Carbon emissions of urban general practice and waste to landfill audit: a quantitative case-study in New Zealand

INTRODUCTION: The healthcare sector accounts for 4-5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Data regarding the environmental impact of general practice are lacking. Toitū Envirocare produced a report for the Carefirst Limited's general practice centres in Taranaki, concluding solid waste disposal to be their primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. AIM: Considering the increasing need to address climate change, this study aimed to provide novel insight into waste and carbon emissions generated by general practice through audit data. METHOD: A waste to landfill audit was conducted at four Taranaki general practices. Waste to landfill was collected for 3 days, then sorted to determine the amount which could have been diverted to recycling and composting. RESULTS: The potential diversion rate of audited landfilled rubbish ranged from 65 to 79.3%. Although Westown had a potential diversion rate of 68.3%, its existing recycling processes meant this equated to 25% of its total waste production. Of the other three practices, 59-65% of their total waste production could be diverted. DISCUSSION: It was recommended that all practices have recycling and composting bins, and to collect bottle caps, soft plastics, and batteries to further landfill diversion. These bins must be more available and visible. Ideally, each practice would have a 'waste champion' to educate staff and dispose of these recyclables at designated facilities. Recycling in a general practice setting can produce significant waste diversions from landfill, producing meaningful progress towards sustainable practice.