A solution-based approach to reducing adult sanitary & PPE waste from rest homes in Aotearoa

Abstract

Aim: This research project aims to explore solutions for minimising landfill contributions from incontinence and personal  protective equipment (PPE) waste produced by rest home facilities (both care/support units and retirement villages) in Aotearoa.
Research Question: What evidence-based solutions to decrease sanitary and PPE waste exist and can these be applied to rest homes in Aotearoa?

Method: A narrative literature review was conducted surrounding PPE and sanitary waste minimisation, alongside interviews with industry representatives and waste experts, to ascertain the practicalities of such solutions in Aotearoa. A waste hierarchy for sanitary waste was created; highly recommended solutions were place at the top and least recommended at the bottom based on factors such as accessibility, environmental impact, and patient wellbeing.

Results: The order of these solutions was (from top to bottom): pelvic floor muscle exercises, reusing, recycling, organic  ecomposition, landfilling, and incineration. Fewer opportunities were available for waste minimisation of PPE; current alternatives to landfilling include companies such as Future Post (an organisation recycling face masks into functional fence posts).  Developing technologies such as the disinfecting and recycling of PPE through Auckland University are emerging, although they
are not currently accessible for public contributions.

Conclusion: For both sanitary and PPE waste, the requirement of such products should be minimised where possible (such as  through awareness of hand hygiene (PPE) and pelvic floor muscle strength (sanitary waste)). If necessary, reusable rather than single-use products should be applied.

Supervised by Ray O'Brien, Head of Sustainability, Sustainability Office, University of Otago and Arveen Horsefield, Arvida.
Scholarship funded by: Arvida, Metlife Care, BUPA, Summerset, and Oceania Healthcare