Medical waste in the environment: do anesthesia personnel have a role to play?
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a feasibility study of the mechanics of recycling single-use anesthesia breathing systems and practices of anesthesiologists and nurse-anesthetists in a tri-state region.


METHODS
Two-part, open, prospective analysis using pre-printed questionnaire and cost/time analysis of labor and materials.


METHODS
Questionnaire sent to 413 anesthesiology departments in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and hospital/recycling facility for evaluation of time and cost.


RESULTS
Time to disassemble and sort the breathing circuits, analysis of costs and obtainable income from byproducts of recycling, and standard survey questionnaire concerning demographic characteristics of respondents and individual department/hospital practitioners. Data analysis included analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Pilot analysis: Sorting of circuits to economic component required ten minutes at an average cost of $1.60 Value of scraps obtainable was $3.44, leaving a gross margin of $1.84 for a box of 18 circuits. Benefit analysis: Extended reduction in the regulated medical waste in our operating room of 16,875 lb, saving $4,387.50 per year. With generation of revenue from scrap, the net gain is $5,994.64 per yr. Questionnaire: Majority (83%) of departments polled would participate in recycling implemented by suppliers. Most respondents would not consider (58%) recycling unless mandated by law.


CONCLUSIONS
The program described is cost-effective and environmentally beneficial.
Goldberg
M E
ME
Department of Anesthesiology, Cooper Hospital University Medical Center, Camden, NI 08103, USA.
Vekeman
D
D
Torjman
M C
MC
Seltzer
J L
JL
Kynes
T
T
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003691:Delaware; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008506:Medical Waste / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009515:New Jersey; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010820:Physicians; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D008506:Medical Waste