gngh waste audit 2012

The Greater Niagara General Hospital

Solid Waste Audit Report 2012

Kelly Baah

Angel Cisneros

Babajide Olufunso

Janice Powell

Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012

Executive Summary

Purpose:

During January to April of 2012 the Greater Niagara General Hospital retained Niagara

College Environmental Management and Assessment postgraduate program students

to perform a solid waste audit.

At the outset, the purpose of this audit is described as follows:

To identify and quantify waste generated at the hospital;

To characterize and quantify waste streams;

To examine current methods of waste collection;

To determine and measure Greater Niagara General Hospital’s ability to reduce,

reuse and recycle solid waste; and

To identify purchasing policies allowing Greater Niagara General Hospital to

secure for future recycling efforts.

Audit Scope:

The sorting of the waste was conducted on March 9th and 16th, 2012 in accordance

with the Ministry of Environment standards as well as Ontario Regulations 102/94 and

103/94. The audit scope included 24 waste generation areas within the hospital. These

waste generation areas (WGAs) are:

Unit C (Medical)

Unit D (Medical)

Trillium (Chronic care)

Rainbow (Maternal

child/nursery/paediatrics and

labour and delivery)

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Mental Health

Emergency Room

Brock (Surgical)

Operating room (includes

Recovery room and day surgery)

Endoscopy and clinic areas

Discovery Unit (Out-patient

mental health)

Medical Imaging which includes

x-ray, CT, MRI

Women’s Centre

Laboratory

Dietary/Kitchen

Maintenance

Purchasing

Human resources

General office areas

Cafeteria

Physiotherapy

Sterilization

Bio-Medical Engineering

Pharmacy

During the solid waste audit, hospital staff collected the waste generated within these

areas and piled them in the hospital’s Ecosystem Room, where the audit was to take

place.

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Results:

Current waste management systems involve the separation of waste into multiple waste

streams: general waste, recycling waste, organics / compost waste, hazardous

materials, biomedical waste, anatomical waste, cytotoxic waste, sharps,

pharmaceutical waste, confidential paper, metal and batteries. Analysis of these waste

streams showed that 63% of the waste generated is landfilled; 23% is recycled, 9% is

composted; 4% is autoclaved and 1% is incinerated. Of the 63% waste that is landfilled,

the largest component contributing to the waste stream is the category “other” (38%).

Waste materials considered as “other” include: latex gloves, coffee cups, gauze and

Styrofoam. The second largest component of the waste stream is organics / compost

with 17%.

Annualizing the weights of the waste generated with each WGA concluded that the

Emergency Room generates the most waste with 51,910.3kg/year (19.18% of the

WGAs). The second largest waste contributor is the Operating Room, generating

37,932.6kg/year (14.01%).

Summary of Findings and Recommendations:

Recommendations made focused on overall waste reduction and recycling, as

mentioned in the Environmental Management Hierarchy. The following

recommendations were suggested:

Reduce the use of paper towels, paper and coffee cups;

Improve recycling program to encourage more recycling amongst staff, patients

and visitors;

Expand organics / compost program throughout the hospital to divert waste

from the landfill;

Consider recycling diapers; and

Review your purchasing policies to lessen the hospital’s environmental impact

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Val Franco, Nick Jancsar, Lisa Beckett and the rest of the

staff at the Greater Niagara General Hospital for their assistance, kindness and

cooperation during the solid waste audit. Your hard work and patience made

the waste audit a success.

We greatly appreciated the opportunity to work for the Niagara Health System

and will use this experience in our future environmental careers.

If you have any questions or concerns, regarding this waste audit, please feel

free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Kelly Baah Angel Cisneros Babajide Olufunso Janice Powell

Kelly Baah Angel Cisneros Babajide Olufunso Janice Powell

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ i

Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................... iii

1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Description.............................................................................................................. 1

1.1.1 Waste Audit Team........................................................................................................ 2

1.2 Site Description .................................................................................................................... 2

1.2.1 Physical Site Description .............................................................................................. 2

2.0 Waste Audit Methodology ................................................................................................. 3

2.1 Waste Audit Equipment ..................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Review of Operations ......................................................................................................... 3

2.3 Waste Generation Areas ................................................................................................... 4

2.4 Conducting the Waste Audit.. .......................................................................................... 4

2.5 Limitations ............................................................................................................................ 5

2.6 Calculations ......................................................................................................................... 6

3.0 Current Waste Management Systems ............................................................................... 7

3.1 Colour-Coded System ........................................................................................................ 7

3.2 Waste Storage ..................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Waste Collection and Frequency ................................................................................... 8

3.4 Garbage ............................................................................................................................. 8

3.5 Recyclables ......................................................................................................................... 9

3.6 Organics/Compost ............................................................................................................ 9

3.7 Hazardous Materials .......................................................................................................... 9

3.8 Biomedical and Anatomical/Cytotoxic Waste ............................................................. 9

3.9 Sharps .................................................................................................................................. 9

3.10 Pharmaceuticals .............................................................................................................. 9

3.11 Metal ................................................................................................................................... 9

3.12 Batteries ........................................................................................................................... 10

4.0 Results ................................................................................................................................ 11

4.1 Estimated Annual Waste Classified by Waste Generation Areas .............................. 11

4.1.1 Largest Generator of Waste ..................................................................................... 13


4.2 Recycling and Composting Program Composition..................................................... 15

4.3 Unit C – Solid Waste Stream............................................................................................. 17

4.4 Unit D – Solid Waste Stream ............................................................................................. 18

4.5 Trillium – Solid Waste Stream ............................................................................................ 19

4.6 Rainbow – Solid Waste Stream........................................................................................ 20

4.7 Intensive Care Unit – Solid Waste Stream ...................................................................... 21

4.8 Mental Health – Solid Waste Stream .............................................................................. 22

4.9 Emergency Room – Solid Waste Stream ....................................................................... 23

4.10 Brock – Solid Waste Stream ........................................................................................... 24

4.11 Operating Room – Solid Waste Stream ....................................................................... 25

4.12 Endoscopy– Solid Waste Stream ................................................................................. 26

4.13 Discovery – Solid Waste Stream .................................................................................... 27

4.14 Medical Imaging– Solid Waste Stream ........................................................................ 28

4.15 Women’s Centre – Solid Waste Stream ....................................................................... 29

4.16 Laboratory – Solid Waste Stream .................................................................................. 30

4.17 Dietary/Kitchen – Solid Waste Stream ......................................................................... 31

4.18 Maintenance – Solid Waste Stream ............................................................................. 32

4.19 Purchasing – Solid Waste Stream .................................................................................. 33

4.20 Human Resources – Solid Waste Stream ..................................................................... 34

4.21 General Office Areas – Solid Waste Stream ............................................................... 35

4.22 Cafeteria – Solid Waste Stream .................................................................................... 36

4.23 Physiotherapy – Solid Waste Stream ............................................................................ 37

4.24 Sterilization – Solid Waste Stream .................................................................................. 38

4.25 Pharmacy – Solid Waste Stream ................................................................................... 39

4.26 Bio-Medical Engineering – Solid Waste Stream .......................................................... 40

5.0 Discussion and Analysis ................................................................................................... 41

5.1 Total Amount of Waste Generated (2009, 2012) ......................................................... 41

5.2 Largest Generator of Waste (2009, 2012) ...................................................................... 41

5.3 Comparison of Overall Diversion Rates (2009, 2012) ................................................... 42

5.4 Comparison of Recycling Capture Rates (2009, 2012) ............................................... 42


6.0 Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 43

6.1 Source Reduction Recommendations .......................................................................... 43

6.1.1 Paper Towels ............................................................................................................... 43

6.1.2 Paper ........................................................................................................................... 43

6.1.3 Coffee Cups ............................................................................................................... 44

6.2 Recycling Recommendations ........................................................................................ 44

6.2.1 Organics / Compost .................................................................................................. 44

6.2.2 Plastics Recycling ....................................................................................................... 44

6.2.3 Diaper Recycling ....................................................................................................... 45

6.2.4 Purchasing Policies .................................................................................................... 45

6.2.5 Recycling Awareness ................................................................................................ 45

6.3 Other Recommendations ................................................................................................ 45

7.0 References ........................................................................................................................ 46

Appendices

A – Ministry of Environment forms

B – Waste Audit Data and Calculations


1.0 Introduction

A waste audit is “a study relating to waste” (Canadian Council of Ministers of the

Environment, 1996, p. 1). It is often used to minimize the amount of waste generated by

an organization, since it identifies the number of waste streams, the quantity of waste

produced and waste generating habits. The information gathered in the audit is then

used to develop a waste reduction work plan. This work plan becomes an action plan

for organizations to implement waste reduction, reuse and recycling initiatives

(Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1996).

1.1 Project Description

The purpose of this report is to conduct a solid waste audit for the Greater Niagara

General Hospital (GNGH). Annual solid waste audits are a requirement under Ontario

Regulations 102/94 “Waste Audits and Waste Reduction Work Plans” and 103/94

“Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Source Separation Programs”.

According to Part IX of Ontario Regulation 102/94, public hospitals, classified as class A,

B or F in Regulation 964, must conduct a waste audit and waste reduction workplans on

a yearly basis. GNGH falls under class F, meaning that it is a hospital for chronic patients

and has more than 200 beds; therefore they must comply with the Regulation.

A waste audit consists of three main components, which are required under Regulation

102/94. They are:

The amount, nature and composition of the solid waste generated from all

functional areas;

The manner in which the waste is generated including any relevant

management policies and/or procedures; and

The manner in which waste is managed after its generation

Section 13 of Ontario Regulation 103/94, “Industrial, Commercial and Institutional

Source Separation Programs” states that public hospitals, classified as A, B, or F must

implement a source separation program for the wastes generated by the hospital.

