The Chemical Reuse Pilot Program is designed to rehouse chemical containers that might otherwise be hazardous waste. Chemicals available from the Reuse Facility are new or gently-used, free to LBNL researchers, and can be obtained quickly. Starting October 1st, you can request delivery of chemicals to your lab, which arrive typically within 1-2 business days for onsite locations. Some chemicals may be picked up in person on the same day.
If you are interested in donating new or gently-used chemicals in their original containers to be a part of the program, please reach out to cms@lbl.gov for evaluation or use our donation form. The pilot program, expected to run for 1-2 years with limited storage space and staffing, will inform a decision to continue and potentially expand this service.
How the Program Works
1. Find the chemicals you need
Chemicals available through the Reuse Facility are listed in the Chemical Management System (CMS) with the chemical owner listed as “Chemical Reuse, Facility.” Search for “Chemical Reuse, Facility” as the owner to get a full list of current holdings. Current inventory is low as the pilot program kicks off, but will grow until available storage is at capacity, so we encourage you to check back periodically.
2. Request the chemicals you need
Once you have identified the chemical(s) you need in CMS, please fill out this web form or email cms@lbl.gov. The chemical management team will package the chemical appropriately for transport. You can pick up some chemicals and transport them yourself by hand carrying or driving them with government vehicles (if you are authorized through WPC). Other chemicals will need to be transported by Lab transportation or EHS personnel.
3. Donate excess chemicals to the program
If you have excess chemicals after a project ends, or your lab is planning to free up storage space through a chemical reduction effort, these are great opportunities to donate chemicals to the program. Chemicals with at least 50% of their original quantity remaining may be useful for the pilot program as we build inventory and determine how to best serve the Lab’s needs. Common solvents are expected to be the most requested chemicals, but we’d love to hear what you want to see available from the Facility. We welcome your general feedback through our donation form.
Chemicals Eligible for Inclusion in the Program
The Reuse Facility will accept only chemicals that are in their original, good condition containers and have not degraded nor will degrade over time. The Reuse Facility will not accept chemicals that are:
- Pyrophoric
- Acutely toxic (GHS Acute Toxicity Category 1)
- Water reactive
- Time sensitive
- Compressed gases
