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Case Studies |
URL: /04/03237.pdf
Length: 16 pages
Abstract: The Itasca medical Center is a 108-bed community hospital with an attached 35 bed convalescent nursing care facility. The hospital staff made a commitment to source-reduce the hospital's waste as much as possible.
Section Title: Advanced Hospital Recycling
Full Title: BioCycle
URL: /33/32817.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: February 1994
Section Author: Riggle, David
Abstract: This article discusses how a Vermont hospital, with no budget for recycling, set up a self-sustaining, money-saving system for organics collection and composting. The article includes the motivating factors and cost savings for various areas of the hospital.
Section Title: North Carolina Baptist Hospitals
Full Title: Case Studies - A compilation of successful waste reduction projects implemented by NC businesses
URL: /01/0056630.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: December 1995
Full Work Author: NC Office of Waste Reduction
Abstract: North Carolina Baptist Hospital (NCBH) is an 806-bed, tertiary care facility serving northwest North Carolina. With the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, the Hospital’s 9,000 employees care for 23,000 inpatients and 500,000 outpatients each year. Through their ‘Viewpoints Program’, which provides monetary awards to employees for ideas that demonstrate cost containment and waste reduction, many tens of thousands of dollars are saved every year on various environmental and waste recycling projects.
Full Title: Case Study - Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan - Waste Reduction: Rx for a Healthy Environment
URL: /01/00800.pdf
Length: 6 pages
Date: May 1992
Full Work Author: MI Office of Waste Reduction Services
Full Title: Case Study - McPherson Hospital: Waste Consciousness Leads to the Return of Washable Dishes
URL: /01/00138.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: October 1996
Full Work Author: MI Department of Environmental Quality
Abstract: This case study describes how one hospital reduced waste by switching from disposable to non-disposable dishware. Other examples of source reduction and reuse implemented by the hospital are also discussed.
Full Title: Fletcher Allen Health Care
URL: /04/03039.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: September 1998
Full Work Author: US EPA
Abstract: This is an effective case study for demonstrating the feasibility of hospital food waste reduction. This 500-bed hospital delivers 90% of it's food preparation scraps and steam table leftovers to an off-site composting facility. The hospital also donates produce to a food bank. Its food discard recovery program saves approximately $1400 per year in landfill fees.
Full Title: Hospital Case Study - Flinders Medical Centre - Disposing of the throw-away mentality
URL: /04/03123.htm
Full Work Author: ACF/ACTU Green Jobs Unit
Abstract: Flinders Medical Centre initiated the Healthy Environment Project in December 1991 with the aim of minimizing waste an dexploring other environmental initiatives.
Full Title: Hospital Cost Reduction Case Study: Norwood Hospital
URL: /06/05822.htm
Full Work Author: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Abstract: This document provides information and a case study example demonstrating how innovative implementation of water efficiency measures makes savings achievable.
Full Title: Hospitals prescribe P2 measures for the environmenet
URL: /15/14299.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: 5/98
Full Work Author: Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
Full Title: Pennsylvania Businesses Recycle - Thomas Jefferson University Hospital - Recycling Operation Saves Hospital $150,000 a Year
URL: /09/08246.htm
Full Work Author: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Full Title: Pollution Prevention Works for Iowa: Health Care Case Summaries
URL: /06/05843.pdf
Length: 28 pages
Date: 01/96
Full Work Author: Nelson, Julie A.; Gibson, Larry A.; et al.
Abstract: US EPA Region VII granted Iowa's DNR WRAP money to work with health care facilities. A diverse group of governmental and industry advisors supported this project, where site visits were conducted at seven health care facilities. These case summaries represent some of the exemplary projects now being undertaken by healthcare facilities to reduce pollution and save money.