GNGH is a class F; therefore they must abide by this Regulation as well.

The results of the waste audit will be used to evaluate waste composition; the quantity

of waste generated; the efficiency of existing waste management systems; how the

waste is managed; and how the waste is disposed of. Furthermore, these results will

provide baseline data for measuring the effectiveness of waste minimization strategies

and identify opportunities for enhancing GNGH’s current waste management system.

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1.1.1 Waste Audit Team

As part of their internship, four students were retained by the Niagara Health System to

conduct a waste audit at GNGH. These students belong to Niagara College’s

Environmental Management and Assessment Post-Graduate Program. The interns

conducted the audit, prepared the report and made recommendations regarding

waste reduction strategies.

1.2 Site Description

GNGH opened its doors in 1907, providing the residents of Niagara Falls and the

surrounding population with 24 hour medical care and emergency services. Originally

located on Jepson Street, the hospital moved to a new larger healthcare facility on

Portage Road in 1958 to accommodate the City’s growing population. Currently, the

hospital has over 200 beds and offers both in-patient and out-patient services, which

include a new emergency department, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), general surgery,

regional acute stroke beds, maternal/child services and palliative care.

Continuing its tradition of “Working Together for a Healthier Niagara”, GNGH and its

involvement within the local community has led the hospital to acquire state-of-the-art

medical technologies to better serve its patients. These new technologies are, a helical

CT scanner, a mammography machine for the Ontario Breast Screening Clinic and a

gamma camera for testing nuclear medicine.

As of March 8, 2000, GNGH has been 1 of the 8 hospitals in the Niagara Region

amalgamated under the Niagara Health System. The Niagara Health System serves

over 434,000 residents across the 12 municipalities that encompass the Niagara Region.

1.2.1 Physical Site Description

GNGH consists of two hospital buildings both constructed in 1958 totaling 346,000

square feet.

Main Hospital (298,000 square feet) – Major renovations and additions that

occurred in 1963, 1967, 1992, 1996 and 1999. The most recent addition to the

hospital was the Jeff Morgan Emergency Department and Ambulatory Care

Expansion in 2005-2008.

Allied Health Building (48,000 square feet) – This building is a 3 storey structure

with a service tunnel that connects it to the Main Hospital.

It should be noted that the Allied Health Building was not included in this solid waste

audit report.

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2.0 Waste Audit Methodology

A detailed audit was chosen for the waste audit conducted at GNGH. With this type of

audit, the waste is sampled and sorted to determine waste composition and waste

generation data. The process for a detailed audit involves identifying and collecting

representative samples of solid waste from a set period of time (i.e. one day). Once the

representative samples are chosen, the sample waste is sorted, weighed and recorded

into a spreadsheet. A detailed audit was the appropriate methodology for GNGH, as

the hospital generates various types of waste in large volumes.

The detailed waste audit was conducted according to Ontario Regulation 102/94.

However, due to time constraints, waste was only collected, weighed and sorted after

a 24-hour period.

2.1 Waste Audit Equipment

Equipment used during the waste audit process to ensure the health and safety of the

auditors and the accuracy of the audit itself were supplied by Niagara College, GNGH

and the auditing team. The following is a chart displaying the equipment used for the

waste audit and who supplied it.

Niagara College Equipment GNGH Equipment Auditors Equipment

Waste audit kit:

2 50kg balance weigh

scale

4 large bowls/bins

2 sets of latex gloves

2 sets of rubber gloves

2 sets of tongs

Face shields/masks

Protective body suit

Identification labels

for bags

Garbage bags

Physical space to

conduct the waste

audit (the

Ecosystem room)

3 sorting tables

4 sets of tongs

Containers for

sorting

Maintenance staff

Plastic drop sheets

Data recording materials:

Paper

Pens

Laptop/netbook

2.2 Review of Operations

The waste audit team set up a meeting with hospitality services manager, Val Franco

on January 20, 2012 to learn about GNGH’s waste generation habits and to participate

in a hospital tour. The hospital tour, which was given by Lisa Beckett, provided the

auditors with an understanding of the current waste management systems and

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practices that occur at GNGH. Furthermore, the tour helped determine the hospital’s

waste generation areas (WGAs) for the audit.

Additionally, the audit team has been in frequent contact with Val Franco through e-

mail to gather more information regarding the waste management systems in place at

the hospital.

2.3 Waste Generation Areas

Following the tour, the hospital was divided into 24 WGAs, which will be the focus of

improving the waste management systems and practices implemented at GNGH. The

WGAs are separated into two sections, “in-patient” and “other areas”.

In-Patient Other Areas

Unit C (Medical)

Unit D (Medical)

Trillium (Chronic care)

Rainbow (Maternal

child/nursery/paediatrics and

labour and delivery)

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Mental Health

Emergency Room

Brock (Surgical)

Operating room (includes Recovery

room and day surgery)

Endoscopy and clinic areas

Discovery Unit (Out-patient mental

health)

Medical Imaging which includes x-

ray, CT, MRI

Women’s Centre

Laboratory

Dietary/Kitchen

Maintenance

Purchasing

Human resources

General office areas

Cafeteria

Physiotherapy

Sterilization

Bio-Medical Engineering

Pharmacy

2.4 Conducting the Waste Audit

Preparation for the solid waste audit occurred between January 13 and March 8, 2012.

This preparation included a hospital tour, gathering waste generation data, writing the

labels for the bags of waste and determining the sample and subsample sizes for the

waste. Since the auditing team only audited one day’s worth of waste, it was

determined that the sample size would be one day and the subsample is three bags.

The actual audit was conducted on March 9 and March 16, 2012. During waste

collection, maintenance staff labelled the bags of waste with the appropriate labels for

each WGA and transported the waste to the Ecosystem room provided by the hospital

4


for the audit. Additionally, the maintenance staff supplied the audit team with the

recycling and compost generated to determine the capture rate and waste

composition.

Before the waste audit began, the auditing team used the personal protective

equipment (i.e. gloves, face shield / mask and body suit) supplied by GNGH to ensure

that their health and safety were protected. To begin the audit, the auditing team

weighed the waste generated in one day. This data was recorded into a Microsoft

Excel spreadsheet. The sorting of the waste was completed using containers, tongs,

plastic drop sheets and garbage bags. Once the sorting was complete, each waste

stream from the WGA was weighed on a scale. The weight was also recorded into a

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

The waste sorted in the audit was categorized according to the Ministry of Environment

(MOE) specifications and placed in designated bins for weighing. The categories of

waste identified by the MOE are:

Aluminum food and beverage

cans

Cardboard

Fine paper

Glass food and beverage

bottles/jars

Newsprint

Steel food and beverage cans

PET (#1) plastic food and

beverage bottles

HDPE (#2) plastic jugs, crates,

totes and drums

LDPE (#4) plastic film

Polystyrene (#6)

Organics

Boxboard show boxes, cereal

boxes, etc.

Glossy magazines, catalogues,

flyers

Wood

Steel

Drywall

Skids

Paper towels

Printer cartridges

IT equipment/audio-visual

equipment

Furniture

Building/renovation material

Disposable take out food

packaging

Cell phones

Diapers (including wipes)

Clothing/textiles

Other

For the “other” category the auditing team included: medical cloth (includes operating

blankets), latex gloves, plastic #7 (other), milk cartons, medical equipment (i.e. IV

bags), medical wrappers, coffee cups, food wrappers, batteries, Styrofoam, medicine

bottles, medical gauze, plastic syringes, syringe caps, fire barrier sealant plastic bottles,

metal, face masks, cotton balls, vials, ice packs, packing material, sterile plastic

containers and vinyl (#3).

2.5 Limitations

Limitations that were experienced during the solid waste audit process include:

5


Time constraints: During a solid waste audit, the bags of waste are normally

weighed every day. However, due to hospital resources and a short time frame,

the bags of waste were weighed for one day and multiplied by seven days per

week. Although this method minimizes the accuracy of the data, it is assumed

that the hospital conducts the same activities on a daily basis;

Varying subsample sizes: It is stated in this report that the subsample is three bags.

However, not all WGAs had three bags of waste filled in one day; therefore one

bag from these areas was sorted for the audit. These WGAs are: Discovery,

Women’s Centre, Laboratory, Maintenance, Purchasing, Human Resources,

Cafeteria, Physiotherapy, Sterilization, Pharmacy and Bio-Medical Engineering;

and

Inaccurate waste information: The information necessary to determine the

annual weight of waste generated for the various types of waste at the hospital

was incomplete, current or old. Using the current (from 2011), old (from 2010)

and incomplete data will affect the accuracy of the waste audit results. For

improved accuracy, all the data used should be from 2011.

2.6 Calculations

For the purpose of this audit, the auditing team calculated the capture rate, the

diversion rate and the amount of waste generated annually.

The capture rate represents the percentage of recycling waste that is placed in the

existing recycling program. It is calculated using the formula:

Capture Rate = Recyclables in recycling stream x 100

Recyclables found in waste and recycling streams

The diversion rate represents the percentage of the total waste stream that is diverted

from disposal through other means, such as recycling, reuse and composting. It is

calculated using the formula:

Diversion Rate = Waste that is reused or recycled x 100

Total facility waste

Since GNGH is always in operation and their daily activities are similar each day, the

total amount of waste generated annually can be estimated by the following formula:

Total Amount of Waste Generated Annually = daily waste generated x 365 days

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3.0 Current Waste Management Systems

GNGH has a complex, multi-faceted waste management system. It consists of three

main waste streams: general waste, recyclables and organics/compost. Due to the

nature of the daily activities that occur at the GNGH, waste is further divided into

additional streams to ensure that the waste is properly disposed of. Proper waste

disposal is of utmost importance, as it protects humans and the natural environment

from exposure to possible harmful waste. These additional waste streams are hazardous

materials, biomedical waste, anatomical waste, cytotoxic waste, sharps,

pharmaceuticals waste, confidential paper, metal and batteries.

