Greener Labs Without Sacrificing Safety

Hello, how is your week going?

Today, we want to talk to you about something you’ve probably considered more than once: Is it possible to make a laboratory more sustainable without compromising safety?

The short answer is yes.

And in this edition of The Future Lab, we’ll show you how to achieve it with real, applicable, and safe actions.

1. What does sustainability mean in the laboratory environment?

Sustainability isn’t just about turning off lights or recycling paper. In laboratories, the challenge is greater: we work with biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and conditions that require strict control.

That’s why the goal isn’t to eliminate certain processes but to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and make more responsible decisions—without compromising the safety of personnel, samples, and the environment.

2. Waste reduction without risk

One of the biggest environmental impacts in laboratories comes from poorly managed hazardous waste.

Here are some recommended practices:

Sort waste at the source, distinguishing between genuinely hazardous and non-hazardous materials. This prevents overloading specialized disposal systems.

Use reusable materials whenever possible (e.g., containers, trays, supports). Many options are designed to withstand decontamination cycles without losing functionality.

Train staff in the safe and responsible handling of materials to prevent unnecessary waste generation.

3. Energy and resource efficiency

Reducing environmental impact also involves efficiently managing energy, water, and lab consumables:

→ Use cabinets with low-consumption motors or smart airflow monitoring systems. This not only reduces energy consumption but also extends the lifespan of filters.

→ Turn off equipment that is not in continuous use and check for standby or energy-saving modes in existing systems.

→ Optimize cleaning cycles to avoid unnecessary waste of water or chemicals.

4. Best recycling practices in high-security environments

Implementing recycling strategies in high-security laboratories is not just possible—it’s increasingly necessary.

However, it requires specific protocols to ensure that recyclable waste does not compromise containment or create biological or chemical hazards.

Here are some key guidelines:

Clear differentiation between hazardous and non-hazardous waste Set up separate zones and containers for uncontaminated waste (plastics, paper, glass) outside containment areas. Any waste from areas with biological or chemical risks must be treated as hazardous, even if it appears recyclable.

Pre-treatment of recyclable waste Where viable, non-hazardous waste generated in the lab can undergo autoclave or chemical decontamination before recycling, always following a validated protocol.

Visual coding and labeling system Use color codes, pictograms, or durable labels to avoid errors in waste separation. This is especially crucial in laboratories with multiple containment levels or rotating staff.

Specific staff training Recycling in high-security laboratories should not be improvised. All technicians must understand separation criteria, contamination risks, and emergency protocols in case of leaks or misclassification.

Waste traceability Maintain detailed records of recyclable waste, including origin, material type, decontamination method, and final destination. This helps with audits and allows continuous optimization of waste management.

Collaboration with authorized waste managers Always work with waste management companies familiar with regulations on hazardous and recyclable waste in healthcare and research environments. Some providers even offer specialized collection solutions for pre-decontaminated waste.

Sustainability in laboratories is not a trend—it’s a necessity.

And it doesn’t have to compromise safety if implemented carefully.

At Cruma, we believe that the future of laboratories depends on a dual focus: Protecting the planet while ensuring the safety of those who work in it.