"Plastic smart hospitals" A review of plastic usage within the hospital sector: Exploring methods to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic
Categories: Action plans for sustainable low carbon health systems, Guidance document, Country experience, Europe, Low Carbon Sustainable Health Systems, Supply Chains
Publisher: Mepex Consulting; Oslo University Hospital
This document presents an overview of plastic use and waste in Norwegian hospital settings. It describes the process by which a waste audit was conducted in a hospital, the types of plastics identified, and key findings on reduction and recycling potential. The resource highlights specific measures to eliminate unnecessary products, replace single‑use items with reusable alternatives, and improve sorting to increase recycling rates.
Overall, this resource aims to support hospitals in reducing plastic consumption, lowering CO₂ emissions, cutting costs, and strengthening environmentally responsible procurement and waste management practice.
Intended users
Health care facility managers; Ministries of health.