Category: Wet Labs
Level: Bronze
Author: Schell B., Hermuth-Kleinschmidt K., Scagliotti V., Weber P.,
The Impact: <p>Improve waste segregation, save your organisation money, and avoid excessive hazardous waste. </p>
Details
Lab waste includes a wide variety of materials such as plastics, paper, metals, glass, chemicals, and biological waste. Hazardous and toxic waste must be incinerated by law. General lab waste is also often incinerated or landfilled but for some non-hazardous, non-toxic materials recycling streams exist. However, potentially recyclable materials are often discarded incorrectly, reducing recycling rates.
By correctly separating recyclable materials, installing dedicated recycling bins, training users, and engaging with supplier take-back schemes, research groups can reduce waste and can lower disposal costs.
This action focuses on implementing and improving recycling using existing institutional waste streams. It is recognised that in some settings, lab users may be difficult to engage and will require a collective effort (e.g. large multi-user labs, or teaching labs). Ensure to utilise positive reinforcement in these settings from multiple stakeholders.
Note that in some locations, specialist suppliers will offer lab recycling schemes. For these, seek evidence of impact, and target more circular providers.
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