1. The Greater Niagara General Hospital
Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Kelly Baah
Angel Cisneros
Babajide Olufunso
Janice Powell

2. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Executive Summary
Purpose:
During January to April of 2012 the Greater Niagara General Hospital retained Niagara
College Environmental Management and Assessment postgraduate program students
to perform a solid waste audit.
At the outset, the purpose of this audit is described as follows:
 To identify and quantify waste generated at the hospital;
 To characterize and quantify waste streams;
 To examine current methods of waste collection;
 To determine and measure Greater Niagara General Hospital’s ability to reduce,
reuse and recycle solid waste; and
 To identify purchasing policies allowing Greater Niagara General Hospital to
secure for future recycling efforts.
Audit Scope:
The sorting of the waste was conducted on March 9th and 16th, 2012 in accordance
with the Ministry of Environment standards as well as Ontario Regulations 102/94 and
103/94. The audit scope included 24 waste generation areas within the hospital. These
waste generation areas (WGAs) are:
 Unit C (Medical)
 Unit D (Medical)
 Trillium (Chronic care)
 Rainbow (Maternal
child/nursery/paediatrics and
labour and delivery)
 Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
 Mental Health
 Emergency Room
 Brock (Surgical)
 Operating room (includes
Recovery room and day surgery)
 Endoscopy and clinic areas
 Discovery Unit (Out-patient
mental health)
 Medical Imaging which includes
x-ray, CT, MRI
 Women’s Centre
 Laboratory
 Dietary/Kitchen
 Maintenance
 Purchasing
 Human resources
 General office areas
 Cafeteria
 Physiotherapy
 Sterilization
 Bio-Medical Engineering
 Pharmacy
During the solid waste audit, hospital staff collected the waste generated within these
areas and piled them in the hospital’s Ecosystem Room, where the audit was to take
place.
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3. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Results:
Current waste management systems involve the separation of waste into multiple waste
streams: general waste, recycling waste, organics / compost waste, hazardous
materials, biomedical waste, anatomical waste, cytotoxic waste, sharps,
pharmaceutical waste, confidential paper, metal and batteries. Analysis of these waste
streams showed that 63% of the waste generated is landfilled; 23% is recycled, 9% is
composted; 4% is autoclaved and 1% is incinerated. Of the 63% waste that is landfilled,
the largest component contributing to the waste stream is the category “other” (38%).
Waste materials considered as “other” include: latex gloves, coffee cups, gauze and
Styrofoam. The second largest component of the waste stream is organics / compost
with 17%.
Annualizing the weights of the waste generated with each WGA concluded that the
Emergency Room generates the most waste with 51,910.3kg/year (19.18% of the
WGAs). The second largest waste contributor is the Operating Room, generating
37,932.6kg/year (14.01%).
Summary of Findings and Recommendations:
Recommendations made focused on overall waste reduction and recycling, as
mentioned in the Environmental Management Hierarchy. The following
recommendations were suggested:
 Reduce the use of paper towels, paper and coffee cups;
 Improve recycling program to encourage more recycling amongst staff, patients
and visitors;
 Expand organics / compost program throughout the hospital to divert waste
from the landfill;
 Consider recycling diapers; and
 Review your purchasing policies to lessen the hospital’s environmental impact
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4. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Val Franco, Nick Jancsar, Lisa Beckett and the rest of the
staff at the Greater Niagara General Hospital for their assistance, kindness and
cooperation during the solid waste audit. Your hard work and patience made
the waste audit a success.
We greatly appreciated the opportunity to work for the Niagara Health System
and will use this experience in our future environmental careers.
