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Improving Environmental Performance From A Healthcare Perspective

Improving Environmental Performance From A Healthcare Perspective. Steven A. Waderich National Environmental Partnership Summit Atlanta GA May 10, 2006. Introduction. Minnesota treasures its water, not only for consumption, but also for recreation.

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Improving Environmental Performance From A Healthcare Perspective

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  1. Improving Environmental Performance From A Healthcare Perspective Steven A. Waderich National Environmental Partnership Summit Atlanta GA May 10, 2006

  2. Introduction Minnesota treasures its water, not only for consumption, but also for recreation. Healthcare produces enormous volumes of hazardous waste, which, if not handled properly, threaten our rivers, stream and lakes. Reducing the amount of pharmaceutical & other waste from hospitals that goes to sewers and landfills diminishes the risk of surface water contamination.

  3. Minnesota Hospitals • Minnesota hospitals are committed to being good stewards of the environment and understand the important correlation between public health and protecting the environment. • Hospitals are driven by the mission of caring for patients 24/7. -Ann Gibson, Minnesota Hospital Association

  4. Allina Hospitals and Clinics • Allina consists of 11 hospitals and over 50 clinics • Abbott Northwestern Hospital • 646 beds • 38,170 Inpatient admissions • 37,462 Emergency visits • 192,890 Outpatient visits • 40 hospital based clinics • 5300 employees

  5. The Challenges • Little expertise within the healthcare community in handling hazardous waste • Decentralized management of waste streams • Healthcare is highly regulated • JCAHO (Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) • OSHA • MPCA/EPA/County • DOT • DEA

  6. Pharmaceutical Waste Data 2005 • Total collected, 40,932 pounds • Total Hazardous, 12,785 pounds (31%) • RCRA Haz, 4771 pounds, 12% • P-listed, 379 pounds, 1% • Dual Haz/infectious, 10% • Controlled Substances, 1% • MN lethal, 8% • Total Non-haz, 24,373 pounds (60%) • Total trash, 3772 pounds (9%)

  7. Pharmaceutical Waste DataFirst Quarter 2006 • Total collected, 22,410 pounds • Estimated Annual 89,640 pounds • Total Hazardous, 5947 pounds (26%) • RCRA Haz, 4592 pounds, (20%) • P-listed, 119 pounds • Dual Haz/infectious, 2154 pounds (9%) • MN lethal, 1354 pounds (6%) • Total Non-haz, 12,925 pounds (58%) • Total trash, 3600 pounds (16%)

  8. Waste Projection Costs • Based on current data we estimate annual waste disposal at Abbott Northwestern Hospital to be: • $350,000 - $375,000 • Includes Haz, Haz/Dual & Non-Haz pharm. disposal • Includes Lab waste disposal • Includes containers & vendor charges • Includes outside vendor sorting fees • Does not include • Additional staff time commitment (est. 2.3 FTE’s) • Training (est. $66/employee) • Off site clinics • Evaluation processes

  9. Positive OutcomesRecycling(Information provided by Lynn Montgomery, Allina Labs) ABBOTT NORTHWESTERN SITE ONLY January - December, 2005 Amount Recycled Product $/Gal $Purchase $ Dispo/Gal $Disposal Cost Savings $37,187 Waste Disposal fees$ 3,679 Savings $ 33,508

  10. Allina Metro Hospitals Recycled 5057 gallons of reagents (92 drums) Alcohol Xylene 10% formalin Reduction in Reagent Purchases Disposal fees Freight and handling Employee safety Recycling Success(Information provided by Lynn Montgomery, Allina Labs) 2005 Savings at four metro hospitals$ 62,988

  11. Positive Outcomes • MnTAP Intern Project 2005 • $8000 - $11,000/year • Lab chemical reduction • Eliminated 400 chemicals and processes • Vile Crusher Project ($500/week, $26,000/year) • Successful Recycling program ($33,500/year) • Pharmaceuticals (proper management) • Evaluated 4100 formulary drugs • Epi Irrigation process changes

  12. Positive OutcomesStandardization • Allina Hospitals and Clinics • Regulated & Hazardous Waste Committee • Standardized Training material • Standardized collection & handling processes • Data gathering • Waste streams and profiles • RFP & resource management initiatives • Drafted an Environmental Policy

  13. Regulatory Consensus • Most often regulators and the community that they are regulating only meet in an enforcement arena. • Minnesota hospitals appreciate the willingness of the Solid Waste Coordinating Board and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to come to the table to discuss approaches for hospitals to achieve compliance with hazardous waste regulations while keeping in mind our important mission of quality patient care. • Encouraged communication with local regulators

  14. Summary Healthcare will do the right thing to ensure the proper disposal of pharmaceutical, lab and other hazardous wastes to protect employees, our patients and the environment of the communities we serve.

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