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Group of students wearing lab coats in goggles in a lab

Lab Coat Re-Use Program

Donate your lab coats and goggles June 3 to 14, 2024!

In order to reduce waste and provide affordable options for students, we are partnering with the Chemistry Department, the UC Davis Bookstore and Student Housing and Dining Services to pilot a new campuswide program that collects, cleans then reuses lab coats and goggles.
       The target audience for this pilot program is undergraduate students. Other researchers seeking to donate unused laboratory coats should contact their local EH&S coordinator.

A group of students in coats and goggles in a lab

How to participate

Between June 3 to 14, 2024, drop off your used lab coats and goggles at one of the collection bins set up across campus. See and download a flyer with program information!

After June 14, all the coats and goggles collected will undergo a professional cleaning to ensure they meet hygiene and safety standards. Once thoroughly cleaned, the coats and goggles will be sold at the UC Davis bookstore at a reduced rate.

Why does it matter?

This program will reduce waste by reusing lab coats and goggles that would otherwise be discarded and likely end up in landfills. This outcome aligns with the university's Zero Waste goals, which aims to divert at least 90% of total waste away from landfills, while also reducing the amount of waste generated per person. Waste contributes to climate change with carbon emissions arising from production to the decomposition of materials that end up in landfills. Find out more about our Zero Waste goals and the actions we're taking to meet them.

This program also offers students a more affordable option when purchasing coats and goggles.