The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Genomics Platform has received its very first LabGreen Africa Recycling Impact Certificate. The certificate recognises the more than 180kg of plastic laboratory tip boxes the platform has recycled in just six months, instead of sending them to landfills.
Scientific and research environments rely heavily on single-use plastics, and pipette tip boxes are among the most common items used in day-to-day lab work. Without a dedicated recycling stream, this specialised plastic often ends up in landfills.
LabGreen Africa is a laboratory recycling service focused on reducing plastic waste generated in scientific and research environments. Labs place used tip boxes in LabGreen Africa recycling boxes, which are then collected so the plastic stays in the recycling stream and out of landfills.
The Genomics Platform has been working with LabGreen Africa for the past six months to recycle its lab tip boxes. In that time, the platform has recycled more than 180kg of plastic tip boxes. This shows how simple changes to everyday lab routines can add up to a reduction in waste.
The certificate gives the platform documented evidence of its recycling efforts, which can support SAMRC’s broader sustainability reporting and goals. Other SAMRC units are encouraged to get involved in this great initiative and add LabGreen Africa recycling boxes to their labs.
Author
Zimasa Jam Jam
Science Writer & Editor
Corporate & Marketing Communications
E-mail: Zimasa.Jamjam@mrc.ac.za