Waste is collected at least four times per day for all in-patient units. Each in-patient unit

has a soiled utility room where the waste is held until it is collected by a hospital

employee. The waste generated in other areas of the hospital (i.e. offices, cafeteria,

etc.) is collected at least twice per day by hospital staff.

All waste generated at the hospital is collected by private companies, such as Waste

Management, Niagara Recycling, Abitibi, Planet Earth, Clean Harbours, Daniels and

Cintas. Incineration as a waste disposal method has been banned.

3.1 Colour-Coded System

In order to differentiate the various types of waste generated, GNGH uses a colour-

coded system to organize their waste streams.

For waste, the hospital uses coloured bags to identify the types of waste.

Clear bags – Used for all general waste,

Yellow bags – Used for biomedical waste, and

Red bags – Used for anatomical and cytotoxic waste

Recyclables are collected in blue bins and organics/compost is collected in green bins

or totes.

3.2 Waste Storage

All waste generated at GNGH is stored in certain conditions until it is collected by

private companies for disposal. The following chart describes the waste storage

practices:

Waste Type Storage Procedure

General Waste Is compacted and stored in the dumpster

Recyclables Stored in blue bins

Paper Paper is stored in the Abitibi bin

Cardboard is compacted

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Organics/Compost Stored in leak proof containers in a

refrigerated area

Hazardous Materials (paints,

batteries, oils etc.) Stored in a caged room by maintenance

Biomedical/Anatomical/Cytotoxic Stored in a refrigerated room at 4 degrees

centigrade

Sharps Stored in Sharpsmart containers

Pharmaceuticals Stored in white pails

Confidential Paper Stored in bins on-site until a private

company shreds and collects it

Metal Stored in a dumpster until it is collected

Batteries Stored in a drum

3.3 Waste Collection and Frequency

Since GNGH generates various types of waste, the hospital has contracts with different

waste disposal companies who collect the waste on a regular basis. Below is a chart

illustrating the type of waste generated, who collects it and how often it is collected.

Type of Waste Collection Company Collection Frequency

Garbage

Waste Management

(previous to February 1,

2012 was Modern)

Once a week

Recyclables Niagara Recycling Once a week

Paper Abitibi Once every two weeks

Organics/Compost Planet Earth Three times a week

Hazardous Materials Clean Harbours Upon request

Biomedical Daniels Once a week

Sharps Daniels Once a week

Pharmaceuticals Daniels Once a week

Confidential Paper Cintas Once every two weeks

Metal Waste Management Once a week

Batteries Raw Materials Co. Unknown

3.4 Garbage

Garbage receptacles are placed throughout the hospital for staff, patients and visitors

to dispose of their waste. These receptacles are found in hallways, patient rooms,

washrooms, the cafeteria, the lobby and office areas. The garbage is compacted and

stored in the dumpster until Waste Management collects it.

8


3.5 Recyclables

Plastic recyclables are placed in blue bins located in areas, such as the cafeteria. The

plastics are then stored in blue totes until Niagara Recycling completes its weekly

collection. Paper recyclables are retrieved by staff from the recycling container and

put into Abitibi bins until it is collected. Also, the hospital compacts cardboard prior to

collection. Confidential paper is kept separate from the paper recyclables as it is

shredded on-site and disposed of by Cintas.

Currently, GNGH is preparing to implement recycling initiatives on the Brock surgical

floor of the hospital.

3.6 Organics/Compost

The green bins and totes used to collect the organics/compost are only located in the

cafeteria, the kitchen and at Tim Horton’s. This waste is stored in leak proof containers in

a refrigerated area until Planet Earth collects it.

3.7 Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials are collected and stored in a caged room by the maintenance

staff until the hospital requests a pick up from Clean Harbours.

3.8 Biomedical and Anatomical/Cytotoxic Waste

The biomedical waste produced at GNGH is placed in yellow bags, while the

anatomical/cytotoxic waste is placed in red bags. These bags are located in areas

where surgery and other medical procedures are performed. This waste is stored in a

refrigerated room at 4 degrees centigrade until its weekly collection by Daniels. After

collection, the biomedical waste is autoclaved and the anatomical/cytotoxic waste is

incinerated.

3.9 Sharps

Sharps, such as needles and blades are placed in Daniels Sharpsmart containers. These

containers are located in areas where medical procedures are performed. Once full

they are stored in a locked cabinet until collected.

3.10 Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical waste is stored in white pails until it is collected.

3.11 Metal

Metal is stored in a dumpster until Waste Management collects it once a week.

9


3.12 Batteries

Batteries are stored in a drum until it they are collected free of charge by Raw Materials

Co.

10


4.0 Results

4.1 Estimated Annual Waste Classified by Waste Generating Areas

According to the waste audit findings, the designated WGAs generate 429,633.38kg of

waste annually. Of this total weight, 270,691.67kg is landfilled, 99,926.48kg is recycled,

35,590.73kg is composted, 5,418.50 kg is incinerated and 18,006kg is autoclaved. Figure

1displays these waste audit findings.

Figure 1: Overall Waste Diversion

Of the waste being sent to the landfill (Figure 2), the waste category “other” produced

the largest component of the solid waste stream for the WGAs (38%). Items that were

identified as “other” were primarily hospital related waste. These items included:

Latex gloves;

Plastic medical wrappers;

Coffee cups;

Vinyl (plastic medical tubing);

Polypropylene (PP);

Gauze;

Plastic packaging;

Medical cloth (including

operating blankets);

Plastic syringes;

Styrofoam;

IV bags;

Metal;

Vials

Landfilled 63%

Recycled 23%

Composted 9%

Incinerated 1%

Autoclaved 4%

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The second largest waste type being landfilled was organics/compost with 17%. Other

waste streams worth recognizing are fine paper (11%), paper towels (10%) and

polystyrene (9%). For polystyrene, the majority of waste audited was disposable take-

out food packaging. A complete list of all the waste types and their annual weights

can be found in Table 1.

Figure 2

Table 1: Overall Hospital Summary of Solid Waste Stream

Composition of Solid Waste Total

Kg %

Organics/compost 14,614.6 16.79

Latex gloves 4,832.6 5.55

Paper Towels 8,887.75 10.21

Fine paper 3,058.7 3.51

Cardboard 3,259.45 3.74

Plastic medical wrappers 1,182.6 1.36

Coffee cups 4,073.4 4.68

Polystyrene (PS) 7,708.8 8.86

Aluminum food and beverage cans 1,255.6 1.44

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 1,496.5 1.72

Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) 5,175.7 5.95

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Polypropylene 1,591.4 1.83

Newsprint 806.65 0.93

Gauze 711.75 0.82

Diapers (including wipes) 9,734.55 11.18

Plastic other (#7) 1,700.9 1.95

Medical cloth (including operating blankets) 2,306.8 2.65

Food wrappers 7.3 0.01

Milk cartons 2,087.8 2.40

Plastic syringes 226.3 0.26

Glossy papers 131.4 0.15

Paper medical wrappers 149.65 0.17

Sterile plastic containers 543.85 0.62

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 2,576.9 2.96

Syringe wrappers 667.95 0.77

Plastic syringe caps 91.25 0.10

Styrofoam 2,730.2 3.14

IV bags 332.15 0.38

Glass medicine bottles 73.20 0.08

Packing material 21.9 0.03

Ice packs 941.7 1.08

Cotton balls 10.95 0.01

Vials 7.3 0.01

Metal 978.2 1.12

Face masks 178.85 0.21

Plastic packaging and coverings 1,208.15 1.39

Fire barrier sealant plastic bottles 109.5 0.13

Other 1,565.85 1.80

Total 87037.9 100

4.1.1 Largest Generator of Waste

GNGH’s Emergency Room (ER) is the largest contributor of waste, generating 51,910.3

kg of waste per year (19.18% of the WGAs). This is not surprising as the ER has a high

turnover rate of patients, compared to the other WGAs in the hospital. The second

largest producer of waste is the Operating Room (OR), which generates 37,932.6kg of

landfilled waste (14.01%). For a detailed summary of GNGH’s overall waste distribution

for WGAs, please refer to Figure 3 and Table 2.

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0.0

10000.0

20000.0

30000.0

40000.0

50000.0

60000.0

An

nu

al W

eig

ht

(kg/

year

)

Waste Generation Areas (WGAs)

Overall Waste Distribution

Figure 3

Table 2: Summary of Waste Generated by Individual Waste Generation Areas

WGA Annual Weight (kg/year) Composition (%)

Unit C 19,385.5 7.16%

Unit D 24,486.0 9.05%

Trillium 29,083.2 10.74%

Rainbow 17,936.1 6.63%

ICU 7,581.1 2.80%

Mental Health 5,767.0 2.13%

Emergency 51,910.3 19.18%

Brock 25,936.9 9.58%

Operating Room (OR) 37,932.6 14.01%

Endoscopy 4,836.3 1.79%

Discovery 1,474.6 0.54%

Medical Imaging 3,241.2 1.2%

Women’s Centre 299.3 0.11%

14


Table 3 displays the overall capture rates and diversion rate of all 24 WGAs. The capture

rates vary between 45.84% and 88.36%. The diversion rate was calculated as 77.05%.

