21 July 2023
Benefits and technologies for sustainable reduction of hospital waste
Healthcare waste is a significant concern for the environment and public health. Their proper management is essential to prevent the spread of disease and reduce negative environmental impact.
In this article we will explore the benefits and technologies for reducing hospital waste to promote sustainable management in healthcare.
What are healthcare waste
Healthcare waste is materials resulting from healthcare activities that can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.
Healthcare waste is generally divided into different categories:
- Non-hazardous waste: this category includes materials generated by healthcare facilities that do not pose specific risks to human health or the environment.
- Non-infectious hazardous waste: this category includes waste that, if improperly managed, can pose a risk to human health and the environment, but is not infectious.
- Infectious hazardous waste: this category includes materials that may contain pathogenic biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites and pose a risk of infection.
Benefits of reducing hospital healthcare waste
The reduction of healthcare waste brings numerous advantages both for the environment and the healthcare sector. Firstly, one of the main benefits is the significant decrease in materials that require disposal. This helps reduce soil, water, and air pollution, preserving the environment.
Reducing healthcare waste also leads to cost savings in waste management. Less waste to dispose of means fewer expenses associated with its collection, transportation, and treatment. This can help reduce the operational costs of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Another significant advantage is the reduction of nosocomial infections risk. Proper waste reduction and management can indeed decrease the exposure to potential pathogens for patients and healthcare workers.
Additionally, the reduction of hospital waste promotes greater sustainability in the healthcare sector.
Finally, hospitals and healthcare facilities that implement effective measures can enjoy a positive image and improved reputation. This leads to increased trust from patients, employees and the community at large.
How to reduce hospital waste: the key role of Newster
At Newster are a reference point for the supply of machinery for the reduction of hazardous healthcare waste.
Thanks to our treatment system based on friction and sterilization, we ensure a safe disposal of waste since, at the end of the process, it is converted into non-hazardous municipal waste.
Our machinery operates in several stages. The first phase of the waste reduction process involves shredding them through stainless steel blades. Subsequently, the evaporation phase begins: the cell containing the shredded material increases in temperature up to 100°C.
Once all the moisture has been eliminated, the cell's temperature is further increased to 150°C, effectively eliminating all microorganisms and bacteria.
At the end of this process, the waste is cooled using water vaporization until it reaches a temperature of 95°C, and finally, it is automatically discharged.
Our machinery guarantees:
- Up to 25% reduction in initial weight.
- Up to 75% reduction in initial volume.
- Sterility tested up to 28 days after treatment.
These innovative plants are designed for infectious hazardous healthcare waste and contribute to the prevention and control of infections within hospitals and medical facilities.
We are well aware that each hospital or healthcare facility has unique requirements stemming from its size, the type of services offered, and the specific needs of patients. Therefore, we have machinery capable of adapting to hospitals of various sizes: from healthcare facilities with 150 beds to large hospitals with 600 beds.
Conclusions and contacts of Newster
In conclusion, the effective reduction of healthcare waste is of fundamental importance to preserve human health and the environment. For more information about our waste reduction plants, contact us through the form on the contacts page.
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