Combining Patient Care and Environmental Protection: A Pilot Program Recycling Polyvinyl Chloride From Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Waste
Nathan Berman-Parks, Ilana Berman-Parks, Ismael Antonio Gómez Ruiz, Juan Manuel ArdavínItuarte, Giorgina Barbara Piccoli
Abstract
Dialysis produces large amounts of plastic waste, much of which is potentially recyclable, but recycling is seldom performed 1–3. This stagnant situation is expected to rapidly change, as by the end of 2024, 175 United Nations members have agreed to develop a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, and the organization “Health Care Without Harm” has called for no exemption for plastics derived from medical supplies, a choice that will hopefully change the management of medical-related plastic waste4,5.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineHarmPeritoneal dialysisPolyvinyl chlorideWaste managementBiomedical wasteDialysisMedical wasteMedical emergencyHealth careIntensive care medicineSurgeryLawEngineeringPolitical scienceComposite materialMaterials scienceHealthcare and Environmental Waste ManagementClimate Change and Health ImpactsHealthcare cost, quality, practices