Waste in healthcare has been an issue for as long as modern medicine. Hospitals, rest homes, doctor’s practices, and many other healthcare facilities generate tonnes of waste. In fact, American healthcare facilities produce 6,600 metric tons of waste daily, ranking as the second-largest contributor to landfill waste, just behind the food industry.
Healthcare is critical, but it needs to run efficiently. Health spending accounts for over 17% of America’s Gross Domestic Product. As anyone who has recently paid health insurance premiums or used Medicare will appreciate, cutting unnecessary costs is crucial. One of the best ways to cut costs and save the planet is to limit waste produced as much as possible.
The Scale of Waste
The average healthcare facility generates several forms of waste. First off, there is the hazardous stuff, i.e., used bandages, bloody syringes–you get the idea, but around 85% of waste generated is general, non-hazardous. That’s stuff that can be dealt with in much the same way that you recycle your cereal boxes and bin a week-old dinner.
So, while hazardous waste makes up a proportion of all medical waste and must be disposed of in a controlled manner, the vast majority of healthcare waste can be recycled, repurposed, or disposed of using standard methods. By prioritizing recycling programs and waste segregation, hospitals can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, cutting down both landfill use and overall disposal costs.
Environmental and Global Health Impacts
Unfortunately, healthcare is a sizable polluter, sitting at about 8% of domestic greenhouse gas emissions. Luckily, healthcare can be converted to run on green energy in the same way other businesses have been; solar panels can and have been installed on the roofs of many healthcare facilities, facilities can choose clean energy providers, and electric ambulances may not be far off.
For a long time, incinerators have been the standard way to dispose of many hazardous materials–not exactly ideal for emissions–but research is currently looking at how the heat produced by these incinerators can be harnessed to produce energy that feeds straight back into the hospital.
Policy and Regulation
It’s in situations like these where policy can drive real change. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary federal body overseeing waste management, but when it comes to medical waste, the responsibility largely falls to state agencies. This fragmented approach has led to inconsistent regulations, creating confusion and inefficiencies across state lines. For instance, some states have stricter guidelines on how medical waste is treated and disposed of, while others allow for more leniency. This regulatory patchwork means that healthcare facilities operating in multiple states often have to navigate a maze of differing rules, which can increase the likelihood of mismanagement or non-compliance.
Stronger, more uniform federal policies could set clearer standards for all states, pushing the industry toward greener practices. However, some of the best initiatives have started very locally, with healthcare institutions seeking assistance and advice from people on the ground, like the nursing consultant who is always close to the action and can leverage their expertise to focus on process improvement, legal advising, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Solutions for Change
Acknowledging that waste exists is all good and well, but what are some effective strategies to reduce waste? A successful route for many industries is to first minimize waste from single-use items, excessive packaging, and medical supplies that go unused.
There has recently been a move to adopt inventory management technologies that accurately track what is used, where, and how often. This lets healthcare facilities track usage patterns and adjust their inventory and ordering to minimize over-ordering and reduce waste.
Starting early in the supply chain by consolidating orders and selecting suppliers that prioritize sustainability can also significantly cut down on excess packaging and transportation emissions. Hospitals like Kaiser Permanente have demonstrated success by integrating waste reduction into their supply chain, reducing their carbon footprint while simultaneously saving costs.
Innovation in the Operating Room
Another key area is the operating room (OR), where around 30% of the average American hospital’s waste is generated. Unfortunately, the necessity for a sterile environment means much of the OR’s waste will be hazardous, but steps can be taken to use resources well. Much of the non-hazardous waste consists of sterile wraps and unused surgical supplies. Hospitals can reduce this waste by implementing recycling programs for sterile wrap and automating surgical supply preferences with inventory software that cuts down on unused items being opened unnecessarily.
Hospitals that have adopted these strategies, such as Providence, have seen a reduction in OR waste by as much as 50%, so the effort certainly pays off.
The Outlook on Waste
Reducing waste in American healthcare serves so many benefits. It’s both an environmental necessity and a critical step toward controlling rising costs. By embracing sustainable practices and leveraging technology, healthcare facilities can make significant strides in minimizing their waste footprint.
The path forward is complex but achievable. It requires smart ideas from bright young minds and collaboration between policymakers, healthcare providers, and suppliers alike to make sure that greener methods are not only encouraged but required. As more hospitals adopt advanced waste reduction strategies and as regulations become more standardized, the healthcare industry has a real opportunity to lead in sustainability while maintaining the quality of care. The future of healthcare can be both efficient and environmentally responsible.
Photo: Emmet – Pexels.com
