Sustainable Cleaning Practices for Lab Animal Facilities

Sustainability is becoming a priority in lab animal science (LAS) facilities, where maintaining strict cleanliness standards often comes with high resource consumption. Cleaning protocols must balance eco-friendly practices to ensure both environmental responsibility and research integrity. 

This article explores eco-friendly cleaning solutions, strategies to reduce waste without compromising compliance, and how sustainability is shaping the future of cleaning in LAS facilities. 

On Earth Day – April 20 – Contec Inc. launched it’s EcoShield program. The EcoShield™ Program by Contec Professional is a sustainability-focused initiative designed to deliver high-performance cleaning solutions without compromising environmental responsibility. Products marked with the EcoShield™ badge are made with recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable materials and are backed by data proving their efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Developed through conversations with EVS leaders, infection preventionists, and sustainability teams, the program supports infection control while advancing sustainability goals. From disposable microfiber mop pads to biodegradable wipes, EcoShield™ products help facilities reduce landfill waste, conserve resources, and meet compliance—making it easier to clean smarter, safer, and more sustainably across their entire lifecycle. 

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions That Don’t Compromise Cleanliness 

In the vivarium, high standards of cleanliness is non-negotiable. Traditional cleaning methods often rely on harsh disinfectants, excessive water use, and disposable materials, which can have a significant environmental impact. However, advances in sustainable cleaning technology offer alternatives that support both hygiene and environmental goals. 

Sustainable Cleaning Solutions for LAS Facilities: 

• Biodegradable or Low-Toxicity Disinfectants – Many modern disinfectants are formulated to be effective against pathogens while reducing harmful environmental residues. 

• Microfiber Technology – High-quality microfiber cleaning tools capture more debris with less liquid and chemical use, making them a more sustainable option. 
• Pre-Measured Cleaning Products – Concentrated, dilution-controlled systems reduce overuse and chemical waste. This also helps eliminate the possibility of inappropriate dilution.  
• Energy-Efficient Cleaning Equipment – Cage washers and autoclaves with lower water and energy consumption can help minimize facility footprints. 

By selecting eco-conscious disinfectants and efficient cleaning tools, facilities can improve sustainability without increasing contamination risks. 

How to Reduce Waste While Maintaining Compliance 

Compliance with vivarium disinfection standards often means using large amounts of disposable materials, such as wipes, mop pads, and PPE. While these tools help maintain cleanliness, they also generate significant waste. Finding ways to reduce waste without compromising biosecurity is key to creating a more sustainable cleaning program. 

Ways to Minimize Waste in Vivarium Cleaning: 

• Switch to Single-Use Microfiber with Sustainable Disposal Options – Some disposable microfiber products are designed to be more biodegradable or compatible with waste-to-energy programs. 
• Optimize Chemical Use – Overuse of disinfectants not only creates unnecessary chemical waste but can also lead to residue buildup that affects both animals and research environments. 
• Streamline Water Usage – Implementing efficient mop systems and water-saving cage washers can significantly reduce facility water consumption. 
• Use Recyclable Packaging – Selecting cleaning products with sustainable or reduced packaging helps lower overall waste. 

Implementing small, strategic changes in cleaning protocols can make a big impact in reducing waste while ensuring regulatory compliance. 

The Future of Sustainability in LAS Cleaning 

As the demand for environmentally responsible research facilities grows, sustainable cleaning systems and solutions are evolving to meet the needs of lab animal science environments. 

Trends Shaping the Future of Sustainable Cleaning in LAS Facilities: 

✅Advances in Green Chemistry – New disinfectants are being developed to be both highly effective and environmentally friendly, reducing chemical waste.

✅Closed-Loop Cleaning Systems – Some facilities are exploring waste-to-energy programs that allow used wipes, mop pads, and PPE to be safely incinerated for energy production.

✅Improved Material Innovation – Manufacturers are developing biodegradable or compostable single-use cleaning materials that maintain high cleaning standards while reducing environmental impact.

✅Increased Industry Standards for Sustainability – Regulatory bodies may incorporate eco-friendly guidelines into compliance requirements, encouraging facilities to adopt greener practices.

Balancing Sustainability with Sterility in Lab Animal Facilities 

Creating a more sustainable cleaning protocol in a vivarium requires thoughtful tool selection, waste reduction strategies, and a commitment to environmentally conscious practices. By integrating eco-friendly solutions without compromising hygiene and compliance, LAS facilities can reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high research standards. 

The future of vivarium cleaning is moving toward greater efficiency, less waste, and more responsible chemical use, helping facilities protect both research environments and the planet. 

Contact us for more information.