RecycleLab

As we head toward 2026, the focus on sustainability in science is becoming clearer and more urgent. From January 2026, sustainability won’t just be encouraged, it will be essential. Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK have announced that LEAF or My Green Lab certification will become a requirement for funded research institutions. This is a significant step in aligning cutting-edge research with urgent environmental responsibility. At RecycleLab, we’re here to help you meet those expectations with confidence. One of the key ways we support research organisations is through our closed-loop recycling service for plastic lab consumables. Our service helps labs: ✅ Divert plastic waste from incineration ✅ Reduce Scope 3 emissions ✅ Demonstrate measurable, traceable progress toward LEAF & My Green Lab accreditation As 2026 draws nearer, scientific institutions are under increasing pressure to embed sustainability into everyday lab operations. Accreditation is just one piece of the puzzle, transforming workflows and waste streams is where meaningful impact happens. If your organisation is preparing for the upcoming requirements or exploring how to reach its sustainability goals for 2026 and beyond, we’re hear to support you. Get in touch to find out how RecycleLab can support your lab’s sustainability goals. recycle-labs.com info@recycle-labs.com More info on the new requirements: 🔗 CRUK: cancerresearchuk.org/for-researcher… 🔗 Wellcome Trust: wellcome.org/about-us/posit… #SustainableScience #GreenLabs #LEAF #MyGreenLab #PlasticRecycling #ScientificResearch #LabSustainability

At RecycleLab, we’re always inspired by the ways labs and organisations are taking action to become more sustainable. From recycling initiatives to energy-saving practices, every small step contributes to a bigger impact. We’d love to hear about your sustainability initiatives. What’s working well in your lab or organisation? What challenges have you faced? Drop a comment below! By sharing experiences, we can learn from each other and inspire even more positive change across the science and healthcare sectors. recycle-labs.com #Sustainability #GreenLabs #SustainableScience #PlasticRecycling

Discover RecycleLab’s 5-Bin Recycling Pilot – A Simple Way to Start Greener Lab Practices Looking to improve your lab’s sustainability but not sure where to begin? Our 5-bin recycling pilot gives you an easy, commitment-free way to explore a better approach to managing plastic lab consumables. This short trial is built for busy labs that want to make a measurable difference without overhauling existing workflows. With our pilot, you can: 🔹 Experience a streamlined, lab-friendly recycling setup 🔹 Divert uncontaminated and sterilised plastics from incineration 🔹 Understand the impact RecycleLab can make on your operational waste and sustainability targets It’s a practical, low-risk way to see how circular solutions can work in your lab. Curious to try it or need more details? Reach out to our team or visit recycle-labs.com #greenlabs #plasticrecycling #sustainablescience

Turning Lab Waste Into Something New: CircuLab Every day, labs generate huge volumes of single-use plastic. But what if those plastics didn’t have to be the end of the story? With CircuLab, our recycled polymer, we’re closing the loop. We collect lab consumables → recycle them → and transform them into high-quality material ready for new products. CircuLab helps companies: ♻️ Design more sustainable products 🌱 Reduce their environmental footprint 📦 Build circularity directly into their supply chains Looking to incorporate recycled content into your manufacturing? If your organisation is exploring recycled materials for new product development, we’d love to talk. #CircularEconomy #RecycledPlastic #RecycledMaterials #SustainableScience #CircuLab #RecycleLab

A Big Moment for Climate + Health At COP30 last week, the @wellcometrust and more than 35 global funders committed US$300 million to tackle one of the world’s most urgent challenges: the impact of climate change on human health. From extreme heat to air pollution to shifting patterns of infectious disease, the climate crisis is already reshaping the way we protect global health. What’s exciting about this announcement is its focus on solutions: funding research, improving data, and strengthening health systems so communities (especially the most vulnerable) are better protected. We have always said that the planets health and human health are interconnected. Sustainable science isn’t just good for the planet, it’s essential for human wellbeing. Every lab consumable we recycle helps cut carbon emissions and reduce the environmental burden on the health systems we all rely on. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this coalition and continuing to play our part in reducing the environmental footprint of research and healthcare. You can read the full article here: wellcome.org/engagement-and… #ClimateAction #GreenLabs #RecycleLab #WellcomeTrust #PlanetaryHealth #COP30

