優化醫院廢塑膠再利用之實務應用

Optimizing of Practical Application of Waste Plastic Recycling within the Hospital

醫院廢塑膠回收流程多以有價標售，首先由合法資源回收商清運及分類，進而轉送至合法再利用機構進行清洗、破碎，製成塑膠粒，最終送至塑膠工廠熔融、塑化成次級塑膠產品(如三角錐、塑膠容器等)。然而再利用過程需經過多次運輸轉送，產生大量碳排放，甚至造成不當丟棄、掩埋等環境汙染案件。為達成醫療永續ESG(環境保護(E, Environmental)、社會責任(S, Social)、公司治理(G, Governance))，本團隊與永續再利用廠商共同研發，將醫院廢塑膠作為改造原料，透過專利技術直接熔塑後製成醫院常用物品(如床旁桌、座椅等)，可優化再利用過程且減少碳排放，同時回饋於醫院現場使用。本專案為創新作法經成本效益評估可行，建議未來過程可再新增如產品碳足跡、安全性測試及商業模式等。

The recycling of waste plastic within the hospital is primarily conducted through a competitive tendering process where it is sold at a specified price. Initially, the waste plastic is cleared and transported by a legally compliant waste clearance organization. Subsequently, it is handed over to a legal waste disposal organization for thorough cleaning, crushing, and transformation into plastic pellets. Finally, these pellets are sent to a plastic factory where they are melted and used in the production of secondary plastic products. However, the repetitive transportation and transfer stages in the recycling process result in significant carbon emissions and may lead to environmental pollution, including improper burial practices. In alignment with the principles of sustainable development and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in healthcare, our team collaborates with a sustainable recycling manufacturer. The waste plastic from hospitals serves as raw material, undergoing a patented technology process that directly melts and molds it into common hospital items. This optimized recycling approach not only reduces carbon emissions but also contributes to the circular economy. Furthermore, the produced items are reintegrated into the hospital for on-site use.