Waste Management and Recycling
- Reuse packaging materials: Give cardboard boxes, foam, and other packing supplies a second life as storage or insulation materials in the lab.
- Separate properly: Ensure clear distinction between hazardous and non-hazardous waste; provide labeled containers for each category.
- Refill pipette-tip boxes: Order tips in refill systems and reuse boxes. This simple activity saves plastic and engages new lab members.
- Assign a waste coordinator: Designate someone in your team to oversee waste reduction efforts and to ensure proper disposal procedures are followed.
- Encourage reuse: Many plastic lab items—such as tubes or racks—can be cleaned and reused safely after autoclaving.
- Avoid convenience waste: Skip pre-racked tips when possible; manually refilling racks saves plastic and takes only a few minutes. Use reusable glassware or metal tools. Several studies have shown that the initial production impacts of glass (energy consumption and CO₂ emissions) are outweighed by avoiding repeated plastic production, transport, and disposal. The washing cycle has also been taken into account; for more information, see study of University of Sheffield.
- Promote reusable kitchenware: Use washable dishes and cutlery in lunchrooms or at lab events.