Recycling Histopathology Solvents: A Funding Source for Plastination

Abstract

The plastination process produces large quantities of waste acetone contaminated with water and lipids dissolved in the solvent. Disposal creates environmental pollution and makes the plastination process more expensive. Recycling the acetone is the ideal solution. Like most plastination facilities, our plastination unit incorporates acetone recycling equipment. We describe how we have used the excess capacity of the recycling unit to help our hospital's histopathology section to recycle their used alcohol and Pro-Par Clearant (a xylene substitute). As a result, they save some $7,000 a year (that were allocated towards purchasing new reagents), a part of which funds our plastination facility. The recycling plant is environmentally responsible and in line with the University's 'green' initiatives. As of early 2014, we have recycled approximately 6624 L (1,750 gallons) of solvent for the hospital at $US3.3/L (12.50/gal), for a total income of almost $22,000.