A before/after intervention study to determine impact on life cycle carbon footprint of converting from single-use to reusable sharps containers in 40 United Kingdom NHS Trusts

The purpose of this study was to compare Global Warming Potential (GWP) of hospitals converting from single-use to reusable sharps containers (SSC, RSC). Does conversion to RSC result in GWP reduction? Using BS PAS 2050:2011 principles, a retrospective, before/after intervention quantitative model together with a purpose-designed, attributional “cradle-to-grave” life cycle tool, were used to determine the annual GHG emissions of the two sharps containment systems. Functional unit was total fill-line litres (FLL) of sharps containers needed to dispose of sharps for one-year period in 40 trusts. Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions were included. Results were workload-normalised using NHS national hospital patient-workload indicators. A sensitivity analysis examined areas of data variability.

Setting. Acute-care hospital trusts in United Kingdom.

Participants. 40 NHS hospital Trusts using RSC.

Intervention. Conversion from SSC to RSC. SSC and RSC usage details in 17 base-line trusts immedi...