Legacy Health System Waste Management

Basic PhilosophyWaste as a commodity If we can find a market, we will collect it If we collect as recycling, we will recycle itThe program goal is to collect as much as possible

without compromising patient care

LHS Waste Management

Program includesHazardous wasteMedical wasteDocument DestructionSolid waste (trash)DOT/IATARECYCLING

LHS Waste Management

This is the volume page Amount of solid waste generated

2400 tons =550 lbs/hour Amount recycling

2020 tons =461 lbs/hour Amount of medical waste generated

442 tons =100 lbs/hour

LHS Waste Management

What do we recycle?Paper and cardboardGlass/tin/aluminumScrap metal, yard debris and woodPlastics

#1, #2, #4*, #5, #6, foams

ElectronicsUniversal wastes like fluorescents and batteries

LHS Waste Management

Other key program featuresUse of non profit for sorting

Employs 7-8 challenged workers

Materials from other sitesBlue wrap from hospitals all over Oregon and SW

WashingtonPlastics from the Providence System6 Vet hospitals/materials from the community and employees

LHS Waste Management So how does this all happen?

Lots and lots of work and communication In services to all types of groupsNewsletters (weekly to all employees)Site specific enewsPublic folders/shared drivesSite walk through toursWord of mouth/one on one talking

LHS Waste Management

AudiencesHospital clinical unitsResearchLabsOffice environmentRemote sitesDifferent size sites

LHS Waste Management

What Does the future hold?Better recycling collectionFood compostingMajor focus shift to sustainabilityMore partnering

Internally on more sustainable agricultureExternally on more collection, both with existing programs *

and development of new partners