1
Sep
Reducing Plastic Waste in Laboratories: Strategies for Sustainable Science
Laboratories worldwide are major contributors to plastic waste, with research showing they generate up to ten times more plastic waste per square metre than offices. From pipette tips to centrifuge tubes, single-use items dominate lab workflows. For Australian schools, universities, and research facilities, reducing plastic waste is one of the most effective strategies to improve sustainability while lowering disposal costs and environmental impact.
Why Plastic Waste Reduction Matters
Single-use plastics are often chosen for sterility and convenience, but they come with a high environmental cost. Most cannot be recycled through standard waste streams, leading to incineration or landfill. Transitioning to reusable alternatives — or recycling streams designed for laboratory plastics — is essential for meeting institutional sustainability goals and supporting Australia’s transition to a circular economy.
Plastic Waste Sources in Labs
| Plastic Item | Conventional Use | Sustainable Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pipette Tips | Disposable, single-use | Refill systems, recyclable racks |
| Centrifuge Tubes | Single-use polypropylene | Glass tubes (where sterility not critical) |
| Reagent Bottles | Plastic HDPE/PP bottles | BORO 3.3 glass reagent bottles |
| Wash Bottles | Plastic HDPE | Refillable/recyclable options |
| Disposable Beakers | Polystyrene, low durability | Durable BORO 3.3 beakers |
Case Study: Reducing Waste in Australian Labs
The University of Melbourne introduced a pipette tip refill and recycling program across teaching labs. Over one year, they reduced plastic tip box waste by 70%, while lowering procurement costs.
A Sydney biotechnology company switched from plastic to LabChoice BORO 3.3 glass reagent bottles, cutting over 1,000 single-use bottles annually. By pairing reusable glass with proper sterilisation practices, they reduced both waste and chemical contamination risks.
LabChoice Advantage
LabChoice Australia supplies durable BORO 3.3 glassware and recyclable plastic options designed to replace single-use plastics. From autoclavable glass flasks and beakers to refillable polypropylene bottles, LabChoice helps laboratories adopt sustainable workflows without compromising accuracy or safety.
FAQs
Can all lab plastics be recycled?
No. Many plastics used in labs are contaminated and require specialised recycling streams. Programs like TerraCycle and institutional recycling help address this.
Are glass alternatives always better?
For heating, autoclaving, and storage, yes. But plastics are still necessary for sterility in certain workflows like cell culture.
Do refill systems really save plastic?
Yes. Pipette tip refill systems can cut plastic waste by up to 70% compared to conventional tip racks.
What role do suppliers play in waste reduction?
Sustainable suppliers like LabChoice provide reusable and recyclable alternatives, enabling labs to meet plastic reduction goals.
📚 References
Standards & Guidelines
- ISO 15270:2008 – Plastics — Guidelines for the recovery and recycling of plastics waste. International Organization for Standardization.
- AS/NZS ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use. Standards Australia & Standards New Zealand.
Academic & Sustainability Reports
- CSIRO – Reducing Plastic Waste in Australian Science – Strategies for Laboratories.
https://www.csiro.au - University of Melbourne – Sustainability Report – Pipette Tip Waste Reduction Program.
- American Chemical Society (ACS) – Green Chemistry & Plastics Reduction in Research Labs.
https://www.acs.org - Monash University – Green Labs Program – Single-Use Plastic Waste Reduction Case Studies.
