Recycling Basics for Memorial Medial Center July 2017
Memorial Medical Center Launches New Recycling Initiative • Through a partnership with South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA), Memorial Medical Center (MMC) has worked on an initiative to expand access to recycling throughout the hospital. • The expanded recycling program will start July 2017. • The largest waste stream in hospitals is solid waste, which covers specialty waste (regulated medical waste, confidential and hazardous waste).
MMC Launches New Recycling Initiative • However, much of the waste generated also includes material that can be recycled. • Common composition of recyclables generated in hospitals include: • 54% paper and cardboard • 18% organics (food and landscaping waste) • 15% plastics • 3% metal MMC hopes to divert much of this material to recycling and avoid landfilling.
How Should Waste be Managed? • Source or waste reduction Source Reduction Most Preferred means minimizing or not and Reuse creating waste in the first place. Recycling and Composting • Reuse and then recycling are preferred way to manage Combustion materials. w/Energy Recovery • WTE with energy recovery for Least Preferred Landfilling non-recyclable trash offers benefits through less reliance on fossil fuels.
Where to Recycle @ MMC • Look for blue recycling bins at or near: • Nurses stations • Break rooms and lounges • Cafeteria • Offices, lobby areas and waiting rooms (limited)
What Can Be Recycled @ MMC: Metals • Metals such as: • Aluminum • Steel/tin • Small electronics* *Small electronics include MP3 players, cell phones, etc. – NO computers or laptops .
A Word About Preparation Aluminum and steel ( also called “tin”) cans are the easiest metal materials to collect and recycle. • Aluminum cans: Rinsing is recommended. • Steel cans: Rinse out all food debris. Removing labels and flattening are optional. Remember, clean and dry recyclables have the best value and help keep recycling program costs low.
What Can Be Recycled @ MMC: Paper & Cardboard • Paper * ✓ Construction and copy paper ✓ Books ✓ Newspapers & magazines ✓ Shredded paper in clear bags/liners • Cardboard • Flattened cardboard • Paperboard (tissue boxes, cereal boxes, etc.) • Milk and Juice cartons *No tissue paper, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels or wax paper.
Did You Know? One ton of recycled office paper saves: 380 gallons of oil 60 pounds of air pollutants from being released 7,000 gallons of water 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space
What Can Be Recycled @ MMC • Plastics #1-#7 • Rigid Plastics
What Can Be Recycled @ MMC • Here are some common plastics that can be recycled via the new and improved MMC recycling program with SCSWA. • Irrigation bottles • Basins • Plastic pitchers and trays
Decoding Plastics The Plastic Coding System – is a numeral coding system was implemented to help recyclers and collectors identify the different types of plastic used for products. Only 6 types are used in at least 90% of plastic packaging and products. However, the coding system ranges from #1 – 7.
Unacceptable Items • Do NOT mix these items in with your recyclables • Aluminum foil • Waxed Paper • Household Garbage • Batteries • Holiday Lights • Flammables • Plastic Bags • Extension Cords • Pizza Boxes • Window Glass • Styrofoam • Light Bulbs • Paper Towels • Electronics • Medical Waste
Thanks for Recycling! Connect with us at: Facebook: @theSCSWA Instagram: @SCSWARC
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