The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67248

Katherine Gerwig, Environmental Stewardship, Kaiser Permanente, 1800 Harrison St., 19th floor, Oakland, CA 94612, 510 625-2624, Kathy.Gerwig@kp.org

Abstract: A long campaign to close California's last remaining commercial medical waste incinerator was successful in December 2001 when Oakland-based Integrated Environmental Systems (IES) ceased operations. Consistent pressure from a community-driven coalition, along with a poor safety record, were the primary causes.

The cost of treating and disposing of California healthcare waste, which many hospitals had been shipping to Oakland, quickly rose as large volumes of waste began to be shipped out of state for treatment and disposal.

Many California hospitals had already been aggressively reducing waste volume, prompted by their own mission statements and by the nationwide Hospitals for a Healthy Environment initiative. The steep rise in medical waste disposal costs has accelerated this process. Pollution prevention (P2) and waste handling strategies are increasingly important healthcare management topics in the state.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning objectives:
• At the conclusion of the session, participants will understand practical, cost-effective methodologies used in hospitals to reduce both the volume and toxicity of medical waste. They will be aware of California healthcare P2 collaborations among healthcare providers, regulators, local governments, and public interest organizations. They will know where to access the considerable resources which exist on pollution prevention in healthcare.

Related Web page: www.noharm.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.