Sustainable Alternatives for Chemical Waste Management in Testing and Calibration Laboratory
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Keywords:
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Green, Management, Sustainability, Toxic, Wastewater
Abstract
Laboratory waste represents a growing global concern due to its potential impacts on environmental quality, human health, and safety when improperly managed. At IPB University, laboratory activities generate up to 5 tons of wastewater per month, emphasizing the need for effective and sustainable waste management strategies. This study proposes a structured gap-to-roadmap framework for independent chemical waste management in testing and calibration laboratories. The framework integrates criteria-based gap analysis, a literature-derived waste minimization checklist, and phased implementation planning. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and literature review and analyzed using a qualitative, criteria-based approach. The results indicate that the PPLH IPB Laboratory generates approximately 100–481 L of chemical waste annually. While several minimization practices have been implemented, key gaps remain in standard operating procedures, labeling systems, temporary storage, and recovery and recycling practices. The checklist analysis further identifies feasible strategies, including solvent recycling and inter-laboratory chemical exchange, with significant potential for waste reduction and improved resource efficiency. The proposed framework translates identified gaps into targeted actions and assigns them into short-, medium-, and long-term implementation phases. This approach provides a practical and replicable tool for laboratories seeking to transition toward independent, compliant, and environmentally sustainable waste management systems, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
References
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Dhenkula, S. P., Shende, A. D., Deshpande, L., & Pophali, G. R. (2025). Removal of heavy metals from laboratory waste liquid (LWL) generated from water and wastewater analytical laboratories. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 200, 107336.
Fuente-Ballesteros, A., Ares, A. M., & Bernal, J. (2025). Paving the way towards green contaminant analysis: Strategies and considerations for sustainable analytical chemistry. Green Analytical Chemistry, 12, 100221.
Furtado, L. M., Fuentes, D. P., Ando, R. A., Oliveira, P. V., & Petri, D. F. S. (2022). Carboxymethyl cellulose/sugarcane bagasse/polydopamine adsorbents for efficient removal of Pb²? ions from synthetic and undergraduate laboratory wastes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 380, 134969.
Gatemala, H., Ekgasit, S., & Wongravee, K. (2017). High purity silver microcrystals recovered from silver wastes by eco-friendly process using H?O?. Chemosphere, 178, 249–258.
Goh, H. Y., Wong, W. W. C., & Ong, Y. Y. (2019). A study to reduce chemical waste generated in chemistry teaching laboratories. Journal of Chemical Education, 97(1), 87–96.
González, V. G., Hoyos Velasco, F. E., & Candelo-Becerra, J. E. (2020). Strategies for use, treatment, management and final disposition of wastes in academic laboratories. Telkomnika (Telecommunication Computing Electronics and Control), 18(6), 3130–3141.
Gusrizal, G., Zaharah, T. A., Shofiyani, A., & Santosa, S. J. (2021). Waste from argentometric determination of chloride as a source of silver in the synthesis of p-hydroxybenzoic acid capped silver nanoparticles. ChemistrySelect, 6(23), 5763–5770.
Hakim, T. L., Suriyani, M. Y., Paramita, A., & Harliyanti, W. (2023). Identifikasi bahaya dan penilaian risiko untuk mengendalikan potensi kecelakaan kerja di laboratorium klima dasar Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK). Science and Physics Education Journal (SPEJ), 7(1), 8–19.
Kanna, M., Somnam, S., & Jakmunee, J. (2016). Preparation of an economic home-made Ag/AgCl electrode from silver recovered from laboratory wastes. Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 43(4), 777–782.
Kernaghan, S. M., Coady, T., Kinsella, M., & Lennon, C. M. (2024). A tutorial review for research laboratories to support the vital path toward inherently sustainable and green synthetic chemistry. RSC Sustainability, 2(3), 578–607.
Kuzmina, O., Hartrick, E., Marchant, A., Edwards, E., Brandt, J. R., & Hoyle, S. (2022). Chemical management: Storage and inventory in research laboratories. ACS Chemical Health and Safety, 29(1), 62–71.
Loughlaimi, I., Bakher, Z., & Zouhri, A. (2024). Enhanced heavy metal removal from wastewater produced by chemical analysis laboratory using calcium oxide precipitation: pH improvement and characterization of precipitated phases. Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society, Section A: Chemistry, 11(1), 83–92.
Malaha, A. (2023). Risk analysis of chemical storage room in higher education laboratory. West Science Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(7), 486–491.
National Accreditation Body of Indonesia. (2016). KAN-G15: Technical guidelines for laboratory waste management for laboratory accreditation.
