From waste to wisdom: rethinking plastic waste management in the lab
ModulesFrom waste to wisdom: rethinking plastic waste management in the lab
This micromodule enhances learners understanding of the role and importance of plastic waste recycling for a green and sustainable lab. By the end of the micromodule, learners should be able to:
- Identify different types of plastic materials in a lab.
- Describe actionable steps for managing and recycling plastics in a lab.
- Reflect on the challenges of developing a recycling pipeline for plastic waste in a lab.
What is this about?
Explore how to tackle the plastic waste problem in the lab
Laboratories consume a huge amount of plastic, the majority of which is single use, and not recycled. Green Labs Austria presents the problem of plastic waste from labs and gives guidelines on where to start in addressing the problem in a lab (Green Labs Austria, 2024. Pioneering sustainability in scientific research. MIT Science Policy Review). Through a background study, they evaluate what plastic materials can be recycled, which ones can be replaced and how can plastic materials be recycled for greener labs (Tackling the plastic problem in the lab).
Learn about the different types of plastic
Plastic is classified into seven main categories, each defined primarily by its distinct chemical properties.
Sorting plastics smarter: Recyclable vs Replaceable
In the previous sessions, we learnt that plastics are not treated the same way. Some can be recycled and re‑entered into the production cycle, while others can be replaced with sustainable alternatives. Understanding this distinction is a main step toward reducing waste and making smarter plastics choices in the lab and beyond.
Check your knowledge quiz
Gauge your knowledge on plastic waste management.
Looking back to move forward
Well done! You have now learnt about various types (recyclable vs. replaceable) of plastics used in a lab setting and steps towards designing a plastic recycling pipeline for a more management of plastic wastes in a lab. It is obvious that the recycling pipeline suggested by Green Labs Austria has to be tailored to the specific conditions of each lab.
In sum, here are some guidelines that can be adopted for the successful development of a recycling pipeline: (i) communication is key for enabling an easy and sensible sorting of plastic waste;(ii) recycling pipeline should be initially tested with a smaller group before being rolled out to a much larger group;(iii) strive for adaptability by substituting non-recyclable materials with recyclable alternatives.
Emilio Beladiez interview
In this module, we would include Emilio Beladiez's interview to explain the work of the Plastic Oceans organisation and highlight the global environmental impact of plastic waste. Click to watch the video below
The Lab Coherence Challenge (Gamified Version)
Based on Emilio Beladiez's interview (European Director of Plastic Oceans). Emilio defines environmental ethics as "coherence between what you do, what you want to achieve, and the methods you use". He also challenges us to stop focusing only on "downstream" consequences (cleaning up) and start acting "upstream" (changing policies, habits, and systems).
Round 1: The Sorting Arena (Upstream or Downstream?)
Drag and drop the following laboratory actions into their correct strategic bin. Remember: Upstream targets the root cause/prevention, while Downstream deals with the waste already created.
Action A: Organizing a waste-sorting workshop to ensure lab members separate hazardous, recyclable, and organic materials correctly.
· Action B: Switching our main chemical and consumable suppliers to certified "green" distributors who offer plastic-free packaging.
· Action C: Running a monthly inventory audit to avoid over-ordering single-use plastic pipettes and tubes.
· Action D: Putting plastic caps and non-contaminated lab plastics into specialized recycling collection bins.
· Action E: Redesigning experimental protocols to replace plastic multi-well plates with reusable glass alternatives wherever scientifically viable.
Exercise the following activity:
The Coherence Audit - Spot the Contradiction!
Emilio states that ethics is the ultimate coherence between your goals and your methods. Read the following lab scenario, rate its "Coherence Level" from 1 to 5 stars, and write a 1-sentence fix. Exercise the following activity
Environmental Ethics
In his interview, Emilio Beladiez introduces two vital concepts for environmental action:
1. Environmental Ethics as Coherence: He defines ethics as the coherence between what you do, what you want to achieve, and the methods you use to get there.
2. Upstream vs. Downstream Action: He distinguishes between downstream actions (tackling the visible consequences, like beach cleanups or waste recycling) and upstream actions (targeting the source of the problem, such as influencing policies, negotiating treaties, and changing how organizations operate). Exercise the following activity:
Additional external resources
Participants are encouraged to watch the following videos to learn more about the efficient management of plastic wastes for sustainable and green labs:
1. How we got started to recycle plastic in our lab” [Blog - Green Labs]
2. “How much can you recycle in a lab” [How much can you recycle in a lab?]
3. First pilot plant for recycling plastic lab waste [University of Bath is home to UK’s first pilot plant for recycling plastic lab waste]References
Urbina, M. A., Watts, A. J. R., & Reardon, E. E. (2015). Labs should cut plastic waste too. Nature, 528(7583), 479. https://doi.org/10.1038/528479c Honda, I., Courtney, E., Miller, R., & Moon, A. (2024, August 27). Green Labs Austria: Pioneering sustainability in scientific research. MIT Science Policy Review, 5. Green Labs Austria: Pioneering sustainability in scientific research · V5
