Work

Assessing waste reduction knowledge and practices in the operating room

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite recent efforts to decrease our carbon footprint, the United States continues to be a top contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage worldwide [1]. Healthcare systems are responsible for using a significant proportion of fossil fuels and for producing substantial carbon emissions and solid waste [2]. Of the solid waste produced in the hospital setting, approximately 70% of hospital solid waste is from operating rooms and labor and delivery units [3].

Source: Surgery Open Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2026.05.006

Authors: Hannah Wavering-Walters, Quetzal A. Class, Lopa K. Pandya

Institution: University of Illinois Chicago

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, Climate action, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,230