Laboratory Plastics Disposal at the University of Bristol

Mixed plastic and can recycling bins are located at all University departments and buildings. The majority plastics of type 1, 2, 5 and 6 may be put into these bins together with tins and cans. Further details are available https://www.bris.ac.uk/environment/waste/recycling/plastic.html

For laboratory plastic, please ensure the following is adhered to:

• The bottles must be empty and free from hazards (e.g. chemical, biological or radioactive) residues or contamination.
• All hazard warning labels, marks and symbols must be defaced. The label itself does not need to be removed.
• Bottle caps, stoppers, corks and other non-plastic items are to be removed and are not to be put into the plastic recycling bins.
• No other materials may be placed in the plastic recycling bins.

1. Plastic bottles that have contained organic solvents and cannot be returned to the supplier (please explore this option in the first instance):

Bottles containing any permanent residues or drying agents (e.g. sodium wire) MUST NOT be disposed of by recycling, and must be removed, without washing, as chemical waste through the Health and Safety Office (0117 928 9080): otherwise:

• Dispose of the cap as general landfill waste.
• Dispose of any solvent residue in an appropriate solvent waste drum.
• If the solvent was water-soluble, wash the bottle out with water. Fill the bottle to the brim with water (to drive out the vapour) and pour down the drain.
• Cross out the label with a black marker pen.
• Dispose of the bottle by recycling

2. Plastic bottles that have contained other chemicals and cannot be returned to the supplier (please explore this option in the first instance):

Plastic bottles which are not completely empty should be disposed of without washing as chemical waste.

• Bottles which have contained water-reactive or non-water-soluble chemicals and cannot otherwise be emptied should be disposed of without washing as chemical waste.
• If it would be unsafe to unduly handle a chemical bottle you should dispose of it as chemical waste.

Otherwise:

• Dispose of the cap as general landfill.
• Wash the bottle thoroughly in water.
• Cross out the label with a black marker pen.
• Dispose of the bottle by recycling

3. Polystyrene. Clean lab polystyrene can be recycled at all major producing sites. Please refer to polystyrene guidance document for more information.