If you have any questions or concerns, regarding this waste audit, please feel
free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Kelly Baah Angel Cisneros Babajide Olufunso Janice Powell
Kelly Baah Angel Cisneros Babajide Olufunso Janice Powell
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5. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Table of Contents
Executive Summary........................................................................................................................i
Acknowledgements..................................................................................................................... iii
1.0 Introduction.........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Project Description.............................................................................................................. 1
1.1.1 Waste Audit Team........................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Site Description.................................................................................................................... 2
1.2.1 Physical Site Description.............................................................................................. 2
2.0 Waste Audit Methodology .................................................................................................3
2.1 Waste Audit Equipment..................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Review of Operations......................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Waste Generation Areas ................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Conducting the Waste Audit............................................................................................ 4
2.5 Limitations ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.6 Calculations......................................................................................................................... 6
3.0 Current Waste Management Systems...............................................................................7
3.1 Colour-Coded System........................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Waste Storage..................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Waste Collection and Frequency ................................................................................... 8
3.4 Garbage ............................................................................................................................. 8
3.5 Recyclables ......................................................................................................................... 9
3.6 Organics/Compost ............................................................................................................ 9
3.7 Hazardous Materials .......................................................................................................... 9
3.8 Biomedical and Anatomical/Cytotoxic Waste ............................................................. 9
3.9 Sharps .................................................................................................................................. 9
3.10 Pharmaceuticals .............................................................................................................. 9
3.11 Metal................................................................................................................................... 9
3.12 Batteries ........................................................................................................................... 10
4.0 Results................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Estimated Annual Waste Classified by Waste Generation Areas.............................. 11
4.1.1 Largest Generator of Waste..................................................................................... 13

6. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.2 Recycling and Composting Program Composition..................................................... 15
4.3 Unit C – Solid Waste Stream............................................................................................. 17
4.4 Unit D – Solid Waste Stream............................................................................................. 18
4.5 Trillium – Solid Waste Stream............................................................................................ 19
4.6 Rainbow – Solid Waste Stream........................................................................................ 20
4.7 Intensive Care Unit – Solid Waste Stream...................................................................... 21
4.8 Mental Health – Solid Waste Stream.............................................................................. 22
4.9 Emergency Room – Solid Waste Stream ....................................................................... 23
4.10 Brock – Solid Waste Stream ........................................................................................... 24
4.11 Operating Room – Solid Waste Stream ....................................................................... 25
4.12 Endoscopy– Solid Waste Stream ................................................................................. 26
4.13 Discovery – Solid Waste Stream.................................................................................... 27
4.14 Medical Imaging– Solid Waste Stream........................................................................ 28
4.15 Women’s Centre – Solid Waste Stream....................................................................... 29
4.16 Laboratory – Solid Waste Stream.................................................................................. 30
4.17 Dietary/Kitchen – Solid Waste Stream ......................................................................... 31
4.18 Maintenance – Solid Waste Stream............................................................................. 32
4.19 Purchasing – Solid Waste Stream.................................................................................. 33
4.20 Human Resources – Solid Waste Stream ..................................................................... 34
4.21 General Office Areas – Solid Waste Stream ............................................................... 35
4.22 Cafeteria – Solid Waste Stream .................................................................................... 36
4.23 Physiotherapy – Solid Waste Stream ............................................................................ 37
4.24 Sterilization – Solid Waste Stream.................................................................................. 38
4.25 Pharmacy – Solid Waste Stream................................................................................... 39
4.26 Bio-Medical Engineering – Solid Waste Stream .......................................................... 40
5.0 Discussion and Analysis ...................................................................................................41
5.1 Total Amount of Waste Generated (2009, 2012) ......................................................... 41
5.2 Largest Generator of Waste (2009, 2012)...................................................................... 41
5.3 Comparison of Overall Diversion Rates (2009, 2012) ................................................... 42
5.4 Comparison of Recycling Capture Rates (2009, 2012) ............................................... 42

7. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
6.0 Recommendations ...........................................................................................................43
6.1 Source Reduction Recommendations .......................................................................... 43
6.1.1 Paper Towels............................................................................................................... 43
6.1.2 Paper ........................................................................................................................... 43
6.1.3 Coffee Cups ............................................................................................................... 44
6.2 Recycling Recommendations ........................................................................................ 44
6.2.1 Organics / Compost.................................................................................................. 44
6.2.2 Plastics Recycling....................................................................................................... 44
6.2.3 Diaper Recycling ....................................................................................................... 45
6.2.4 Purchasing Policies .................................................................................................... 45
6.2.5 Recycling Awareness ................................................................................................ 45
6.3 Other Recommendations................................................................................................ 45
7.0 References ........................................................................................................................46
Appendices
A – Ministry of Environment forms
B – Waste Audit Data and Calculations

8. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
1.0 Introduction
A waste audit is “a study relating to waste” (Canadian Council of Ministers of the
Environment, 1996, p. 1). It is often used to minimize the amount of waste generated by
an organization, since it identifies the number of waste streams, the quantity of waste
produced and waste generating habits. The information gathered in the audit is then
used to develop a waste reduction work plan. This work plan becomes an action plan
for organizations to implement waste reduction, reuse and recycling initiatives
(Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1996).
