Working in a laboratory necessitates the use of numerous types of apparatus. What happens to all of this equipment when it is obsolete, damaged, or ready for the trash? Laboratories generate some of the greatest quantities of electronic waste among all medical testing disciplines and beyond.
Tips on Proper Disposal of Lab Equipment
There are several ways to dispose of used laboratory equipment, but no one desires broken or corroded items. Be sure to go through the equipment you are attempting to dispose of and separate the viable items from those that were overused. Dispose of it safely if you would not use it in an emergency or if it is no longer functional and the components cannot be salvaged.
Anything that fails to qualify must be discarded, recycled if feasible, or sent to the scrap yard. In the case of devices or components that have been exposed to toxins, you may need to hire a professional to remove them for you.
Everything regarded as “good enough” to be reused could go to one of these four categories.
Transfer it to another area of your building.
Equipment that has seen better days can be repainted for a quick and simple facelift and can function as a table or storage cabinet. Perhaps someone requires additional storage in their office, or perhaps the employee break room requires additional counter space. Ensure you consider all possibilities surrounding the building as well. Anything that can be utilized in the space outside your facility can save a substantial amount of money.
Notify other departments.
This is beneficial for organizations with multiple laboratories. Determine if someone else can use it. It is possible that they could use some of your old lab equipment until the next renovation. Reusing old equipment for other purposes within the organization is a fantastic method to save money and boost productivity. The compact backup incubator you no longer require could be useful to a lab with only one incubator.
Consider selling the used equipment.
This is a great method to get rid of obsolete equipment while also earning some money for the business. There are numerous locations that purchase and sell second-hand laboratory equipment. In some instances, you may even be able to convince the manufacturer of your new laboratory to take some of it off your hands. Just make sure to contact multiple companies to ensure you’re receiving the finest deal. Note that these companies may be more selective than you.
Donate
You may want to consider donating some of the outdated but still functional apparatus to charitable organizations around the globe. There are numerous organizations that assist developing nations in gaining access to laboratory equipment that we take for granted.
Donation is not limited to medical and health laboratory applications. You can donate it to someone or an organization that will coordinate the donation on your behalf.
Most Dental X-Ray Machines and Films Require Careful Recycling
Old laboratory equipment is typically more valuable than we believe. Casework is made of stainless steel, even ancient machines have high-tech components, and laboratory equipment is incredibly resilient. You can repurpose or convert some of the used equipment to make your office a bit more organized. By donating it, you can help a laboratory in need and help someone save a significant amount of money.
Electronic recycling R2-certified companies, like TechWaste Recycling, may manage your e-waste disposal. Call us to schedule a pickup in the areas served.
