Authors:   Grimmond T

Publication:   The Rise of Reusable Sharps Containers: A Literature Review

Summary: 

What is the article?

This paper expands on the many benefits of reusable sharps containers, which have driven hospitals across the globe to be more conscious of how their medical waste is handled. Reusable sharps containers can be used more frequently to reduce plastic, reduce carbon emissions and are noticeably improving patient and staff safety through a reduction in needlestick injuries. 

What did we learn?

This literature review conveys the following:

• The market share of reusable sharps containers has grown over from about 5% to over 40% from 2002 to 2010
• Reusable sharps containers are used up to 500 times, diverting plastic discarded from healthcare facilities
• A healthcare facility was saved 1,800 tons of CO2

Two large US studies of one sharps container, state that per 100 occupied beds (OB), healthcare facilities will cease purchasing and disposing of between 4,500 and 6,000 disposable sharps containers annually - a reduction of 4 to 6 tonnes of plastic and cardboard per 100 OB."

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