1.1 Project Description
The purpose of this report is to conduct a solid waste audit for the Greater Niagara
General Hospital (GNGH). Annual solid waste audits are a requirement under Ontario
Regulations 102/94 “Waste Audits and Waste Reduction Work Plans” and 103/94
“Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Source Separation Programs”.
According to Part IX of Ontario Regulation 102/94, public hospitals, classified as class A,
B or F in Regulation 964, must conduct a waste audit and waste reduction workplans on
a yearly basis. GNGH falls under class F, meaning that it is a hospital for chronic patients
and has more than 200 beds; therefore they must comply with the Regulation.
A waste audit consists of three main components, which are required under Regulation
102/94. They are:
 The amount, nature and composition of the solid waste generated from all
functional areas;
 The manner in which the waste is generated including any relevant
management policies and/or procedures; and
 The manner in which waste is managed after its generation
Section 13 of Ontario Regulation 103/94, “Industrial, Commercial and Institutional
Source Separation Programs” states that public hospitals, classified as A, B, or F must
implement a source separation program for the wastes generated by the hospital.
GNGH is a class F; therefore they must abide by this Regulation as well.
The results of the waste audit will be used to evaluate waste composition; the quantity
of waste generated; the efficiency of existing waste management systems; how the
waste is managed; and how the waste is disposed of. Furthermore, these results will
provide baseline data for measuring the effectiveness of waste minimization strategies
and identify opportunities for enhancing GNGH’s current waste management system.
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9. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
1.1.1 Waste Audit Team
As part of their internship, four students were retained by the Niagara Health System to
conduct a waste audit at GNGH. These students belong to Niagara College’s
Environmental Management and Assessment Post-Graduate Program. The interns
conducted the audit, prepared the report and made recommendations regarding
waste reduction strategies.
1.2 Site Description
GNGH opened its doors in 1907, providing the residents of Niagara Falls and the
surrounding population with 24 hour medical care and emergency services. Originally
located on Jepson Street, the hospital moved to a new larger healthcare facility on
Portage Road in 1958 to accommodate the City’s growing population. Currently, the
hospital has over 200 beds and offers both in-patient and out-patient services, which
include a new emergency department, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), general surgery,
regional acute stroke beds, maternal/child services and palliative care.
Continuing its tradition of “Working Together for a Healthier Niagara”, GNGH and its
involvement within the local community has led the hospital to acquire state-of-the-art
medical technologies to better serve its patients. These new technologies are, a helical
CT scanner, a mammography machine for the Ontario Breast Screening Clinic and a
gamma camera for testing nuclear medicine.
As of March 8, 2000, GNGH has been 1 of the 8 hospitals in the Niagara Region
amalgamated under the Niagara Health System. The Niagara Health System serves
over 434,000 residents across the 12 municipalities that encompass the Niagara Region.
1.2.1 Physical Site Description
GNGH consists of two hospital buildings both constructed in 1958 totaling 346,000
square feet.
 Main Hospital (298,000 square feet) – Major renovations and additions that
occurred in 1963, 1967, 1992, 1996 and 1999. The most recent addition to the
hospital was the Jeff Morgan Emergency Department and Ambulatory Care
Expansion in 2005-2008.
 Allied Health Building (48,000 square feet) – This building is a 3 storey structure
with a service tunnel that connects it to the Main Hospital.
It should be noted that the Allied Health Building was not included in this solid waste
audit report.
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10. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
2.0 Waste Audit Methodology
A detailed audit was chosen for the waste audit conducted at GNGH. With this type of
audit, the waste is sampled and sorted to determine waste composition and waste
generation data. The process for a detailed audit involves identifying and collecting
representative samples of solid waste from a set period of time (i.e. one day). Once the
representative samples are chosen, the sample waste is sorted, weighed and recorded
into a spreadsheet. A detailed audit was the appropriate methodology for GNGH, as
the hospital generates various types of waste in large volumes.
The detailed waste audit was conducted according to Ontario Regulation 102/94.
However, due to time constraints, waste was only collected, weighed and sorted after
a 24-hour period.
