Lab Glass Rehoming Program
When a researcher leaves UGA or when a laboratory changes their processes, we are often left with unwanted but usable equipment and laboratory supplies. In the past, these items would often end up in a landfill, wasting precious resources that others could benefit from.
The UGA Green Labs program strives to divert laboratory waste from our landfills and simultaneously supports the education of future scientists, by collaborating with our local Teacher ReUse Store located at the CHaRM on College Ave. As many of our local high schools are underfunded, and most lab glass is quite expensive, teachers are sometimes unable to lead the curriculum they desire. Donated equipment helps to change that by providing free shopping for lab items for local teachers.
All UGA lab equipment / supplies going to the Teacher ReUse Store must be:
- Non-barcoded (not inventoried by UGA)
- Clean, non-contaminated
- Unbroken
- Boxed / packaged for transport
- Offered internally to UGA colleagues first
The UGA Green Labs program is happy to help facilitate this process, but requires a three week for single labs or a three month notice for building moves. All items diverted via this program MUST be approved by UGA Green Labs. Please reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.
Green Chemistry
Research often requires the use of hazardous chemicals and thus, the generation of hazardous waste. The UGA Green Labs program seeks to minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances on our campus via green chemistry. Scientists can help eliminate the most toxic and environmentally persistent chemicals from lab applications by embracing and applying the principles of green chemistry via resources such as MilliporeSigma’s DOZN Tool and the American Chemical Society’s Solvent Selection Tool. Researchers are encouraged to consider whether their reactions can be scaled down or if lab processes can be improved upon to reduce the quantity of hazardous waste byproducts.
Helping UGA Be Mercury Free
Beginning in February 2018, the University of Georgia launched a campus initiative to phase out the use of elemental mercury thermometers via a collaboration between the Office of Research Integrity and Safety, FMD Safety, and the Green Labs program. Due to mercury’s toxicity and costly remediation, efforts are being made to replace these thermometers with an environmentally friendly equivalent. Reducing the quantity of hazardous chemicals on campus, such as mercury, would not only enhance the safety of laboratory personnel, but also that of the FMD personnel who frequently perform repairs in locations where these chemicals are used and stored.
Read more about how to be mercury free here (PDF).
