Lab Plastics Recycling Program Success: CST & Boston Children's Hospital
Midpoint Success: Celebrating the Cell Signaling Technology-Funded Lab Plastics Recycling Program
When it comes to sustainability in research, every step counts. At Boston Children's Hospital, we are thrilled to share the incredible progress of our Lab Plastics Recycling Program, funded by the generous support of Cell Signaling Technology (CST). This pilot initiative is paving the way for a more sustainable future in research, and we couldn't be more excited about the results so far!
A Program That Inspires
Thanks to CST's funding, this program has enabled approximately 20 labs to participate in a groundbreaking recycling initiative. Since its launch in September, we've collected and recycled 707 pounds of lab plastic, conserving 791,683 gallons of water and reducing carbon emissions by 4,320 pounds of CO2 equivalents — the environmental equivalent of taking a gasoline-powered car off the road for over 5,000 miles. These numbers speak volumes about the potential impact of sustainable practices in research labs.
But this program isn't just about numbers. It's about fostering excitement and engagement within our research community. The labs participating in the pilot have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the opportunity to recycle their materials. Scientists have shared how meaningful it is to contribute to sustainability while conducting their research. One researcher remarked, "It's empowering to know that even in the lab, our work can support a healthier planet."
Meanwhile, labs not yet part of the pilot are eagerly awaiting their chance to join. The buzz around the program has spread across all three research buildings, with teams asking how they can participate. This excitement underscores the need for expanded resources to meet the demand and make recycling accessible to all labs at Boston Children's Hospital.
Partnering with Polycarbin
A significant contributor to the program’s success has been our collaboration with Polycarbin, a leader in lab recycling solutions. Their expertise and support have been instrumental in ensuring that our efforts are both effective and scalable. From providing recycling infrastructure to offering guidance on best practices, Polycarbin has been a true partner in this journey.
We’re also thrilled to announce an upcoming collaboration with Polycarbin for a one-time “take back” day this spring, allowing more labs to recycle additional types of materials. This event will provide a glimpse into the possibilities of expanding the program and further reducing our environmental footprint.
Why Lab Recycling Matters
The research community generates an estimated 5.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills or incinerators. As stewards of scientific progress, we have a responsibility to ensure that our pursuit of knowledge doesn’t come at the expense of our planet. Recycling programs like this one are crucial in addressing the environmental impact of research and setting a precedent for sustainability in science.
Looking Ahead
While we celebrate the pilot program's success, we know there is much more to do. Currently, the program supports 20 labs, but we dream of a future where all 173 labs across our three research buildings can participate. This vision can only be realized with continued support from CST and other partners who share our commitment to sustainability.
We are deeply grateful to CST for funding this pilot and for believing in the importance of lab recycling. Your support has made this program possible and inspired a culture of sustainability within our research community. Together, we can lead the way in creating a greener future for science.
Join the Movement
To our partners, collaborators, and supporters, thank you for making this journey possible. And to CST, we’re excited to see where this partnership can take us. With your continued support, we can expand this program, bring more labs into the fold, and make an even greater impact on our environment.