Choosing reusable operating theatre devices at an Australian health service avoids hundreds of tonnes of waste and could save millions of dollars per annum

Healthcare services rely on large amounts of disposable medical devices, even though similar reusable devices exist. This retrospective audit of operating theatre and endoscopy procurement data across two hospitals aimed to examine the number and mass of simple single-use devices and cost (purchasing and disposal) of such devices in operating theatres where a reusable device alternative exists. This was assessed at one health service across two hospitals with a total of 19 operating theatres and five endoscopy procedure rooms. The main outcome was the number of single-use devices procured and disposed of, mass of devices procured, cost of procurement, cost of disposal, and estimated environmental impact of device procurement and disposal. In a five-year period of operating at two hospitals, 2, 683, 412 simple single-use devices that have a reusable alternative were purchased and disposed of, with a combined mass of 748 t, an approximate purchasing cost of A16. 1m, and an approximate disposal cost of around A1. 2m. The associated environmental impact of these devices was estimated at 3690 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent. Simple disposable medical devices in operating theatres such as bowls, jugs, drapes, gowns, scissors, towels and anaesthesia equipment produce tonnes of waste per annum, cost millions to procure and dispose of, and produce greenhouse gas emissions from production to disposal. Replacing some single-use devices with reusable alternatives presents an opportunity for health services to save money from purchasing and disposing of single-use devices, as well as reducing their waste and greenhouse gas footprint. Replacing disposable equipment with reusable equipment can divert tonnes of waste from landfill and save on procurement and disposal costs.