Summary: A survey by AMDR found that in 2023, nearly 12,000 hospitals and surgical centers saved over $465.8 million and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 15,480 tons of gasoline by using reprocessed ‘single-use’ medical devices (SUDs). This effort diverted 23.7 million pounds of medical waste from landfills and contributed to significant environmental benefits.
Key Takeaways:
- Hospitals saved over $465.8 million and reduced medical waste by 23.7 million pounds by using reprocessed SUDs.
- The greenhouse gas emissions reduced were equivalent to the emissions from using over 5 million gallons of gasoline.
A new survey released by the Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR) found that 11,967 hospitals and surgical centers saved nearly half a billion dollars and eliminated greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 15,480 tons of gasoline in 2023 by using regulated, commercially reprocessed ‘single-use’ medical devices (SUDs).
Key Findings from the AMDR Survey
- By opting for reprocessed SUDs, such as lateral transfer mats, pulse oximeters, and EP catheters and cables, hospitals collectively saved over $465.8 million in 2023. AMDR believes this is just a fraction of the potential savings if hospitals fully utilized reprocessing programs.
- A record 23.7 million pounds of medical waste were diverted from landfills and put back into service in 2023. AMDR member reprocessors sold 30.9 million reprocessed SUDs back to hospitals and surgical facilities for safe reuse.
- The greenhouse gas emissions eliminated by hospitals using reprocessed SUDs were equivalent to the emissions from using 5,012,801 gallons of gasoline. This is roughly the same as filling 7.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools with gasoline.
- Every health system in the U.S., except for the Veterans Affairs hospital system, as well as hospitals and surgical centers in 14 other countries, used regulated reprocessed SUDs.
- 80 U.S. military institutions, including those treating the President, use reprocessed SUDs.
AMDR’s Commitment to Reducing Waste and Costs
“AMDR members partner with hospitals to dramatically reduce cost, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions by using regulated, reprocessed SUDs,” said Daniel J. Vukelich, president and CEO of AMDR. He noted that while the survey’s numbers are record-setting, they represent only a small portion of the devices hospitals could be reprocessing.
AMDR introduced its free greenhouse gas emissions calculator on Earth Day 2024. The calculator uses peer-reviewed life cycle assessment data and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalence calculator to provide a clearer picture of the environmental benefits of reprocessed SUDs compared to their virgin counterparts.