov/.

For questions and concerns, contact WasteHauling@lbl.gov.