Laboratory Waste and Recycling
‘The mention of a company, a product or a process does not necessarily imply recommendation by the Society’
The recycling of disposable/single-use laboratory plastics and PPE in biological sciences is an enormous challenge.
The main problems:
- Challenge of contamination – often regarded as non-recyclable
- Different materials (e.g. pots and lids) may require recycling in different streams
These articles in The Biologist and In Practice give guidance on tackling plastic and healthcare waste.
https://thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/how-to-reduce-your-lab-s-plastic-waste
https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1136/inp.m1678
Where to start:
- When considering a Recycling plan, institutional support is vital. Consider potential cost benefits.
- Determine whether plastics used are recyclable. Are there alternatives? Check with your waste contractor as to what their recycling policy is and what materials they accept. Consider finding a recycling partner.
- Reviewing materials used should be considered – changing suppliers may reduce the number of materials to be dealt with and may also reduce volume of waste.
- Ask your supplier of plastic materials if they have a recycling policy or offer a recycling service.
Recycling and waste disposal is a complex and fast-changing area where it may be useful to bring in outside assistance from a company specializing in sustainability support.
Some companies specialise in hard-to-recycle items.
Terracycle personal-protective-equipment https://zerowasteboxes.terracycle.co.uk/collections/personal-protective-equipment
https://www.reworked.com/product/ppe-recycling-box-face-mask-covid-waste/
Guide to which plastics can be recycled
http://www.sustainabilityguide.co.uk/2018/02/05/recyclable-plastic/
Recycling laboratory and office equipment
There are commercial options available. Lab equipment can also be donated to developing countries.