2.1 Waste Audit Equipment
Equipment used during the waste audit process to ensure the health and safety of the
auditors and the accuracy of the audit itself were supplied by Niagara College, GNGH
and the auditing team. The following is a chart displaying the equipment used for the
waste audit and who supplied it.
Niagara College Equipment GNGH Equipment Auditors Equipment
Waste audit kit:
 2 50kg balance weigh
scale
 4 large bowls/bins
 2 sets of latex gloves
 2 sets of rubber gloves
 2 sets of tongs
 Face shields/masks
 Protective body suit
 Identification labels
for bags
 Garbage bags
 Physical space to
conduct the waste
audit (the
Ecosystem room)
 3 sorting tables
 4 sets of tongs
 Containers for
sorting
 Maintenance staff
 Plastic drop sheets
Data recording materials:
 Paper
 Pens
 Laptop/netbook
2.2 Review of Operations
The waste audit team set up a meeting with hospitality services manager, Val Franco
on January 20, 2012 to learn about GNGH’s waste generation habits and to participate
in a hospital tour. The hospital tour, which was given by Lisa Beckett, provided the
auditors with an understanding of the current waste management systems and
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11. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
practices that occur at GNGH. Furthermore, the tour helped determine the hospital’s
waste generation areas (WGAs) for the audit.
Additionally, the audit team has been in frequent contact with Val Franco through e-
mail to gather more information regarding the waste management systems in place at
the hospital.
2.3 Waste Generation Areas
Following the tour, the hospital was divided into 24 WGAs, which will be the focus of
improving the waste management systems and practices implemented at GNGH. The
WGAs are separated into two sections, “in-patient” and “other areas”.
In-Patient Other Areas
 Unit C (Medical)
 Unit D (Medical)
 Trillium (Chronic care)
 Rainbow (Maternal
child/nursery/paediatrics and
labour and delivery)
 Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
 Mental Health
 Emergency Room
 Brock (Surgical)
 Operating room (includes Recovery
room and day surgery)
 Endoscopy and clinic areas
 Discovery Unit (Out-patient mental
health)
 Medical Imaging which includes x-
ray, CT, MRI
 Women’s Centre
 Laboratory
 Dietary/Kitchen
 Maintenance
 Purchasing
 Human resources
 General office areas
 Cafeteria
 Physiotherapy
 Sterilization
 Bio-Medical Engineering
 Pharmacy
2.4 Conducting the Waste Audit
Preparation for the solid waste audit occurred between January 13 and March 8, 2012.
This preparation included a hospital tour, gathering waste generation data, writing the
labels for the bags of waste and determining the sample and subsample sizes for the
waste. Since the auditing team only audited one day’s worth of waste, it was
determined that the sample size would be one day and the subsample is three bags.
The actual audit was conducted on March 9 and March 16, 2012. During waste
collection, maintenance staff labelled the bags of waste with the appropriate labels for
each WGA and transported the waste to the Ecosystem room provided by the hospital
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12. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
for the audit. Additionally, the maintenance staff supplied the audit team with the
recycling and compost generated to determine the capture rate and waste
composition.
Before the waste audit began, the auditing team used the personal protective
equipment (i.e. gloves, face shield / mask and body suit) supplied by GNGH to ensure
that their health and safety were protected. To begin the audit, the auditing team
weighed the waste generated in one day. This data was recorded into a Microsoft
Excel spreadsheet. The sorting of the waste was completed using containers, tongs,
plastic drop sheets and garbage bags. Once the sorting was complete, each waste
stream from the WGA was weighed on a scale. The weight was also recorded into a
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
The waste sorted in the audit was categorized according to the Ministry of Environment
(MOE) specifications and placed in designated bins for weighing. The categories of
waste identified by the MOE are:
 Aluminum food and beverage
cans
 Cardboard
 Fine paper
 Glass food and beverage
bottles/jars
 Newsprint
 Steel food and beverage cans
 PET (#1) plastic food and
beverage bottles
 HDPE (#2) plastic jugs, crates,
totes and drums
 LDPE (#4) plastic film
 Polystyrene (#6)
 Organics
 Boxboard show boxes, cereal
boxes, etc.