Table 3: WGA Capture Rates and Diversion Rate

Material Amount in

Garbage (kg)

Amount in

Recycling or

Compost (kg)

Total Amount

(kg)

Capture Rate

(%)

Plastic 16,530.12 13,988 30,518.12 45.84

Paper &

Cardboard

11,317.92 85,938.48 97,256.40 88.36

Organics 12,523.15 35.590.73 48,113.88 73.97

Total 40,371.19 135.517 175,888.40

Diversion Rate: 77.05%

4.2 Recycling and Composting Program Composition

As previously mentioned, GNGH has a recycling program as well as a composting

program within its facility. Figure 4 represents each type of waste and its contribution to

the recycling program. The largest component of the recycling program is cardboard

and paper (64%), followed by compost (26%) and plastic (10%).

Laboratory 7,920.5 2.93%

Dietary/Kitchen 12,125.3 4.48%

Maintenance 1080.4 0.40%

Purchasing 678.9 0.25%

Human Resources 3,339.8 1.23%

General Office Areas 8,584.8 3.17%

Cafeteria 4405.6 1.63%

Physiotherapy 507.4 0.19%

Sterilization 1,277.5 0.47%

Pharmacy 675.3 0.25%

Bio-Medical Engineering 226.3 0.08%

Total: 270,691.67 100%

15


Figure 4: Recycling at GNGH – including Compost

Plastics 10%

Compost 26%

Paper and Cardboard

64%

16


4.3 Unit C – Solid Waste Stream

The largest component of the waste stream in Unit C is organics/compost being 75% of

the waste composition. Plastics contributed 11%, while paper towels had 6%. Figure 5

illustrates the composition of waste from Unit C.

Figure 5: Composition of Waste Stream in Unit C

Organics 75%

Latex gloves 3%

Paper towels 6%

Plastics 11%

High-Density Polyethylene

(HDPE) 4%

Vinyl (Plastic tubing)

1%

Polypropylene (PP) 0.33%

17


4.4 Unit D – Solid Waste Stream

In Unit D, cardboard was the largest contributor to the waste stream with 24%. Diapers

(17%), newspapers (12%), polypropylene (11%) and medical wrappers (10%) were also

significant contributors to total waste generated within this area. Refer to Figure 6

depicts the waste composition from Unit D.

Figure 6: Composition of Waste Stream in Unit D

Latex gloves 6%

Cardboard 24%

Polystrene (PS)

0.38%

Plastic containers

2%

Lids 5%

Paper towels 4%

Newspaper 12%

Gauze 3%

Medical wrappers (plastic)

10%

Diapers 17%

Polypropylene (PP) 11%

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

3% Other

3%

18


4.5 Trillium – Solid Waste Stream

The greatest component of the waste composition in Trillium is diapers, generating 81%

of the total waste. The second largest component is latex gloves producing 7% of the

waste composition. See Figure 7 for a detailed graphic of the waste generated in

Trillium.

Figure 7: Composition of Waste Stream in Trillium

Polystrene (PS) 0.54%

Cardboard 3%

Diapers (including wipes)

81%

Vinyl (Plastic tubing) 5%

Other 1%

Latex gloves 7%

Lids 0.12%

Plastic containers (#7 other)

3%

19


4.6 Rainbow – Solid Waste Stream

The two largest components of this WGA are diapers and organics/compost individually

comprising 17% of the waste stream (See Figure 8). The second largest contributors are

paper towels and vinyl (plastic tubing and equipment) with 15% each. The lowest

contributors to the total waste in Rainbow are: high-density polyethylene (HDPE)

(0.25%); aluminum food and beverage cans (0.44%), and food wrappers (0.1%).

Figure 8: Composition of Waste Stream in Rainbow

Diapers 17%

Medical cloth 4%

Vinyl (Plastic tubing and equipment)

15%

Fine paper 3%

Coffee cups 3%

Plastic medical wrappers

3%

Cardboard 5%

Paper towels 15%

Lids 0.39%

Latex gloves 1%

Food wrappers 0.1%

Gauze 3%

Polystrene (PS) 1%

Milk cartons

1%

Organics 17%

Aluminum cans 0.44%

Plastic containers (#7 other)

7%


0.25%

Other 4%

20


4.7 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – Solid Waste Stream

In this WGA, organics/compost was the largest contributor to the waste stream with

39%. The second largest waste contributor was “other” with 23%. Wastes identified as

“other” included fine paper, newsprint and paper medical wrappers. Polystyrene was

the smallest contributor with 0.45%. Figure 9 illustrates the waste composition

breakdown for ICU.

Figure 9: Composition of Waste Stream in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Cardboard 2%

Latex gloves 4%

Coffee cups 2% Polystrene (PS)

0.45% Polypropylene (PP) 14%

Syringes 6%


(HDPE) 3%

Paper towels 2%

Organics 39%

Other 23%


21


4.8 Mental Health – Solid Waste Stream

Organics/compost contributes to the largest component of waste in the Mental Health

department generating 44% of solid waste. Polystyrene contributed to 18% of the waste

stream composition, followed by paper towels (14%). The smallest component of the

waste stream is glossy paper (2%). Figure 10 details the waste composition for Mental

Health.

Figure 10: Composition of Waste Stream in Mental Health

Paper towels 14%

Polystrene (PS) 18%

Fine paper 4%

Organics 44%

Milk cartons 10%


Glossy paper 2%

22


4.9 Emergency – Solid Waste Stream

The Emergency Room generates the most waste annually than any other WGA

(51,910.3 kg). Polystyrene was the largest component of the ER’s waste stream (43%).

Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) also contributed significantly to the waste generated,

comprising 26% of the total waste produced. Medical wrappers and polypropylene (PP)

were the lowest contributors to the waste generated in the ER with 2% each. Figure 11

illustrates the composition of the waste for the ER.

Figure 11: Composition of Waste Stream in the Emergency Room

Latex gloves 9%


Medical wrappers (paper)

2%


(HDPE) 4%


Polystrene (PS) 43%

Paper towels 9%

Organics 5%

23


4.10 Brock – Solid Waste Stream

The largest component of the waste stream for Brock was paper towels, generating 58%

of the total waste. Organic/compost (12%) and latex gloves (9%) also contributed

greatly to the waste generated for this WGA. The lowest contributors were cardboard

and aluminum food and beverage cans with 1% each. Refer to figure 12 for the

complete waste composition breakdown for Brock.

Figure 12: Composition of Waste Stream in Brock

Organics 12%

Latex gloves 9%

Paper towels 58%

Fine paper 2%

Cardboard 1%

Plastic wrappers 4%

Coffee cups 7%

Polystrene (PS) 4%

Aluminum cans 1%

Lids 2%

24


4.11 Operating Room (OR) – Solid Waste Stream

Five waste streams were identified in the Operating Room (OR). Medical cloth

(including operating blankets) was the largest contributor, generating 72% of the waste.

The second largest contributor was gauze with 11%. Figure 13 depicts the waste

composition breakdown for the OR.

Figure 13: Composition of Waste Stream in the Operating Room

Medical cloth 72%

Gauze 11%

Plastic medical wrappers

10%

Vinyl (Plastic tubing)

2%


(HDPE) 5%

25


4.12 Endoscopy – Solid Waste Stream

In this WGA, the largest contributor to the waste stream was vinyl (plastic medical

tubing), producing 17% of the total waste (See Figure 14). The second largest

contributor was paper towels (16%), followed by latex gloves and polyethylene

terephthalate (PET) with 13% each. Plastic syringes (1%) and empty glass medicine

bottles (1%) were the smallest contributors to the waste stream.

Figure 14: Composition of Waste Stream in Endoscopy

Latex gloves 13% Sterile plastic

containers 9%

Cardboard 4%

Other 7%

Medical wrappers

4%



4%

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

13%

Paper towel 16%

Syringe wrappers

11%

Plastic syringes 1%

Glass medical bottles 1%

26


4.13 Discovery – Solid Waste Stream

The largest contributors to the waste stream in this WGA are organics/compost and

disposable coffee cups, individually representing 23% of the waste generated. The

second largest waste streams found are paper towels and fine paper with 18% each.

The lowest contributors were plastic syringes caps (0.47%), Styrofoam (0.47%) and

polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (0.62%). Figure 15 illustrates in detail the waste

composition for Discovery.

Figure 15: Composition of Waste Stream in Discovery

Paper towels 18%

Latex gloves 10%

Cardboard 2%

Fine paper 18%

Plastic Syringe caps 0.47%

Organics/compost 23%

Coffee cups 23%

Polystyrene (PS) 0.31%

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

1%

Milk cartons 5%

Styrofoam 0.47%

27


4.14 Medical Imaging – Solid Waste Stream

Paper towels are the largest contributor to the waste stream in the Medical Imaging

department, representing 30% of the waste generated. Other large contributors include

organics/compost (17%), latex gloves (17%) and polystyrene (PS) (15%). The smallest

contributor was aluminum food and beverage cans with 0.04%. For a total breakdown

of the waste composition, refer to Figure 16.

Figure 16: Composition of Waste Stream in Medical Imaging

Paper Towels 30%

Latex gloves 17%

Fine paper 7%

Coffee cups 5%


Medical cloth 2%

Aluminum food and beverage cans

0.04% Polystyrene (PS) 15%

IV bags 4%

Styrofoam 1%


1%

Plastic syringes 1%

Medicine bottles 0.04%

28


4.15 Women’s Centre – Solid Waste Stream

The waste generated in Women’s Centre was predominantly coffee cups (31%),

organics/compost (26%), paper towels (19%) and fine paper (16%). The smallest

contributor to waste stream was polystyrene (PS) comprising 1% of the total waste

generated. Figure 17 details the composition of the waste stream for this WGA.

