Separating recyclable items, such as plastic or cardboard, from non-recyclable items will mean minimal waste ends up in general waste. It is important to dispose of items in the correct waste streams as not all lab waste is recyclable or hazardous.
Getting your waste separation wrong can create health, safety, environmental, and legal compliance risks and can increase the University's disposal costs.
Waste lab plastics
Globally, research is responsible for around 2% of all plastic waste produced and researchers in life science labs are estimated to produce around 116kg of plastic waste each year.
As a researcher, it can be frustrating how many single-use plastic items are used in a lab and the waste this generates. While in some cases this will continue based on the needs of your research, you can reduce your environmental impact if you:
- use reusable alternatives to single-use plastics wherever possible
- decontaminate used plastics so they can be recycled - make sure you comply with the University's hazardous waste policy
- recycle your contaminated lab plastics with LabCycle
LabCycle
Co-founded by University of Bath alumna Helen Liang, LabCycle decontaminates and recycles lab plastics, including items made from polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
LabCycle also contributes to a circular economy by turning some of these recycled plastics back into lab consumables, such as Petri dishes and test tubes, that can be used in research and healthcare.
To get started recycling contaminated lab plastics you can contact Helen by emailing helenliang@labcycle.org to express interest.
Helen will arrange a pre-acceptance audit with you to assess your lab’s waste composition and activities. Once accepted, you can set up recycling bins and start making a difference.
Transitioning to sustainable lab practices isn’t without hurdles. Some challenges include:
- raising awareness among lab members
- addressing misconceptions about recycled lab plastics
- setting up effective waste segregation systems
However, it is easier than you might think, and LabCycle supports all labs in getting set up. Most people find it takes 1 to 2 weeks to get used to the process, and after that, it integrates with the workflow perfectly. The process is already running in Life Sciences and Chemistry at Bath, as well as other universities and healthcare facilities.
Work with your suppliers
Speak to your suppliers to see if they will take back packaging for reuse or recycling. Many already take items such as empty bottles and flasks, styrofoam boxes, and cartridges from water purification systems.
When purchasing new equipment, check if your supplier will take it back for recycling at the end of its life. Complex lab equipment can create significant costs and challenges for the University to dispose of safely.
Other recycling on campus
For all other recycling on campus, you can find detailed guidance, including an A to Z of recyclable materials, recycling points, and how to arrange collection if necessary.