Lab garment recycling program

Disposable garments used in cleanrooms and laboratories prevent contamination of products and people, but not necessarily contamination of air, water and land. A pilot program by Kimberly-Clark Professional, Dallas, Texas, and partner TerraCycle Inc., Trenton, N.J., collected more than 7,000 pounds of garment and nonwoven waste, including coveralls, hoods, boot covers, hair nets and masks. The cleanrooms and labs participating in the program are enthusiastic. “The reaction shows a need for recycling in this area, as well as an industry desire to give a second life to garments and gloves,” says TerraCycle CEO Tom Szaky. The partners are actively seeking additional garment collection locations. The discards can be converted into plastic lumber, park benches or picnic tables.