Key Learning Point: Purchase and use of a baling machine to compact waste can result in significant environmental and social savings with calculated actual financial saving.
Setting/Patient Group: Satelitte Renal unit
Issue to be addressed:
Disposal of the plastic acid and bicarbonate cartridges were needlessly entering the clinical waste stream and therefore being incinerated, an expensive and environmentally damaging route of disposal.
Additionally large amounts of cardboard packaging associated with the clinical supplies purchased by the unit required disposal and despite its recyclable nature, this was entering the domestic waste stream. Moreover, collections were infrequent, and the cardboard was frequently accumulating in piles.
Intervention:
The solution to all these problems was the purchase of a baling machine to compact the waste.
The machine is housed in the storage room adjacent to the main dialysis unit and measures approximately 6ft by 3ft by 3ft. An electronic machine was chosen ahead of piston-driven alternatives as it makes very little noise, an important consideration given the close proximity to a clinical area.
Total Outcomes for single unit:
Social
- Free up physical space, reducing potential fire risk.
Environmental
- 8.665 tonnes CO2e per year (Estimated)
Economic
- £4,150 (Actual)
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