Implementing a Solid Waste Management Diversion Program in a Conventional Cook–Serve Hospital System: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Americans generate over 250 million tons of municipal solid waste (trash) each year, with institutional facilities such as hospitals accounting for up to 45% of this waste. Solid waste diversion, through recycling and composting, decreases the waste sent to landfills. The objective of this feasibility study was to implement an integrated solid waste diversion program at a conventional cook–serve kitchen for a 250-bed hospital. The waste diversion program resulted in 1390 pounds of organic matter and recycling being diverted from landfills over 5 days. It is estimated that the continuing program will reduce landfill waste by 51 tons annually.

Keywords:

• compost
• recycling
• solid waste management diversion
• cook–serve kitchen
• hospital

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the San Francisco VA Medical Center administration and Nutrition Department staff for their assistance in planning and implementing this program.