HALYARD SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR RECYCLING

Halyard offers hospitals access to KIMGUARD* Sterilisation Wrap Recycling through SITA-MediCollect’s recycling and recovery program. The program facilitates collection of clean, uncontaminated KIMGUARD* Sterile Wrap from hospitals and healthcare facilities, diverting it from landfill for responsible recycling and recovery.

SITA-MediCollect has an integrated waste management collection and recycling service, which is widely used in the hospital and healthcare market and can facilitate the collection of multiple waste streams from a single site.

SITA-MediCollect operates throughout mainland Australia, however, does not currently have a presence in Tasmania. Should hospitals and healthcare facilities in Tasmania wish to engage in this KIMGUARD* recycling program, SITA-MediCollect would endeavour to engage a qualified third party supplier to support activities on their behalf.

Halyard representatives will work with SITA-MediCollect to educate staff on the correct segregation practices through a co-ordinated education and training program. SITA-MediCollect will work with the hospital or healthcare sites to review and assess their waste management and recycling requirements to develop a tailored solution to collecting clean KIMGUARD* Sterile Wrap and KIMGUARD* ONE-STEP* and channelling it through the recycling and recovery process.

Waste Segregation

A successful recycling program is contingent upon a successful waste segregation program. The impact of single-use products on the environment can be reduced significantly through effective waste management. Hospitals may choose to recycle or dispose through the traditional waste stream. KIMGUARD* Sterile Wrap and KIMGUARD* ONE-STEP* may be safely disposed of through the traditional waste streams according to classification of contaminated or general waste.

Disposal of contaminated waste

Items soiled with blood or other body fluids are considered contaminated waste and must be disposed of properly.

Incineration

KIMGUARD* Sterile Wrap and KIMGUARD* ONE-STEP* can be safely incinerated. It is made of polypropylene, an inert polymer derived from petrochemicals. Polypropylene does not contain the element chlorine, which can be of concern in incineration. Complete combustion of Halyard polypropylene generates heat (similar to oil or candle wax) and forms water vapour and carbon dioxide, leaving a very small residue of ash. Incinerator operators value the high energy content of our wrap and gowns as it helps combustion with wet wastes.

Chemical Treatment

Another option is to chemically treat the polypropylene so that it is safe to go into landfill.

Disposal of general waste

General waste is normally land filled in Australia. Modern practice requires that all waste is covered at the end of the day or sooner to maintain hygiene. Polypropylene is an inert material and does not cause any chemical reaction in the landfill.