LMQA: Ways to recycle waste in laboratory

It is important to recycle waste in order to save energy and conserve the environment[1] and preventing pollution.

Ways to recycle waste:
- Papers can be recycled by mixing them with fresh wood pulp. By doing so, it can save energy[2].
- Most glasses can be recycled. They are sorted into 3 main types of color[3] before recycling. This can conserves raw materials, reduce energy consumption and reduce waste[3].
- Plastics can also be recycled but it is harder to recycle. They are sorted into their resin identification code[4] before recycling.
- Computers or computer parts can be recycled so as to reduce the waste in landfill, reduce the need for strip mining and also to reduce pollution by lead, mercury and cadmium[5].


Reference:
1. The Guides Network (2008). Why recycle. Retrieved June 16, 2008, from http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/facts.html
2. National Energy Education Development Project, Museum of Solid Waste (2006). Recycle paper. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/saving/recycling/solidwaste/paperandglass.html
3. Glass recycling information sheet(2008). Glass recycling. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/Glass.htm
4. Wikepedia Foundation Inc(2008). Plastic recycling. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_recycling
5. WasteCap of Massachusetts(1992). Benefits of Recycling or Reusing Computers. Retrieved June 16, 2008 from http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/computers/computers.htm

Done by: Justina Tan TG01
Topic: Safety aspects in clinical laboratories and ISO14K.