Cell Signaling Technology (CST) Environmental Grant Helps BCH Green Labs Launch Lab Plastic Recycling Pilot
Launching a Lab Plastics Recycling Program at Boston Children’s Hospital
Boston Children’s Hospital Office of Sustainability and BCH Green Labs are excited to announce that we have received a generous grant from CST Cell Signaling Technology. This grant will help us launch a Lab Plastics Recycling program, an initiative that aligns with our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Who is CST Cell Signaling Technology?
CST Cell Signaling Technology is a leading company in the life sciences sector, dedicated to producing high-quality research tools for scientists worldwide. Beyond their contributions to scientific research, CST is renowned for their commitment to environmental sustainability. As the first life science company to join the 1% for the Planet network, CST has set a precedent for supporting nonprofit organizations that address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Partnering with Polycarbin
We are thrilled to partner with Polycarbin as our recycling provider for a one-year pilot program. Polycarbin is an innovative organization specializing in recycling solutions for laboratory plastics. Their mission is to reduce the environmental impact of scientific research by providing sustainable waste management options. Polycarbin collects and processes various lab plastics, transforming them into new, usable products, thereby closing the loop on plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.
With CST's generous grant and collaboration with Polycarbin, BCH plans to install pipette tip box recycling receptacles on two floors of the Center for Life Science Building. This pilot project will enable us to accurately measure the volume and frequency of pipette tip box waste generated in our labs. The data collected will provide critical insights into lab habits and waste patterns, paving the way for a potential institution-wide recycling program in the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, we aim to collaborate with other institutions on Longwood Avenue to optimize pickup schedules, further enhancing our carbon reduction efforts.
Why is Lab Plastics Recycling Important?
In many laboratories, including those at Boston Children’s Hospital, pipette tip boxes are a significant source of plastic waste. Unfortunately, these boxes cannot be recycled through regular waste streams, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Laboratories generate a substantial portion of the world’s waste, and implementing a recycling program for lab plastics is a crucial step toward reducing our environmental footprint.
Our Mission and the Grant’s Impact
At Boston Children’s Hospital, we are passionate about supporting organizations and initiatives that work towards making the planet a better place. This grant from CST Cell Signaling Technology will enable us to develop a robust Lab Plastics Recycling program, which will not only reduce waste but also promote a culture of sustainability within our research community.
Join Us in Our Mission
We invite everyone—researchers, staff, and supporters—to join us in our mission to create a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Boston Children’s Hospital continues to lead in both healthcare and environmental stewardship.
For any questions about this initiative or the nomination process, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for supporting Boston Children’s Hospital and our efforts to protect the planet.