 Glossy magazines, catalogues,
flyers
 Wood
 Steel
 Drywall
 Skids
 Paper towels
 Printer cartridges
 IT equipment/audio-visual
equipment
 Furniture
 Building/renovation material
 Disposable take out food
packaging
 Cell phones
 Diapers (including wipes)
 Clothing/textiles
 Other
For the “other” category the auditing team included: medical cloth (includes operating
blankets), latex gloves, plastic #7 (other), milk cartons, medical equipment (i.e. IV
bags), medical wrappers, coffee cups, food wrappers, batteries, Styrofoam, medicine
bottles, medical gauze, plastic syringes, syringe caps, fire barrier sealant plastic bottles,
metal, face masks, cotton balls, vials, ice packs, packing material, sterile plastic
containers and vinyl (#3).
2.5 Limitations
Limitations that were experienced during the solid waste audit process include:
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13. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
 Time constraints: During a solid waste audit, the bags of waste are normally
weighed every day. However, due to hospital resources and a short time frame,
the bags of waste were weighed for one day and multiplied by seven days per
week. Although this method minimizes the accuracy of the data, it is assumed
that the hospital conducts the same activities on a daily basis;
 Varying subsample sizes: It is stated in this report that the subsample is three bags.
However, not all WGAs had three bags of waste filled in one day; therefore one
bag from these areas was sorted for the audit. These WGAs are: Discovery,
Women’s Centre, Laboratory, Maintenance, Purchasing, Human Resources,
Cafeteria, Physiotherapy, Sterilization, Pharmacy and Bio-Medical Engineering;
and
 Inaccurate waste information: The information necessary to determine the
annual weight of waste generated for the various types of waste at the hospital
was incomplete, current or old. Using the current (from 2011), old (from 2010)
and incomplete data will affect the accuracy of the waste audit results. For
improved accuracy, all the data used should be from 2011.
2.6 Calculations
For the purpose of this audit, the auditing team calculated the capture rate, the
diversion rate and the amount of waste generated annually.
The capture rate represents the percentage of recycling waste that is placed in the
existing recycling program. It is calculated using the formula:
Capture Rate = Recyclables in recycling stream x 100
Recyclables found in waste and recycling streams
The diversion rate represents the percentage of the total waste stream that is diverted
from disposal through other means, such as recycling, reuse and composting. It is
calculated using the formula:
Diversion Rate = Waste that is reused or recycled x 100
Total facility waste
Since GNGH is always in operation and their daily activities are similar each day, the
total amount of waste generated annually can be estimated by the following formula:
Total Amount of Waste Generated Annually = daily waste generated x 365 days
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14. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
3.0 Current Waste Management Systems
GNGH has a complex, multi-faceted waste management system. It consists of three
main waste streams: general waste, recyclables and organics/compost. Due to the
nature of the daily activities that occur at the GNGH, waste is further divided into
additional streams to ensure that the waste is properly disposed of. Proper waste
disposal is of utmost importance, as it protects humans and the natural environment
from exposure to possible harmful waste. These additional waste streams are hazardous
materials, biomedical waste, anatomical waste, cytotoxic waste, sharps,
pharmaceuticals waste, confidential paper, metal and batteries.
Waste is collected at least four times per day for all in-patient units. Each in-patient unit
has a soiled utility room where the waste is held until it is collected by a hospital
employee. The waste generated in other areas of the hospital (i.e. offices, cafeteria,
etc.) is collected at least twice per day by hospital staff.
All waste generated at the hospital is collected by private companies, such as Waste
Management, Niagara Recycling, Abitibi, Planet Earth, Clean Harbours, Daniels and
Cintas. Incineration as a waste disposal method has been banned.
3.1 Colour-Coded System
In order to differentiate the various types of waste generated, GNGH uses a colour-
coded system to organize their waste streams.
For waste, the hospital uses coloured bags to identify the types of waste.
 Clear bags – Used for all general waste,
 Yellow bags – Used for biomedical waste, and
 Red bags – Used for anatomical and cytotoxic waste
Recyclables are collected in blue bins and organics/compost is collected in green bins
or totes.
3.2 Waste Storage
All waste generated at GNGH is stored in certain conditions until it is collected by
private companies for disposal. The following chart describes the waste storage
practices:
Waste Type Storage Procedure
General Waste  Is compacted and stored in the dumpster
Recyclables  Stored in blue bins
Paper
 Paper is stored in the Abitibi bin
 Cardboard is compacted
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15. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Organics/Compost
 Stored in leak proof containers in a
refrigerated area
Hazardous Materials (paints,
batteries, oils etc.)
