Pilot Program for Lab Coat and Goggle Reuse Launched
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.
UC Davis Sustainability is launching an innovative pilot program aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability through the reuse of lab coats and goggles. From June 3rd to June 14th, students are encouraged to participate in a campuswide collection initiative.
Donate your lab coats and goggles between June 3 to 14!
This exciting pilot program collects and cleans used lab coats and goggles to reduce waste and offer affordable options for students.
The process is straightforward: students drop off their used lab coats and goggles in one of the collection bins located at the service desks in Segundo Services Center, Tercero Services Center and Yosemite Hall or at the Earth and Physical Sciences building across from room 3314. Once collected, the items are sent to a professional cleaning service to ensure they meet safety and hygiene standards.
The professionally laundered lab coats and goggles will be available for purchase at the bookstore for a reduced cost beginning in the fall semester. This initiative not only reduces waste but also offers a cost-effective solution for students enrolled in chemistry and other laboratory courses.
The program is a collaborative effort between the Chemistry Department, Student Housing and Dining Services, the UC Davis Bookstore, and the UC Davis Sustainability. Together, these partners hope to further campus sustainability by repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded.
“We’re excited to see this program revived,” said Olivia Bell, civil engineering student and Green Workplace coordinator for UC Davis Sustainability.
The Chemistry Department began collecting used lab coats and goggles in 2016, but has not been able to sell the coats since 2020, due to COVID-19 concerns.
“Affordability is a significant concern for many students,” said Jillian Emerson, senior research associate, Chemistry Department and manager of the current collection service. “By offering cleaned and reused lab gear, we’re helping to alleviate some of that financial burden while reducing waste.”
The idea for the program was sparked by observations of the large number of lab coats and goggles discarded at the end of each academic year, particularly by general chemistry students who often do not need the items after completing their required courses. Recognizing an opportunity to promote reuse and sustainability, the involved departments and services came together to reinstate the program.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our goals of reducing waste and fostering a culture of sustainability on campus,” said Carla Fresquez, acting director of UC Davis Sustainability. “We hope it serves as a model for other departments and universities.”
The program is part of a broader effort at UC Davis to enhance sustainability practices in workplace and classroom settings. Related initiatives include Green Workplace programs, the elimination of single-use plastics from our food service establishments, to help achieve the campus’s zero waste goals.
Students and faculty are optimistic about the program's potential. “It’s a win-win situation,” said Bell “We get to help the environment, and at the same time, save money. I hope this becomes a permanent program.”