UU直播

Many universities in North America have already implemented glass and plastic bottle (non-hazardous) programs for recycling in laboratories to great success, unfortunately there exists no provisions for collecting general laboratory glass and plastics for recycling at UU直播. Indeed, data from University of Toronto's St. George campus shows it is possible to achieve a waste diversion rate of 68.2% with proper implementation of such policies.

With over 900 research and teaching laboratories on the UU直播 campuses, the amount of glass and plastic containers translates to one of the highest sources of these materials on campus.Currently, UU直播 policy for produced glass and plastic chemical (non-hazardous) bottles in labs requires triple-rinsing of the bottle, following which it is disposed as regular garbage.

This project entails a short term pilot study during which separate collection bins for plastic and glass consumables will be installed in three labs (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Neuroscience)听 that utilize chemicals, glass and plastic consumables. Items designated for collection in these bins include glass and plastic bottles, test tubes, Petri dishes, pipettes, pipette racks, boxes, trays, bottles and jars. The weight and volume of items collected in the laboratory every week will be compiled and analyzed in order to monitor and record the waste diversion and recycling rate.

Data generated from this project will be shared with the Office of Sustainability, EHS and Waste Management Program, Facilities Development and Operations at UU直播 in order to propose a new policy for recycling to be adopted by all labs on UU直播 campus.

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