Giving Laboratory Equipment a Second Life
At UniGreenScheme, our mission is to help universities, research organisations, NHS laboratories, scientific facilities and businesses reduce waste, recover value and support sustainability through the reuse and resale of laboratory equipment.
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Every year, thousands of items of laboratory equipment become surplus due to laboratory relocations, upgrades, project changes, funding cycles and organisational restructuring. Much of this equipment remains fully functional and capable of supporting valuable scientific research, education and innovation. However, without a structured reuse pathway, many assets are stored indefinitely, recycled unnecessarily or sent for disposal.
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UniGreenScheme exists to provide a practical alternative.
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We help organisations keep laboratory equipment in circulation for longer by connecting surplus assets with laboratories, researchers and institutions that can continue using them. By extending the useful life of scientific equipment, we support the circular economy while helping organisations reduce waste, free up space and generate financial returns from underutilised assets.
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Why Laboratory Equipment Reuse Matters
Scientific equipment represents a significant investment of materials, energy, manufacturing resources and financial cost. When usable equipment is removed from service before the end of its operational life, valuable resources can be lost.
Laboratory equipment reuse offers a more sustainable solution.
By facilitating the responsible reuse and resale of laboratory equipment, organisations can:
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Reduce unnecessary waste
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Support sustainability and net zero objectives
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Reduce the environmental impact associated with manufacturing replacement equipment
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Recover value from surplus assets
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Free up valuable laboratory and storage space
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Support scientific research and education by improving access to equipment
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Contribute to circular economy initiatives
Whether equipment is transferred to another university, purchased by a research organisation, reused by a startup or deployed within industry, extending its lifespan delivers both environmental and economic benefits.
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Supporting the UK and Worldwide Scientific Community
Since our establishment in 2015, UniGreenScheme has worked with universities, research institutions and laboratories across the United Kingdom, Europe and Worldwide to support the responsible management of surplus scientific equipment.
Our services help organisations:
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Reuse laboratory equipment
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Resell surplus scientific assets
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Manage laboratory clearances
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Support laboratory relocations and refurbishments
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Reduce waste and disposal costs
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Demonstrate measurable sustainability outcomes
We work with a wide range of equipment categories including:
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Microscopes
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Centrifuges
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Chromatography systems
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Spectroscopy equipment
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Specialist laboratory instruments
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High value laboratory equipment
By creating routes for reuse and resale, we help ensure valuable scientific equipment continues supporting research, teaching and innovation worldwide.
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OUR MISSION
Frequently asked questions
What is laboratory equipment reuse and why is it important?
Laboratory equipment reuse is the process of extending the life of scientific equipment by redistributing, reselling or redeploying assets that are no longer required by their original owner. Reuse helps reduce waste, conserve resources and maximise the value of laboratory equipment.
How does reusing laboratory equipment support sustainability?
Reusing laboratory equipment reduces waste, conserves valuable resources and helps organisations achieve sustainability goals. By extending equipment lifecycles, organisations can reduce environmental impact and support circular economy initiatives.
What are the benefits of reselling surplus laboratory equipment?
Reselling surplus laboratory equipment helps organisations recover value from underutilised assets, free up valuable laboratory and storage space, generate funds that can be reinvested into research and operations, and support sustainability objectives. By extending the useful life of scientific equipment through reuse, organisations can reduce waste, contribute to the circular economy and demonstrate measurable environmental benefits.
How does UniGreenScheme support universities, laboratories and research organisations?
UniGreenScheme helps universities, laboratories, research institutes, NHS organisations, biotechnology companies and scientific businesses maximise the value of laboratory equipment throughout its lifecycle. We support organisations looking to reuse or resell surplus equipment, recover value from underutilised assets, free up valuable laboratory space and achieve sustainability objectives through circular economy practices. We also help organisations acquire quality pre-owned scientific equipment, improving access to research resources while reducing waste and extending the useful life of laboratory assets.
What is laboratory equipment reuse?
Laboratory equipment reuse is the process of extending the life of scientific equipment by transferring, reselling or redeploying assets that are no longer required by their original owner.
Why is laboratory equipment reuse important?
Reuse helps reduce waste, conserve resources, support sustainability goals and improve access to scientific equipment for organisations that may otherwise be unable to purchase new equipment.
How does laboratory equipment resale support sustainability?
esale extends the useful life of equipment, reducing the need for new manufacturing and helping organisations minimise waste while supporting circular economy objectives.
Who can use UniGreenScheme's services?
We work with universities, research institutes, NHS laboratories, biotechnology companies, commercial laboratories, private buyers and other organisations within the scientific sector.
How does laboratory equipment reuse support the circular economy?
Reuse keeps products and materials in use for longer, reducing waste generation and improving resource efficiency across the scientific sector.
Can organisations generate revenue from surplus laboratory equipment?
Yes. Suitable surplus laboratory equipment may retain significant value and can often be resold, helping organisations recover funds while supporting sustainability goals.