OSE_1303_part2_Layout 1 2/7/13 4:28 PM Page 108
S U S T A I N A B L E
S U C C E S S
Direct-to-drain systems run between $20,000 and $25,000, but
some companies will spread the payments over several years to help
defer the start-up costs. Investing in a fluid waste management system will cost on the front end, but you can more than make up for
the expense by generating less red bag waste (the average cost to
dispose of this commercially is between 28¢ and 32¢ per pound — 6
to 8 times more than non-regulated waste), improving room
turnover efficiencies, and eliminating the purchase of disposable
containers and waste solidifiers.
2. Reprocess SUDs
The reprocessing of single-use devices diverted 10,000 tons of medical
waste from landfills between 1997 and 2007, according to the
Association of Medical Device Reprocessors. About three-fourths of
Practice Greenhealth's award-winning facilities in 2010 chose to
reprocess single-use devices and saved more than $108 million combined.
We're seeing the popularity of single-use device reprocessing grow
exponentially as mainstream administrators continue to follow the
path blazed by pioneers who proved the devices benefit patients.
Facilities are quickly realizing true cost savings by buying back
reprocessed devices for a fraction of the price of new. For example:
Orthopedic blades that originally cost $30 can be bought reprocessed
for approximately $14; and laparoscopic instruments costing $1,240
1 0 8
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | F E B R U A R Y 2013