Figure 17: Composition of the Waste Stream in Women’s Centre

Fine paper 16%

Paper towels 19%

Cardboard 3%

Styrofoam 4% Polystyrene (PS)

1%


Coffee Cups 31%

29


4.16 Laboratory – Solid Waste Stream

GNGH’s Laboratory generated many types of waste. However, the largest contributor

to the waste stream was ice packs (55%). It should be noted that the heavy weight of

the ice packs accounted for their large contribution. The second largest waste type

was latex gloves, representing 17% of the waste generated. Figure 18 describes the

waste composition of the Laboratory.

Figure 18: Composition of Waste Stream in the Laboratory

Cardboard 5%

Latex gloves 17%

Fine paper 12%

Paper towels 2%

Packing material 1%

Ice packs 55%

Styrofoam 2%

Plastic syringe caps 3%

Cotton balls 1%


1%

Vials 1%

Coffee cups 0.21%

30


4.17 Dietary/Kitchen – Solid Waste Stream

Dietary/Kitchen had various types of waste. 26% of the waste generated in the kitchen

is Styrofoam. The second largest contributors to the waste stream are polystyrene (PS)

and aluminum food and beverage cans at 12% each. Coffee cups and milk cartons

are the third largest waste types, each producing 11% of the waste generated. Refer to

Figure 19 for the waste composition breakdown for Dietary/Kitchen.

Figure 19: Composition of Waste Stream in Dietary/Kitchen

Styrofoam 26%

Milk cartons 11%

Polystyrene (PS) 12%

Fine paper 1%

Organics/compost 6%

Coffee Cups 11%

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(PET) 9%

Aluminum food and beverage cans

12%

Latex gloves 1%

Cardboard 8%

Plastic (#7 - other) 3%

31


4.18 Maintenance – Solid Waste Stream

GNGH’s Maintenance department did not produce a large quantity of waste (1080.4kg

per year). However, the greatest waste contributor for this WGA is metal (39% of the

waste stream). The second largest waste type was plastic packaging and coverings at

27%. Organics/compost provided for 8% of the waste generated. See Figure 20 for a

complete breakdown of the waste composition for Maintenance.

Figure 20: Composition of Waste Stream in Maintenance

Cardboard 4%

Paper towels 3%

Fine paper 5%

Metal 39%

Plastic packaging and coverings

27%

Organics/compost 8%

Coffee cups 2%

Latex gloves 2%

Styrofoam 0.35%

Fire barrier sealant plastic bottles

5% Polystyrene (PS) 5%

32


4.19 Purchasing – Solid Waste Stream

Five different waste types were identified in Purchasing. Plastic wrapping accounted for

83% of the waste created, while Styrofoam contributed 6% and coffee cups

contributed 5%. Refer to Figure 21 for the full waste composition breakdown.

Figure 21: Composition of Waste in Purchasing

Plastic wrapping 83%

Coffee cups 5%

Styrofoam 6%

Fine paper 3%

Polystyrene (PS) 3%

33


4.20 Human Resources – Solid Waste Stream

Human Resources only had four waste types in the regular waste stream (See Figure 22).

The greatest waste contributor for this WGA was paper towels, accounting for 67% of

the waste. Fine paper produced 29% of the waste, while polystyrene (PS) generated the

smallest amount of waste (1%).

Figure 22: Composition of Waste Stream in Human Resource

Fine paper 29%

Paper towels 67%

Coffee cups 3%

Polystyrene (PS) 1%

34


4.21 General Office Areas – Solid Waste Stream

Organics/compost is the largest contributor to the solid waste, generated in General

Office Areas, comprising 47% of the waste stream. The second greatest contributor is

polystyrene (PS) with 11%. The smallest amount of waste produced is Styrofoam and milk

cartons with 3% each. See Figure 23 for a waste composition breakdown of the General

Office Areas.

Figure 23: Composition of Waste Stream in General Office Areas

Coffee cups 7%

Newsprint 9%


Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

10%


Fine paper 10%

Styrofoam 3%

Milk cartons 3%

35


4.22 Cafeteria – Solid Waste Stream

The largest contributor to the waste stream in the Cafeteria is organics/compost,

comprising 33% of the waste. Polystyrene (PS) accounts for 22% of the waste generated,

while paper towels account for 15% of the waste. Figure 24 depicts the waste

composition for the Cafeteria.

Figure 24: Composition of Waste Stream in the Cafeteria

Styrofoam 1%




14%

Paper towels 15%


cans 1%

Milk cartons 0.47%

Coffee cups 14%

Fine paper 0.31%

36


4.23 Physiotherapy – Solid Waste Stream

The largest contributor to this WGA’s waste stream was latex gloves, which represented

40% of the total waste generated. The second largest contributor was

organics/compost producing 28% of the waste. The smallest contributors were fine

paper (0.38%), polystyrene (PS) (1%) and Styrofoam (2%). For a more detailed

breakdown of the waste, refer to Figure 25.

Figure 25: Composition of Waste Stream in Physiotherapy


Fine paper 0.38%

Latex gloves 40%

Paper towels 20%

Coffee cups 6%

Styrofoam 2%

Plastic (others #7) 3%

Polystyrene (PS) 1%

37


4.24 Sterilization – Solid Waste Stream

The Sterilization department had various types of waste in its waste stream. The greatest

contributor to this waste stream was high-density polyethylene (HDPE) generating 24%

of the waste. The second largest contributor was vinyl (plastic medical tubing) with 19%

of the waste. Latex gloves (3%) and plastic #7 (2%) were the smallest types of waste

generated. For a total breakdown of the waste composition, see Figure 26.

Figure 26: Composition of Waste Stream in Sterilization

Latex gloves 3%


Polyproplyene (PP) 5%

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

24%

Vinyl 8% Polyethylene

terephthalate (PET) 15%

Metal 7%

Plastic medical tubing

11%

Face masks 14%

Fine paper 11%

38


4.25 Pharmacy – Solid Waste Stream

The largest contributor to the Pharmacy’s waste stream was IV bags, totaling 38% of all

waste generated (See Figure 27). Other significant contributors were plastic (others #7)

(23%) and paper towels (19%). Polystyrene (PS) was the smallest amount of waste

produced, only representing 0.07%.

Figure 27: Composition of Waste Stream in the Pharmacy

IV bags 38%

Coffee cups 7%

Latex gloves 5%

Paper towels 19%

Cardboard 2%



Polystyrene (PS) 0.07%

Fine paper 3%

39


4.26 Bio-Medical Engineering – Solid Waste Stream

The Bio-Medical Engineering department is one of the WGAs that generated a small

quantity of waste. The greatest contributor to this waste stream is metal with 40% (See

Figure 28). High-density polyethylene (HDPE) produced the second largest amount of

waste with 38%. Coffee cups (8%), paper towels (6%), fine paper (6%) and polystyrene

(PS) (2%) provide little contribution to the waste stream.

Figure 28: Composition of Waste Stream in Bio-Medical Engineering

Fine paper 6%

High-density polyethylene

(HDPE) 38%

Coffee cups 8%

Polystyrene (PS) 2%

Paper towels 6%

Metal 40%

40


5.0 Discussion and Analysis

Conducting annual solid waste audits allows the opportunity for the results to be

compared to previous waste audit reports. This comparison will determine if the waste

reduction strategies and recommendations from previous years are successful. In order

to compare the current results to past waste audit reports, it is important that the

methodology be consistent with prior audit reports. Additionally, the audit itself must be

conducted at the same time every year for the most accurate results. Prior to this solid

waste audit, GNGH last conducted a waste audit in the spring of 2009.

With this knowledge, this section will detail comparisons between this waste audit and

the waste audit conducted in 2009.

5.1 Total Amount of Waste Generated (2009, 2012)

According to the waste audit conducted in 2009, GNGH generated 319,100kg of solid

waste. This amount increased significantly in the 2012 waste audit to 426,633.38kg.

Although it is difficult to determine this growth, it is believed that the recent expansion

of the emergency room (ER) and a rising number of patients could have contributed to

an increase in waste generated at GNGH.

5.2 Largest Generator of Waste (2009, 2012)

In 2009, the operating room (OR) produced the greatest amount of waste

(86,216.46kg), compared to the other WGAs. The emergency room (ER) was the second

largest contributor of solid waste, generating a distant 32,021.49kg.

The 2012 waste audit results suggest that the emergency room (ER) is now the largest

generator of waste, contributing 51,910.3kg to GNGH’s waste stream. The operating

room (OR) produces the second largest amount of solid waste with 37,932.6kg. This

surge in waste generated in the emergency room (ER) is mostly likely attributed to the

expansion of this WGA, thus receiving a higher turnover rate of patients.

Furthermore, the comparison of these waste audit reports displays an increase in the

waste generated in the emergency room (ER) between 2009 and 2012 as well as a

significant decrease in the waste produced in the operating room (OR) (See Table 4).

Table 4: Comparison of the 2009 and 2012 Solid Waste Audit Reports

Category 2009 Solid Waste Audit 2012 Solid Waste Audit

Total amount of waste

generated (kg) 319,100kg 426,633.38kg

41


Largest generator of

waste Operating room: 86,216.46kg Emergency room: 51,910.3kg

Second largest generator

of waste Emergency room: 32,021.49kg Operating room: 37,932kg

5.3 Comparison of Overall Diversion Rates (2009, 2012)

GNGH’s overall diversion rates from 2012 could not be compared with the rates from

2009 because the report does not divulge the hospital’s diversion rates.

5.4 Comparison of Recycling Capture Rates (2009, 2012)

The capture rates from the 2012 audit report could not be compared with the rates

from 2009 as the report does not discuss the hospital’s capture rates.

