What is the focus of the ‘Prevent and Reduce’ step in the Healthcare Waste Management Hierarchy?

The ‘Prevent and Reduce’ step in the Healthcare Waste Management Hierarchy emphasizes minimizing waste generation at the source. This approach is integral to waste management in healthcare settings, where reducing waste not only lessens environmental impact but also enhances operational efficiency.

Green Procurement aligns perfectly with this focus, as it involves selecting products and services that are environmentally responsible and have reduced potential to create waste. This practice encourages healthcare facilities to consider the lifecycle of products, choosing those that are sustainable and generating less waste during both use and disposal.

By adopting green procurement strategies, organizations are able to proactively reduce the volume of waste produced, contributing significantly to a more effective waste management strategy. This strategy highlights the importance of not just managing waste after it is created, but rather preventing its generation from the outset.