Reminder of guidelines on disposing of waste in sinks: irregularities detected in Institut Pasteur wastewater

The water monitoring subdivision of Paris City Council carried out an unannounced inspection of discharge points for non-domestic wastewater from the Institut Pasteur between Tuesday April 11, 2017, and Wednesday April 26, 2017.

The analysis revealed that the pH level of the wastewater from the main outlet is too high (10.8, compared with an authorized level of 8.5). This means that the wastewater from the Institut Pasteur is corrosive:

• this can contribute to the deterioration of wastewater facilities;

• it may be toxic for sewage workers.

This situation is also detrimental to the Institut Pasteur, with financial (if not other) repercussions. To prevent it from happening again, the Quality, Environment and Sustainable Development Department would like to remind you that, pursuant to the decree authorizing the discharge of non-domestic wastewater into sewage facilities issued by Paris City Council:

It is not permitted to dispose of any biological/chemical/radioactive liquids in sinks

Guidelines for disposing of chemical and biological products at the Institut Pasteur can be found below:

Recycling and waste management guidelines for biological waste (in French)

Recycling and waste management guidelines for chemical waste (in French)

• If you have any questions about waste management: hsqe@pasteur.fr

• If you have any questions about wastewater and the inspections carried out by Paris City Council: campus-vert@pasteur.fr

• If you need packaging to recycle and dispose of your waste: dechets@pasteur.fr

The Quality, Environment and Sustainable Development Department would like to thank you for taking extra care and vigilance in this area.