The University of Pittsburgh is excited to announce a Pipette Tip Box Recycling pilot for the Pittsburgh 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. Pitt’s 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 box recycling pilot, you can reduce the environmental impact of your lab and help the University achieve its goal of reducing waste to landfill 25% by 2030.
About the Pilot
- Only clean empty pipette tip boxes can be recycled in the bins provided.
- There are free drop-off bins on the Clapp, Langley, Crawford, and Salk docks, and indoors in the School of Public Health.
- Mailback pilot on hold: For Pitt labs located outside of Clapp, Langley, Crawford, and Salk, pre-paid Polycarbin pipette tip box recycling mailback boxes are available for 1 cent per box
Accepted
- Any brand of pipette tip box
- Pipette tip box racks
- Refill wafers
- Detachable pipette tip box lids (does not need to be detached from box)
Not Accepted
Pipette tips, plastic film, general recycling, hazardous waste, or any other forms of laboratory waste. These items may not be disposed of in the pipette tip box recycling bins.
Read the Pipette Tip Box Recycling diversion guide.
Labs in Clapp, Langley, Crawford, Salk Hall and the School of Public Health
Polycarbin Pipette Tip Box Recycling bins are located in Clapp, Langley, Crawford, Salk Hall, and the School of Public Health. 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
(New Mailback Box Orders Suspended Mid-April 2025)
If your lab is located elsewhere, pre-paid Polycarbin pipette tip box recycling containers can be purchased for 1 cent 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
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
Langley:
- Ground Floor: in 101A
- Floor 3: by A306 & A321
- Floor 4: by A400A & A435A
- Floor 5: by 502 Lab & 540
Crawford:
- Floor 4: by 479 & 461
- Floor 5: by 562, 578, & 568
Life Sciences Annex:
- Floor 1: outside Lab 101
- Floor 2: outside Lab 201
- Floor 3: outside Vestibule 316
Salk Hall, Annex, and Pavillion:
- Upper loading dock off of Darragh Street (behind the trash compactor)
School of Public Health:
- Ground Floor: G039
If your lab is located in Clapp, Langley or Crawford Hall and would like a collection bin on your floor, please contact Pitt Sustainability.
Interested in Sustainable Lab Products?
Then participate in the Green Lab Sample Box pilot today. This box contains 20 items can be ordered through the Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom for just $0.01. Just use the PantherExpress DSS punchout to place your order using catalog code SB2 and get your sample box delivered right to your lab!
Other Resources: