Minimize non-biodegradable waste in hospitals.

With plastic waste pollution becoming a global problem, healthcare facilities – which generate large volumes of waste daily – are facing an urgent need for change. In Thanh Hoa, many hospitals have proactively implemented solutions to minimize non-biodegradable waste, aiming to build a green, clean, beautiful, safe, and sustainable healthcare environment.

Healthcare facilities are making efforts to minimize non-biodegradable waste.

Observations at Ha Trung General Hospital show a significant change in the Nutrition Department and canteens – areas that previously commonly used disposable plastic and styrofoam containers. Stainless steel trays have been introduced to replace styrofoam and plastic trays. After each meal, the trays are collected, cleaned, and reused, significantly reducing plastic waste and promoting cleanliness and environmental friendliness.

Nurse Mai Thi Huyen, Deputy Head of the Nutrition Department at Ha Trung General Hospital, said: “On average, the department provides over 300 meals a day. Previously, the department used styrofoam boxes, plastic containers, and plastic bags, resulting in a large amount of non-biodegradable waste. Since switching to stainless steel trays, the amount of waste has decreased significantly. Initially, everyone was unfamiliar with it, but gradually they all supported it because they found it cleaner and more practical.”

Ha Trung General Hospital uses stainless steel meal trays instead of plastic or styrofoam containers; and uses biodegradable plastic bags for dispensing outpatient medication.

In outpatient medication dispensing operations, the hospital has also switched to using biodegradable plastic bags instead of regular plastic bags.

At Thanh Hoa Provincial Oncology Hospital, efforts to reduce plastic waste are also being implemented comprehensively. The hospital's canteens have replaced plastic straws with paper straws and used paper cups instead of disposable plastic cups. These changes have significantly reduced the amount of non-biodegradable waste generated daily.

Ms. Le Thi Ngoan, a family member of a patient being treated at the Thanh Hoa Provincial Oncology Hospital, shared: “At first, I wasn't used to it because I used to use plastic cups and straws for convenience. But over time, I realized that using paper products is also reasonable, clean, and environmentally friendly. Now, my family also limits the use of plastic when we go to the hospital.”

Beyond simply replacing disposable and biodegradable items, hospitals have intensified comprehensive solutions such as providing waste sorting bins at the source, posting instruction signs, and conducting visual awareness campaigns; encouraging patients to limit the use of plastic bottles and bags, and promoting the bringing of personal water bottles. Some units have even incorporated the criterion of "reducing plastic waste" into the performance evaluation criteria for departments and wards.

According to Nurse Hoang Van Thu, Head of the Infection Control Department at Thanh Hoa Lung Hospital: “Sorting and minimizing non-biodegradable waste not only helps protect the environment but also greatly supports infection control efforts. When waste is properly sorted from the beginning, collection, transportation, and processing will be safer and more efficient.”

In reality, reducing non-biodegradable waste in hospitals cannot be achieved overnight. However, through small, coordinated, and persistent changes, the results are evident. These solutions not only contribute to environmental protection but also help build a friendly and civilized hospital image, moving towards sustainable development.

Thuy Dung

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/giam-thieu-rac-thai-khong-tu-phan-huy-trong-benh-vien-285661.htm