Glass recycling in the labour suite is environmetally sound and economical

R. R. Gaiser, T. G. Cheek, B. B. Gutsche

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Glass bottles are used for the storage of local anaesthetics in the US and are recyclable. Recycling would result in hospital solid waste reduction. Methods. The members of the Department of Anaesthesia were surveyed to determine where these local anaesthetic bottles were disposed of. From November 2002 to April 2003, glass bottles used on the labour and delivery suite were saved for recycling. The number of bottles and the weight recycled were recorded. The number of procedures involving anaesthesia were also recorded during this time period. Results. Residents dispose of the local anaesthetic bottle in the sharps container while consultants dispose of them in the trash (P< 0.05). Both means of disposal are not recycled in the US. The average amount of glass recycled per month was 19.37 (3.15) kg. Our hospital pays $0.46/kg (£0.26/kg) for sharps disposal. By not disposing of the glass in the sharps container, the average savings per month was $8.95 (1.45) (£5.15 (0.84)). Conclusion. The recycling of glass is good for the environment through waste reduction and results in small savings to the hospital.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)584-586
Number of pages3
JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia
Volume92
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2004

Keywords

  • Anaesthesia, regional
  • Anaesthetics, local
  • Waste management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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