What To Do With The Empty Pipette Tip Boxes?

Discarded pipette tip boxes are some of the common wastes found in laboratories, particularly in places that carry out numerous experiments and procedures. These boxes which are usually made of plastic are often used and generated in large quantities and hence pose a major waste product in the laboratories. However, with the increasing focus on sustainability and the negative impact on the environment, it is necessary to think about what to do with such empty boxes. This article looks at different ways of dealing with empty pipette tip boxes through recycling and reusing or disposal and provides useful guidelines on how to employ these measures in laboratories. 

Environmental Impact of Pipette Tip Boxes

Pipette tip boxes are normally manufactured from tough plastics such as polypropylene or polystyrene since they are used to hold delicate and expensive pipette tips. These materials are however very necessary for use in protecting the sterile environment of pipette tips and are very durable but they are very hard to dispose of without causing harm to the environment. Pipette tip boxes account for a large portion of plastic waste produced in laboratories. Hence, proper management of this waste is very important in reducing the impact of laboratory activities on the environment. 

The Scale of Laboratory Plastic Waste

Some research indicates that scientific laboratories are some of the leading generators of plastic waste. For example, a conventional biomedical research laboratory can produce up to 5. This means that it causes an annual generation of 5 million metric tons of plastic waste. Since pipette tip boxes are a major contributor to this waste stream, strategies for their disposal are an essential component of laboratory waste management. 

Recycling Pipette Tip Boxes 

Recycling is one of the most efficient strategies for dealing with empty pipette tip boxes. The pipette tip boxes are also made from plastics which are known to be recyclable and can therefore be recycled to form new products. By recycling these boxes, they do not end up in landfills but also save on the resources and energy that would be used in the manufacturing of new plastics. 

Guidelines for Recycling Pipette Tip Boxes 

• Identify Recycling Programs: The initial process of implementation of the recycling program that involves laboratory plastics entails the determination of existing programs in the region that accept the said plastics. Some of the areas have special programs for the recycling of lab plastics, while others have to make special arrangements for the same. 
• Clean the Boxes: Cleaning pipette tip boxes are necessary before recycling because there may be contaminants that could affect the environment. However, the boxes are not in direct contact with the hazardous material, the boxes should be clean from dust, dirt, or remaining tips. 
• Segregate by Material Type: Various recycling programs could have various rules that would require the segregation of plastics. Make sure that the boxes are sorted as required if at all it has not been done so. 
• Collaborate with Recycling Vendors: Certain recycling vendors can deal with laboratory waste and they can also give precise information regarding how to recycle pipette tip boxes. 
• Promote Recycling in the Lab: Inform all the lab personnel on the need to recycle pipette tip boxes and ensure that they dispose of the material in the right recycling bins. 

Guidelines for Proper Disposal 

• Follow Local Waste Regulations: It is always important to follow the rules of the country you are in as regards the disposal of waste. Certain geographical areas may have special regulations concerning the disposal of lab plastics such as pipette tip boxes. 
• Use Designated Waste Bins: If the boxes cannot be recycled, make sure that they are thrown in plastic waste bins. Do not dispose of them together with other hazardous wastes or other wastes that cannot be recycled. 
• Consider Waste-to-Energy Options: At times, there may be waste-to-energy programs that could be implemented. These programs burn plastics to produce energy and are a better option for landfilling, although they attempt to get some value out of the waste. 
• Minimize Waste Generation: Promote the use of strategies that will help in the elimination of as many pipette tip boxes as possible from the laboratory. For example, one can opt for refillable pipette tips where tips can be refilled instead of having to dispose of the whole box. 

Sustainable Laboratory Practices 

• Reduce Single-Use Plastics: As much as possible, avoid the use of disposable plastics in the laboratory. Choose reusable items or items made from biodegradable materials. 
• Optimize Resource Use: Adopt procedures that enhance the conservation of resources including water and energy used in the laboratory. For instance, in the use of energy-efficient equipment and reduction of water usage in operations. 
• Educate and Train Staff: Periodically remind the laboratory staff about the principles of sustainable usage of resources and encourage them to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. 
• Set Sustainability Goals: Set measurable and achievable targets for sustainability for the laboratory like; minimizing the use of plastics by a specific percentage in a given year or using recycled materials in the lab. 
• Monitor and Report Progress: Monitor the level of sustainability and report the results of the achieved objectives. This way, the progress is sustained and organizations are motivated to keep improving their environmental responsibility.

Conclusion 

Although they are a minor part of the overall lab environment, the empty pipette tip boxes offer a great chance to enhance sustainability in laboratories. These boxes can be recycled, reused, and disposed of properly to help lessen the impact of laboratories on the environment. Additional improvement of sustainable practices and promotion of environmental awareness can also add value to the laboratory and the environment.  

FAQs

Q1. Are all pipette tip boxes recyclable? 

Not all pipette tip boxes are recyclable since the plastic used may not be recyclable and the local recycling companies may not accept such plastic. One should consult the recycling programs in his or her area to find out if the type of plastic used in the pipette tip boxes is acceptable. 

Q2. What are the proper procedures for making sure that pipette tip boxes are properly cleaned to be recycled? 

Before recycling, pipette tip boxes should not have any elements such as dust or pipette tip still inside the boxes. They should be cleaned with a mild detergent and then rinsed well to make sure they are fit for recycling. 

Q3. What should I do if there is no recycling program at my laboratory for the pipette tip boxes? 

 If recycling is not possible then the boxes should be used in other ways around the lab such as storage or organization. If disposal is the only solution then the boxes should be disposed of as per the local waste management laws and try to find out other ways of minimizing the use of plastics in the lab.