At NUHS, we recognise that the traditional linear "take-make-waste" model of healthcare is unsustainable. This is why we are integrating circular economy practices across procurement, operations and waste management.
NUHS is moving towards a circular economy model through designing out waste at the outset, reducing consumption where feasible and keeping materials in use for as long as possible.
| Reduce volume of food waste
| NUHS installed onsite aerobic bio-digesters to reduce daily food waste sent for incineration. These odourless, closed systems help us reduce both our transportation costs and carbon emissions.
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Reuse anaesthesia breathing circuits | Safe to reuse for 7 days, these are changed weekly rather than daily. * Poh, P. K., British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2024. |
Refurbish MRI machines | The NUH Department of Diagnostic Imaging opted to refurbish two MRI machines instead of buying new. This extended the machines’ lifespans by 10 years, with improved clinical capabilities and better energy efficiency. Refurbishing the machines was cheaper than buying new, and the expenses associated with new MRI installation were avoided, including site preparation work. The service downtime was also significantly shorter, benefitting patients. This initiative demonstrates how giving equipment a second life can reduce waste and costs, while maintaining high performance standards. The application of circular principles such as refurbishment will be a key strategy as NUHS continues to enhance sustainability across operations. |
Develop new medical waste recycling streams
| NUHS implemented a new medical recycling stream to recover metal from single-use stainless steel instruments used in minor surgical procedures*. This amounts to approximately 250 kg of metal recovery per month, allowing us to recover valuable stainless steel while also reducing medical waste. * Excludes those that have been used on infectious cases. |
