Launched in 2016, our zero waste to landfill model diverted 1.7 million pounds of waste from landfills in 2021 alone.1 This model is designed to manage end-of-life disposition using the most environmentally beneficial solution, which includes a combination of recycling and waste-to-energy programs.
Here’s how we process devices that have reached their end of life:
Sorted then melted down into a highly sought-after commodity in the metals market
Recycled locally and processed into more corrugated cardboard or chipboard, which is used to make items such as paper towels, tissues and paperboard.
Transported to a waste-to-energy facility and sent through the energy recovery process, where any ash generated as a by-product is applied as daily cover at a local landfill.
Copper wire is refined and returned to the marketplace, non-metal components are sorted, and non-recoverable material is incinerated.
Supplier partner transports RMW to a waste-to-energy facility for energy recovery
Incinerated by vendor
In 2013, the U.S. healthcare sector was responsible for 10% of national greenhouse gas emissions.2
Through reprocessing, hospitals can reduce energy needed to produce new devices and emissions released by landfills and incinerators during waste disposal.
Hospitals in United States send 5.9 million tons of waste to landfills every year.3
Through our zero waste to landfill facility, we diverted 850 tons of waste from overflowing waste streams in 2021. How much is that? More than 15 full semitrucks.
Caring for patients and the environment: How sustainability can cut costs, protect the planet and streamline the supply chain
Resources: 1. Cardinal Health data on file 2. Practice Greenhealth. https://practicegreenhealth.org/topics/waste/waste-0 3. Eckelman MJ, Sherman J (2016) Environmental Impacts of the U.S. Health Care System and Effects on Public Health. PLOS ONE 11(6): e0157014.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0157014