From dust collector to hidden gem
Laboratory equipment can now also be reused through Återbruksportalen. Since its launch last autumn, more than 1,000 listings have been posted and nearly 650 users have signed up.
Laboratory equipment is the latest addition to Återbruksportalen.
Through Återbruksportalen, departments and units can donate and find furniture, equipment and other items that are no longer needed.
“It seems a waste to let perfectly good equipment sit gathering dust when someone else could make use of it straight away,” says Jakob Norinder, Research Engineer at the Department of Chemistry.
He has tried posting listings on Återbruksportalen.
“It was easy to work out how it all works. It only takes a couple of minutes to create a listing.”
For many years, Jakob has worked to clear out equipment that is no longer being used. In laboratory environments, it is easy for perfectly functional equipment to be left behind in storage rooms and stockrooms.
“Anyone involved in experimental work knows how much equipment accumulates over time. Eventually, it becomes difficult to find what you actually need.”
Saving space
For Jakob, reuse is not just about sustainability – it is also about creating order.
“I’ve spent eight years trying to clear things out. It becomes much easier to find relevant equipment when storage rooms and stockrooms are not overflowing.”
The work has also freed up valuable space.
“We have been able to give up 34 square metres of storage space. The storage areas we still have are much more efficient now.”
Faster than buying new
Jakob also highlights the practical benefits of reusing equipment within the University.
“Ordering new items, waiting for delivery and unpacking everything takes time. If someone already has what you need, you can often just go and collect it straight away. That saves time, money and resources.”
Återbruksportalen can also be used for surplus materials.
“When purchasing supplies, it is common to have to buy larger quantities than you actually need, such as pipette tips or tubing. In those cases, Återbruksportalen is the perfect place to offer the surplus to others.”