Nanowaste management in laboratory practice – a technical guideline

Abstract

The management of waste containing nanomaterials, here termed “nanowaste,” is not yet sufficiently regulated at both national and international levels. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of nanowaste management, situating laboratory practices within the broader regulatory context, with special attention to the Basel Convention. We then discuss potential measures to avoid or minimize nanowaste, options for nanowaste recovery and recycling, nanowaste risk assessment, protective equipment, categorization, collection, storage, labeling, and ultimately, disposal. Building on occupational health legislation and practical laboratory experience, we propose initial technical guidelines tailored to research environments and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where relatively small but highly diverse volumes of nanowaste are generated. To illustrate their application, we supplement four case studies, including the disposal of orphaned samples, small-scale and large-scale disposal, and nanomaterial spills. To strengthen trust in nanotechnology and support responsible innovation, we emphasize the importance of applying the precautionary principle and treating nanowaste with unknown properties as potentially hazardous to both human health and the environment. By explicitly linking laboratory-level practices with national and international frameworks, this guideline serves both as an immediately applicable tool for researchers and SMEs and as a technical foundation to inform future Basel Convention Technical Guidelines on nanowaste.