Advancing Waste Management in Operating Rooms
This project analyzes surgical waste management to quantify waste types, explore recycling opportunities, and conduct lifecycle assessments of materials, while addressing challenges like the Waste-Resource Paradox and promoting sustainable material choices in alignment with the European Union’s circular economy goals to enhance environmental and economic efficiency in global healthcare settings.
Project Details
Clients: Uniklinik RWTH Aachen
Tags: Circular Innovation, Healthcare
Client Website: https://www.ukaachen.de/en/
Let’s Work Together
The Story
In the context of contemporary healthcare practices, the management of surgical waste has emerged as a significant concern due to its substantial environmental impact. Surgical procedures, while essential for patient health and recovery, generate a substantial amount of waste products, including single-use plastics, biomedical waste, and packaging materials, all of which contribute to the overall ecological footprint of healthcare institutions. The imperative for sustainable practices within the surgical context is underscored by the increasing scrutiny of healthcare’s role in environmental degradation and the urgency of aligning with global sustainability goals.
Our Project
This project seeks to conduct a comprehensive analysis of surgical waste management, focusing specifically on quantifying the types and volumes of waste produced in operating rooms. By employing systematic waste audits and data collection methods, the initiative aims to identify prevalent waste streams, assess their environmental impact, and explore viable recycling opportunities.
This project aims to identify recyclable materials and waste reduction measures in surgical waste management. By conducting waste audits in operating rooms, the initiative will quantify waste types, focusing on recyclable materials like certain plastics and metals. It will also explore partnerships with recycling facilities to streamline processing.
The lifecycle analysis (LCA) of selected materials in surgical waste management begins with the identification of materials commonly used in surgeries, such as syringes, disposable scissors, gloves, and other single-use instruments. These materials are chosen for their significance in surgical waste generation and their varying potential for sustainability.