The Potential Environmental Implications of Infection Control Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Waste Generation from a Level 2 Trauma Center in Maine, USA.

Abstract

Introduction:

Hospital waste in the United States (US) generates 7,000 tonnes of waste daily. During the pandemic, hospitals had to increase the amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by healthcare providers. The aim of this study was to compare pre and present COVID-19 waste generation amounts in comparison with hospital census and PPE purchased.

Method:

This research examined the solid waste generated at a level II trauma center from January 2018-December 2021. Data examined included: the amount of solid waste generated, monthly patient census, COVID-19 census, policy changes, and the amount of purchased PPE pre and during the pandemic.

Results:

PPE product numbers purchased varied with a noticeable increase in mask and gown ordering. The number of admitted COVID-19 patients peaked at 46. Hospital waste tonnage fluctuated but did not show a statistically significant change.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hospitals to increase their PPE posture to help safeguard its employees and patients. In our hospital setting, the use of PPE increased and overall hospital census decreased. This has profound implications for not only the hospital’s revenue, but also with less census volume, there was curiously the same amount of hospital waste generated. This work needs to be continued in other healthcare PPE heavy settings, to better understand the downstream consequences of infectious diseases on responsible hospital waste management and environmental sustainability.