Innovative recycling options for biomedical research facilities

Almost everyone agrees that recycling is the right thing to do whenever feasible. Recycling prevents the emission of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants, saves energy, supplies valuable raw materials to industry, creates jobs, stimulates the development of greener technologies, conserves resources, and reduces the need for new landfills and combustors [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Municipal Solid Waste—Basic Facts. http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/facts.htm (accessed 11/22/2006)]. The widespread adoption of Environmental Management Systems (EMS), ISO 14000, executive order 13148, and the growing environmental stewardship movement have all helped increase the popularity of beneficial reuse programs. Biomedical research facilities can offer unique recycling opportunities for the creative manager.