Full Title: Project Summary - Hospital Pollution Prevention Case Study
URL: /13/12985.pdf
Length: 5 pages
Date: 8/91
Full Work Author: US EPA, Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
Abstract: n this study, the US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigated the disposables used In patlent care at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cincinnati Hospital and the associated Fort Thomas Medical Center (DVA-Cln) to identify future opportunlties for mlnimizing solid waste,
Full Title: Recycling In The Health Care Industry - Promina Kennestone Hospital
URL: /06/05644.htm
Full Work Author: Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance Division
Abstract: Promina Kennestone Hospital, located in Marietta, Georgia, has over 3,000 employees and a patient turnover rate of three days. Since the implementation of a recycling program at the hospital in 1992, the types and quantities of materials recycled has grown. As a result, substantial savings have been realized in terms of recycling revenues and reduced disposal fees.
Full Title: Water Conservation Case Study: John Umstead Hospital
URL: /26/25968.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: 7/03
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Abstract: This case study illustrates water conservation practices in force at John Umstead Hospital
Full Title: William S. Middleton Memorial Veteran's Hospital - Elimination of Infectious Waste Stream and Improved Operating Efficiencies of the Medical Waste Incinerator
URL: /04/03132.htm
Full Work Author: Bureau of Cooperative Environmental Assistance - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Abstract: All medical wastes generated at the hospital had previously been disposed of by incineration with no deliberate attempts to segregate non-infectious waste from the waste stream.
Fact Sheets |
URL: /36/35489.pdf
Length: 5 pages
Date: 1991
Abstract: The pollution prevention opportunities identified at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Cincinnati - Fort Thomas Medical Center (VA-Cin) in 1991 focused on ways to reduce the discarded medical supply waste stream.
Full Title: Medical Waste Pollution Prevention: Keeping Mercury Out of the Wastewater Stream
URL: /01/00790.htm
Length: 3 pages
Date: February 1998
Full Work Author: US EPA
Abstract: A fact sheet that discusses ways to keep mercury out of wastewater at medical facilities through use of alternative products, recycling, and proper handling and disposal.
Full Title: Mercury in Medical Waste: Use of Alternative Products
URL: /01/00791.htm
Length: 2 pages
Date: February 1998
Full Work Author: US EPA
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses how to keep mercury out of the red bag and medical incinerators, and what mercury-free products can be substituted for mercury-containing ones. Also includes a case study on removing batteries from the waste stream of a hospital.
Full Title: Mercury in Medical Waste: Keeping Mercury Out of Medical Waste
URL: /01/00792.htm
Length: 2 pages
Date: February 1998
Full Work Author: US EPA
Abstract: A good introduction to medical mercury waste. Includes information on why mercury is a concern, how big a problem it is, disposal in medical waste incinerators, what you can do to help, and what EPA is doing about mercury in the environment.
Full Title: Pollution Prevention Handbook - Hospital, Clinical, and Veterinary Care
URL: /04/03242.pdf
Length: 6 pages
Full Work Author: Department of the Interior - Office of Environmental Affairs
Abstract: Although you may not realize it, many of the activities that take place at your facility may pollute the environment and waste money.
Full Title: Waste Reduction and Disposal Options for Specific Hospital Wastes
URL: /01/00239.pdf
Length: 10 pages
Date: August 1996
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance and NC Division of Waste Management
Abstract: This fact sheet addresses the following hospital waste streams: mercury, batterries, radiology wastes, xylene, unused supplies, cafeteria waste, and construction waste. The radiology and laboratory xylene waste streams are covered most thoroughly.
Articles and Reports |
URL: /36/35506.pdf
Length: 162 pages
Full Work Author: Cascadia Consulting Group
Abstract: This Hospital Plastics Waste Characterization and Recycling Feasibility Study examines the potential for recovering plastics from the hospital waste stream Characterization and Recycling Feasibility Study examines the potential for recovering plastics from the hospital waste stream.
