Reducing laboratory plastic waste: reuse of consumable pipette tips for trace chemical analysis

Plastic pollution in laboratories is a global issue, driven largely by the widespread use of single-use plastic consumables. This Technical Brief presents a step-by-step protocol for reusing pipette tips in trace chemical analysis. It guides users through solvent selection, cleaning procedures and performance evaluation to minimise contamination and tip degradation. The integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) tool allows quantification of environmental benefits, helping users determine when reuse is advantageous. While reuse can substantially reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions, its effectiveness depends on analyte properties and cleaning protocols. This Brief supports sustainable and reliable laboratory practices.