Myth vs. Fact: Bioplastics Edition MYTH: All bioplastics are biodegradable. FACT: Not all bioplastics break down naturally. Some are biodegradable, but many are not, and those that are often require specific conditions, such as those found in industrial composting facilities, to decompose fully. Biobased vs. Biodegradable: Biobased: Made from renewable resources like corn or sugar cane, does not guarantee it will decompose. Biodegradable: Can break down naturally, but the rate and conditions vary widely. Did you know? Bioplastics designed to be biodegradable often need industrial settings to decompose properly Certification standards, such as BS EN 13432, define the conditions and timeframe for compostable plastics. Key takeaway: You cannot assume all bioplastics are biodegradable. Always check the product labeling to understand its specific end-of-life requirements. #Bioplastics #SustainableMaterials #LabSustainability #MythBusting #LabPlasticRecycling

RecycleLab in the spotlight! We’re excited to share that our work has been featured in Test Labs’ Outlook magazine in the article “The Double‑Edged Role of Plastics in Global Healthcare”. Written by our talented intern Becky Hyde, a final-year student at the University of Birmingham, the piece explores the vital role of medical-grade plastics in healthcare, and the environmental challenges they create. It highlights the huge volume of single-use plastics in hospitals and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives and circular economy solutions. At RecycleLab, we’re proud to show how our closed-loop recycling model for lab plastics is helping turn waste into valuable new materials, supporting greener practices across the healthcare and science sectors. 📖 Read the full article here: testlabsuk.com/blog/the-doubl… #MedicalDevices #SustainableMaterials #RecycledPolymer

What gets in the way of recycling lab plastics? We speak to so many labs that want to recycle their plastic consumables, but we know it’s not always easy to make it happen. Some of the barriers we hear about most often include: 🕒 Time – finding a moment to set up a new waste stream alongside everything else. 🧼 Decontamination – the extra effort needed to clean or sterilise items before recycling. 👩‍🔬 Engagement – getting everyone in the lab involved and following the new system. 🗑️ Space – squeezing in another bin or storage point in already busy labs. These are all completely understandable challenges, and they’re exactly the kind of things we try to make simpler through our recycling programmes. We’d love to hear from you! What barriers have you come across when trying to recycle in your lab? #RecycleLab #Sustainability #LabRecycling #CircularEconomy #GreenerScience

Ever wondered what happens to your lab’s recycled plastics after collection? At RecycleLab, we’re working towards closing the loop, transforming used lab consumables into new, high-quality products through our CircuLab polymer. Here’s the journey: Step 1: Collected lab plastics are sorted, shredded, and processed into CircuLab flake. Step 2: The flake is extruded into recycled polymer pellets, ready for reuse. Step 3: The pellets are used to manufacture new products, including our soon-to-launch test tube racks coming January 2026! By turning single-use lab plastics into circular materials, we’re helping the science and healthcare industries reduce waste, cut carbon, and build a truly sustainable lab ecosystem. From waste ➡️ resource ➡️ Product #RecycleLab #CircuLab #CircularEconomy #SustainableScience #LabRecycling #GreenLabs #PlasticRecycling

