How The Institute for Systems Biology Diverted Over 1,250 Pounds of Lab Waste in Two Years
The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), a nonprofit biomedical research organization in Seattle, WA, faced a growing challenge: managing the significant waste generated by its research labs. Producing over 500 boxes of lab waste annually, ISB needed a sustainable, adaptable waste management solution that could address its unique biosafety requirements and align with its research priorities.
Partnering with Polycarbin, the pioneer in closed-loop lab plastic recycling, ISB implemented a tailored program that diverted more than 1,250 pounds of plastics from landfills within two years. By combining innovative tools, responsive support, and real-time impact tracking, this collaboration reduced ISB’s environmental footprint, fostered a cultural shift toward sustainability, improved grant competitiveness, and positioned ISB as a model for environmentally conscious lab practices.
Challenge
ISB is a nonprofit research institute dedicated to solving pressing health challenges, including brain health, cancer, and infectious diseases. Its research relies on single-use plastics, like pipette tips and gloves, to maintain sterility and precision, but this reliance generates substantial waste and a large carbon footprint. “We produce nearly 500 boxes of waste annually,” explained Zac Simon, Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety at ISB. “For an organization of our size, that’s overwhelming.”
Beyond the volume of waste, ISB faced additional hurdles:
Biosafety Concerns
Labs operating at different biosafety levels required varying waste protocols. For example, biosafety level 2 labs handle high-risk materials and require stricter disposal standards, while biosafety level 1 labs have safer waste streams but still need proper sorting to ensure compliance. Polycarbin works with customers to understand their workflows and identify materials suitable for recycling.
Operational Complexity
ISB’s decentralized lab structure meant each team operated independently, creating inconsistencies in waste practices and complicating program implementation.
“We needed a solution that wasn’t just scalable but adaptable,” Zac said. “It had to meet the specific needs of each lab without compromising safety or compliance.”
Solution
Polycarbin collaborated with ISB to develop a lab recycling program tailored to the institute’s unique challenges. Specialized recycling bins and collection services for used plastics like pipette tip boxes and gloves provided an immediate solution while meeting quality and sterility standards.
“Super simple,” Zac said of Polycarbin’s onboarding process. “Every time I asked for something, I got what I needed and more.” Polycarbin’s hands-on support was integral to the program’s success. “They’re always willing to jump on a call and talk through what we’re doing,” he added.
To ensure proper implementation, Polycarbin provided lab-specific visual aids, such as flowcharts and signage. These tools made it easy for staff to sort waste correctly, minimizing contamination risks and improving overall participation.“The flowcharts are great,” Zac shared. “We print them out and stick them straight to the bins.”
The Carbin Counter™, Polycarbin’s real-time sustainability dashboard, added another layer of value by offering detailed metrics on their waste diversion efforts.“We appreciate the immediate insight into how much we’re diverting, all without requiring administrative work for our team,” Zac said. “It makes tracking and reporting on our progress effortless.”
Results
Since partnering with Polycarbin, ISB has achieved significant, measurable results:
Waste Diversion
Over two years, ISB diverted more than 1,250 pounds of lab plastics from landfills, reducing annual waste by 50 boxes. In total, these efforts mean a reduction of 7,820 pounds of CO2 emissions. “Seeing our progress is so rewarding,” Zac said. “It’s not just a statistic. It’s tangible proof that what we’re doing makes a difference.”
Creating a Culture of Lab Sustainability
Polycarbin’s program inspired researchers to integrate sustainability into daily routines, such as consolidating glove disposal, powering down unused equipment, and participating in freezer clean-outs. “Once our team saw how simple it was to start recycling, they were more willing to support bigger changes,” Zac explained.
Grant Competitiveness
With sustainability increasingly emphasized in NIH and other grant applications, ISB’s alignment with environmentally responsible research practices has given it a competitive edge. “We’re encouraging labs to include sustainability goals, like My Green Lab certification, in their grants,” Zac said. “It not only improves their chances but also helps secure resources for programs like Polycarbin.”
Cost-Effectiveness
Polycarbin’s nonprofit discount allowed ISB to adopt its program affordably, demonstrating that impactful solutions don’t have to be expensive.
Conclusion
ISB’s partnership with Polycarbin demonstrates how even smaller research institutes can achieve meaningful environmental impact. By tailoring solutions to address its waste management challenges, Polycarbin helped ISB streamline operations, foster a culture of sustainability, and align with critical funding priorities.
“I always recommend Polycarbin,” Zac concluded. “Their team made it easy for us to get started, and their tools ensure we can keep improving. It’s about looking at the bigger picture—our research, operations, and environmental impact. Ploycarbin helps make that possible.”
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At Polycarbin, we believe that single-use waste does not have to be the cost of innovation. By reducing waste, cutting emissions, and empowering scientists to take action, we are building a new standard for sustainable innovation—empowering scientists to create true circularity.
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