A lab equipment reuse initiative at the University of Michigan has surpassed $1 million in avoided research costs in less than two years, demonstrating the growing operational impact of institutional redistribution programs designed to extend the life of laboratory materials and reduce procurement expenses.
Launched in June 2024, the university’s Lab Swap Shop allows researchers across the Ann Arbor campus to browse and claim surplus laboratory equipment and consumables at no cost. The program expanded from an existing Lab Reuse Program and now operates as a centralized physical space supporting campus sustainability and research efficiency goals.
Lab Swap Shop participation drives lab equipment reuse at scale
Since opening, the Lab Swap Shop has saved researchers more than $1 million in equipment and supply costs, diverted approximately 20,000 pounds of laboratory materials from disposal, and served more than 1,000 researchers and staff across campus.
The initiative is operated by the Office of Campus Sustainability in partnership with Environment, Health & Safety and LSA Sustainability. It builds on earlier redistribution efforts, including door-to-door delivery programs and annual lab swap events that redistributed surplus chemicals, equipment, and supplies.
Program leaders report that providing researchers with a dedicated physical space for lab equipment reuse significantly increases participation compared with online-only exchange systems. Departments including chemistry, ecology and evolutionary biology, and earth and environmental science were among the early participants, along with contributions from clinical research laboratories.
Sustainability and research benefits extend beyond cost savings
Beyond financial savings, the Lab Swap Shop is contributing to operational improvements in participating laboratories while supporting institutional sustainability goals focused on landfill diversion and resource stewardship.
“The Swap Shop exemplifies how creative, operational sustainability solutions can advance both research and waste-reduction goals,” said Rosario Ceballo, dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. “Our labs are more efficient, safer, and more connected because of this innovative program—and its impact continues to grow.”
Researchers say access to reusable materials can also support shifts toward more sustainable laboratory practices. Wynter Kell Carnahan, research lab specialist intermediate in the department of microbiology and immunology, said the program helped her group transition toward reusable glass serological equipment.
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“Being able to experiment with more sustainable options at no cost made it possible for us to change our practices and to pass along items we no longer need so other labs can use them,” Carnahan said.
Similar lab equipment reuse programs emerge at other universities
The University of Michigan initiative reflects a broader trend across research institutions as universities formalize internal redistribution systems to reduce duplicate purchases and extend equipment lifecycles.
For example, the University of Alabama at Birmingham recently launched the UAB Green Marketplace, which, in its first four months, saved researchers nearly $100,000 by redistributing surplus laboratory equipment across campus. Similar to Michigan’s initiative, the UAB program allows laboratories to post and claim unused equipment at no cost while supporting institutional sustainability goals.
Both programs illustrate how structured lab equipment reuse models can support research budgets, improve space utilization, and reduce waste without affecting scientific workflows.
Expansion plans reflect continued demand
Building on strong demand and campuswide participation, the university is exploring options to expand the Lab Swap Shop to the North Campus Research Complex to improve access for researchers located outside Central Campus.
“It is inspiring to see the tangible impact of this program over two short years, and such a clear example of how creative community-building around material reuse can help support the university’s research mission,” said Shana Weber, associate vice president for campus sustainability.
To mark the milestone, program organizers will host a campus event later this month highlighting the growth of lab equipment reuse efforts and continued engagement across the research community.
This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.
