Practical Protocols for Improving Safety and Sustainability in Multidisciplinary Research Laboratories

Small and medium-sized multidisciplinary research laboratories
often lack specialized systems for chemical safety and sustainability.
In many countries, including those with limited or no national regulations
for small-scale chemical users, this creates additional challenges
for implementing effective safety practices. As a result, chemical
inventories are often fragmented and insufficiently managed, increasing
safety risks. Additionally, solvents and empty containers are often
discarded, despite their potential for recovery and reuse. This article
presents a low-cost, user-friendly protocol comprising three complementary
components: Shared Chemical Inventory, Solvent Reuse Strategy and
Container Repurposing guide designed to improve laboratory safety
and sustainability in settings where formal regulations are limited
or absent. The protocol was designed for direct accessibility without
additional infrastructure or financial investments. Implemented at
a medium-sized research institute located in Europe, it achieved an
almost 30% reduction in the total chemical waste mass. With its integration
in onboarding and simple training modules, the protocol improves safety
compliance, reduces cost of virgin solvents, and minimizes chemical
waste disposal. Relying on existing laboratory resources demonstrates
that principles of responsible chemistry can be effectively applied
at the laboratory level without financial investments through voluntary,
culturally embraced practices, even in the absence of extensive regulation.
Its scalability and adaptability suggest broad relevance for other
small- and medium-sized research laboratories, including teaching
laboratories and start-ups, contributing to both chemical safety and
sustainability goals.