Waste Stream Reduction Initiatives

Key to achieving our green goals is reducing the waste stream in all aspects of hospital operations – from food to garbage to medical equipment.  We've instituted comprehensive recycling programs and continually educate staff so we can meet our goals to reduce the total volume of waste and increase the percentage of waste that is recycled. Over the past 3 years we've reduced the solid waste stream by 9% and increased recycling by 95%.

Graph shows the continuous progress in managing our waste stream over the last 3 years.

Fletcher Allen's Recycle and Reuse Initiatives

The dramatic increase in our recycling rate is due to a variety of initiatives. These include accepting a greater range of plastics, introducing recycling in the Operating Rooms and patient rooms, and starting a program to use reusable "sharps" containers.

Just recently we introduced motion-activated paper towel dispensers throughout our facilities. This will save approximately 3 million square feet of paper and will reduce waste going forward. Our medium term goal is to recycle 40% of the waste stream.

Composting at Fletcher Allen

We ship more than 300 tons of materials annually to a nearby compost & community farming facility. In addition to food waste, most of the items we use to serve food in our cafeterias is compostable. The compost we use on our grounds comes from the same facility.  We expect to ship 400 tons of compost in the next year.

Drug Waste Program at Fletcher Allen

Fletcher Allen is one of the few hospitals in the nation to establish a comprehensive drug waste program. We capture the majority of all drug waste and dispose of it according to best management practices. This program has been implemented in all high priority areas including pharmacies and locations that prepare and administer chemotherapy agents. It will be fully implemented by the end of 2010.