Waste Minimisation in Healthcare
The healthcare sector is finding waste management issues to be increasingly important. Disposing of healthcare waste can have high costs and environmental implications.
The 'Waste Minimisation in Healthcare' project supports the Victorian healthcare industry with:
- waste minimisation
- resource efficiency
- waste management strategies.
Specific tools, education programs and support are available to help the healthcare sector:
- identify cost savings associated with waste minimisation
- promote separating waste and recycling materials
- set a positive example for others to follow.
For more information, please contact the Department of Health on (03) 9096 2046.
Who is involved?
Waste Minimisation in Healthcare is a joint initiative between several Victorian government agencies:
- Sustainability Victoria
- Department of Health
- Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Report on waste management in the healthcare sector
Recommendations for improving waste management in the healthcare sector are based on findings from a report on waste management activities. Download an executive summary of the report using the link at the bottom of this page.
Resource kit for promoting waste minimisation
A resource kit for the healthcare industry is available through the Department of Health website with information about legislation, best practice requirements and tools for promoting and encouraging waste minimisation.
Signage for healthcare waste and recycling
Healthcare waste signs were developed as part of this project to make it easier for healthcare staff and visitors to see how to separate their waste.
The signage was developed:
- to meet relevant Australian Standards (where appropriate)
- in collaboration with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Waste Management Industry Group (ANZCWMIG).
The table below has zip files with specific signs to use in your organisation. Each file includes two versions of the sign in JPEG and EPS formats.
You can also customise your signage to make it specific to your healthcare organisation by visiting the downloadable image library at Sustainability Victoria - see the link at the bottom of the page.
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Bottles, Cans, Paper, Cardboard | Click here for zip file |
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Bottle, Cans, Cartons | Click here for zip file |
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Clean Office Paper | Click here for zip file |
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Clean Paper and Cardboard | Click here for zip file |
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Confidential Paper | Click here for zip file |
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Cardboard Only | Click here for zip file |
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Food Only | Click here for zip file |
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Green Waste | Click here for zip file |
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X-Rays Only - Wash Hands | Click here for zip file |
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Toner and Cartridge | Click here for zip file |
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Rubbish - General Use | Click here for zip file |
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Clinical Waste | Click here for zip file |
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Clinical Waste - Sharps | Click here for zip file |
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Clinical Waste - Incineration Only | Click here for zip file |
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Cytotoxic Waste | Click here for zip file |
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Pharmaceutical Waste | Click here for zip file |
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Radioactive Waste | Click here for zip file |
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Radioactive Waste - Sharps | Click here for zip file |
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Clinical Waste - A3 | Click here for zip file |
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Clinical Waste - A4 | Click here for zip file |
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X-Rays Only - A3 | Click here for zip file |
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X-Rays Only - A4 | Click here for zip file |