 Stored in a caged room by maintenance
Biomedical/Anatomical/Cytotoxic
 Stored in a refrigerated room at 4 degrees
centigrade
Sharps  Stored in Sharpsmart containers
Pharmaceuticals  Stored in white pails
Confidential Paper
 Stored in bins on-site until a private
company shreds and collects it
Metal  Stored in a dumpster until it is collected
Batteries  Stored in a drum
3.3 Waste Collection and Frequency
Since GNGH generates various types of waste, the hospital has contracts with different
waste disposal companies who collect the waste on a regular basis. Below is a chart
illustrating the type of waste generated, who collects it and how often it is collected.
Type of Waste Collection Company Collection Frequency
Garbage
Waste Management
(previous to February 1,
2012 was Modern)
Once a week
Recyclables Niagara Recycling Once a week
Paper Abitibi Once every two weeks
Organics/Compost Planet Earth Three times a week
Hazardous Materials Clean Harbours Upon request
Biomedical Daniels Once a week
Sharps Daniels Once a week
Pharmaceuticals Daniels Once a week
Confidential Paper Cintas Once every two weeks
Metal Waste Management Once a week
Batteries Raw Materials Co. Unknown
3.4 Garbage
Garbage receptacles are placed throughout the hospital for staff, patients and visitors
to dispose of their waste. These receptacles are found in hallways, patient rooms,
washrooms, the cafeteria, the lobby and office areas. The garbage is compacted and
stored in the dumpster until Waste Management collects it.
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16. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
3.5 Recyclables
Plastic recyclables are placed in blue bins located in areas, such as the cafeteria. The
plastics are then stored in blue totes until Niagara Recycling completes its weekly
collection. Paper recyclables are retrieved by staff from the recycling container and
put into Abitibi bins until it is collected. Also, the hospital compacts cardboard prior to
collection. Confidential paper is kept separate from the paper recyclables as it is
shredded on-site and disposed of by Cintas.
Currently, GNGH is preparing to implement recycling initiatives on the Brock surgical
floor of the hospital.
3.6 Organics/Compost
The green bins and totes used to collect the organics/compost are only located in the
cafeteria, the kitchen and at Tim Horton’s. This waste is stored in leak proof containers in
a refrigerated area until Planet Earth collects it.
3.7 Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are collected and stored in a caged room by the maintenance
staff until the hospital requests a pick up from Clean Harbours.
3.8 Biomedical and Anatomical/Cytotoxic Waste
The biomedical waste produced at GNGH is placed in yellow bags, while the
anatomical/cytotoxic waste is placed in red bags. These bags are located in areas
where surgery and other medical procedures are performed. This waste is stored in a
refrigerated room at 4 degrees centigrade until its weekly collection by Daniels. After
collection, the biomedical waste is autoclaved and the anatomical/cytotoxic waste is
incinerated.
3.9 Sharps
Sharps, such as needles and blades are placed in Daniels Sharpsmart containers. These
containers are located in areas where medical procedures are performed. Once full
they are stored in a locked cabinet until collected.
3.10 Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical waste is stored in white pails until it is collected.
3.11 Metal
Metal is stored in a dumpster until Waste Management collects it once a week.
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17. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
3.12 Batteries
Batteries are stored in a drum until it they are collected free of charge by Raw Materials
Co.
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18. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.0 Results
4.1 Estimated Annual Waste Classified by Waste Generating Areas
According to the waste audit findings, the designated WGAs generate 429,633.38kg of
waste annually. Of this total weight, 270,691.67kg is landfilled, 99,926.48kg is recycled,
35,590.73kg is composted, 5,418.50 kg is incinerated and 18,006kg is autoclaved. Figure
1displays these waste audit findings.
Figure 1: Overall Waste Diversion
Of the waste being sent to the landfill (Figure 2), the waste category “other” produced
the largest component of the solid waste stream for the WGAs (38%). Items that were
identified as “other” were primarily hospital related waste. These items included:
 Latex gloves;
 Plastic medical wrappers;
 Coffee cups;
 Vinyl (plastic medical tubing);
 Polypropylene (PP);
 Gauze;
 Plastic packaging;
 Medical cloth (including
operating blankets);
 Plastic syringes;
 Styrofoam;
 IV bags;
 Metal;
 Vials
Landfilled
63%
Recycled
23%
Composted
9%
Incinerated
1%
Autoclaved
4%
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19. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
The second largest waste type being landfilled was organics/compost with 17%. Other
waste streams worth recognizing are fine paper (11%), paper towels (10%) and
polystyrene (9%). For polystyrene, the majority of waste audited was disposable take-
out food packaging. A complete list of all the waste types and their annual weights
can be found in Table 1.
