Currently, plastics #1, #2, and #5 are recycled reliably by Marborg IF they are larger than 6 inches. There is no market for these plastics smaller than 6 inches, so there is no incentive for Marborg to accept these plastics. Since many lab plastics do not meet the 6” threshold, lab personnel can still divert away from the landfill and donate non-recyclable materials for reuse through the low-carbon, no-cost partnership with Art From Scrap.
Recyclables are transported to the Tajiguas Landfill and taken directly to the ReSource Center, which houses the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). This facility sorts recyclables from the waste stream based on size and weight. The MRF can reliably recognize and recover items that are at least 6 inches in size. Smaller objects fall through sorting screens, while larger items continue through the system. Once sorted, the recyclables are bailed and shipped off to be recycled.
No. MarBorg does not accept lab plastics smaller than 6 inches because there is currently no market for them. Without a buyer, MarBorg has no incentive to collect these types of plastics.
Yes, labels/tape/autoclave can be left on items eligible for recycling.
UCSB has a Lab Glove Recycling Initiative that allows you to recycle used nitrile gloves instead of sending them to the landfill. To participate, visit the Laboratory Glove Recycling Initiative website and reach out to program lead Rachel Schoeppner at rachel@cnsi.ucsb.edu.
Yes, as long as it is dry and clean. Labels and autoclave tape on foil are still acceptable.
No. Styrofoam is made of polystyrene, which is not recyclable in SB County.
Yes. You can use this spreadsheet to review common lab items and their eligibility. It serves as a helpful reference for identifying the eligibility of specific products or using existing items as a guide to help determine whether your product meets the necessary criteria.
If you’re unsure about what is considered hazardous in your lab, please contact EH&S at bruce.carter@ucsb.edu.