An estimated 128 tonnes of laboratory plastic is generated by researchers on UBC's Point Grey campus each year.
Sign up for the Lab Plastics Recycling Program to help your lab divert plastic from the landfill. Registration is simple and the time commitment is minimal.
To participate, your laboratory must be located on UBC's Point Grey campus and recycle within UBC's waste jurisdiction. Laboratories at the UBC Hospital recycle through a different waste jurisdiction and unfortunately are not eligible for the program.
By signing up, you are agreeing to:
- Coordinate the one-time collection of bins and program materials for your lab from Chemistry Stores
- Notify co-workers and create awareness about the program and its guidelines
- Monitor collection and ensure that only accepted plastic items are added
- Coordinate the transfer of full collection bins to the large UBC “recyclable containers” recycling bins
- Delegate these tasks and/or designate a replacement lead if you are leaving the lab or are no longer able to take ownership for your lab
Ready to sign up?
Complete the sign up form below, check your emails for pick up instructions, and collect your free bin(s) and program posters!
Collection Procedure
Once you've registered your lab and collected your grey bin(s), please affix one Lab Plastics Recycling Program sticker to each bin and display a program poster in close proximity to each bin. Now your lab is ready to begin recycling according to the program guidelines for acceptable materials. Please be sure to notify the other members of your lab of the new plastics recycling bins and procedures to allow them to familiarize themselves with the program guidelines.
Accepted Materials:
All hard-plastic containers that:
- Previously contained non-hazardous materials.
- Are empty, rinsed clean, and dry.
- Are stamped with one of the following resin identification codes: #1 (PET), #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), #5 (PP), or #6 (PS – rigid polystyrene only)
Note: All Chemical labels should be removed or defaced.
Not Accepted:
- Materials previously containing or contaminated with any hazardous materials (i.e. toxic, biohazardous, radioactive).
- Containers that are stamped with the following resin identification codes: #3 (PVC), #6 (if Styrofoam-see other programs below) or #7 (O – other materials including biodegradable and compostable plastics).
- Containers that are not stamped with a resin identification code.
Visit the Lab Plastics FAQs sheet (linked below) or email green.labs@ubc.ca if you have any questions about the above requirements.
When the bin is full, it is the lab’s responsibility to empty it into the building’s central UBC “recyclable containers” recycling bin. If you cannot locate a central bin in your building, or it is full, please contact your Building Operations Facility Manager.
Additional Resources
Additional recycling programs exist for both Styrofoam and Soft Plastics. Visit the Green Labs Solid Waste Guide for more information on these and other lab waste streams, or UBC’s A-Z Recyclepedia for a compressive recycling search tool.
Recycling starts with smart purchasing. Visit Green Labs Purchasing Guide and UBC’s Sustainable Purchasing Guide for more information.
Contact green.labs@ubc.ca if you have any questions.