Waste
Plastic waste in academic biomedical sciences is estimated to account for around 2% of global plastic waste. Incorporating the 5 R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Reform, and Recycle, with Refuse being the first priority and Recycle as the last resort, can help reduce the amount of waste entering and leaving the lab.
In addition to the sheer volume of waste, the improper disposal of plastics can contribute to the growing problem of microplastics in the environment. These small plastic particles can find their way into water systems and soil, posing a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, the incineration of plastic waste or its degradation can release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, increasing pollution levels. By adopting sustainable practices, labs can help mitigate these harmful impacts.
General tips:
- Share equipment and instruments with nearby labs whenever possible to maximize use.
- Keep updated inventories of lab supplies, equipment, and chemicals to prevent over-ordering, and only order what you’ll use within a reasonable timeframe.
- Conduct a lab clean-out each semester to manage your inventory. Offer unneeded items to other labs.
- Opt for reusable items, such as autoclave-safe glassware, instead of single-use items like disposable plastic, whenever you can.
- Recycling and composting help reduce waste, but the best approach is to minimize resource use from the start.
Click here for more information on TCD recycling and how you can contribute.
Useful links:
How To Reduce Waste in the Laboratory
Re-use of labware reduces CO2 equivalent footprint and running costs in laboratories
A case report: insights into reducing plastic waste in a microbiology laboratory
Plastic waste training video – Sustainable European Laboratories Network
Reducing single-use laboratory plastics
Biomedical waste management: Incineration vs. environmental safety