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Glove and Mask Recycling

In the high-paced environment of scientific research at the Dunn School, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks is essential for maintaining a safe and controlled laboratory setting. However, the significant volume of waste from these disposable items, if not responsibly managed, ends up in incinerators, significantly impacting our environmental footprint.

To address this, we proudly introduce our Glove and Mask Recycling Initiative. Initially launched by Saroj Saurya for the Raff Lab, the program was later assisted by Lilli Hahn and Anne Hedegaard. Currently, it's co-managed by the 'Washing Up' team and Saroj Saurya.

Specially marked recycling bins are strategically placed throughout our labs and common areas. Once filled, these bins are sent to a dedicated recycling facility where the PPE is sterilized, processed, and repurposed into new plastic products. Currently we partner with Appleton Woods to recycle non-contaminated gloves and masks, as well as any other plastic items that are not usually recyclable, provided they are non-hazardous within the department.

Saroj Saurya visited the My Group recycling facility in Hull to gain a deep understanding of how lab plastic, especially gloves, is recycled. The trip was arranged by Appleton Woods representative Luke Housley on 14th September 2023. Representative from the University of Cambridge, Gaynor Smith, was also present. The plastic is first shredded, then transformed into pellets and finally into powder form. These pellets are then sandwiched between layers of powder on a hot plate to create plastic ply. This material is subsequently used to manufacture benches, planters, bookshelves, and more. The knowledge gained is further used to recycle un-recyclable lab plastics, such as types 4, 7, and those without any numbers, at the Dunn School. Watch Youtube video to see what happens to our recycled gloves, masks and other lab plastic at the recycling centres.

The Dunn School Green Group has purchased 10 planters made from recycled lab plastic through Appleton Woods and MyGroup. These planters have been distributed to 10 different labs and facilities across the Dunn School. They are now being used to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs, primarily in the moat at the front of the Dunn School's main building.

The 10 labs and teams participating in this initiative are:

  • EM Facility (Raman Dhaliwal and Charlotte Melia)

  • Finance Team (Sheji Bhaskaran)

  • Freeman Lab (Clemence Levet)

  • Toropova & Roberts lab (Katerina Toropova)

  • Trusts Office and Finance Office (Rachel Faulkes, Raquel Perez Marina, Mervat Zen Aldin)

  • Raff Lab (Chia Chun Chang, Min Peng and Nada Mohamad )

  • Slack Lab (Sarah Woodward)

  • Stracy Lab (Lorena Blaya Martinez and Carolin Kobras)

  • Walsh Lab (Katherine Ansbro)

  • Workshop Team (Martin Smith)

Each year, during the Dunn Drinks Green Awards, the best-looking vegetable, fruit, or herb and its harvester will be awarded for their efforts and contributions to this green initiative.

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