Every year, labs around the world generate huge volumes of single-use plastic waste, most of which is incinerated. At RecycleLab, we’re helping science and healthcare organisations change that. ✅ How it works: We collect uncontaminated and decontaminatio plastic consumables directly from labs, then recycle them into our high-quality polymer, CircuLab, ready to be reused in new products. 👩‍🔬 Who it’s for: Our service is designed for labs of all sizes, from universities and research institutes to biotech and testing and analytical laboratories, making sustainable waste management simple and accessible. 🌍 Why it matters: By recycling instead of incinerating, labs can cut carbon emissions by up to 74%, conserve valuable resources, and support a circular economy in science. Get in touch to find out how your lab can get involved! recycle-labs.com info@recycle-labs.com #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #LabPlasticRecycling #ScienceForGood

Understanding your lab waste... Before a lab can make meaningful improvements to its waste management, it needs to understand what’s really happening with its waste streams. That’s where a waste audit becomes invaluable. At RecycleLab, we’ve seen first-hand how many laboratories are unsure of exactly what types and volumes of waste they produce, and where it all ends up. A waste audit helps uncover this, providing clear data and actionable insights that make it easier to identify opportunities for reduction, segregation, and recycling. Whether it’s spotting which plastics could be diverted from incineration, understanding contamination risks, or improving internal systems, the results of an audit give teams the clarity they need to make informed, sustainable decisions. By taking this step, labs can begin building a waste strategy that not only reduces environmental impact but also saves time, resources, and costs in the long run. Small actions start with understanding, and a waste audit is often where it begins. recycle-labs.com/whats-going-on… #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #LabSustainability #PlasticRecycling #WasteAudit #ScienceForGood

What our customers are saying! "Since we started, we’ve managed to divert a huge amount of plastic waste from landfill, which has been incredibly rewarding. I’d definitely recommend RecycleLab to others. It takes no more time than disposing of waste the old way...It’s a simple switch that makes a big difference." At RecycleLab, we help labs recycle their single-use plastics and reduce their environmental impact. From tubes and pipettes to other lab consumables, we make it easy to divert waste from landfill and incineration, without adding extra work for your team. Making your lab more sustainable can be simple, and every item recycled counts. If you’re ready to reduce your lab’s plastic footprint, let’s chat! recycle-labs.com info@recycle-labs.com #LabRecycling #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #ScienceImpact #PlasticWaste

Did you know? 📊 Storing just 1 TB of data generates ~10 kg CO₂e per year. This data is often retained for decades, adding up over time. When thinking about carbon emissions, we often overlook digital research and data storage, because you can’t physically see the impact. High-performance computing, cloud services, AI, and long-term data storage all come with a growing carbon footprint. The good news? This footprint can be managed and reduced through: 1. Reviewing and optimising digital tools and data storage. 2. Curating and structuring data for easy retrieval. 3. Sharing data openly to reduce duplication and unnecessary storage. By making research data more accessible and efficiently stored, we can limit its environmental impact, while still supporting robust, high-quality science. At RecycleLab, we know that sustainability in research isn’t just about lab plastics, it’s about every part of the research lifecycle. #Sustainability #LabRecycling #DigitalImpact #ClimateAction #ResearchSustainability

We’re excited to announce our partnership with AltemisLab Together, we’re closing the loop on lab plastics by enabling the recycling of their AlteTube™ storage tubes through RecycleLab’s recycling system. This collaboration combines innovation in lab storage with sustainable end-of-life solutions, helping labs across the UK reduce waste and join the circular economy. Proud to be shaping a more sustainable future for science, together! Want to learn more about how Altemis Labs and our partnership? Swipe through the carousel to see how together we are enabling labs to reduce their environmental impact! #ScienceandSustainability #Partnerships #GreenLabs

New Service Model for Science & Healthcare Labs! We’ve just launched the RecycleLab Subscription Service, a simpler, more cost-effective way for labs across the UK to recycle their plastic waste. Here’s why labs are making the switch: ✅ Lower costs per bin ✅ Regular, reliable collections ✅ Less admin, more recycling ✅ Full waste data tracking for reporting Whether your lab produces 5 bins a month or 10, our flexible plans mean you only pay for what you need, and the more you recycle, the more you save. 📦 All included: bin delivery & collection, responsible recycling of accepted lab plastics, and friendly support from our team. If your lab is ready to cut costs, reduce waste, and join the circular economy, then let’s talk. 📩 Email info@recycle-labs.com to find the best plan for your team. #LabRecycling #SustainableScience #CircularEconomy #RecycleLab #ScienceSustainability

