Safe and Responsible Waste Disposal Guidance
At Alpha Laboratories we are conscious of our environmental impact and that of the products and materials we provide.
In line with this, we discourage the disposal of laboratory products in unsorted general or commercial waste, and we encourage the action of proper disposal of all packaging and product waste in accordance with government guidelines.
We expect complete collaboration between end users and waste service providers to ensure safe transport and adequate disposal methods of all products, including hazardous and clinical waste, in line with government regulations.
Below we have detailed guidance on the safe and responsible disposal of materials associated with products we supply.
Dry Mixed Recycling
It is important to note that cardboard and paper waste can be recycled separate from other dry mixed recycling. All materials should be clean, dry and uncontaminated at the point of disposal. Most curb side recycling and waste service providers will collect and/or provide options for: cardboard/paper, glass, tins/cans and plastics.
Please check local guidance with your waste service providers for specific material recycling options. Alternative recycling points can be found at some local supermarkets for more obscure items and materials.
Types of Plastic
There are many different types of plastics, most of which can be recycled. It is important to understand what plastics can be recycled and those that are not as easily recycled. Due to the complexities of plastics these are differentiated by 7 different categories:
1 – PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate
2 – HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene
3 – PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
4 – LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene
5 – PP – Polypropylene
6 – PS – Polystyrene
7 – Other
Please ensure that end users are aware of the types of plastics and disposal options available from your waste service providers.
Alpha Laboratories offers a recycling solution for your non-hazardous plastic consumables, please see our recycling scheme for more information.
WEEE
In compliance with UK Government regulations for the waste and reduction of hazardous substances for electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, electrical equipment, and products should not be disposed of as unsorted general or commercial waste.
Instead, these products should be collected separately and disposed of in accordance with the UK Government WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic equipment) Regulations 2013. The UK Government encourages the reduction of WEEE through various recovery, reuse, and recycling schemes of both products and components.
Hazardous and Clinical Waste
Handling biohazards and chemicals is controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. Legal requirements include the safe and correct transport, handling, storage, and disposal (waste materials) of hazardous products and materials.
It is the responsibility of the end users of the products to ensure safe and appropriate disposal is actioned by trained employees. Local areas and regions will have their own regulations regarding waste management and disposal of hazardous material.
We encourage customers to ensure they abide by their local regulations for proper disposal and management of all hazardous material via their waste service provider.
Hazardous waste includes:
Waste generated during procedures that involve using biohazards or chemical hazards.
Disposal of unwanted or outdated hazardous stock.
Cleaning up and disposal of spill containing a biological or chemical hazard.
Our Corporate Social Responsibility
Alpha Laboratories is passionate about finding new and sustainable laboratory solutions designed to further scientific discovery and improve the lives of those around them by focusing on three pillars:
People | Planet | Culture