Managing barriers to recycling in the operating room.

BACKGROUND: Among hospital staff, little is known concerning barriers to recycling and perception of waste in the operating room (OR), despite continued improvement in recycling programs. This study sought to identify barriers to OR recycling and implement a recycling improvement educational program.

METHODS: A survey was administered within Mayo Clinic at four campuses. Based on survey results, a recycling improvement program was devised and implemented at a surgery center in Paradise Valley, Arizona. A cost-savings analysis was performed thereafter.

RESULTS: Of 524 participants, 56.7% reported being unclear which OR items are recyclable, and 47.7% thought the greatest barrier to recycling was lack of knowledge. After implementation of the recycling educational program, cost savings of 10.3% (p = 0.004) were achieved in sharps waste disposal when compared to the previous year at the surgery center.

CONCLUSIONS: Addressing barriers to recycling in the OR can significantly reduce waste and save valuable healthcare dollars.