Industry-first pilot recycling 40,000 pounds of used medical devices
BD, a global medical technology company, and Casella Waste Systems, a solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, announced the most recent results of a recycling pilot to recycle 40,000 pounds of medical waste, especially discarded syringes and needles.
Syringes have been particularly difficult to recycle due to the various components and steps involved in the process, including safe handling of medical waste, and treating and sterilizing materials before they can be re-introduced for recycling.
The recycling pilot helps address such challenge within the health care industry, which generates more than 3 billion pounds of plastic waste in the US alone.
Took place in the first half of 2023, the pilot program was the first large-scale effort to assess the feasibility of recycling medical waste found in red sharps containers. These containers include a broad range of medical equipment and materials, primarily syringesand needles.
The pilot tested feasibility of recycling medical waste in red sharps containers, primarily syringes and needles.
The medical waste was collected across a variety of health care facilities, and all plastics were diverted from disposal and recycled.
The program also assessed technical feasibility of two types of recycling technology, mechanical and advanced recycling. Both show favorable results in their ability to successfully recycle used medical devices for use in other products.
John W. Casella, Chairman and CEO of Casella, commented that the pilot showcased the strength of collaborative partnerships when it comes to sustainable material management practices.
"We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our portfolio, and the results of this study show that by working together with industry partners, we can drive sustainable solutions that have a positive impact on the health of our planet and communities,” added Chee Lum, VP and General Manager of injection systems for BD.
The next stage of the pilot program will expand regionally to additional hospitals and non-acute care facilities. The team will also increase focus to cover other types of medical materials for recycling, as well as reclaiming the used devices and returning them to the manufacturing process.
