Zero Waste: Healthcare

There are a number of resources available to help hospitals plan waste management policies that focus on incorporating a waste minimisation/ environmental policy.

New Zealand

For example, in November 2001, Green Health Environmental Strategies in Healthcare carried out a waste audit for the Auckland District Health Board. The four main hospital sites were included in the audit and each was assessed on existing waste minimisation strategies, the size, type and number of waste containers appropriate for each area, staff waste segregation practices and the level of staff education and awareness.

Recommendations from the audit were provided based on priority areas where the greatest financial and environmental savings can be achieved while meeting the organisations requirements for maintaining infection control, staff and patient health and safety, current waste contract requirements and relevant legislation and standards. They are:

• Review current waste management policy to incorporate a waste minimisation/ environmental policy and objectives.
• Appoint a waste minimisation officer.
• Form a waste minimisation project team
• Implement a staff education programme
• Improve the current wheelie bin system for collecting separated materials
•  Provide all areas with paper recycling bins
• Establish recycling targets
• Liaise with recycling companies to establish suitable plastic, glass and can recycling systems
• Develop a mercury phase-out plan.

The full report is available (as a loan in hard copy) from Zero Waste New Zealand Trust.

Other resources available are: