| Source Newsletter 2009 issue 2 |
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Reduce lab wastes by making a few changes
Routine tests and research can create a wide range of wastes for health care laboratories. Reducing waste generated in the lab can result in reduced employee exposure to chemicals, decreased purchase costs, and reduced regulatory compliance burden. Common wastes can include:
- Dual waste such as body fluids and hazardous chemicals
- Infectious waste such as tissues, body fluids, and sharps
- Liquids such as aqueous solutions, alcohols, oils and solvents
- Sludge, which can be both aqueous and non-aqueous
- Solid materials such as chemicals, glass, packaging, paper, samples, and equipment
Laboratory waste can be reduced a number of ways including implementing an inventory review system, chemical recovery or reuse policies, energy conservation practices, packaging requirements, or process changes.
Inventory Review System
Reviewing a lab’s inventory allows staff members to determine if chemicals are being over-ordered, out-of-date, unnecessary, or running in short supply. Doing so will help ensure that the proper chemicals are stocked and ready for use. In 2006, Allina Medical Laboratories completed a chemical inventory and evaluated all chemicals. As a result, 40,000 lbs of hazardous waste was reduced annually through the elimination of numerous chemicals, dyes, reagents, stains, and kits.
Chemical Recovery/Reuse
Many chemicals used in labs can be reprocessed and reused. As an example, Formalin, a common fixative used to preserve tissue samples in laboratories, often becomes waste. However, this mixture of formaldehyde, methanol, and water can be recovered and reused if a lab has the correct equipment and procedures. There are two choices for recovering formalin: distillation or filtration. Either can decrease the volume of formalin purchased, improve employee safety, and reduce regulatory compliance burdens.
Energy Conservation
Energy can be a major cost for labs. Fume hoods require significant amounts of energy to exhaust and filter air, which is necessary to protect against hazardous particles and gases. Fume hoods are often not needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can provide adequate protection when operated only when needed. Keeping hood doors closed can also reduce energy consumption. Labs may want to replace current fume hoods with energy efficient fume hoods, which use variable air volume motors to drive fans. The fan speed changes depending on the proximity of the user and the degree to which the hood sash is opened.
Packaging Waste
Packaging waste is one of the largest clinical lab waste streams. Boxes, coolers, and ice packs are bulky and labor-intensive to manage. Labs should work with vendors to reduce packaging waste by requesting reusable coolers and less packaging.
Process Changes
By making a few process changes, labs can reduce their costs and wastes. For example, labs can send their used cuvettes and rotors for cleaning and reprocessing rather than purchasing new ones. This can reduce waste and save 40-50% in purchase costs.
For More Information
To learn more about reducing wastes and costs in labs, visit the MnTAP Web site laboratory page. Additional information about the examples used in this story is available at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Web site at and the Energy Efficiency Guide for Colorado Businesses.
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