Environment Protection by Practical Chemistry: A General Chemistry Laboratory Course with a Minimum of Chemical Waste

Abstract

A first year chemistry-laboratory course for 170–210 students has been reorganized to minimize its chemical residues by input reduction and substitution, networking of material flows, separate collection, and recycling at the source. Compared to previous years, the problematic wastes were reduced by a factor of ca. 100 and total now less than 15 kg per academic year. The general types of student exercises, teaching aims, time tables, and organization were not affected, and the fraction of student time devoted to recycling is less than 10%. Permanent additional manpower and budget increases are not required. The strategies and proceedings are outlined and illustrated for selected student exercises. Implications for environment protection by practical chemistry are indicated.