Towards Greener Healthcare: Evaluating Plastic Waste Reduction in a UK Hospital Setting

Abstract

Introduction: Plastic waste in healthcare settings presents a significant environmental and public health challenge, largely due to the widespread use of single-use items. This audit, conducted in the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, aimed to quantify plastic-containing clinical waste, implement targeted interventions to reduce it, and evaluate their impact through a re-audit.

Methods: Data were collected from store order reports over two periods: October– November 2023 and January–February 2025. Interventions included the introduction of paper medicine pots and restricting plastic cup orders to departmental requests. A patient survey conducted in November 2024 revealed strong support for sustainable alternatives. Stakeholder engagement including sustainability and procurement teams was critical to the initiative’s success.

Results: The initial audit showed that 83.2% of waste items contained plastic, compared to 81% in the second phase, indicating a modest reduction. The patient survey found that 64.3% preferred paper straws, and 71.4% favored reusable mugs.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that small, targeted changes combined with staff and patient engagement can lead to meaningful reductions in plastic waste. Continued investment in sustainable products, education, and regular re-auditing is essential to support long-term environmental goals in healthcare.Keywords: Evaluating, Plastic Waste, Reduction