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PETG bottles can be reused after storing tissue culture media,
buffers, or other biologicals. To be sure that the container is made of PETG,
check the bottom for one or both of these marks: the letters "PETG" or the
recycling symbol: 
For more information on recycling codes, see The
Environmental Impact of NALGENE Products.
First, the bottles must be disinfected. UV light can be used, but imparts a
slight yellow cast. Place uncapped (caps facing upward to expose inside
surface) approximately 20 inches below a 30-watt Germicidal UV lamp for at
least one hour. Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas is also acceptable. PETG bottles and
their HDPE closures can also be sterilized using concentration (1:1 in sterile
water) or a 1:10 (in sterile water) dilution of sodium hypocholrite (bleach or
Clorox®). Bottles should be exposed to the bleach for at least 5 minutes.
CAUTION: Do not use phenolic-based disinfectants such as Lysol ® or
O-Syl ®. These will chemically attack the bottles.
For disposal, PETG bottles should be first disinfected.
Autoclaving in a proper container or bag will melt the bottles for
incineration. Properly burned, PETG produces only CO2 and H2
O.
PETG bottles can also be recycled
with consumer PET products, such as soft drink bottles. They should first be
disinfected using chemicals or autoclaving.
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