Ecobraz: Environmentally Sound Disposal of Laboratory Equipment

Importance of Environmentally Correct Disposal of Laboratory Equipment

The correct handling of discarded laboratory equipment is fundamental to minimizing environmental impacts and complying with current legislation. Electronic equipment and chemical instruments that make up laboratories require specific procedures for disposal, considering their potential for contamination and the possibility of recycling components.

Legislation Applicable to the Disposal of Laboratory Equipment

The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), established by Law No. 12.305/2010, establishes the principles, objectives and instruments for the integrated management and environmentally appropriate management of solid waste. According to article 33 of this law, shared responsibility for the life cycle of products requires the environmentally correct disposal of waste, including laboratory equipment.

In addition, the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR), regulated by Decree No. 10.936/2022, provides for mandatory processes for monitoring, collecting, treating and finally disposing of waste, ensuring transparency and traceability.

Technical Procedures for the Proper Disposal of Laboratory Equipment

The process begins with the proper segregation of equipment, observing its physical and chemical characteristics. Hazardous substances present in equipment such as spectrophotometers, centrifuges and analyzers must be treated in accordance with specific standards from CETESB (Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo) and other state environmental agencies.

It is essential to carry out sanitization and data download protocols for equipment that stores sensitive information, such as hard drives and storage media. To ensure digital security and compliance with the LGPD (General Data Protection Law - Law No. 13,709/2018), we recommend a specialized hard drive sanitization service, which can be scheduled through the official link.

Environmental and Corporate Benefits of Proper Disposal

Environmentally correct disposal prevents contamination of soil and water bodies by heavy metals, solvents and other toxic agents present in laboratory equipment. The reuse and recycling of materials contributes to the circular economy, reducing the extraction of raw materials and energy consumption.

At the corporate level, adhering to the standards and recommended practices reinforces the commitment to sustainability, improves the institutional image and reduces legal risks linked to the inadequate management of industrial waste.

Specialized collection and reverse logistics

For the specialized collection of laboratory electrical and electronic waste, it is recommended to use certified services that ensure compliance with environmental legislation and traceability of the waste. Reverse logistics, provided for in article 33 of the PNRS, makes it possible to return discarded equipment to a cycle of reuse and appropriate treatment. Electronic equipment can be scheduled for collection via the official link.

Conclusion

The correct disposal of laboratory equipment is an environmental and legal imperative that requires technical attention, responsibility and support from specialized services. Following the guidelines of the PNRS, SINIR and other existing regulations, as well as using solutions such as those offered by Ecobraz, ensures the minimization of environmental impacts and compliance with legal obligations, promoting a sustainable and safe corporate environment.

Sources:

• Law no. 12.305/2010 - PNRS
• Decree no. 10.936/2022 - SINIR
• CETESB
• Ecobraz
• Law no. 13.709/2018 - LGPD