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FBMH Lab Goods 4 Reuse: Laboratory Equipment Rehoming Initiative

Background:

The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH) Lab Goods 4 Reuse Scheme (LG4R) was established to improve sustainability within laboratories. With large volumes of unused or surplus laboratory equipment being stored, discarded or overlooked, the initiative aimed to reduce waste, maximise resource use, and support research groups—especially new academics—by providing free access to essential lab items.

Objectives

  • Reduce laboratory waste by rehoming unused or surplus lab equipment and consumables.
  • Support new and growing research groups by providing essential items at no cost.
  • Free up valuable laboratory space by eliminating long-term storage of unused equipment.
  • Improve sustainability across FBMH through the reuse of resources and avoiding unnecessary purchasing.

Collaboration

The project was driven by Technical Operations Managers in FBMH Joanna Woodburn, Natalie Terry, Becci Higgins, and Rae Watkins.


The team works closely with the FBMH Infrastructure support team who assist with testing the electrical safety of equipment and in the relocation of some large items of equipment.

We have also received support from The Universities Estates team who have agreed to help transport items between sites on campus.

The scheme fostered a strong sense of community, cooperation, and shared responsibility within the faculty.

Outcomes

  • Over 700 items rehomed, ranging from small consumables to large lab equipment.
  • Nearly £300,000 in cost avoidance for FBMH, reducing the financial burden on research groups.
  • Lab Goods 4 Reuse was been shortlisted for a Making a Difference Award 2025 and were Highly Commended.
  • The scheme contributes to the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) within FBMH. Optimising the sharing and rehoming of resources is a key requirement of LEAF and contributes to the University of Manchester’s commitment to a zero-carbon future.
  • Valuable lab space has been reclaimed through removal of unused items.
    New research groups are better supported with access to essential equipment.

Lessons Learned

  • Initiative was limited by the space we have available – we are currently in the process of relocating to a larger space which will accommodate more items for rehoming.
  • People are more willing to contribute to sustainability initiatives when clear processes are in place.
  • Decommission/Recommission costs are a potential barrier to rehoming of some items.
  • Collaboration across FBMH Technical Services and other departments within UoM enhances engagement and success.

Next steps

  • Explore expansion of the initiative to include other faculties and satellite sites.
  • Explore opportunities to incorporate a repair service within LG4R.
  • Promote LG4R using UoM social media channels.
  • Evaluate long-term impact on procurement trends and sustainability goals.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

  • Michelle Jackson – Head of Technical Services, FBMH Faculty Office Administration