Page 484 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

462 HEALTH SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

from the landfill. Clark picks up the receptacles, then recycles the sterile wrap into
blue pellets that become blue handicapped parking stops and lining for electricity and
telephone poles that repel lightning.
The South Bay Medical Center recycling program began in April 1993 on Earth
Day. Through the program, the hospital recycles all standard commodities and toner
cartridges, sharps containers, sterile wraps, pulse oximeter probes, telephone directo-
ries, steel, and wood. They eliminated the waste of mattress overlays (a foam product)
by purchasing a new type of patient mattress. South Bay uses voice- and e-mail and
has a formal environmental policy, a free barbecue on Earth Day for employees to cel-
ebrate their successful program, and donates furniture or medical equipment to
schools or hospitals in other countries.
“The OB unit is our best,” according to Christine. “They recycle everything. I think
it’s because a lot of them have kids who go to school and learn about recycling, then
come home and educate them not to throw things away!”
Staff suggestions for recycling are encouraged. A flyer posted throughout the hos-
pital reads, “Recycle your ideas and we’ll put them to use.” It includes an invitation
to call the Recycling/Waste Management Committee. South Bay recycled 2000
Christmas trees from the community on their property—a program they ran for 2 weeks
instead of the traditional single day pickup. They now plan to erect an oil-recycling
station. All these efforts have paid off. Disposal and related costs are down 50 percent.
The hospital has saved over $100,000 since the program began.