Nwobi, N. L., Anetor, G. O., Nwobi, J. C., Igharo, G. O., Adeyemi, A. V., & Anetor, J. I. (2024). Waste management and environmental health impact – Sustainable laboratory medicine as mitigating response.
Pillai, S., Calvert, J., & Fox, E. (2022). Practical considerations for laboratories: Implementing a holistic quality management system. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10, 1040103.
Pribadi, E. S., Setiawan, A. H., Deskiharto, A., & Safika. (2020). Panduan pengelolaan mutu laboratorium dalam jejaring laboratorium One Health.
Rai, R. (2025). Catalytic application of second cycle copper-based laboratory waste for synthesis of beta-keto-1,2,3-triazole: A micro circular economy approach. Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment, 9, 100205.
Rai, R., & Paulson, A. (2025). Wastewater treatment using waste cuprous oxide: A circular economy approach towards green and sustainable laboratory waste management. Sustainable Chemistry One World, 6, 100073.
Rugeiyamu, R. (2025). Outsourcing solid waste management to community-based organizations in local governments. Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, 7(3), 207–219.
Siril, A. J., Abu Bakar, S. N., & Fatehah, M. O. (2022). Hazardous waste management, challenges, and risks in handling laboratory waste in universities. In Handbook of Solid Waste Management: Sustainability Through Circular Economy (pp. 1655–1714). Springer.
Steed, S. P., & Hayes, J. M. (1972). Procedure for recovering elemental silver from silver residues. Journal of Chemical Education, 49(3), 156.
Suyasa, W., Sukarta, I. N., & Diantariani, N. P. (2024). Laboratory wastewater treatment using a combination of anaerobic bioaccumulation systems and plant biofiltration. Ecological Engineering and Environmental Technology, 25(4), 197–204.
Suyasa, W. B., Sudiartha, G. A. W., & Pancadewi, G. A. S. K. (2023). Optimization of sulphate-reducing bacteria for treatment of heavy metals-containing laboratory wastewater on anaerobic reactor. Pollution, 9(2), 545–556.
Utami, C., Septiningtyas, D. T., Fauzi, I., Alfiani, Mulyani, R., Rita, E., & Siregar, G. (2024). Evaluation of laboratory waste management at Medan State Polytechnic. International Journal of Research in Vocational Studies (IJRVOCAS), 3(4), 34–39.
von Dollen, J., Oliva, S., Max, S., & Esbenshade, J. (2018). Recovery of silver nitrate from silver chloride waste. Journal of Chemical Education, 95(4), 682–685.
Wijayanti, M. S., Agustina, T. E., Dahlan, M. H., & Teguh, D. (2022). Determination of coagulant dosage and stirring time in laboratory wastewater pretreatment. Indonesian Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainability, 6(4), 137–142.
Wirodimurtia, I., Yulia, I. R., Astikasari, L., Aprianto, M. K., Afifah, R. N., & Gilang, W. (2022). An analysis of hazardous and toxic waste management (case study: Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Laboratory, Sebelas Maret University). Journal of Global Environmental Dynamics, 3(1), 26–33.
Zweckmair, T., Hell, S., Klinger, K. M., Rosenau, T., Potthast, A., & Böhmdorfer, S. (2017). Recycling of analytical grade solvents on a lab scale with a purpose-built temperature-controlled distillation unit. Organic Process Research and Development, 21(4), 578–584.
Aimi, N., & Wahab, A. (2022). Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control (HIRARC) on laboratory waste disposal in chemistry laboratory. Journal of Academia, 10, 194–203.
Aji, T. B., Setiawan, Y., Abidin, Z., & Tarno, S. (2025). Spatial distribution of mercury pollution in the Mempawah River watershed, West Kalimantan-Indonesia. International Journal of Chemical and Material Science, 10(2), 31–41.
Akhdiyat, H. R., Sarjan, M., & Sjah, T. (2025). Evaluation of laboratory waste management at Mataram University as a basis for preparing environmental pollution prevention policies. Jurnal Pijar MIPA, 20(1), 173–178.
Alam, M. S., Wan Ping, L., Hwa Lim, K., Tan Chui Ling, P., Danping, W., Chan Tze Jin, J., Moniaga, M., Teng Teng, O., Lee Chin, W., Yan Siong, K., Long Shijun, A., & Hwee Khim, C. (2021). Continuous improvement of chemical waste management to enhance safety in laboratory waste room. Journal of Environment and Safety, 12(2), 21–24.
