Disposal of Preparations

Since it can be assumed that old preparations are contaminated with arsenic or other substances, such preparations must always be disposed of as hazardous waste. Preparations can be tested for their contamination, but the measurement is more expensive than the disposal itself and is worthwhile for smaller preparations up to fox size only if their result decides whether a preparation is kept or disposed of.

What we do:

• We collect the preparations from you, and clean floor space display cases, etc. professionally.
  
• We advise you on the decision whether preparations should be disposed of or kept or check whether your disposal decision is correct (if desired).
  
• In our company, the preparations are separated from the bases under appropriate precautionary measures and the preparations are packed dust-tight and volume-reduced.
  
• The bases are disposed of as refuse, the preparations are packed as hazardous waste and handed over to an appropriate disposal company.[
  
  We charge you our working time, the normal waste (-.45 CHF / kg), and the special waste (8.- CHF / kg)
  This results in an average collection (specimens from small birds to fox specimens) disposal costs of about 7.- to 12.- CHF per kg of specimens (excluding transport costs). Please contact us in good time if you decide to dispose of specimens in order to clarify details such as transport, packaging, delivery/collection etc.
  
  Please note:
  Animal specimens can be valuable as evidence and even have a cultural-historical value. When disposing of a specimen, you should be aware that a corresponding new procurement will incur high costs and at best the animal species can no longer be procured (species protection,trade restrictions, species population is strongly declining or even dying out, etc.). In addition, contaminated (even heavily contaminated!) preparations can still be used safely, e.g. under glass / plexiglass hoods or in display cases.
  
  Very good information regarding the problem can be found here: "Final report arsenic in animal preparations - recommendations from schools - handling recommendations for biocide contaminated animal preparations in schools" by Chemsuisse and in "Correct handling of animal preparations in schools" by Verband Naturwissenschaftliche Präparation Schweiz (VNPS).