An important milestone was reached this year in the “Promotion of the National Quality System (SICAL) and its actors in Colombia (ARTICAL II)”, an international cooperation project developed between PTB in Germany and Colombia. We completed the RESPEL Guide (Spanish: Guía práctica para la gestion de Residuos Peligrosos en laboratorios), which has been designed to strengthen the safe management of hazardous waste in laboratories.
The guide is the result of extensive work coordinated by the Colombian Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM). It is based on the experience gained from the “ARTICAL – Hazardous Waste in Laboratories” training programme, in which 18 laboratories from private companies, environmental authorities, SICAL institutions, and universities from different regions of the country participated with the support of PTB.
The aim of the programme was to contribute to sustainable development by strengthening the technical skills of the participating laboratories. Drawing on ARTICAL, the RESPEL Guide explains the benefits of compliance with environmental standards and promotes integration into the Quality Infrastructure. Here, observing the Environmental Policy for Integrated Hazardous Waste Management represents an important contribution to the transition to a circular economy in Colombia. As a result, the guide provides practical technical guidelines for the comprehensive management of hazardous waste in laboratories in a safe, responsible, and compliant manner, highlighting the importance of correct classification, from the prevention and minimization of such waste generation to its environmental management.
Project partners and consultants at the official launch event at INM, Bogotá on 11 July 2025. © INM
Finally, on 11 July 2025, we celebrated the official launch of the guide during a two-hour hybrid event at the National Institute of Metrology of Colombia (INM) in Bogotá. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders: SICAL institutions, representatives of the business sector, and the head of environmental and climate affairs of the German Embassy in Bogotá, who gave the opening speech.
The agenda included the presentation of the guide, a panel discussion with experts from the chemical sector, closing remarks, and a pleasant networking event with cocktails at the end. With more than 600 participants connected from different countries, both in person and virtually, we can safely say that the event marked a milestone in strengthening capacities for hazardous waste management in laboratories. Without a doubt, it was a successful and very inspiring launch!
Leonard Maue who heads environmental and climate affairs at the German Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia speaking at INM on 11 July 2025. © INM
Cover image Copyright: © IDEAM
