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Vanderbilt University Medical Center Recycling Programs
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is one of the largest medical centers in the Southeastern United States. In 2006, VUMC had over one million outpatient visits! Considering the number of outpatient visits, overnight hospital stays, and the number of staff members, medical students, and visitors that pass through the doors of VUMC every day, a huge volume of recyclable material is generated at the Vanderbilt medical clinics, offices, and hospitals.
VUMC staff and students, in partnership, have confronted the mounds of recyclables head-on, launching a highly successful recycling program in 2006. The VUMC Campaign for Awareness, Recycling, and Environmental Sustainability (CARES) medical student group started a pilot recycling program in Light Hall in August of 2006. Recycling bins were placed throughout Light Hall for the collection of paper, plastic beverage containers, and aluminum cans. With VUMC CARES spearheading the educational campaign and Daris Merriweather from VUMC School of Medicine Environmental Services managing the waste, this new program recycled almost 44,000 pounds of material just in the first four months from Light Hall.
VUMC has had for many years a successful cardboard recycling program; in 2006, over 408 tons of cardboard were recycled, generating over $14,500 in revenue. Another $13,000 was saved by not paying $32 per ton to dispose of this cardboard. Furthermore, the VUMC cafeteria has greatly reduced the volume of solid waste it generates by minimizing its use of Styrofoam containers and plastic utensils, switching to reusable flatware and china, a program initiated by VUMC CARES.
As the need for quality medical care in Middle Tennessee is expected to increase, the expansion of recycling programs and the reduction of solid waste generation are helping to make Vanderbilt University Medical Center a sustainable workplace, educational institution, and a provider of superior medical services.
Contact Freddie Easley or Daris Merriweather at 322-6107, VUMC SOM Environmental Services, for further information on School of Medicine Recycling.
