How To: Hold a Freezer Clean-Out Event

How To: Hold A Freezer Clean-Out Event

• Inform the lab in advance and encourage participation from all members.
• Create a schedule and have researchers sign up for time slots when they can remove materials from the freezer.
• All samples that are going to remain in the freezer should be labeled and entered into a database.
• Make sure the lab manager is present at the even in case anyone has questions.
• Remove excess ices using a rubber mallet (metal tools may damage freezer coils).
• Once the clean-out is complete, try to consolidate space and unplug any freezers that are no longer needed. If this is not an option, fill excess space with water bottles (Filled with water) so that the freezer maintains temperature until more samples fill in.
• Contact UNC Environment, Health and Safety personnel to ensure that all unwanted samples are disposed of properly.

— Published in UNC Green Labs Best Practices Guide (2013)