Healthcare waste disposal: an analysis of the effect of education on improving waste disposal

Abstract

Inappropriate disposal of clinical waste has a considerable environmental and financial impact. Other studies have shown substantial opportunities for improvement in healthcare waste disposal. This study aims to show these opportunities through a clinical waste audit and to gain a greater understanding into approaches required for successful waste disposal behaviour change. A clinical waste audit was conducted in an eight-bed intensive care unit in Melbourne. A baseline audit was followed by a questionnaire and education (in-services and signage). A follow up audit was performed to analyse the effect of education. Results of the initial clinical waste audit showed 41% clinical waste, 44% general waste and 14% sharps waste. Post-education, clinical waste was slightly greater than general waste and sharps waste had markedly decreased to 3.5%, however, study limitations were present. The marked decline in sharps waste appears to mainly be due to the clarification of a misnomer regarding disposal of glass. Questionnaires showed a lack of knowledge but a desire to learn, and a preference for learning through signage and in-services. The study shows that more than one in-service and increased signage is needed for successful behaviour change. This supports findings that active staff involvement is essential to achieve sustainable waste management.