Recycling Basics for Memorial Medial Center July 2017

Memorial Medical Center Launches New Recycling Initiative Through a partnership with South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA), Memorial Medical Center (MMC) has worked on an initiative to expand access to recycling throughout the hospital. The expanded recycling program will start July 2017. The largest waste stream in hospitals is solid waste, which covers specialty waste (regulated medical waste, confidential and hazardous waste).

MMC Launches New Recycling Initiative However, much of the waste generated also includes material that can be recycled. Common composition of recyclables generated in hospitals include: 54% paper and cardboard 18% organics (food and landscaping waste) 15% plastics 3% metal MMC hopes to divert much of this material to recycling and avoid landfilling.

How Should Waste be Managed? Most Preferred Source or waste reduction means minimizing or not creating waste in the first place. Reuse and then recycling are preferred way to manage materials. WTE with energy recovery for non-recyclable trash offers benefits through less reliance on fossil fuels. Source Reduction and Reuse Recycling and Composting Combustion w/Energy Recovery Least Preferred Landfilling

Where to Recycle @ MMC Look for blue recycling bins at or near: Nurses stations Break rooms and lounges Cafeteria Offices, lobby areas and waiting rooms (limited)

What Can Be Recycled @ MMC: Metals Metals such as: Aluminum Steel/tin Small electronics* *Small electronics include MP3 players, cell phones, etc. –NO computers or laptops.

A Word About Preparation Aluminum and steel (also called “tin”) cans are the easiest metal materials to collect and recycle. Aluminum cans: Rinsing is recommended. Steel cans: Rinse out all food debris. Removing labels and flattening are optional. Remember, clean and dry recyclables have the best value and help keep recycling program costs low.

What Can Be Recycled @ MMC: Paper & Cardboard Construction and copy paper Books Newspapers & magazines Shredded paper in clear bags/liners Cardboard Flattened cardboard Paperboard (tissue boxes, cereal boxes, etc.) Milk and Juice cartons *No tissue paper, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels or wax paper.

One ton of recycled office paper saves: Did You Know? One ton of recycled office paper saves: 380 gallons of oil 60 pounds of air pollutants from being released 7,000 gallons of water 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space

What Can Be Recycled @ MMC Plastics #1-#7 Rigid Plastics

What Can Be Recycled @ MMC Here are some common plastics that can be recycled via the new and improved MMC recycling program with SCSWA. Irrigation bottles Basins Plastic pitchers and trays

Decoding Plastics The Plastic Coding System – is a numeral coding system was implemented to help recyclers and collectors identify the different types of plastic used for products. Only 6 types are used in at least 90% of plastic packaging and products. However, the coding system ranges from #1 – 7.

Unacceptable Items Do NOT mix these items in with your recyclables Aluminum foil Waxed Paper Household Garbage Batteries Holiday Lights Flammables Plastic Bags Extension Cords Pizza Boxes Window Glass Styrofoam Light Bulbs Paper Towels Electronics Medical Waste

Thanks for Recycling! Connect with us at: Facebook: @theSCSWA Instagram: @SCSWARC