42


6.0 Recommendations

The recommendations outlined in this section are based on the results from the solid

waste audit and interview with Val Franco. It is hoped that these suggestions will be

utilized as the basis for GNGH’s waste reduction plan. The recommendations have

been prioritized to suit the Environmental Management Hierarchy:

Source reduction is of greatest importance as it minimizes the financial costs associated

with waste management and disposal. As an institution that relies on government and

private funding, GNGH will benefit from the cost savings that accompanies this waste

reduction strategy. Recycling is given second priority because it is sustainable and more

cost effective than landfill disposal costs.

6.1 Source Reduction Recommendations

Due to the size of GNGH and the amount of general waste it produces, our source

reduction recommendations will focus on three major waste issues at the hospital as

well as other smaller strategies to decrease the amount of waste generated.

6.1.1 Paper Towels

Paper towels accounted for approximately 10% of the overall waste stream

composition. To reduce the amount of paper towels in the general waste stream, it is

recommended that they be composted with the organics. Furthermore, automatic

hand dryers should be installed to minimize the amount of paper towels used in the

hospital.

6.1.2 Paper

It is understood that paper consumption at GNGH is necessary, as paper is used for

patient records, test results, etc. However, to reduce the overall amount of paper used,

it is suggested that when possible, use both sides of a piece of paper. Moreover,

purchase paper made from 100% recycled content to minimize the hospital’s strain on

raw materials.

•Source Reduction

• Recycling

•Treatment

•Disposal

43


6.1.3. Coffee Cups

While sorting the solid waste for each WGA, it was noticed that coffee cups make up

an estimated 5% of the solid waste stream. It is recommended that the hospital and Tim

Horton’s promote the use of reusable mugs. Tim Horton’s already sells reusable mugs

and offers its customers who use them a small discount off of their beverage; therefore

this should be advertised for staff, patients and guests. By using reusable mugs, the

amount of coffee cups in the general waste stream would be reduced significantly.

6.1.4 Other Source Reduction Recommendations

GNGH can employ the following recommendations to further their source reduction

strategies:

Staff awareness: Involve staff in source reduction initiatives. Create an

audio/visual presentation for the staff that discusses the amount of waste

generated at the hospital and ways in which they can help reduce it. For

example, using reusable coffee cups and containers or bringing garbage free

lunches.

Food packaging: Replace heavily packaged vending machine food items with

less packaged food items.

Styrofoam plates: replace Styrofoam plates in the cafeteria with reusable plates

6.2 Recycling Recommendations

6.2.1 Organics / Compost

Organics / compost made up an estimated 17% of the general waste stream. Although

an organics program has been implemented in the cafeteria, kitchen and at Tim

Horton’s, it is recommended that GNGH expand its organics program throughout the

facility to divert organic waste from the landfill. Having a ‘green bin’ program will turn

organic waste into compost, which can be reused. Furthermore, by expanding the

organics program, paper towels will be composted, instead of landfilled.

6.2.2 Plastics Recycling

Recycling plastics can be quite confusing, as each type of plastic has a designated

number. According to the capture rates, 16,530.12kg of plastics are placed in the

general waste stream each year, when they could be recycled. It is recommended

that GNGH promote recycling by posting signs explaining what can be recycled to its

staff, patients and visitors. It would be helpful if these signs contained the plastic

numbers as well. Also, it is suggested that GNGH review its current recycling program to

maximize their capture and diversion rates.

44


6.2.3 Diaper Recycling

Diapers accounted for an estimated 11% of the overall waste stream at GNGH. In order

to decrease the number of diapers landfilled, it is suggested that the hospital consider

recycling their diapers. Canadian companies, such as Smallplanet offer recycling

technologies where the diaper material is sanitized and separated mechanically to

extract the wood pulp that can be recycled. This wood pulp is used wallpaper and

shoe insoles. The recycled plastic from the diapers can be used to manufacture plastic

wood and roof shingles.

6.2.4 Purchasing Policies

To lessen your environmental impact, it is suggested that GNGH review their purchasing

policies and concentrate on buying materials and products made with recyclable

content. By doing this, the hospital will achieve a greater diversion rate.

6.2.5 Recycling Awareness

In order to optimize the hospital’s recycling program, staff should be re-educated in

recycling initiatives and procedures. This can be achieved this by posting signs above

all recycling receptacles (paper and plastic), stating what can be recycled. These signs

will encourage recycling amongst staff members, patients and visitors.

6.3 Other Recommendations

It is strongly suggested that GNGH conduct a solid waste audit on a yearly basis to track

their waste reduction progress and the efficiency of their waste management systems.

Completion of the waste audit will ensure environmental compliance with Ontario

Regulations 102/94 and 103/94.

45


7.0 References

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (1996). Waste audit users manual: A

comprehensive guide to the waste audit process. Retrieved February 29, 2012,

from http://www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/pn_1210_e.pdf

Ontario Regulation 102/94: Waste audits and waste reduction work plans. Retrieved

from, http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_940102_e.htm

Ontario Regulation 103/94: Industrial, commercial and institutional source separation

programs. Retrieved from, http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaw-

s_regs_940103_e.htm

Thomas, J. (2005). New diaper recycling technology to be launched. Retrieved from,

http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/new-diaper-recycling-

technology-to-be-launched.html

46


Appendix A:

Ministry of Environment Forms

Ministry of the Environment Waste Form

Report of a Waste Audit

Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Establishments

As required by O. Reg. 102/94

• This report must be prepared 6 months after becoming subject to O. Reg. 102/94 and a copy retained on file

for at least five years after it is prepared, and be made available to the ministry upon request.

• For large construction and demolition projects, please refer to the forms included with “A Guide to Waste

Audits and Waste Reduction Work Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects as Required Under

Ontario Regulation 102/94” (revised July 2008)

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Name of Owner and/or Operator of Entity(ies) and Company Name:

Greater Niagara General Hospital Name of Contact Person:

Val Franco

Telephone #:

1-905-358-0171 Email address:

[email protected]

Street Address(es) of Entity(ies):

5546 Portage Road Municipality:

Niagara Falls Type of Entity

(check one)

Retail Shopping Establishments Hotels and Motels

Retail Shopping Complexes Hospitals X

Office Buildings Educational Institutions

Restaurants Large Manufacturing Establishments

Note: O. Reg. 102/94 does not apply to multi-unit residential buildings.

II. DESCRIPTION OF ENTITY

Provide a brief overview of the entity(ties):

The Greater Niagara General Hospital (GNGH) was established in 1907 and was originally located on

Jepson Street. Over the years, there were four additions, but it soon became evident a larger hospital

was needed to serve the growing population of Niagara Falls.

In 1951, the citizens of the Greater Niagara area approved a grant of $1.7 million for the construction

of a new health care facility. With tremendous support and unprecedented fund raising, a further $1

million dollars were raised in the community. The City of Niagara Falls subsequently donated Poplar

Park for the site of the new hospital and by 1958 construction was completed.

GNGH has continued this tradition of "Working Together for a Healthier Niagara". We provide a wide

range of acute, surgical, long term care and mental health services for the citizens of Niagara Falls and

surrounding area, as well as the many tourists who visit our City each year. Through the ongoing

support of our community, we have acquired state-of-the-art equipment, such as a helical CT scanner,

gamma camera for nuclear medicine testing and a mammography machine to name a few.

The Greater Niagara General Hospital is one of eight Hospitals in the Niagara Region amalgamated on

March 8, 2000 under one corporation, The Niagara Health System (NHS).

III. HOW WASTE IS GENERATED AND DECISIONS AFFECTING THE PRODUCTION OF WASTE

For each category of waste that is generated at the entity(ies), explain how the waste will be generated and how

management decisions and policies will affect the production of waste.

Categories of Waste How Is the Waste Produced and What Management

Decisions/Policies Affect Its Production?

Example: Disposable Food Packaging

Generated by customers eating inside restaurant. Food packaging is

used for health reasons. Reusable mugs for customers consuming

coffee/tea inside restaurant is being reviewed.

Organics/compost

Organics / compost waste is generated from patient wards,

coffee shop, kitchen / dietary, cafeteria, and visitors

waiting room

Latex gloves

They are mostly used during medical examinations and

procedures. Latex gloves are used to prevent

contamination between staffs and patients. They were

found in most WGAs and a large component of the

hospital’s waste stream.

Paper Towels All WGAs use of paper towels and can also be generated

from washrooms

Fine paper

All departments generate paper (i.e. Patient logs,

pharmacy and records). Admissions department generates

25 sheets of paper per patient and kitchen / dietary

generates menus and tray tickets.

Cardboard

Cardboard is generated from packaging; food services

supplies; medical and office supplies; building and

housekeeping supplies; and equipment supplies

Plastic medical wrappers Surgical instruments and other medical supplies are

packaged in plastic wrappers

Coffee cups Generated mainly from Tim Hortons and the cafeteria

Polystyrene (PS) Mainly from disposal take-out food packaging (Found in

most WGAs)

Aluminum food and beverage cans Generated from patient wards, kitchen / dietary, cafeteria

and visitors waiting room

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Generated from all WGAs. (Coloured bottles, some water

containers plastic jugs, crates, totes and drums, chemical

bottles)

Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) Generated in operating rooms, endoscopy, patient wards,

etc.

Polypropylene Generated in most WGAs of the hospital

Newsprint Newspapers available in gift shop or are brought in by

patients, staff or visitors.

