01/04/2026
Picture this: after finishing a test, a researcher carefully rinses a media bottle, or versatile lab container, that would otherwise be thrown away before dropping it into a bright, clearly labeled “Lab Plastics Recycling” bin. Across our wet labs, this is becoming a familiar sight thanks to the new lab-specific plastic recycling program from the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) team.
Launched in October 2025, the new program makes it easy for researchers and staff to recycle clean, non-hazardous plastics such as pipette tip boxes, media bottles, and more, into the new “Lab Plastics Recycling” bins complete with clear, lab-friendly signage. Beyond reducing landfill waste and our carbon footprint, the program promotes safer, cleaner labs and ensures compliance. It also provides valuable data to guide smarter, more sustainable purchasing, helping us take tangible steps toward a greener future.
We partnered with Polycarbin, a sustainability-focused company that operates within the life sciences and health care sector with the mission to create a circular economy for laboratory plastics, which are traditionally single-use and contribute significantly to plastic waste.
“With this partnership we can divert thousands of pounds of valuable plastic from entering our landfills which are projected to reach capacity within the next 10 to 20 years,” says Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Manager Michael Copponi. “Recycling lab plastics isn’t just important — it’s one of the simplest steps we can take to protect our planet while advancing science responsibly,” he continued.
As part of this new initiative, the EHS team provides monthly updates upon request on the total pounds of plastics recycled, including estimates of CO₂ emissions avoided and water and fossil fuels conserved. The reports also track and include relatable carbon equivalents, such as the number of miles driven, days running an -80°C freezer, or acres of forest protected.
“The value of data for Dana-Farber's sustainability is not merely in its collection, but in its responsible refinement and application, which drives actionable insights and positive change,” explains Copponi.
