Many hospitals are facing the challenge of how to successfully integrate recycling practices into a patient-care setting and understand the economic, regulatory, resourcing and infrastructure nuances that come with it, according to an article on the FacilityCare website. 

The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council has recently developed HospiCycle, a continuing education-accredited guide with supporting tools to help hospitals navigate the process of initiating a plastics recycling program in a patient-care setting.

Before implementing a healthcare plastics recycling program, hospitals should understand that plastics recycling in a patient-care setting is an advanced recycling option. The facility’s commitment to sustainability must be considered, the article said.

Once the hospital’s commitment to sustainability is determined, there are financial considerations that should be evaluated prior to getting started. Then it’s time to develop a tailored program. After determining the types and volumes of plastic waste moving through patient care areas, the facility will need to select a recycling partner. 

Read the article.