Section Title: Research and Hospital-Generated Waste: Waste Disposal at the Medical Center of the University of Illinois
Full Title: Madison Seminar Proceedings: Waste Management in Universities and Colleges
URL: /18/17443.pdf
Date: May 1981
Section Author: Stephens, Raymond S.
Abstract: This paper examines the main problems o f hazardous waste disposal and then discusses the waste disposal standard used by the Medical Center o f the University of Illinois.
Section Title: Laundries in State-Operated Hospitals are "Cleaning Up" With Ozone Technology
Full Title: Pollution Prevention Virginia
URL: /03/02345.pdf
Length: 1 page
Date: Summer 1999
Full Work Author: Pollution Prevention Virginia
Section Author: Sarnecky, Bill
Abstract: This article shows how some hospitals in Virginia are using Ozone Technology in their laundries to reduce pollution.
Manuals |
URL: /39/38597.pdf
Length: 225 pages
Date: 1993
Full Work Author: Bisson, Connie Leach; McRae, Glenn; Shaner, Hollie Gusky
Abstract: This manual addresses hospital waste, an estimated 1% of the MSW. This guide addresses solid waste reduction, recycling, and the management techniques to make it happen. A step-by-step outline is given on how to start a hospital recycling program, including a case studies and a detailed guide to performing a waste assessment. Advice for working with recycling haulers and educational programs to support recycling are given. A full implementation section on a recyling program is provided, including reduction and buying recycled. Includes on medical waste issues and an overview on state regulations.
Full Title: Best Management Practices For Hospitals and Medical Facilities
URL: /02/01605.pdf
Length: 16 pages
Date: September, 1994
Full Work Author: Torke, Ken
Abstract: This BMP guide is written in a very concise style to reduce waste in every area of the hospital. The report identifies target areas, their pollutants, the pollutants' source and what the BMP is for pollution prevention in each area. The key is to know effective substitutes for hazardous chemicals and to reuse and recycle materials as much as possible.
Full Title: Environmental Self-Assessment for Health Care Facilities - A Quick and Easy Checklist of Pollution Prevention Measures for Health Care Facilities
URL: /09/08131.pdf
Length: 50 pages
Date: 02/00
Full Work Author: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Pollution Prevention Unit
Abstract: The Environmental Self - Assessment for Health Care Facilities is a tool to help evaluate a health care facility's present performance in preventing pollution and identify opportunities for additional pollution prevention measures. The checklists are designed to test a facilities performance in pollution prevention, waste reduction and recycling.
Full Title: Guidebook for Hospital Waste Reduction Planning and Program Implementation
URL: /39/38649.pdf
Length: 109 pages
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: McRae, Glenn; Shaner, Hollie Gusky
Abstract: This guidebook provides tools and information to help establish a waste-management program for a hospital. This companion guide to "An Ounce of Prevention" builds on the approach established in that earlier work but is not as detailed on some aspects . The approach here is to give waste managers the information to jumpstart their learning, not to present a cookie-cutter plan.
Full Title: Guides to Pollution Prevention - Selected Hospital Waste Streams
URL: /02/01059.pdf
Length: 51 pages
Date: June 1990
Full Work Author: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development
Abstract: Specifically addreses the following hospital wastestreams: solvents, chemotherapy, photographic, formaldehyde, X-ray, and mercury. The most useful information is on pages 5- 17 on waste profiles and reduction options.
Full Title: Healthy Hospitals: Environmental Improvements Through Environmental Accounting
URL: /13/12946.pdf
Length: 108 pages
Date: 7/00
Full Work Author: Shapiro, Kren; et al.
Abstract: Hospitals routinely make decisions about which products to procure based upon their cost. Identifying environmental costs associated with the life cycle of a product can assist materials managers in selecting products with the lowest life cycle costs, i.e., the lowest costs accrued throughout the life cycle stages of a product. Hospitals generate large quantities of waste whose treatment and disposal options are dictated by the waste stream’s composition. Because disposal costs are environmental costs, attempts to minimize these costs can benefit from environmental accounting. Additionally, by allocating, or tracking waste management costs back to the products or activities generating waste, managers can make more informed decisions about the products they procure or the activities they undertake.
