Sustainable labs

Focus on waste and recycling

Waste and recycling are among of the most visible areas in the sustainability agenda. The key principle of the waste hierarchy has become the foundation of modern sustainable waste management by clearly illustrating the order in which waste management measures should be prioritised, based on environmental impact. As a priority waste should always be prevented and minimised. If waste can be avoided in the first instance, there is no need to look at recycling or disposal options for the materials. Where waste is generated, the University’s priority is to ensure that waste is diverted from landfill and recycled or recovered.

Up-to-date information on our waste and recycling systems can be found here on our Facilities Operations pages. You can find out how to dispose of your waste by using our online guide which lists the most common waste types within the University of Exeter and details how to recycle or dispose of each and how to arrange a collection if required. If you cannot find details on a waste item within the list, please contact the Sustainability team.

Lab Waste

LabWaste (TradeBe)

For guidance on our current clinical and hazardous waste process please head here.

Recycling & Reuse Schemes

RecycleLab

Waste management recycling specialists for plastic science laboratory consumables. Visit: https://recycle-labs.com/ 

RecycleLab offers a bespoke plastic laboratory consumable waste collection, sorting and recycling service, specifically designed for science labs. Find out how our recycling scheme works by contacting us. 

Want to find out what items we collect, click here!

ReFactory

Recycle uncontaminated nitrile gloves with ReFactory's PPE recycling bin! 

Warp-It (Waste Action Reuse Portal)

Find, give away, or loan office furniture, equipment and other unused resources within your own organisation and beyond. Portal here.

Blog: All you need to know about getting started on Warp-It

UniGreenScheme

A company that specialise in the collection, refurbishment, recertification, and resale of high value laboratory equipment, ranging from pipettes to industrial sized autoclaves. Website here.

Other types of equipment they frequently collect include:

  • Analytical equipment (PCR's, confocal microscopes, cryostats, bespoke glassware)

  • Biosafety cabinets and fume hoods (including power supplies)

  • Industrial equipment (jaw crushers, mineral separators) 

  • Teaching equipment (microscopes, cycle ergometers, heating mantles, smartboards)

  • AV equipment (amplifiers, conference systems, screens)

Download the free user guide for more details.

Get in touch

If you have any comments or recommendations on how to make our labs more sustainable, please contact us and provide your feedback!

Sustainable Labs Team
Email: sustainablelabs@exeter.ac.uk