Classification/separation
Laboratory activities generate different types of glass that go to recycling, incineration or disposal. Laboratory glass includes, for example, bottles, cans, bowls and glass tubes.
Laboratory glass is divided into the following groups:
- Contaminated laboratory glass (whole or broken)
- Non-contaminated laboratory glass not defined as a recyclable container (beakers, petri dishes etc)
- Non-contaminated laboratory glass defined as a recyclable container (bottles and cans)
Handling/storage
Contaminated laboratory glass that may, for example, contain chemical residues, microorganisms or radioactive substances must be handled on the basis of the contamination concerned. This waste must be packed in approved containers and marked with waste labels, i.e. cardboard box for hazardous waste (SU Shop article number 6344-038) or plastic container for hazardous waste with double lids (SU Shop article number 6343-030 or 6343-050).
Non-contaminated laboratory glass that has not been defined as a recyclable container should be placed in a container for hazardous waste. For example glass beakers, petri dishes and Erlenmeyer flasks.
Non-contaminated laboratory glass that has been defined as a recyclable container must be empty, well cleaned and evaporated, and then placed in the recycling container for coloured or clear glass at the recycling centre. That is, ONLY containers (e.g. bottles and cans) are allowed to be left at the recycling centre.
Marking/labelling
Containers for non-contaminated laboratory glass that has not been used as containers must be marked “Laboratory glass”. Contaminated laboratory glass must be marked on the basis of the contamination concerned.
Hand-over/transport
Contaminated laboratory glass and non-contaminated laboratory glass that has not been used as a container can be deposited on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10.30–11.00 in room M212 at KÖL (Chemical Education Laboratories), Svante Arrhenius väg 16F. The waste contractor then transports it for destruction/landfill.
Non-contaminated laboratory glass that has been defined as a recyclable containers will be collected by the waste contractor at the recycling centre and brought to the central recycling centre under Aula Magna.
Final disposal
Contaminated laboratory glass is disposed of in a fashion depending on the contamination in question.
Non-contaminated laboratory glass not used as containers is used for energy recovery or placed in landfill.
Non-contaminated laboratory glass used as a container goes to Svensk glasåtervinning. The glass collected is checked and sorted. The glass is crushed or ground to various sizes depending on the area of use. Most of the glass is made into new containers, while the remainder is used as an additive in concrete or as an insulation material.
Specific legislation
SFS 2014:1073 Ordinance on Producer Responsibility for Packaging