Full Title: Mercury Use Reduction & Waste Prevention in Medical Facilities
URL: /04/03336.htm
Date: July 1997
Full Work Author: US EPA; Agricultural & Biological Engineering Department - Purdue University
Abstract: This educational tool provides training to hospital employees on the proper handling and disposal of mercury waste. This website has the flexibility to provide information about specific sources or to explain terminology. The information is presented in an easy-to-read, accessible level.
Full Title: Operation and Maintenance of Hospital Medical Waste Incinerators
URL: /15/14256.pdf
Date: March 1989
Full Work Author: Midwest Research Institute
Abstract: This document identifies operation and maintenance procedures for hospital medical waste incinerators and associated air pollution control equipment. Common operating problems and their solutions are discussed.
Full Title: Pollution Prevention - Waste Management Strategies For Hospitals And Clinical Laboratories
URL: /13/12388.pdf
Length: 125 pages
Date: July 1987
Full Work Author: Tulis, Jerry J.; and Thomann, Wayne R.
Abstract: Purpose is to provide waste management information to North Carolina and neighboring state health care and research personnel. Presents strategies that may be employed in a prudent and cost-effective manner to comply with regulations and/or guidelines when handling chemical and bilogical wastes.
Full Title: Pollution Prevention for Hospitals & Medical Facilities
URL: /04/03259.pdf
Length: 25 pages
Date: 1994
Full Work Author: Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant
Abstract: A easy to read yet detailed guide to hospital wastes with separate sections for medical facilities and medical laboratories. This document is useful for identifying the area of a hospital that may be the source of a particular wastewater contaminant. Also contains useful info on water conservation. Many of the pollution prevention tips for selenium are of interest primarily to the western U.S.
Full Title: Pollution Prevention Guide for Hospitals (Excluding Medical Wastes)
URL: /03/02116.pdf
Length: 66 pages
Date: May 1998
Full Work Author: California Environmental Protection Agency
Abstract: This guide was developed by the California Office of Pollution Prevention and Technology Development to assist general medical and surgical hospitals in evaluating their operations for waste minimization opportunities.
Full Title: Reducing Mercury Use in Health Care - Promoting a Healthier Environment
URL: /19/18076.htm
Length: 102 pages
Full Work Author: US EPA
Abstract: The purpose of this manual is to help hospitals start mercury pollution prevention programs or accelerate programs that have already begun. New federal regulations greatly reduce the amount of mercury that is allowed to be discharged from a municipal wastewater system or an incinerator. By implementing the best management practices described in this manual, you can reduce the level of mercury in the environment and avoid the need for increased regulations in the years to come.
Full Title: Veterans Affairs Hospital - Hospital Waste Minimization Case Studies
URL: /05/04848.pdf
Length: 19 pages
Full Work Author: Stone, Kenneth R.
Abstract: This paper will outline the waste profile of medical care facilities and suggest waste minimization options based upon the results of both the California and DVA-Cin studies. This will include a discussion of research needs/opportunities derived from the DVA-Cin study.
Full Title: Wisconsin Mercury Sourcebook - A Guide to Help Your Community Identify and Reduce Releases of Elemental Mercury
URL: /04/03851.htm
Date: May 1997
Full Work Author: Huber, Kimberly
Abstract: The Sourcebook is a compilation of the best mercury reduction work to date, and was designed to help communities through the process of writing a comprehensive community mercury reduction plan through focusing on the purposeful use of mercury. Section One provides background information on mercury and toxicity; Section Two provides detailed steps for drafting a mercury reduction plan; and Section Three contains information for specific sectors, including one for hospitals and clinics.
Full Title: Writing a Waste Reduction Plan for Health Care Organizations
URL: /16/15888.pdf
Length: 85 pages
Full Work Author: Tennessee Hospital Association; et al.
