A Novel Method of Recycling in Wollongong Operating Theatres
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A Novel Method of Recycling in Wollongong Operating Theatres Dr Michael Connolly, Critical Care SRMO, Wollongong Hospital, NSW Dr Sarika Rathi Anaesthetist Wollongong Hospital NSW Background • The health of the environment is a public health issue 1 . • Recycling programs in healthcare facilities should be standard practice 1 . • Anaesthetic waste contributes 25% to overall waste produced in theatre with 60% recyclable 2 . Method • Recycled glass was collected from recycling bins at the start of each work day (Picture 1) and was weighed and recorded. The audit continued over a typical 7 day working week. • Cost savings were calculated using the difference between $0.95 for sharps waste versus $0.33 for mixed recyclable waste. • The volume and cost were calculated for a 12 month period. Conclusion • Practical waste management and recycling processes have environmental and financial benefits • The program is easily integrated into standard waste management • Efficiency and workload were not affected • Further work is needed to calculate to total financial benefit including plastic, cardboard and vinyl recycling References 1. MA SCY, Burrell R, Kayak E, McGain F, Percival V, Weatherall A, Webber I, Roessier P, Davis K.Statement on Environmental Sustainability in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine Practise – Background Paper PS64BP. Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthists 2018:1-17 2. McGain E, Hendel SA, Story DA. An audit of potentially recyclable waste from anaesthetic practice. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care 2009;37(5):820-3 Key Factors to success • Simple solution • Time efficient • Easily integrated • Multi-disciplinary team approach • Supported from management and staff members
Transcript of A Novel Method of Recycling in Wollongong Operating Theatres
A Novel Method of Recycling in Wollongong Operating Theatres Dr Michael Connolly, Critical Care SRMO, Wollongong Hospital, NSW Dr Sarika Rathi Anaesthetist Wollongong Hospital NSW
Background • The health of the environment is a public health issue 1. • Recycling programs in healthcare facilities should be standard practice 1. • Anaesthetic waste contributes 25% to overall waste produced in theatre with 60%
recyclable 2. Method • Recycled glass was collected from recycling bins at the start of each work day (Picture
1) and was weighed and recorded. The audit continued over a typical 7 day working week.
• Cost savings were calculated using the difference between $0.95 for sharps waste versus $0.33 for mixed recyclable waste.
• The volume and cost were calculated for a 12 month period.
Conclusion • Practical waste management and recycling processes have environmental and financial benefits • The program is easily integrated into standard waste management • Efficiency and workload were not affected • Further work is needed to calculate to total financial benefit including plastic, cardboard and vinyl recycling
References 1. MA SCY, Burrell R, Kayak E, McGain F, Percival V, Weatherall A, Webber I, Roessier P, Davis K.Statement on Environmental Sustainability in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine Practise – Background Paper PS64BP. Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthists 2018:1-17 2. McGain E, Hendel SA, Story DA. An audit of potentially recyclable waste from anaesthetic practice. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care 2009;37(5):820-3
Key Factors to success • Simple solution • Time efficient • Easily integrated • Multi-disciplinary team approach • Supported from management and staff members
