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Waste/Recycling

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Design Guidance

Overall Strategies

Laboratories produce waste in the form of packaging materials and consumables, chemicals, and equipment. Some of this waste is hazardous and requires special treatment, such as autoclaving.

Like waste management programs in other sectors, strategies for laboratory waste management start with pollution prevention and source reduction. Good purchasing and inventory management practices can prevent the purchase of duplicates and materials not suitable for reuse. Greening the way we carry out our research is just as important. Learn more about Green Chemistry as a chemical source reduction strategy at the EPA’s website.

Once materials, equipment, and chemicals are purchased and used, seek opportunities to reuse and redistribute any unwanted or surplus items within or outside the organization. The environmental impacts of any resulting waste can be managed by recycling.

Recycling

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials (that would otherwise be thrown away as trash) and remanufacturing them into new products. Recycling support stations and the education of occupants and janitorial staff are the backbone of a successful waste diversion plan. Start by confirming with the recycling hauler what materials are acceptable and the proper collection method. Separate, color-coded, well-labeled and strategically placed recycling containers and waste receptacles make sorting and collection convenient and support occupant participation.

See the SFTool Recycling Checklist for more tips.

Best Practices

  • Ensure recycling and waste receptacles are labeled consistently, with pictures, to help occupants sort materials in the appropriate containers. Coordinate with the recycling hauler to develop the appropriate signage (tenants in leased facilities should coordinate with the landlord or facility manager).
  • Provide ongoing education and training to occupants and janitorial staff about the recycling hauler’s requirements, what items are acceptable and unacceptable for recycling, proper disposal methods, and the importance of eliminating contamination.
  • Target paper and cardboard which typically make up the greatest percentage (by weight) of the total solid waste stream, followed by food and organic waste.
  • Work with the recycling hauler and green team to ensure compliance with requirements and to develop strategies for improving performance.
  • Designate, and educate occupants about, collection areas for bulky packaging, flattened cardboard, and other recyclable or reusable materials.
  • Order supplies that come with the least amount of packaging. Specify reduced packaging when placing orders.
  • Contract with vendors who accept returned containers and packaging materials for reuse and specify their collection in procurement contracts. If vendors do not accept returns, specify packaging that must be recyclable.
  • Centralize storage and/or tracking system for chemicals and materials and check inventories before ordering new supplies.
  • Use a standardized labeling system for chemicals and hazardous materials, including expiration dates.
  • Use reusable laboratory supplies, such as glass pipettes, instead of plastic disposable items whenever possible. Even when disposal items are used, take advantage of hand washing, solvent rinsing, or autoclaving to clean and reuse.
  • Adopt and train lab users in Green Chemistry principlesopens in new window, such as reducing the creation of waste during laboratory operations and substituting nonhazardous or less hazardous chemicals in chemical procedures.
  • Provide adequate collection for waste streams that are common in labs, such as broken glass, sharps, and other recyclable items.
  • Send unwanted lab equipment and furniture to a central surplus department – or create an equipment exchange – where it can be redistributed, donated, or recycled. Use the exchange before purchasing new equipment.
  • Review EPA guidance and checklistopens in new window for evaluating the regulatory status of materials that would, under usual circumstances, be commercial chemical products (CCPs).

Compare Waste/Recycling Options

EB = Existing BuildingsNC = New Construction and Major Renovation

Federal Requirements

Guiding Principles

  • Solid Waste Management ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 5.6</span>)
    Section: <span>Guiding Principle 5:&nbsp; Reduce the Environmental Impact of Materials</span>

    “Reduce waste disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities by recovering, reusing, and recycling materials. Provide in building design, construction, renovation, and operation for the collection and storage of recyclable materials, including, as appropriate, compostable materials. Maintain a waste reduction and recycling program, and maximize waste diversion to the extent practicable. Pursue cost-effective waste minimization during the construction and renovation phase of the building, and maximize reuse or recycling of building materials, products, and supplies.”

    EPA | Waste Management Hierarchy.opens in new window
    Whole Building Design Guide | Construction Waste Managementnon government site opens in new window
    2018 IgCC Section 901non government site opens in new window