Health Care Sustainability Initiative
What is Medical Device Reprocessing?
Medical device reprocessing involves diverting used devices from recycling for use by that institution or by another. While this is mostly a technique used for minimally invasive disposables, some have started reprocessing surgical devices as well. Reprocessing can save on landfill costs and, for hospitals reusing devices, repurchasing costs.
Currently, around 3,000 hospitals have reprocessing programs.
Unnecessary Waste
30% Percentage of hospital waste originating from the operating room
Avoidable Costs
$2B Potential annual savings to the US health care system from reprocessing and repurchasing 2% of all medical devices
50% Potential cost savings from purchasing reprocessed medical devices instead of new devices
$213K Annual savings by one health system from purchasing reprocessed medical devices
