Towards greener and more sustainable pre-clinical oncology research

Single-use plastics (SUPs) are used widely in cancer research laboratories. They are cheap, durable, and lightweight, and until now have been considered disposable items. This, however, contributes significantly to unsustainable waste production. SUP waste is typically diverted to landfill or incineration, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, taking many years to degrade. Lack of robust SUP waste disposal streams, particularly in cancer research labs has long term effects on the environment. Having identified that a single laboratory researcher in our group generates at least 15 kg SUP tissue culture waste alone each year, we explore some of the issues associated with SUPs in pre-clinical oncology research, discussing potential reuse routes, alternative materials for labware and developing circular approaches to plastic consumption to address the green agenda. We also propose recommendations for improving sustainability in cancer research labs.