Building a sustainable future through remanufacturing of medical equipment

A program that involved the collection and return of single use devices that started in Osborne Park Hospital (OPH) Theatres in November 2025 has quickly grown into a hospital‑wide sustainability success story.

Over a five-month period more than 10 kilograms of material has been diverted from landfill by OPH Theatres, equivalent to two bags of potatoes.

OPH Clinical Nurse Specialist Surgical Services Aleksandra said that the initiative is promoting eco-friendly recycling practices, and stopping single use devices going to landfill.

"By reprocessing we are reducing waste and helping to reduce carbon emissions," she said.

"Staff enjoy participating in this new initiative and giving a single use product a second life.”

Eligible devices include single use tourniquets, patient transfer mats, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, belly bands and body positioning straps.  

"It all counts to a better future and efficiencies by reducing waste to protect the environment and reduce strain on our natural resources," said Aleks.

"It is also fostering recycling culture and responsibility towards our environment, so leading by example is a great step to a more sustainable lifestyle for everyone."

As well as establishing a collection of single use devices from OPH Theatres, Aleks has expanded the initiative to multiple other areas across OPH.

The initiative supports the organisation's objective of building a sustainable future and builds on the priorities and actions outlined in our Climate and Sustainability Strategy 2025 - 2027.