Introducing recycling into operating theatres

Setting/Patient Group: Operating Theatres

Issue to be addressed:

Inappropriate waste segregation and disposal - all waste from clinical areas within the operating theatre setting was disposed of via orange clinical waste bags.

Intervention:

1. 1. 1. 1. Baseline survey to all staff working in the targeted clinical areas to establish current waste segregation behaviour at home and work and identify barriers to recycling at work.
         2. Observation of workflow to identify main disposers of physical waste in theatres.
         3. Introduction of recycling bins in every anaesthetic room of the three largest operating suites with flow chart algorithms to aid appropriate disposal. Recycling bins also introduced in recovery and staff rest areas.

Outcome:

Social

Engaged and empowered staff in a successful change management project

Environmental

• Diversion of inappropriate waste from landfill and incineration (approximately 4 tonnes/year)
• Estimated carbon saving 8,886kgCO₂e/year

Economic

• Estimated cost saving of £1319.38/year

Key learning point

‘Recycling of waste offers a relatively easy initial target which resulted in reducing the carbon footprint of theatres whilst proving that the Trust could save money with minimal financial investment.’