Options for action to set up an awareness campaign to improve waste separation and strengthen sustainable practices in the Tirol Kliniken.
THE CHALLENGE
The main challenge is changing staff behavior and integrating sustainable practices into the demanding hospital routine. Lack of knowledge, established habits, and unclear labeling hinder proper waste separation, disrupting recycling processes and impeding a functioning circular economy.
OUTCOMES
The sorting analysis revealed that only 40% of the contents in the Yellow Bags were correctly disposed of. A survey and interviews with medical staff at Tirol Kliniken highlighted knowledge gaps in waste separation, particularly concerning infusion bags, sterile surgical glove packaging, and syringes without needles. Main reasons cited included lack of knowledge, convenience, unclear labeling, and in some cases, disinterest. Nearly half of the infusion bags were incorrectly disposed of in the Yellow Bag, and glove packaging was often placed in plastic waste instead of paper recycling. The resulting campaign focuses on visual cues (stickers, posters), an intranet article, and a training concept to improve waste separation practices.
Lara Klär, Anna Beer, Victoria Wijnands, Tabea Haigis
Partner Statement:
"The aim of the wERDschätzung project is to sensitize employees at tirol kliniken to the responsible use of resources and to demonstrate the benefits of correctly separated packaging materials. The MCI project team was able to impressively demonstrate where there is a need for action in the separation of packaging and waste. The modern approach to processing information that was demonstrated gives the tirol kliniken new impetus to sustainably improve the impact of training measures." – Dr. Kornelia Giersig (Department of Ecology)
"The tirol kliniken have benefited greatly from the collaboration with the MCI project team. Thanks to the great commitment and structured approach of the students, it was possible to identify fundamental needs in the handling of recyclable materials in everyday hospital life. The results of the analyses can be used to optimize existing processes and thus make an important contribution to promoting the circular economy." - Dr. Dagmar Rubatscher (Sustainability Management)
Further Information:
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