Published on February 3, 2023, Updated on February 12, 2023

Hospitals are among the most significant organizations in our society. However, their efforts to restore and sustain health generate a substantial quantity of waste. The healthcare industry in a single state, including private institutions, creates as much garbage as a small city.

Innate Leaders

Hospitals must take the initiative about recycling and the safe disposal of hazardous waste. After all, it is useless to care for the health of hospitalized patients while contributing to the harmful burden they are exposed to outdoors.

Hospitals generate a variety of hazardous wastes that pose a substantial risk to both people and the environment if disposed of improperly. Luckily, these challenging wastes may also be easily recycled. The primary obstacles to efficient hospital recycling are primarily organizational rather than technical.

Internal Allies

Hospitals have intricate organizational structures. With an emphasis on producing favorable health outcomes for patients, it can be challenging to engage employees in areas they may regard as unconnected to their primary professional tasks. A recycling waste program may create some resistance, particularly from those who do not understand the need to recycle medical equipment.

Medical Equipment Recycling & Disposal in Washington State

Management Push

Regardless of what department is in charge of recycling medical equipment, introducing recycling initiatives can reduce waste, save money, and help make the environment safer.

Why Recycle Medical Equipment?

There are 2 primary reasons for recycling medical equipment.

  1. Remove any potentially harmful substances to avoid contaminating the environment. Some medical equipment contains mercury such as thermometers and sphygmomanometers. These can contain substantial levels of mercury, which, when disposed of in landfills, is a major cause of mercury pollution.
  2. Recover scarce and precious materials. Precious materials like copper, steel, gold, and some polymers are contained in some medical equipment.

Are you willing to accept the challenge of enhancing your hospital’s recycling performance? 1 Green Planet recycles a variety of hazardous medical wastes in a secure manner. Call them now to schedule a pickup from the location areas we serve.