Waste Management TSN

The EAUC-Scotland Waste Management Topic Support Network (TSN) will be meeting virtually to discuss approaches to tackling the issue of laboratory plastic waste.

The University of Exeter forecast that the average lab bench scientist can produce up to 1 tonne of plastic waste each year. In the TSN we will hear from four different institutions on their approach to tackling this issue, with the aim of showcasing a holistic response. Projects include:

• Edinburgh Napier University's work with their waste contractor to accept lab plastics for recycling; 
• University of Edinburgh's work on reusing lab plastics and changing materials;
• University of Dundee's work to streamline the type of plastics used in labs to aid recycling;
• University of York's sustainable lab work (Green Gown Award finalist 2021)

We will then split into breakout groups to determine perceived barriers and opportunities from the audience to developing these initiatives at their own institutions, and hear again from speakers as to how they overcame these barriers.