Figure 2
Table 1: Overall Hospital Summary of Solid Waste Stream
Composition of Solid Waste
Total
Kg %
Organics/compost 14,614.6 16.79
Latex gloves 4,832.6 5.55
Paper Towels 8,887.75 10.21
Fine paper 3,058.7 3.51
Cardboard 3,259.45 3.74
Plastic medical wrappers 1,182.6 1.36
Coffee cups 4,073.4 4.68
Polystyrene (PS) 7,708.8 8.86
Aluminum food and beverage cans 1,255.6 1.44
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 1,496.5 1.72
Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) 5,175.7 5.95
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20. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Polypropylene 1,591.4 1.83
Newsprint 806.65 0.93
Gauze 711.75 0.82
Diapers (including wipes) 9,734.55 11.18
Plastic other (#7) 1,700.9 1.95
Medical cloth (including operating blankets) 2,306.8 2.65
Food wrappers 7.3 0.01
Milk cartons 2,087.8 2.40
Plastic syringes 226.3 0.26
Glossy papers 131.4 0.15
Paper medical wrappers 149.65 0.17
Sterile plastic containers 543.85 0.62
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 2,576.9 2.96
Syringe wrappers 667.95 0.77
Plastic syringe caps 91.25 0.10
Styrofoam 2,730.2 3.14
IV bags 332.15 0.38
Glass medicine bottles 73.20 0.08
Packing material 21.9 0.03
Ice packs 941.7 1.08
Cotton balls 10.95 0.01
Vials 7.3 0.01
Metal 978.2 1.12
Face masks 178.85 0.21
Plastic packaging and coverings 1,208.15 1.39
Fire barrier sealant plastic bottles 109.5 0.13
Other 1,565.85 1.80
Total 87037.9 100
4.1.1 Largest Generator of Waste
GNGH’s Emergency Room (ER) is the largest contributor of waste, generating 51,910.3
kg of waste per year (19.18% of the WGAs). This is not surprising as the ER has a high
turnover rate of patients, compared to the other WGAs in the hospital. The second
largest producer of waste is the Operating Room (OR), which generates 37,932.6kg of
landfilled waste (14.01%). For a detailed summary of GNGH’s overall waste distribution
for WGAs, please refer to Figure 3 and Table 2.
13

21. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
0.0
10000.0
20000.0
30000.0
40000.0
50000.0
60000.0
AnnualWeight(kg/year)
Waste Generation Areas (WGAs)
Overall Waste Distribution
Figure 3
Table 2: Summary of Waste Generated by Individual Waste Generation Areas
WGA Annual Weight (kg/year) Composition (%)
Unit C 19,385.5 7.16%
Unit D 24,486.0 9.05%
Trillium 29,083.2 10.74%
Rainbow 17,936.1 6.63%
ICU 7,581.1 2.80%
Mental Health 5,767.0 2.13%
Emergency 51,910.3 19.18%
Brock 25,936.9 9.58%
Operating Room (OR) 37,932.6 14.01%
Endoscopy 4,836.3 1.79%
Discovery 1,474.6 0.54%
Medical Imaging 3,241.2 1.2%
Women’s Centre 299.3 0.11%
14

22. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Table 3 displays the overall capture rates and diversion rate of all 24 WGAs. The capture
rates vary between 45.84% and 88.36%. The diversion rate was calculated as 77.05%.
Table 3: WGA Capture Rates and Diversion Rate
Material
Amount in
Garbage (kg)
Amount in
Recycling or
Compost (kg)
Total Amount
(kg)
Capture Rate
(%)
Plastic 16,530.12 13,988 30,518.12 45.84
Paper &
Cardboard
11,317.92 85,938.48 97,256.40 88.36
Organics 12,523.15 35.590.73 48,113.88 73.97
Total 40,371.19 135.517 175,888.40
Diversion Rate: 77.05%
4.2 Recycling and Composting Program Composition
As previously mentioned, GNGH has a recycling program as well as a composting
program within its facility. Figure 4 represents each type of waste and its contribution to
the recycling program. The largest component of the recycling program is cardboard
and paper (64%), followed by compost (26%) and plastic (10%).
