From waste to wisdom: rethinking plastic waste management in the lab
ModulesFrom waste to wisdom: rethinking plastic waste management in the lab
The primary learning objective of this micromodule is to:
- Enhance understanding of the role and importance of plastic waste recycling for a green and sustainable lab.
Secondary learning objectives include:
- Familiarize students, researchers, and lab managers with the different types of plastic materials in a lab.
- Explore 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. Here, you will explore which plastics can be recycled and/or replaced and available alternatives when replacement is the more responsible option.
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.
Remarks
Additional external resources
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]
