Less waste how-to guide

(Less waste toolkit) Hospitals are pouring, burying, burning and cooking garbage made up of plastics, chemicals, paper, food, needles, packaging and lots of electronic equipment. With rising waste removal fees, beach wash-ups, medical waste incinerators identified as a major source of mercury in the environment and the Associated Press’ recent investigation on pharmaceutical waste in the country’s drinking water, it’s undeniable that “away” is a rotary that loops right back to where we started. Steps hospitals take to make less “stuff” can reduce dollars thrown in the trash and help to protect the environment. Health care workers benefit from education around materials and wastes. With a clearer understanding of the waste types and categories, and with detailed education and training programs, workers are safer, and at less risk for biological or chemical waste exposure and mismanagement.