Ali, B. H., Baghdadi, M., & Torabian, A. (2021). Application of nickel foam as an effective electrode for the electrochemical treatment of liquid hazardous wastes of COD analysis containing Hg, Ag, and Cr(VI). Environmental Technology & Innovation, 23, 101617.
Anaç, M., Gumusburun Ayalp, G., & Karabeyeser Bakan, M. (2024). A roadmap for reducing construction waste for developing countries. Sustainability, 16(12), 5057.
Badan Standardisasi Nasional. (2024). KAN tingkatkan kompetensi laboratorium melalui pertemuan teknis. Kegiatan KAN.
Banford, A. W. (2023). Integrated waste management and R&D at the National Nuclear Laboratory. Nuovo Cimento Della Societa Italiana Di Fisica C, 46(2).
Barbosa, F. C. L., Mol, M. P. G., & de Vasconcelos Barros, R. T. (2020). Minimizing laboratory waste and improving material reuse through chemical waste exchange: Case of a Brazilian institution. Waste Management and Research, 38(9), 1064–1072.
Baust, J. (2016). Biopreservation: The impact of freezing and cold storage on sample quality. White Paper, 31, 1.
Bayrau, B. A., Buyukcangaz, E., Sadarangani, S. P., Ondigo, B. N., Prinzi, A., & LaBeaud, A. D. (2025). (Un)sustainable science: Greening practices in research, clinical microbiology, and veterinary laboratories locally and globally. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 12, ofae677.
Callisaya, M. P., Fuentes, D. P., Braga, V. H. A., Finzi-Quintão, C. M., Oliveira, P. V., & Petri, D. F. S. (2024). Harnessing carboxymethyl cellulose and Moringa oleifera seed husks for sustainable treatment of a multi-metal real waste. Environmental Research, 252, 118970.
Coletti, G., Tavares, G., & Bendassolli, J. (2019). Recuperação de acetona em resíduos laboratoriais: Uma abordagem sobre aspectos da gestão, operacionais e da eficiência ambiental. Química Nova, 42(6), 683–690.
Dhenkula, S. P., Shende, A. D., Deshpande, L., & Pophali, G. R. (2025). Removal of heavy metals from laboratory waste liquid (LWL) generated from water and wastewater analytical laboratories. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 200, 107336.
Fuente-Ballesteros, A., Ares, A. M., & Bernal, J. (2025). Paving the way towards green contaminant analysis: Strategies and considerations for sustainable analytical chemistry. Green Analytical Chemistry, 12, 100221.
Furtado, L. M., Fuentes, D. P., Ando, R. A., Oliveira, P. V., & Petri, D. F. S. (2022). Carboxymethyl cellulose/sugarcane bagasse/polydopamine adsorbents for efficient removal of Pb²? ions from synthetic and undergraduate laboratory wastes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 380, 134969.
Gatemala, H., Ekgasit, S., & Wongravee, K. (2017). High purity silver microcrystals recovered from silver wastes by eco-friendly process using H?O?. Chemosphere, 178, 249–258.
Goh, H. Y., Wong, W. W. C., & Ong, Y. Y. (2019). A study to reduce chemical waste generated in chemistry teaching laboratories. Journal of Chemical Education, 97(1), 87–96.
González, V. G., Hoyos Velasco, F. E., & Candelo-Becerra, J. E. (2020). Strategies for use, treatment, management and final disposition of wastes in academic laboratories. Telkomnika (Telecommunication Computing Electronics and Control), 18(6), 3130–3141.
Gusrizal, G., Zaharah, T. A., Shofiyani, A., & Santosa, S. J. (2021). Waste from argentometric determination of chloride as a source of silver in the synthesis of p-hydroxybenzoic acid capped silver nanoparticles. ChemistrySelect, 6(23), 5763–5770.
Hakim, T. L., Suriyani, M. Y., Paramita, A., & Harliyanti, W. (2023). Identifikasi bahaya dan penilaian risiko untuk mengendalikan potensi kecelakaan kerja di laboratorium klima dasar Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK). Science and Physics Education Journal (SPEJ), 7(1), 8–19.
Kanna, M., Somnam, S., & Jakmunee, J. (2016). Preparation of an economic home-made Ag/AgCl electrode from silver recovered from laboratory wastes. Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 43(4), 777–782.
Kernaghan, S. M., Coady, T., Kinsella, M., & Lennon, C. M. (2024). A tutorial review for research laboratories to support the vital path toward inherently sustainable and green synthetic chemistry. RSC Sustainability, 2(3), 578–607.
