Recycling Resources: Hospitals and Healthcare Systems

Health care facilities can generate a large amount of waste. Since health care facilities can generate a wide variety of waste, a facility waste management, and minimization program is a must. Recycling and reuse programs are an important part of any waste management and minimization program. Recycling diverts waste from the landfill, reduces waste disposal costs and, in some instances, generates revenue from the sale of recyclable materials. Recycling is also an opportunity for health care providers to be a good steward of the environment.

Recyclable Materials

The following is a list of recyclable materials that can be collected at health care facilities:

  • Aluminum Cans
  • Batteries
  • Computers
  • Corrugated Cardboard
  • Fluorescent Lamps and Ballasts
  • Laser and Ink-jet Cartridges
  • Newspapers and Magazines
  • Glass
  • Office Paper
  • Plastics
  • Steel Cans
  • Wood Pallets

Most often, recyclable materials are simply managed as non-hazardous solid waste; however, a few recyclable materials, such as batteries, thermostats, lamps, and pesticides, are considered Universal Wastes, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and require special handling. For more information on Universal Wastes see Regulations for Hospitals and Healthcare Systems.

Recycling Facilities

The Recycling Coalition of Utah is a coalition of municipalities, businesses, institutions, and individuals committed to improving recycling in Utah. The RCU lists recycling facilities and companies in the state that accept a wide range of materials including metals, paper, and plastics.

The following is a list of recyclers that specialize in the recycling of mercury-containing materials, such as batteries, fluorescent lamps and ballasts, and thermostats:

Veolia Environmental Services
(801) 294-7111

Recycling Information

Questions?

Eleanor Divver (edivver@utah.gov), Business Assistance Coordinator: (801) 536-0091


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