Abstract: This handbook will help your hospital comply with the Tennessee Hazardous Waste Reduction Act of 1990, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the Joint Commission requirement for a management plan to consider hazardous wastes.
Web sites |
URL: http://www.c2p2online.com/main.php3?section=83&doc_id=169
Full Work Author: Healthcare Environet
Abstract: This website includes information on chemical management, emergency response, Environmental Management Systems, facility management, health and safety, green procurement, healthcare success stories (case studies), and waste management in healthcare.
Full Title: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide
URL: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Wetlands/7756/
Full Work Author: Hospitals for a Healthy Environment
Abstract: This website is a product of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing workgroup of the Hospitals for a Healthy Environment cooperative project between the US EPA and the American Hospital Association. Topics covered include definitions, reasons, and cost savings of environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP), as well as how to create and implement creating an EPP program.
Full Title: Hospitals for a Healthy Environment
URL: http://www.h2e-online.org
Full Work Author: H2E
Abstract: The primary goal of the H2E effort is to educate health care professionals about pollution prevention opportunities in hospitals and healthcare systems. Through activities, such as the development of best practices, model plans for total waste management, resource directories, and case studies, the project hopes to provide hospitals and healthcare systems with enhanced tools for minimizing the volumes of waste generated and the use of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals. Such reductions are beneficial to the environment and health of our communities. Furthermore, improved waste management practices will reduce the waste disposal costs incurred by the health care industry.
Full Title: Medical Waste
URL: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/other/medical/
Full Work Author: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste
Abstract: A website all about medical waste, including EPA, OSHA, DOT, USPS, and state regulations for all 50 states, alternate treatment technologies, downloadable reference documents, frequently asked questions, and links.
Full Title: MWRA/MASCO Mercury Workgroup Reports
URL: http://www.masco.org/mercury/
Full Work Author: Massachusettes Water Resources Authority (MWRA) / Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization, Inc. (MASCO)
Abstract: This excellent website includes the reports of a cooperative workgroup's efforts to identify sources of mercury contamination in medical facilities and develop recommendations for their control, develop guidelines for the removal of residual mercury from wastewater systems, and identify and evaluate potential mercury pretreatment systems. Includes the workgroup's findings on pretreatment guidance, facilities loadings, and technology identification, plus the comprehensive Mercury Management Guidebook, completed in May 1999.
Full Title: OTA Online
URL: http://www.mass.gov/envir/ota/
Full Work Author: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
Section Author: Office of Technical Assistance
Abstract: The Health Care Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Network Information Exchange's bi-monthly newsletter provides updates on health care environmental purchasing innovations from across the country.
Full Title: Sustainable Hospitals
URL: http://www.sustainablehospitals.org/cgi-bin/DB_Index.cgi
Full Work Author: Sustainable Hospitals Project - The Lowell Center for Sustainable Production
Abstract: This web site provides information on the Sustainable Hospitals Project of the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production. This project provides technical support to healthcare facilities to reduce occupational and environmental hazards without effecting patient care or costs. The site includes information on facility assessment, alternative products and practices, and a clearinghouse of fact sheets and technical references. One section of the site has information on the Pollution Prevention and Occupational Health and Safety (P2OSH) Project, a study funded by NIOSH to test new procedures for safety. Technical support is also available.
Full Title: The Canadian Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse
URL: http://www.ec.gc.ca/cppic/en/search.cfm?txtSearchString=hospitals
Full Work Author: The National Office of Pollution Prevention, Canada
Abstract: This site contains a searchable database of pollution prevention information. From the main page, choose the hospital-medical-health care subsection and then search for specific areas of concern. Most documents are available on-line.
Online Presentations |
URL: /35/34415.ppt
Length: 12 slides
Full Work Author: Kelly D. Moran
Abstract: How to avoid waste and money.
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