This Playbook comprises a summary of information relevant to AP, with added actions specific for AP labs to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other harmful environmental effects. The target audience for this Playbook are anatomical pathologists, and anatomical pathology laboratory technical managers and supervisors.
Maggie Chen, Western University & London Health Sciences Centre
Formalin represents a significant source of chemical waste in pathology laboratories, with both its production and disposal carrying substantial environmental and financial costs. This resource outlines the formalin recycling methodology piloted within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). The initiative involved collecting and reusing clear formalin from surgical pathology biopsy specimens for subsequent use in the autopsy suite. Based on the results of this one-month pilot, projections indicate that expanding the protocol across all workstations for a full year could enable LHSC to save more than $3,000 annually in procurement costs while preventing 2,170 kg CO₂e emissions. By documenting and sharing this approach, we aim to support the operationalisation of sustainable waste management practices across other pathology departments and hospitals.
For additional information or to request the final report and detailed results, please contact maggiee.chen@mail.utoronto.ca.
This resource provides an overview of work on this topic, general principles and recommendations to consider and a table of specimens exempt for automatic submission to pathology laboratories in various jurisdictions.