Gauze Used mostly in the lab, operating rooms and medical

examination rooms

Diapers (including wipes) Generated mostly from Trillium and Rainbow

Plastic other (#7) Non-recyclable plastics generated in multiple WGAs

Medical cloth (including operating

blankets)

Used mainly by doctors, nurses and other staff in the

operating rooms and clinical areas

Food wrappers Generated from patient wards, kitchens / dietary, cafeteria


Milk cartons Generated from patient wards, kitchen / dietary, cafeteria


Plastic syringes Generated in the lab, surgical and patient wards

Glossy papers Generated in all locations

Paper medical wrappers Generated in the lab, surgical and patient wards

Sterile plastic containers Found in endoscopy, the pharmacy and

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Generated from patient wards, kitchen / dietary, cafeteria


Syringe wrappers Generated from lab, surgical and patient wards

Plastic syringe caps Generated in the lab and in Discovery

IV bags Generated in the pharmacy and medical imaging

Metal Generated in maintenance, sterilization and bio-medical

engineering

Vials Generated in the lab

Styrofoam Styrofoam is used in the cafeteria as well as for packaging

for shipments

Glass medicine bottles Used in endoscopy and medical imaging

Packing material Generated in all WGAs (i.e. new medical supplies and

other products)

Ice packs Ice packs are used in the lab

Cotton balls Generated in the lab

Face masks Face masks are used in sterilization (Face masks from

operating room are considered as biomedical waste)

Plastic packaging and coverings Generated in Brock, maintenance and purchasing

Other Wastes not identified on MOE form. These wastes were

found in every WGA. Note: When completing this form, write “n/a” in the columns where the entity will not generated any waste for a

category of waste.

…/2

IV. MANAGEMENT OF WASTE

For each category of waste listed below, indicate which waste items will be disposed or reused/recycled and how

each item will be managed at the entity(ies).

Category Waste to be Disposed Reused or Recycled Waste

Example: Beverage cans

Staff/clients may place in garbage

bins

Staff/clients place cans in recycling

receptacles. Collection staff later collect

cans. Those in garbage are disposed;

those in recycling receptacles are

recycled.

Organics/compost Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place organic in compost

receptacles

Latex gloves Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place latex gloves into garbage

bin

Paper Towels Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place paper towel into garbage

bin

Fine paper Staff place it in garbage bins Staffs place fine paper into recycling

bin

Cardboard Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place cardboard into the

cardboard bin

Plastic medical wrappers Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place plastic medical wrappers

into garbage bin

Coffee cups Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place coffee cups into garbage

bin

Polystyrene (PS) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place into PS garbage bin


cans Staff place it in garbage bins Staff aluminum cans in recycling bin

High Density Polyethylene

(HDPE) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place HDPE into recycling bin

Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place vinyl into garbage bin

Polypropylene (PP) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place PP into recycling bin

Newsprint Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place newsprint into recycling

bin

Gauze Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place gauze into the garbage bin

Diapers (including wipes) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place diapers into the garbage

bin

Plastic other (#7) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place plastic(#7) into the

recycling bin


operating blankets) Staff place it in garbage bins

Staff place medical cloth into the

garbage

Food wrappers Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place food wrappers into the

garbage

Milk cartons Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place milk cartons into the

recycling bin

Plastic syringes Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place plastic syringes into the

recycling bin

Glossy papers Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place glossy paper into the

garbage bin

Paper medical wrappers Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place paper medical wrappers

into the garbage

Sterile plastic containers Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place sterile plastic containers

into the recycling bin


(PET) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place PET into the recycling bin

Syringe wrappers Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place syringe wrappers into the

garbage bin

Plastic syringe caps Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place syringe caps into the

recycling bin

IV bags Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place IV bags into the garbage

bin

Metal Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place metal into metal receptacle

Vials Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place vials into the garbage bin

Styrofoam Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place Styrofoam into the

garbage bin

Glass medicine bottles Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place bottles into the recycling

bin

Packing material Staff place it in garbage bins

Depending on the type, if it

recyclable, it placed into the recycling

bin, if not, then into the garbage bin

Ice packs Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place ice packs into the garbage

bin

Cotton balls Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place cotton balls into the

garbage bin

Face masks Staff place it in garbage bins Staffs place face masks into the

garbage bin

Plastic packaging and

coverings Staff place it in garbage bins

Staff place plastic packaging and

coverings into the recycling bin

Other Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place garbage in bin, and other

recyclable in the recycling stream Note: When completing this form, writes “n/a” in the columns where the entity will not generated any waste for a

category of waste.

…/3

V. ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF WASTE GENERATED ANNUALLY

Estimated Amount of Waste Generated

kgs or tonnes (t) Generated Reused Recycled Disposed

Categories of Waste

“A”

Base

Year

“B” *

Current Year

“C” *

Chang

e

(A-B)

“A”

Base

Year

“B” *

Current

Year

“C” *

Change

(A-B)

“A”

Base

Year

“B” *

Current

Year

“C” *

Change

(A-B)

“A”

Base

Year

“B” *

Current Year

“C” *

Change

(A-B)

Organics/compost N/A 14,614.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14,614.6 N/A

Latex gloves N/A 4,832.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4,832.6 N/A

Paper Towels N/A 8,887.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 8,887.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Fine paper N/A 3,058.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3,058.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Cardboard N/A 3,259.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3,259.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Plastic medical wrappers N/A 1,182.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,182.6 N/A

Coffee cups N/A 4,073.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4,073.4 N/A

Polystyrene (PS) N/A 7,708.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7,708.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A


cans

N/A 1,255.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,255.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A

High Density Polyethylene

(HDPE)


Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) N/A 5,175.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5,175.7 N/A

Polypropylene (pp) N/A 1,591.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,591.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Newsprint N/A 806.65 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 806.65 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Gauze N/A 711.75 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 711.75 N/A

Diapers (including wipes) N/A 9,734.55 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9,734.55 N/A

Plastic other (#7) N/A 1,700.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,700.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A


operating blankets)

N/A 2,306.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,306.8 N/A

Food wrappers N/A 7.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.3 N/A

Milk cartons N/A 2,087.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,087.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Plastic syringes N/A 226.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 226.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Glossy papers N/A 131.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 131.4 N/A

Paper medical wrappers N/A 149.65 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 149.65 N/A

Sterile plastic containers N/A 543.85 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 543.85 N/A N/A N/A N/A


(PET)


Syringe wrappers N/A 667.95 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 667.95 N/A

Plastic syringe caps N/A 91.25 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 91.25 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Iv bags N/A 2,730.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,730.2 N/A

Metal N/A 332.15 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 332.15 N/A N/A N/A N/A

vials N/A 73.20 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 73.20 N/A

Styrofoam N/A 21.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 21.9 N/A

Glass medicine bottles N/A 941.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 941.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Packing material N/A 10.95 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.95 N/A

Ice packs N/A 7.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.3 N/A

Cotton balls N/A 978.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 978.2 N/A

Face masks N/A 178.85 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 178.85 N/A

Plastic packaging and coverings N/A 1,208.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,208.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Other N/A 1,565.85 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,565.85 N/A

Total Percent Change (total C ÷ total A x 100 )

Note: When completing this form, write “n/a” in the “Estimated Amount of Waste Generated” column where the entity will not generated any waste for a category of waste.

* Fill out these columns each year following the initial waste audit or baseline year to determine the progress that is being made by your waste reduction program.

…/4

VI. EXTENT TO WHICH MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS USED OR SOLD BY THE ENTITY CONSIST

OF RECYCLED OR REUSED MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS

Please answer the following questions:

1. Do you have a management policy in place that promotes the purchasing and/or use of

materials or products that consist of recycled and/or reused materials or products? If yes,

please describe.

There is no policy regarding purchasing.

2. Do you have plans to increase the extent to which materials or products used or sold*

consist of recycled or reused materials or products? If yes, please describe.

There are no plans at this time.

* Information regarding materials or products “sold” that consist of recycled or reused materials

or products is only required from owner(s) of retail shopping establishments and the owner(s) or

operator(s) of large manufacturing establishments.

Please attach any additional page(s) as required to answer the above questions.

I hereby certify that the information provided in this Report of Waste Audit is complete and correct.

Signature of authorized official:

Val Franco Title: Hospitality Services Manager

Date: April 18, 2012

…/5

Ministry of the Environment Waste Form

Report of a Waste Reduction Work Plan

Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Establishments

As required by O. Reg. 102/94

This report must be prepared 6 months after becoming subject to O. Reg. 102/94 and a copy

retained on file for at least five years after it is prepared, and be made available to the ministry

upon request.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Name of Owner and/or Operator of Entity(ies) and Company Name:

Greater Niagara General Hospital Name of Contact Person:

Val Franco

Telephone #:

1-905-358-0171 Email address:

[email protected]

Street Address(es) of Entity(ies):

5546 Portage Road Municipality:

Niagara Falls Type of Entity

(check one)

Retail Shopping Establishments Hotels and Motels

Retail Shopping Complexes Hospitals X

Office Buildings Educational Institutions

Restaurants Large Manufacturing Establishments

Note: O. Reg. 102/94 does not apply to multi-unit residential buildings.

II. DESCRIPTION OF ENTITY

Provide a brief overview of the entity(ties):

The Greater Niagara General Hospital (GNGH) was established in 1907 and was originally located on

Jepson Street. Over the years, there were four additions, but it soon became evident a larger hospital

was needed to serve the growing population of Niagara Falls.

In 1951, the citizens of the Greater Niagara area approved a grant of $1.7 million for the construction

of a new health care facility. With tremendous support and unprecedented fund raising, a further $1

million dollars were raised in the community. The City of Niagara Falls subsequently donated Poplar

Park for the site of the new hospital and by 1958 construction was completed.

GNGH has continued this tradition of "Working Together for a Healthier Niagara". We provide a wide

range of acute, surgical, long term care and mental health services for the citizens of Niagara Falls and

surrounding area, as well as the many tourists who visit our City each year. Through the ongoing

support of our community, we have acquired state-of-the-art equipment, such as a helical CT scanner,

gamma camera for nuclear medicine testing and a mammography machine to name a few.

