Realising resource efficiency in the management of healthcare waste from the Cornwall National Health Service (NHS) in the UK

Tudor, T. L., Marsh, C. L., Butler, S., Vanhorn, J. A. and Jenkin, L. E. T. (2008) Realising resource efficiency in the management of healthcare waste from the Cornwall National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Waste Management. 28(7), pp. 1209-1218. 0956-053X.

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Item Type:	Article
Abstract:	The quantities of waste generated by the healthcare sector in the United Kingdom (UK) have been shown to be amongst the highest in Europe. Based on a case study undertaken within the Cornwall NHS (National Health Service) in the UK, this paper reports on the results of waste minimisation trials. The schemes were able to achieve significant waste reductions in both clinical and domestic waste quantities. Indeed, a reduction in domestic bag waste in the range of 1.6-33.4%, with an average of 14.8% was realised. For clinical waste, the reduction ranged from 1.8% to 38.3%, at an average of 15.7%, with net cost benefits of nearly US$ 25,000 over the period of 1-3 years. The outcomes suggest that significant resource and financial efficiencies can be attained, but due to the many factors involved, there is a need to focus both on containment and logistics, as well as social factors for success.
Subjects:	T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD783 Municipal refuse. Solid wastes G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA565 Environmental health > RA567.7 Medical wastes
Creators:	Tudor, Terry L, Marsh, C L, Butler, S, Vanhorn, J A and Jenkin, L E T
Publisher:	Elsevier
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:	University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Applied Sciences (to 2009) > Environmental Science (to 2009)
Date:	2008
Date Type:	Publication
Page Range:	pp. 1209-1218
Journal or Publication Title:	Waste Management
Volume:	28
Number:	7
Language:	English
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman2007.04.004
ISSN:	0956-053X
Status:	Published / Disseminated
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/1216

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