New COVID-19 Challenge: Minimizing PPE Waste

Managers seek to reduce the quantity of isolation gowns, gloves and masks discarded after use


When the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in March 2020, finding enough personal protective equipment (PPE) quickly became a top priority for facility managers in hospitals and other healthcare organizations looking to protect front-line and support staff from the coronavirus. Ten months later, and locating sufficient masks, gowns and gloves remains a top priority for managers. But what happens to all those products after use? 

Hospitals generate around 30 pounds of waste per patient per day, which amounts to about 14,000 tons of waste daily, one-quarter of which is plastic packaging and products, says the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council. The World Health Organization estimates that about 85 percent of hospital waste is noninfectious, making the bulk of it easier to dispose and potentially recycle.

With COVID-19 case numbers rising and vaccines rolling out, managing supplies and reducing waste continues as a huge issue this year. Isolation gowns, gloves, masks, needles, syringes and vials discarded after use: some waste is inevitable, but supply chain leaders are finding ways to reduce the quantity, according to Supply Chain Dive. They are reusing and recycling when possible and adjusting procurement and packaging to help the environment and even the bottom line.

Click here to read the article.



January 15, 2021


Topic Area: Sustainable Operations


Recent Posts

Plume Problems: Toilets and Airborne Contaminants

Fecal bacteria and viruses ejected during flushing can contaminate restroom surfaces with microorganisms.


Police Searching for Man Who Fled PeaceHealth Hospital in Washington

The police are looking to arrest the man and are calling on the public to help locate him.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Houston at The Medical Center Opens

The 61-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital is Encompass Health's first hospital fully constructed using prefabricated modules.


Senior Housing Increases in Third Quarter

More elderly adults are moving into senior care facilities.


Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano to Build New Tower

Construction of the new tower is slated to begin in summer 2025, with an expected opening in fall 2028.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.