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Recycling in Ambulatory Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, a Single Center Experience
Immanuel K Ho1, Daniel V Carr2, Mary S Coniglio2
1Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 15, 2025
Summary
Recycling used gastrointestinal endoscopy equipment is feasible, significantly reducing the carbon footprint by 4.42 metric tons of CO2 equivalent without impacting unit efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
Background:
- Gastrointestinal endoscopy is resource-intensive and generates substantial waste.
- Recycling endoscopic materials offers a strategy to reduce environmental impact and landfill burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of recycling endoscopic materials in a high-volume outpatient center.
- To assess the impact on carbon footprint and operational efficiency.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month study involving 3063 patients undergoing gastrointestinal procedures.
- Recycling of 13 types of used endoscopy equipment.
- Greenhouse gas avoidance calculated using the EPA's Waste Reduction Model (WARM).
- Comparison of procedure volume and room turnover time with a control group.
Main Results:
- 1708.4 kg of waste was recycled (0.56 kg/procedure).
- Recycling led to a net reduction of 4.42 metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
- Daily procedure volume increased, and turnover time decreased compared to controls.
- Total regulated medical waste remained statistically similar.
Conclusions:
- Recycling used endoscopy equipment is a practical approach.
- It effectively reduces the carbon footprint associated with endoscopic procedures.
- The recycling program did not negatively affect the efficiency of the endoscopy unit.
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