An update from RecycleLab! We’ve just installed our new baler, a key step in improving our sustainability practices. We don’t just want to ask our customers to make changes to reduce their environmental impact, we know we also need to continually improve what we do, and this new equipment enables us to do just that. The baler allows us to recycle our recycling bags that we can’t reuse, further reducing waste and strengthening a circular approach in our operations. Every small step toward sustainability counts, no matter the industry! #Recycling #SoftPlasticRecycling #Sustainability #BusinessImprovements

It’s Recycling Week 2025! Recycling isn’t just about what goes in your bin at home, it’s also about the hidden waste streams we don’t often see. In science and healthcare labs, millions of single-use plastics are thrown “away” every year… but where is away? In the science industry it usually means incineration. At RecycleLab, we’re on a mission to change that. We give lab plastics a second life by turning them into our recycled material, CircuLab, and we’re working towards a future where those plastics come back full circle, as new science products once again. This week is a reminder that every small change adds up. Whether it’s swapping habits at home or rethinking waste in the workplace, each action helps protect our planet. Imagine the impact if every lab recycled just a small fraction of their lab plastics. Take a look back at our 2023 blog post, where we share why recycling is at the heart of what we do at RecycleLab #RecycleWeek #RecyclingWeek2025 #CircularEconomy #SustainableScience #PlasticRecycling #GreenLabs #RecycleLab recycle-labs.com/whats-going-on…

Myth vs Fact: Lab Plastics Edition! MYTH: Recycling won’t make a real environmental impact. FACT: Recycling every tube, pipette tip, and container reduces waste sent to incineration, prevents the release of toxic gases, conserves natural resources like fossil fuels, lowers energy consumption, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants compared to producing new plastics. Every small action counts and contributes to meaningful change. The more plastics we divert and recycle, the greater the positive impact the science industry can make. At RecycleLab, we’re transforming how labs view their plastics, not as disposable waste, but as valuable resources. recycle-labs.com #SustainableScience #LabRecycling #CircularEconomy #PlasticWaste

At RecycleLab, we’re on a mission to tackle one of the science and healthcare sector’s biggest hidden problems: plastic waste. Our story began in the lab, where our founder saw first-hand just how many single-use plastics were being discarded and sent for incineration, with no real recycling options available. That frustration sparked an idea, what if there was a way to give these plastics a second life? That’s where RecycleLab comes in. We specialise in helping labs recycle uncontaminated and sterilised consumables, transforming them into high-quality recycled polymers that can be used to make new products. Alongside this, we run waste audits, partner with organisations to reduce their environmental impact, and champion the circular economy across science and healthcare. Each tube, pipette tip, and container we divert from incineration helps shift the way we see lab plastics, from disposable waste to valuable resources. recycle-labs.com #AboutUs #Sustainability #LabRecycling #CircularEconomy #GreenerLabs

Waste Audits Made Simple! Waste audits are one of the most useful tools for labs looking to understand their waste and they’re an extremely useful first step when setting up a recycling stream. A waste audit isn’t as daunting as it sounds. With just a few clearly labelled bins, a tally sheet, and a week’s worth of data, labs can uncover powerful insights into their waste streams. At RecycleLab, we support labs through this process to help identify what’s being thrown away, what could be recycled, and where sustainable improvements can be made. By demystifying waste audits, we make it easier for labs to take actionable steps towards reducing waste, cutting carbon, and moving closer to a circular economy. Want to learn more about how a waste audit could work in your lab? Get in touch with us today. info@recycle-labs.com recycle-labs.com