Research

The article compares the global warming potential (GWP) of 40 acute NHS Trust hospitals converting from single-use plastic containers to reusable sharps containers.

A microbiological study to investigate the volume of plastic that could be reduced through implementation of a reusable sharps container system.

This before/after intervention studies UK hospitals to attain information on the differences in CO2 emissions from reusable and disposable sharps systems.

The 2 year study, ‘Impact on Carbon Footprint: An LCA of Disposable vs Reusable Sharps Containers in a large US Hospital’ was conducted in an 850 bed acute care facility to determine the reduction of GHG Emissions from the Sharpsmart collector.

A 12 month study determining the effect of the Sharpsmart on greenhouse gas emissions and sharps injuries at the 500 bed Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust Hospital.

This 12-month study across 10 UK hospitals proves that the introduction of Sharpsmart collectors decreased the average sharps waste and CO2 emissions.

This paper acknowledges the significant impact that reusable containers have had on healthcare facilities and discusses the growth of the market.

This article explores the positive impacts that the Sharpsmart system had on a 400 bed small acute trust, including a reduction in sharps injuries, a reduction in their carbon footprint, and cost and time savings for staff.