Solvent waste is a major concern for chemistry and the life sciences where large volumes of hazardous solvent are used. There are a range of actions you can take to reduce the environmental impact of solvents that have been outlined here.

Use less solvent

Plan your experiments

Create a detailed plan to calculate the minimum amount of solvent needed to run your experiments and reduce as much waste as possible.

Share solvents between labs, especially if you only need a small amount.

Use ChemInventory to see if another lab has the solvent you require. Being part of ChemInventory is a requirement for all labs at Bath. If you are not already using it, contact your technical team.

Reuse solvents for glassware

If you regularly use solvent to rinse clean glassware before an experiment, consider saving the solvent in a separate bottle that you can use to clean dirty glassware later.

Use alternative methods

Try green solvents

Discover more information on environmentally-conscious solvents that you can trial to decide if they could replace the current solvents in your lab.

Switch to a low solvent or solvent-free methodology

Try switching to an alternative methodology which reduces the amount of solvent needed. If possible, move towards a solvent-free experimental method.

Dispose of solvents carefully

Put solvents in the correct waste stream so they can be handled efficiently, cost-effectively, and safely.

Find out more about sustainable laboratory waste and recycling.

Using and disposing of solvents sustainably

How to reduce the environmental impact of solvents you use in your research.