Kuzmina, O., Hartrick, E., Marchant, A., Edwards, E., Brandt, J. R., & Hoyle, S. (2022). Chemical management: Storage and inventory in research laboratories. ACS Chemical Health and Safety, 29(1), 62–71.
Loughlaimi, I., Bakher, Z., & Zouhri, A. (2024). Enhanced heavy metal removal from wastewater produced by chemical analysis laboratory using calcium oxide precipitation: pH improvement and characterization of precipitated phases. Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society, Section A: Chemistry, 11(1), 83–92.
Malaha, A. (2023). Risk analysis of chemical storage room in higher education laboratory. West Science Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(7), 486–491.
National Accreditation Body of Indonesia. (2016). KAN-G15: Technical guidelines for laboratory waste management for laboratory accreditation.
Nwobi, N. L., Anetor, G. O., Nwobi, J. C., Igharo, G. O., Adeyemi, A. V., & Anetor, J. I. (2024). Waste management and environmental health impact – Sustainable laboratory medicine as mitigating response.
Pillai, S., Calvert, J., & Fox, E. (2022). Practical considerations for laboratories: Implementing a holistic quality management system. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10, 1040103.
Pribadi, E. S., Setiawan, A. H., Deskiharto, A., & Safika. (2020). Panduan pengelolaan mutu laboratorium dalam jejaring laboratorium One Health.
Rai, R. (2025). Catalytic application of second cycle copper-based laboratory waste for synthesis of beta-keto-1,2,3-triazole: A micro circular economy approach. Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment, 9, 100205.
Rai, R., & Paulson, A. (2025). Wastewater treatment using waste cuprous oxide: A circular economy approach towards green and sustainable laboratory waste management. Sustainable Chemistry One World, 6, 100073.
Rugeiyamu, R. (2025). Outsourcing solid waste management to community-based organizations in local governments. Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, 7(3), 207–219.
Siril, A. J., Abu Bakar, S. N., & Fatehah, M. O. (2022). Hazardous waste management, challenges, and risks in handling laboratory waste in universities. In Handbook of Solid Waste Management: Sustainability Through Circular Economy (pp. 1655–1714). Springer.
Steed, S. P., & Hayes, J. M. (1972). Procedure for recovering elemental silver from silver residues. Journal of Chemical Education, 49(3), 156.
Suyasa, W., Sukarta, I. N., & Diantariani, N. P. (2024). Laboratory wastewater treatment using a combination of anaerobic bioaccumulation systems and plant biofiltration. Ecological Engineering and Environmental Technology, 25(4), 197–204.
Suyasa, W. B., Sudiartha, G. A. W., & Pancadewi, G. A. S. K. (2023). Optimization of sulphate-reducing bacteria for treatment of heavy metals-containing laboratory wastewater on anaerobic reactor. Pollution, 9(2), 545–556.
Utami, C., Septiningtyas, D. T., Fauzi, I., Alfiani, Mulyani, R., Rita, E., & Siregar, G. (2024). Evaluation of laboratory waste management at Medan State Polytechnic. International Journal of Research in Vocational Studies (IJRVOCAS), 3(4), 34–39.
von Dollen, J., Oliva, S., Max, S., & Esbenshade, J. (2018). Recovery of silver nitrate from silver chloride waste. Journal of Chemical Education, 95(4), 682–685.
Wijayanti, M. S., Agustina, T. E., Dahlan, M. H., & Teguh, D. (2022). Determination of coagulant dosage and stirring time in laboratory wastewater pretreatment. Indonesian Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainability, 6(4), 137–142.
Wirodimurtia, I., Yulia, I. R., Astikasari, L., Aprianto, M. K., Afifah, R. N., & Gilang, W. (2022). An analysis of hazardous and toxic waste management (case study: Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Laboratory, Sebelas Maret University). Journal of Global Environmental Dynamics, 3(1), 26–33.
Zweckmair, T., Hell, S., Klinger, K. M., Rosenau, T., Potthast, A., & Böhmdorfer, S. (2017). Recycling of analytical grade solvents on a lab scale with a purpose-built temperature-controlled distillation unit. Organic Process Research and Development, 21(4), 578–584.
Authors
Wulandari, R., Zaenal Abidin, Yudi Setiawan, & Putri Nur Angelina. (2026). Sustainable Alternatives for Chemical Waste Management in Testing and Calibration Laboratory. Indonesian Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainability, 10(2), 145-157. https://doi.org/10.26554/ijems.2026.10.2.145-157
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