Reduce, reuse, recycle in the dialysis unit - Case studies from Dunfermline and Birmingham

Key learning point: Several cost-effective opportunities exist to implement principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle in renal units from Baling machines, to cardboard distribution and online haemodiafiltration

Setting/Patient Group: Renal Units

Issue to be addressed: Healthcare generates vast quantities of waste, the disposal of which costs around £73 million pounds annually. Kidney contributes significantly to this waste, as packaging waste becomes clinical waste, hence limiting the potential for recycling. Despite growing sustainability efforts, most renal units lack basic facilities for segregating and recycling waste.

1. Reduce Case study

Intervention:

• Stopped unnecessary hanging of a bag for emergencies
• Improving segregation at source by diverting bicarbonate bags from clinical waste
• Move towards providing online haemofiltration

Outcome:

Environmental:

• Reduced clinical waste by 21.5 tonnes annually

Economic:

• Saved £6,458.40 annually in disposal costs

2. Reuse Case Study

Intervention:

• Reused plastic sharps carriers for cannulation
• Patients utilized the Freecycle platform to pass on cardboard boxes to others

Outcome:

Environmental:

• Demonstrated opportunities for reusing certain items in renal units
• Addressed infection control concerns through safe reuse

3. Recycle Case study

Intervention:

• Introduced baling machines to combat plastic and cardboard waste
• Redirected plastic and cardboard waste to recycling streams.

Outcome:

Environmental:

• Reduced clinical waste incineration

Economic:

• Saved £4,000 annually (estimated)

Key learning point: Several cost-effective opportunities exist to implement principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle in renal units from Baling machines, to cardboard distribution and online haemodiafiltration