Pipette Tip Box Recycling Pilot
The University of Pittsburgh is excited to announce the Polycarbin Pipette Tip Box Recycling pilot on campus!
It is estimated that the scientific community creates 12 billion pounds of plastic waste annually. As a leader in both scientific research and sustainability, the University of Pittsburgh is in a unique position to effectively reduce research’s impact on the environment. The Pipette Tip Box Recycling pilot was created to help labs reduce landfill waste and single stream recycling contamination caused by “wish-cycling” lab items. By participating in the pipette tip boxes recycling pilot, you can reduce the environmental impact of your lab and help the University achieve its’ goal of 25% landfill waste reduction by 2030.
About the Pilot
Please place ONLY CLEAN EMPTY pipette tip boxes in the Polycarbin bins.
Accepted
- Any brand of pipette tip box
- Pipette tip box rack
- Refill wafer
- Detachable lid (does not need to be detached from box)
Not Accepted
Pipette tips, plastic film, general recycling, hazardous waste, and any other forms of laboratory waste MAY NOT be disposed of in the pipette tip box recycling bins.
View the Pipette Tip Box Recycling diversion guide.
Labs in Clapp, Langley, Crawford, Chevron and Eberly Hall
Polycarbin Pipette Tip Box Recycling bins are located in Clapp, Langley, Crawford, Chevron, and Eberly Hall (find locations here). Just place your pipette tip boxes in the communal collection bins in the hallway and custodial staff will see they get sent to Polycarbin to be recycled.
Pitt Labs in Other Locations
If your lab is located elsewhere, pre-paid Polycarbin pipette tip box recycling containers can be purchased for $0.01 from the Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom via the PantherExpress punchout. These containers come with pre-paid shipping labels so once they are full, they can simply be placed in the mail!
- Just search for “SB1” in the punchout to place your order or, if you are new to the Stockroom, please follow these detailed ordering instructions.
Why Is This Solution Sustainable?
Today’s recycling infrastructure is not set-up to accept and process laboratory plastics including polypropylene. For instance, the City of Pittsburgh only recycles plastic bottles, jugs, and jars that are 3 gallons or less. It is estimated that polypropylene, one of the primary plastics used in lab products, has a recovery rate of 1%. Pitt’s Polycarbin partnership to divert recycle pipette tip boxes ensures they are recovered and turned into the next generation of lab products.
Pilot Collection Container Locations
Chevron:
- 306
- 410
- 13th floor
- 10th floor
- 5th floor
Clapp:
- Ground Floor: by G15 Teaching Lab
- 1st Floor: by 111 Plant Prep Room
- 2nd Floor: by 213 Research Lab
- 3rd Floor: by 304 Office Suite & 313
- 4th Floor: by 409 Research Lab
Crawford:
- Floor 4: by 479 & 461
- Floor 5: by 562, 578, & 568
Langley:
- Ground Floor: in 101A
- Floor 3: by A306 & A321
- Floor 4: by A400A & A435A
- Floor 5: by 502 Lab & 540
If your lab is located in Clapp, Langley, Crawford, Chevron or Eberly Hall and would like a collection bin on your floor, please contact Pitt Sustainability.
Other Resources:
