Waste education in health care: summary report

Based on available data, in 2017--18 Victorian public health services generated approximately 35,060 tonnes of solid waste. Around 7,551 tonnes of this was recycled, 4,566 tonnes was clinical waste and the remainder was classified as general waste. Disposal costs were close to $17 million, of which half was for treating and disposing of clinical waste.

Working to achieve the Victorian waste education strategy, the Department of Health and Human Services and Sustainability Victoria are undertaking a two-year project to explore waste avoidance and resource recovery education opportunities in the public healthcare system.