Work

A Proposed Circular Economy Model for Hospital Bio-Waste Management in Municipal Settings

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a proposed circular economy (CE) model for hospital bio-waste management, using Athens as a case study to demonstrate its applicability in urban environments. The model incorporates waste segregation at the source, resource recovery methods such as composting and anaerobic digestion, and data-driven tools to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare waste management. The study investigates the transition from linear to CE practices, focusing on structured collection strategies, collaborative efforts between hospitals and municipal authorities, and continuous tracking of waste flows. A comprehensive analysis of bio-waste volumes from participating hospitals over a three-year period is conducted, utilizing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools such as TOPSIS to evaluate the system’s effectiveness. The results indicate a significant increase in hospital participation, improved waste separation, and optimized resource recovery, offering a scalable framework for other municipalities seeking to implement CE-based waste management practices in healthcare settings.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17010005

Authors: Anastasios Sepetis, Konstantinos Georgantas, Ioannis Nikolaou

Institutions: University of West Attica, Democritus University of Thrace

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare and Environmental Waste Management

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities, Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,728