Hospitals are often huge consumers of carbon dioxide. They operate on such a large scale that even small changes in the number of staff and patients can make a significant difference in how much CO2 is emitted. One hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, has found an innovative way to reduce their carbon footprint: by shredding garbage with a waste shredder.
In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Pharma Shredder has installed a waste shredder that is capable of reducing the weight of hospital waste by 60% and eliminating garbage collection services. This will save the organization over $300,000 annually. “It just made sense,” says CEO Mary Johnson, “We’re trying to be even more environmentally friendly while also saving money.
The hospital has been using a waste shredder for the last two years to reduce their carbon footprint. The machine was originally purchased at a cost of $350,000 and it has efficiently reduced the hospital’s trash by more than half. This shredder is 10 feet tall and can process up to 320 pounds per hour. It will then “shred” that into 4 inch pieces that can be processed in a compactor or recycled.
