Research laboratories are estimated to generate 2–5% of global plastic waste, yet only a small fraction—typically less than 10%—is actually recycled. Given the additional challenges associated with laboratory plastics, including contamination and mixed-material composition, the true recycling rate for lab plastics is likely even lower. This highlights the urgent need for improved recycling systems and more circular, low-waste approaches to scientific research.

At the Dunn School, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, is essential for maintaining safe laboratory environments. However, these disposable materials contribute significantly to laboratory waste and are traditionally sent for incineration, increasing the environmental footprint of research activities.

To address this challenge, the Dunn School established the Glove and Hard-to-Recycle Plastic Recycling Initiative. The initiative was initially launched by Saroj Saurya within the Raff Lab, later supported by Lilli Hahn and Anne Hedegaard, and is now co-managed by the Washing Up team and Stephanie Barker. The programme focuses on recycling non-hazardous laboratory plastics that are traditionally difficult to process, including plastic types #4 (LDPE), #7 (polycarbonate, acrylic, nylon, PLA, and mixed plastics), as well as selected unnumbered plastics.

Specially labelled recycling bins are placed throughout laboratories and communal areas. Once collected, the plastic is sent to dedicated recycling facilities where it is shredded, converted into pellets and powder, and ultimately transformed into plastic ply products used to manufacture benches, planters, bookshelves, and other durable materials.

The Dunn School currently partners with Appleton Woods and My Group Recycling to recycle non-contaminated gloves and other hard-to-recycle laboratory plastics. In September 2023, Saroj Saurya visited the MyGroup recycling facility in Hull, alongside representatives from Appleton Woods (Luke Housley) and the University of Cambridge (Gaynor Smith), to better understand the recycling process and explore further opportunities for laboratory plastic recycling at the Dunn School.

This initiative demonstrates how practical, scalable changes can significantly reduce laboratory waste and support more sustainable research practices.

​Watch Youtube video to see what happens to our recycled gloves, masks and other lab plastic at the recycling centres.