Following are a set of P2 options you may wish to implement. No option is perfect for everyone, but sometimes options that have worked at one facility can work at yours. They might also serve as inspiration. |
Reviewed Laboratory - Inventory Control OptionsOptions below have reviewed by pollution prevention specialists. They are commonly recommended and implemented for facilities. |
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Buy smaller amounts of chemicals | |
Purchase smaller amounts of the chemical. Purchasing smaller quantities may cost more in the short run, but disposal costs for unused chemicals more than offsets these costs. | |
Centralize purchasing. | |
Install bar-coding system | |
Install an electronic bar-coding system to track the type and quantity of chemicals coming into and going out of the laboratory. | |
Track chemical purchases | |
Track chemical purchases using the computer. Many popular database programs can be used to effectively track the location and age of chemicals. Set up a system for identifying when a chemical is about to expire, and where it is located. | |
Date chemical purchases | |
Date chemical purchases and use a rotating system. First In --> First Out. | |
Manage deliveries with supplier | |
Work with the supplier to have them deliver small amounts of chemicals on short notice and arrange for them to take back unopened containers. | |
Transfer unused chemicals | |
Transfer unused chemicals between laboratories. If one lab has an excess supply of a solvent, see if another lab can use it. | |
Sell low purity chemicals | |
Sell low purity chemicals or find another lab that will pick them up for free. |
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