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Combining Patient Care and Environmental Protection: A Pilot Program Recycling Polyvinyl Chloride From Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Waste
Summary
This report describes a pilot program recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic waste from automated peritoneal dialysis equipment, which generates substantial recyclable plastic that is rarely processed due to lack of healthcare sector recycling infrastructure. The initiative was motivated by the approaching UN global plastics treaty deadline and calls from Health Care Without Harm for medical plastic recycling to be included in binding international agreements.
Dialysis produces large amounts of plastic waste, much of which is potentially recyclable, but recycling is seldom performed 1–3. This stagnant situation is expected to rapidly change, as by the end of 2024, 175 United Nations members have agreed to develop a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, and the organization “Health Care Without Harm” has called for no exemption for plastics derived from medical supplies, a choice that will hopefully change the management of medical-related plastic waste4,5.