This project examines the circular potential of rechargeable batteries from medical devices within Flemish hospital settings. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through a survey of biomedical engineering departments in 21 hospitals, a focus group with hospital sustainability and engineering experts, inventory analyses of ten medical device product groups across three hospitals, and semi-structured interviews with equipment suppliers and a national battery organization. The findings indicate that lithium-ion batteries from patient monitoring devices exhibit the highest reuse potential, with a total energy capacity of 75.28 kWh across three hospitals, extrapolated to approximately 686.9 kWh for all Flemish hospitals. Although this represents a relatively modest energy potential in absolute terms, preventive battery replacement practices in critical care contexts create opportunities for second-life applications. The study highlights the need for structured reuse pathways and close collaboration with suppliers to enable a socially circular value chain for medical batteries and to support the transition toward more sustainable and resilient healthcare systems.
International Hospital Federation (Tue,) studied this question.