The Greater Niagara General Hospital is one of eight Hospitals in the Niagara Region amalgamated on

March 8, 2000 under one corporation, The Niagara Health System (NHS).

mailto:[email protected]

III. PLANS TO REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE WASTE

For each category of waste described in Part V of “Report of a Waste Audit” (on which this plan is

based), explain what your plans are to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle the waste, including: 1) how the

waste will be source separated at the establishment, and 2) the programs to reduce, reuse and

recycle all source separated waste.

Waste Category (as stated in Part V of your

“Report of a Waste

Audit”)

Source Separation and 3Rs Program

Example:

fine paper (e.g. from an

office)

“Fine Paper 3Rs Program”

Reduce: Staff will be encouraged to print on both sides of each sheet.

Reuse: Discarded paper with print only on one side will be used for note pads/scrap.

Recycle: Staff will be provided with instructions via email. Receptacles will be provided

beside each desk. Staff will empty receptacles into centralized containers. Custodial staff

will empty centralized containers into bulk container at loading dock for collection by

recycling company.

Organics/compost

Reduce: N/A

Reuse: N/A

Recycle/compost: Compost: expanding the current organics program,

paper towels will be composted, instead of landfilled

Latex gloves The management would be encouraged to make use of recycled gloves

Paper Towels

The use of hand dryer should be encouraged, which would eliminate the

use of paper towel. Paper can also be diverted from landfills through

composting.

Fine paper

Reduce: Management and staffs would be encouraged to print on both

sides of each sheet and more usage of blackboard would be encourage

Reuse: surplus paper with print only on one side can be used for note pads

Recycle: staffs will be coached and provided with adequate instructions via

e-mail; recycling bin would be made available at each WGA, and emptied

into the centralized containers.

Cardboard

Reduce: Management would be encouraged to buy products with less

packaging

Reuse: N/A

Recycle: staffs and students will be coached and provided with adequate

instructions via e-mail

Plastic waste

Reduce: The use of refillable and reusable plastic cans will be encouraged

amongst staff, visitors and patients.

Reuse: N/A


e-mail; recycling bin would be made available at each WGA, and emptied

into the centralized containers. To include what kinds of materials can be

recycled

Comingled plastics

Reduce: avoid use of non recyclable plastic

Reuse: the reuse of plastic containers would be encouraged

Recycle: N/A

Coffee

cups/Styrofoam

Reduce: the use of travel mugs instead of coffee cups would be encouraged

amongst staff, visitors and patients.

Reuse: N/A

Recycle: N/A

Aluminum food and

beverage cans

Reduce: prohibiting the sale of canned drinks

Reuse: N/A


e-mail; recycling bins would be made available at each WGA, and emptied

into the centralized containers.

Vinyl (plastic

medical tubing)

Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate

instructions

Newsprint

Recycle: Staffs will be coached and provided with adequate instructions

via e-mail; recycling bins would be made available at each WGA, and

emptied into the centralized containers.

Gauze


instructions on how to efficiently use and reduce waste produced from this

category.

Diapers (including

wipes)


instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category

Medical cloth

(including operating

blankets)



Milk cartons

Recycle: Staffs will be coached and provided with adequate instructions

via e-mail; recycling bin would be made available at each WGA, and

emptied into the centralized containers.

Iv bags Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate


Metal Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate


vials Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate


Glass medicine

bottles



Packing material Management would be encourage to purchase material with less packing

Ice packs Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate


Cotton balls Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate


Face masks Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate


Other Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate


IV. RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE WASTE REDUCTION WORK PLAN

Identify who is responsible for implementing the Waste Reduction Work Plan at your entity(ies). If

more than one person is responsible for implementation, identify each person who is responsible

and indicate the part of the Waste Reduction Work Plan that each person is responsible for

implementing.

Name of Person Responsibility Telephone #

Val Franco Hospitality Services Manager

V. TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTING WASTE REDUCTION WORK PLAN

Provide a timetable indicating when each Source Separation and 3Rs program of the Waste

Reduction Work Plan will be implemented.

Source Separation

and 3Rs Program Schedule for Completion

Example:

Fine Paper 3Rs Program

“Deskside receptacles and centralized containers to be purchased in March. New

collection contract for recycling to be arranged for April Kick off for program and

instructions to staff regarding 3Rs program to occur in April” OR

“3Rs Program currently in place.”

Organics/compost 3R’s program already in place

Latex gloves 3R’s program currently in place

Paper Towels 3R’s program currently in place

Fine paper 3R’s program currently in place

Cardboard 3R’s program currently in place

Plastic waste 3R’s program currently in place

Comingled plastics 3R’s program currently in place

Coffee

cups/Styrofoam 3R’s program currently in place

Aluminum food and

beverage cans 3R’s program currently in place

Vinyl (plastic medical

tubing) 3R’s program currently in place

Newsprint 3R’s program currently in place

Gauze 3R’s program currently in place

Diapers (including

wipes) 3R’s program currently in place

Medical cloth

(including operating

blankets)

3R’s program currently in place

Milk cartons 3R’s program currently in place

Iv bags 3R’s program currently in place

Metal 3R’s program currently in place

vials 3R’s program currently in place

Glass medicine

bottles 3R’s program currently in place

Packing material 3R’s program currently in place

Ice packs 3R’s program currently in place

Cotton balls 3R’s program currently in place

Face masks 3R’s program currently in place

Other 3R’s program currently in place

VI. COMMUNICATION TO STAFF, CUSTOMERS, GUESTS AND VISITORS

Explain how the Waste Reduction Work Plan will be communicated to employees, customers,

tenants, guests/visitors and students:

Management, Staff, and employees will be provided with information via;

e-mail, and notice boards on what materials must be source separated, the desired quality

and locations of collection bins

Disposal bin with labeled would be available at each WGA

Management and Staffs would be trained on the advantages and importance of waste

management

Adequate use of sign post at strategic places, where staff and visitor frequently use

Incentive on 3R’s initiative provide by staff.

…/3

VII. ESTIMATED WASTE GENERATED BY MATERIAL TYPE AND THE PROJECTED AMOUNT

Material

Categories

(as stated in

Part III)

Estimated

Annual Waste

Generated *

(kgs)

Name of Proposed 3Rs

Program

(as stated in Part III)

Projections to Reduce, Reuse

or Recycle Waste

(kgs or tonnes)

Estimated Annual

Amount to be

Diverted ** (%)

Reduce Reuse Recycle

Example:

Fine Paper 1.8 tonnes Fine Paper 3Rs Program 200 kg 100 kg

1.2

tonnes 83

Organics/

compost 14,614.6

Organics 3R’s

Program

Latex gloves 4,832.6 Latex gloves 3R’s

Program

Paper Towels 8,887.8 Paper towel 3R’s

Program

Fine paper 3,058.7 Fine paper 3R’s

Program

Cardboard 3,259.5 Cardboard 3R’s

Program

Plastic

medical

wrappers

1,182.6

Plastic medical

wrapper 3R’s

Program

Coffee cups 4,073.4 Coffee cups 3R’s

Program

Polystyrene

(PS) 7,708.8 PS 3R’s Program

Aluminum

food and

beverage cans

1,255.6 Aluminum 3R’s

Program

High Density

Polyethylene

(HDPE)

1,496.5 HDPE 3R’s Program

Vinyl (plastic

medical

tubing)

5,175.7 Vinyl 3R’s Program

Polypropylene

(pp) 1,591.4 PP 3R’s Program

Newsprint 806.65 Newsprint 3R’s

Program

Gauze 711.75 Gauze 3R’s Program

Diapers

(including

wipes)

9,734.55 Diapers 3R’s

Program

Plastic other

(#7) 1,700.9

Plastic #7 3R’s

Program

Medical cloth

(including

operating

blankets)

2,306.8 Medical cloth 3R’s

Program

Food

wrappers 7.3

Food wrappers 3R’s

Program

Milk cartons 2,087.8 Milk cartons 3R’s

Program

Plastic

syringes 226.3

Plastic syringes 3R’s

Program

Glossy papers 131.4 Glossy Papers 3R’s

Program

Paper medical

wrappers 149.65

Paper medical

wrapper 3R’s

Program

Sterile plastic

containers 543.85

Sterile plastic

containers 3R’s

Program

Polyethylene

Terephthalate

(PET)

2,576.9 PET 3R’s Program

Syringe

wrappers 667.95

Syringe wrappers

3R’s Program

Plastic syringe

caps 91.25

Plastic syringe caps

3R’s Program

Iv bags 2,730.2 Iv bags 3R’s Program

Metal 332.15 Metal 3R’s Program

vials 73.20 Vials 3R’s Program

Styrofoam 21.9 Styrofoam 3R’s

Program

Glass

medicine

bottles

941.7 Glass medicine bottle

3R’s Program

Packing

material 10.95

Packing material

3R’s Program

Ice packs 7.3 Ice pack 3R’s

Program

Cotton balls 978.2 Cotton balls 3R’s

Program

Face masks 178.85 Face masks 3R’s

Program

Plastic

packaging and

coverings

1,208.2 Plastic packaging

3R’s Program

Other 1,565.85 Other 3R’s Program

* Estimated Waste Generated = Waste Diverted (3Rs) + Waste Disposed

** Estimated Waste Diversion Rate = Amount of Waste Diverted (3Rs) ÷ Estimated Waste Generated x

100%

I hereby certify that the information provided in this Waste Reduction Work Plan is complete and

correct.

Signature of authorized official:

Val Franco

Title:

Hospitality Services

Manager

Date:

April 18, 2012

gngh waste audit 2012

Documents

general waste

recycling waste

waste materials

anatomical waste

biomedical waste

cytotoxic waste

separation of waste

pharmaceutical waste