“Lab swap” structure proves successful

In September 2021, EHS and the Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS) supported a Lab Swap event organized by the LSA Safety Committee and the Chemistry Department. The goal was to clear out lab space sustainably and help labs acquire free equipment and supplies—and it sure delivered!

three people converse next to a table full of lab supplies — Researchers peruse gently used lab supplies which they could claim for free if needed in their lab. (Photo taken when mask policy not in effect.)

Departments typically collect unneeded items from the labs and coordinate transportation to Property Disposition. In some instances, environmentally-minded and frugal researchers seek opportunities to exchange equipment within their networks or take advantage of the ChEM Reuse program.

While these approaches work well for occasional lab needs, a centralized event would allow larger departments on campus to display goods and “shop” for their labs. The goals were to:

Improve safety by clearing out lab space sustainably
Help labs acquire free equipment and supplies
Develop and efficient and engaging approach

A working group with representatives from LSA Facilities, Chemistry Department, EHS and OCS collaborated on event logistics. LSA and OCS documented and facilitated transfer of property between labs within Chemistry and to other LSA departments. Certain high-value items and government-funded equipment required documented transfer in the university’s Asset Management System. EHS provided technical and logistical support, including evaluating donated equipment for proper decontamination and safe operation.

boxes of lab equipment line the edges of a brick atrium — Just a small section of excess lab supplies offered up to other research labs within LSA.

The event was held in the Chemistry Building atrium. Donated materials included thousands of pieces of glassware, consumable materials like tubes and filters, and lab instruments ranging from a mass spectrometer to centrifuges and hot plates.

The event was a huge success! The large amount of glassware contributed by the Chemistry teaching labs was especially popular. “We received great feedback from the labs,” said Jennifer Grover, Lab Safety Officer. “One principal investigator remarked you could basically start a lab with the amount of equipment that was available for free.”

This model for a swap event was so successful that other LSA units are planning similar events. “With this event alone, we doubled the amount of lab material repurposed/reused on campus,” reported Nicole Berg, who manages the ChEM Reuse program. “We are looking forward to supporting other units interested in hosting similar events.”

Written by Anya Dale and Janet Follo