Years ago, it was the student's job to wash the serological pipettes for the laboratory. All serological pipettes were made of reusable, washable glass. Laboratories had special pipette washers where this task was performed. Note that such pipettes are still on the market as well as corresponding pipette washers. Many of the major lab supply companies carry them. It is worth considering the use of washable glass pipettes.
Some laboratories wash glassware. One such example from this author's experience was a rural Ecuadorian laboratory that washed and reused its plastic pipette tips as well as glass slides. It was quite a tedious process, not recommended. These steps were taken for financial reasons. Note that most pipette tips are in plastic class #4 and are not recyclable.
Other things that can be reused are plastic bags in which supplies are packaged, washable glassware of all types, and some plasticware. Note that only heavy-duty Nalgene gloves are reusable.
