Institutes, like RPI, that perform large scale research typically have thousands of different chemicals, albeit in small quantities, that are used and stored across hundreds of labs, shops, and other support centers. A key component essential to waste minimization is an up-to-date chemical inventory. Labs can avoid duplicate purchases by knowing what chemicals are already on hand. Chemical purchases can also be reduced by borrowing and sharing chemicals between laboratories. Departments are encouraged to exchange chemicals. If this is not possible, lab personnel can utilize the Chemical ReUse Program.
The RPI ReUse Program supports RPI labs and RPI’s waste reduction goal by enabling surplus chemicals and materials to be used in other campus labs rather than being sent out for disposal. The program is completely free to the entire RPI campus!
The chemicals that are a part of the ReUse program are procured numerous ways:
- Faculty move to other universities
- Researchers retire
- Labs no longer need certain chemicals for their research labs
- Researchers relocate labs
When chemicals are no longer needed, departments should identify what can be reused in their department. Everything that is left can enter the reuse program or be disposed.
While many chemical items have deteriorated over time, many chemicals remain viable and may still be factory sealed. We catalog and index these surplus items and make the chemicals available for free to our campus community via our chemical inventory program.
RPI EHS has a commitment to sustainability on campus and using the Chemical ReUse Program helps meet our Institute’s goals. The ReUse Program:
- Saves money for labs
- Helps reduce RPI’s hazardous waste disposal bill
- Helps our environment by minimizing the chemicals that must be disposed
The program is operated by Environmental, Health & Safety through our chemical receiving space, Cogswell 221.
Your RPI lab can direct chemicals or materials that are no longer needed to the Chemical ReUse program instead of sending them for disposal.
Ideal chemicals for reuse are unopened, unexpired containers, however, opened containers that are still mostly full and uncontaminated can also be reused. Only chemicals with original manufacturer’s labels will be accepted for reuse. All items must be in good condition and be able to be stored at room temperature.
Use the Chemical ReUse Decision Tree to determine if the chemical can be accepted by the ReUse Program or should be sent for disposal.
If you have large quantities of excess materials (such as during a lab closure or move), we can visit your lab to assess materials for possible reallocation.
To recycle items in the ReUse Program, please fill out the RPI ReUse Program Form describing your contribution to the program
You can browse the ReUse Program inventory online through our chemical inventory program, Research Materials Management (RMM). Please use our Chemical Inventory Resources to help you navigate through RMM. RMM can be accessed through our Procurement website.
Select “Cogswell – Floor 1 – Chemical ReUse Program” to search the inventory.
The available items are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and typically delivered within 1-2 weeks. Please fill out the RPI ReUse Program Form to request a chemical from our inventory.
If you have questions, chemical orders, or are interested in in-person browsing, email ehs@rpi.edu.
Submit this form to provide chemicals to the ReUse Program or to request chemical from the ReUse Program for delivery to your lab.
Use the Chemical ReUse Decision Tree to determine if the chemical you would like to provide to the Chemical ReUse Program can be accepted.
