Scientific advancements and critical research results are achieved in great part thanks to research laboratories.
The downside is, in comparison to other commercial buildings, labs use and discard a disproportionate amount of plastic in the process.
In healthcare, Five million tons of clean plastic material is produced and thrown out every year. The amount of trash that laboratories produce when they use chemicals, reagents, and consumables can have a big effect on the environment.
How does GreenLabs Recycling help their life science customers reduce the amount of trash destined for landfills and incineration?
- By helping collect and recycle plastic items from the lab that current large-scale recycling sorting technologies cannot capture such as pipette tip boxes, conical tube racks and empty media bottles.
- By keeping the recycling process local and ensuring that the collection, recycling, and manufacturing steps are geographically close to reduce emissions from long-distance transport.
- Repurposing materials like plastic granulate as raw material in injection, compression, or blow molding applications to create new plastic products.
- Promoting better sustainable practices by using 100% recycled material in their manufacturing process. Granulate is often combined with virgin plastic, but some products can be made with only recycled materials.
Lab Plastic Sustainability Challenges
Single-use products including gloves and pipette tips have an environmental cost despite their convenience. Because of the dependence on these plastics, labs are producing garbage at an astounding rate.
As per the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the global production of plastic in 2019 amounted to about 460 million metric tons, which is double the quantity produced in 2000.
Addressing the problem of the millions of tons of plastic material that laboratories produce globally is more important than ever.
We must protect the environment from long-term consequences such as ecosystem contamination and harm to species if these materials are not recycled.
Make Your Laboratory More Sustainable
Step 1: Conduct an Audit of Your Laboratory’s Plastic Use
Being sustainable starts with understanding your current impact. Audit the way your lab materials are used and disposed of. And, use the results to make smart adjustments, like placing fewer purchases for infrequently used items or ordering in bulk when possible.
Keep a log of the types and quantities of plastics used and discarded – this will serve as the baseline for your sustainability efforts. Identify what’s essential, what can be reduced, and what can be replaced with better options. Auditing can even save you money in the long run by not ordering more than you need
Step 2: Microscale Procedures and Computer Modeling to Reduce the Use of Single-Use Plastics
Save time, money, and single-use product packaging while improving sustainability and experimental efficiency. Materials used in microscale experiments are suited to their scale, so less waste is created and resources are preserved.
The benefits of the microscale technique don’t end there. Labs have more space to make discoveries because microscale experiments can be finished far faster and require far less storage space than traditional portions of larger-scale studies.
Make use of computer modeling. Physical experiments can be replaced by computer modeling. Because everything is done digitally, there is no need for plastic packaging or trash of any type.
Step 3: Set Goals to better Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle your lab items
Set a goal for your lab to reduce the usage of single-use plastics. Look for substitutes that are reusable and sterilizable. For example, pipette tip boxes are the primary materials recycled by GreenLabs Recycling.
Before heading for their second life, tip boxes – most of which are composed of #5 rigid polypropylene – can tolerate the high temperatures of the autoclave sterilization process.
Whenever possible, choose products made with reusable components or ones that offer refill options. A culture of conservation will be developed by pushing lab participants to reconsider their use of single-use plastic.
Reduce: Buy in bulk, and prefer glass, ceramic, or metal items over plastic ones. For instance, use a metal spatula instead of plastic or a glass Pasteur pipette instead of plastic. Make sure you take careful inventory of the items you have in stock to avoid over-ordering or loss of expired and unused products.
Reuse: Reuse items during experiments, like using the same pipette for water and buffer solution. Single-use plastics can often be reused. Attach a Pasteur pipette to each solvent bottle to reduce pipette usage, minimizing contamination by working carefully.
Recycle: Separate recyclable plastics like HDPE or PET from non-recyclable ones. Clean contaminated plastics before disposal and use recycling bins for packaging. Reach out to your local recycling hauler to stay informed about recycling rules, accepted items and take-back programs specific to your area.
Step 4: Set Up a Recycling System
Recycling in a lab setting can be complex due to contamination concerns and the variety of plastics used. Work with your team to segregate recyclable plastics from non-recyclables effectively. Clear labeling of bins and regular pick-ups can streamline this process.
Of all the garbage produced in labs, pipette tip boxes account for 75% by volume, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Simply having a recycling program for that one object already makes a big difference.
Step 5: Educate and Engage Your Team
A successful recycling program is a team effort. Provide training on lab plastic segregation and the importance of recycling and sustainable solutions.
- Assess Current Practices:
- Evaluate existing recycling efforts and identify key materials frequently discarded in your lab.
- Develop a Recycling Policy:
- Create clear guidelines on recyclable materials and responsibilities.
- Involve stakeholders to ensure practicality and collaboration.
- Provide Training:
- Customize training based on roles and responsibilities.
- Use interactive methods like workshops and demonstrations to engage the team.
- Implement Signage and Stations:
- Post clear, visually appealing signage for recycling processes.
- Place recycling bins strategically in high-traffic areas
- Encourage Ongoing Engagement:
- Create incentives to motivate and reward recycling efforts.
- Maintain regular communication to update progress and share success stories.
Designate sustainability ambassadors to lead by example and to encourage others to follow green practices. Consistent communication and educational resources will keep the momentum going.
Find a Partner, Stay Informed and Evolve Your Practices
Our goal at GreenLabs Recycling is to take the lead in advancing environmentally friendly science. Every lab wants to do its bit for the environment, but the question is – where to begin.
Sustainability is an evolving practice. Being informed about new recycling technologies, alternative materials, and best practices for plastic reduction is necessary.
By taking steps to better manage lab plastics and establish a robust recycling program, you can significantly reduce your laboratory’s environmental footprint.
GreenLabs Recycling is your partner in this mission, offering expertise and services designed specifically for the scientific community. We can pave the way for a more sustainable future by working together.