Separation of plastic waste in hospital nutrition pantries: A situational diagnosis in a philanthropic hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The impact of the generation of Healthcare Waste (RSS), especially plastic, deserves great attention from healthcare managers, as this sector is a major generator of waste on an uninterrupted basis worldwide. Objective: Carry out situational diagnosis of the separation of plastic waste in nutrition pantries in a hospital environment. Methods: Data collection was carried out by monitoring the flow, weighing and photographs of the separation and disposal process of common waste and plastic after the meals breakfast and dinner. The work was developed in nine hospital nutrition pantries, to develop a flowchart and analysis using management tools. The numerical data was compiled in a dynamic Microsoft 365® - Excel spreadsheet. Results: Through the situational diagnosis, it was noticed that of the nine pantries visited, only four had plastic waste bins. The separation rate of plastic waste by these pantries was 50%, with 100% correct disposal and 100% of the volume of plastic waste being considered high in these bins. The lack of a plastic waste bin within 55% (4,95) of the pantries visited is the biggest impediment in the process of disposing of this material. There is an opportunity to improve the process with 50% of the pantries that have a bin for plastic waste but have not disposed of it in any way.  Conclusion: The situational diagnosis found points for improvement, such as the lack of bins for plastic waste in pantries that do not have them.