About & impact
A student-led initiative, and the impact it's making.
Uni Lab Exchange recovers, repairs and rehomes scientific equipment that would otherwise become e-waste. Founded by Charles and Jack McNamara, Master of Mechanical Engineering students at the University of Melbourne.
Uni Lab Exchange specialises in recovering, repairing and rehoming scientific and laboratory equipment that would otherwise be written off as e-waste. Over the past two years we have built a reputation for reliable, transparent and compliant reuse pathways across Melbourne's research ecosystem.
We work with labs and facilities teams to identify surplus equipment, recover and refurbish what we can, and rehome it to researchers, educational groups and industry — locally and internationally.
What we stand for
Our values
Reduce waste
We keep functional equipment out of landfill and support universities in meeting their sustainability goals.
Recover value
Usable items are refurbished and returned to research, education and industry — the circular economy in action.
Work transparently
Reliable, compliant reuse pathways with clear reporting on where equipment goes.
Over 0.6 tonnes diverted while working with the University of Melbourne Reuse Team since February 2026. We're actively working with private labs, University of Melbourne departments and labs, and Monash University departments and labs.
Case studies
Equipment saved from disposal.
Rotary vane vacuum pump
- Problem
- Destined for e-waste at a partner university due to damaged plastic panels and missing feet.
- Action
- We designed and 3D printed replacement covers and components.
- Outcome
- Fully functional unit rehomed to a new lab, extending its working life.
Vacuum pump controller
- Problem
- Declared surplus after a vacuum system upgrade.
- Action
- Tested and sold on commission by Uni Lab Exchange.
- Outcome
- Rehomed at Dankook University in South Korea.
Centrifuge rehomed to Monash
- Problem
- Collected as surplus from the University of Melbourne.
- Action
- Assessed and tested for continued research use.
- Outcome
- Now at Monash University's Brain and Mental Health Institute, degassing the gel used with ultrasonic sensors that measure brain activity.
Analytical balances recovered
- Problem
- Seven analytical balances declared surplus by the University of Melbourne Chemistry Department.
- Action
- Collected and refurbished for continued use.
- Outcome
- Rehomed through Uni Lab Exchange, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
Our reach
Where we've shipped.
In the last 12 months, our recovered instruments have travelled to 36countries across six continents. Hover a region to see the count.
Hover a country to see the count
Across Australia — hover a state to see the count
Map boundaries: Natural Earth (public domain) and © OpenStreetMap contributors. Locations are shown at country and state level only.
Want to add to this impact?
Route your surplus equipment to us and help keep working instruments in use and out of landfill.