Resources: Waste
Explore our list of curated resources below!
Waste in Surgical Services
This presentation breaks down the complex waste landscape in surgical services, outlining types of waste—from solid and infectious to recyclable and hazardous—and the significant costs and health impacts of improper disposal. It highlights best practices in waste segregation, diversion strategies like device reprocessing, and innovations in fluid and smoke management. A valuable resource for OR teams aiming to reduce environmental harm and operational costs.
Sample Policy For Recycled Content or Recyclable Products
A practical framework for hospitals aiming to reduce waste through sustainable procurement. This sample policy outlines clear guidelines for prioritizing products made with recycled content or that are recyclable—without compromising patient care. It includes strategies for vendor engagement, waste reduction benchmarking, and collaborative responsibility across departments. A useful starting point for green purchasing initiatives in healthcare.
Waste Disposal Chart
Understand what goes where. This waste disposal guide helps healthcare staff quickly and clearly sort items into landfill, recycling, biohazard, and sharps containers—supporting safer, more sustainable hospital practices at every shift.
What started with two nurses and an unused storage room has grown into a hospital-wide donation and landfill diversion program. At ChristianaCare, Deanna Benner and Ashley Oncay have redirected over $1 million worth of medical surplus to global health efforts, local nursing programs, and circular economy partners—proving nurses can lead powerful, system-changing sustainability initiatives from the ground up.
By spotting waste in everyday practice, nurse Ann Mead sparked a hospital-wide shift in how supplies are used, stocked, and valued. Her unit’s 72% drop in basin use and $18K in savings prove that practical, frontline insights can lead to powerful change. See how one nurse turned small wins into a scalable model for hospital sustainability.
At Miriam Hospital and across Rhode Island, nurse Stephanie Santos is proving that small actions can lead to big change. From reducing hospital waste to organizing river cleanups and championing recycling policy, she blends clinical care with community advocacy. Discover how her nurse-led efforts are creating a more sustainable, engaged, and healthier environment—one micro action at a time.