Laboratory 7,920.5 2.93%
Dietary/Kitchen 12,125.3 4.48%
Maintenance 1080.4 0.40%
Purchasing 678.9 0.25%
Human Resources 3,339.8 1.23%
General Office Areas 8,584.8 3.17%
Cafeteria 4405.6 1.63%
Physiotherapy 507.4 0.19%
Sterilization 1,277.5 0.47%
Pharmacy 675.3 0.25%
Bio-Medical Engineering 226.3 0.08%
Total: 270,691.67 100%
15

23. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Figure 4: Recycling at GNGH – including Compost
Plastics
10%
Compost
26%
Paper and
Cardboard
64%
16

24. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.3 Unit C – Solid Waste Stream
The largest component of the waste stream in Unit C is organics/compost being 75% of
the waste composition. Plastics contributed 11%, while paper towels had 6%. Figure 5
illustrates the composition of waste from Unit C.
Figure 5: Composition of Waste Stream in Unit C
Organics
75%
Latex gloves
3%
Paper towels
6%
Plastics
11%
High-Density
Polyethylene
(HDPE)
4%
Vinyl (Plastic
tubing)
1%
Polypropylene (PP)
0.33%
17

25. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.4 Unit D – Solid Waste Stream
In Unit D, cardboard was the largest contributor to the waste stream with 24%. Diapers
(17%), newspapers (12%), polypropylene (11%) and medical wrappers (10%) were also
significant contributors to total waste generated within this area. Refer to Figure 6
depicts the waste composition from Unit D.
Figure 6: Composition of Waste Stream in Unit D
Latex gloves
6%
Cardboard
24%
Polystrene
(PS)
0.38%
Plastic
containers
2%
Lids
5%
Paper towels
4%
Newspaper
12%
Gauze
3%
Medical wrappers
(plastic)
10%
Diapers
17%
Polypropylene (PP)
11%
High-Density
Polyethylene (HDPE)
3%
Other
3%
18

26. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.5 Trillium – Solid Waste Stream
The greatest component of the waste composition in Trillium is diapers, generating 81%
of the total waste. The second largest component is latex gloves producing 7% of the
waste composition. See Figure 7 for a detailed graphic of the waste generated in
Trillium.
Figure 7: Composition of Waste Stream in Trillium
Polystrene (PS)
0.54%
Cardboard
3%
Diapers (including
wipes)
81%
Vinyl (Plastic tubing)
5%
Other
1%
Latex gloves
7%
Lids
0.12%
Plastic containers
(#7 other)
3%
19

27. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.6 Rainbow – Solid Waste Stream
The two largest components of this WGA are diapers and organics/compost individually
comprising 17% of the waste stream (See Figure 8). The second largest contributors are
paper towels and vinyl (plastic tubing and equipment) with 15% each. The lowest
contributors to the total waste in Rainbow are: high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
(0.25%); aluminum food and beverage cans (0.44%), and food wrappers (0.1%).
Figure 8: Composition of Waste Stream in Rainbow
Diapers
17%
Medical cloth
4%
Vinyl (Plastic tubing
and equipment)
15%
Fine paper
3%
Coffee cups
3%
Plastic medical
wrappers
3%
Cardboard
5%
Paper towels
15%
Lids
0.39%
Latex gloves
1%
Food wrappers
0.1%
Gauze
3%
Polystrene
(PS)
1%
Milk
cartons
1%
Organics
17%
Aluminum cans
0.44%
Plastic containers
(#7 other)
7%
High-Density
Polyethylene (HDPE)
0.25%
Other
4%
20

28. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.7 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – Solid Waste Stream
In this WGA, organics/compost was the largest contributor to the waste stream with
39%. The second largest waste contributor was “other” with 23%. Wastes identified as
“other” included fine paper, newsprint and paper medical wrappers. Polystyrene was
the smallest contributor with 0.45%. Figure 9 illustrates the waste composition
breakdown for ICU.
Figure 9: Composition of Waste Stream in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Cardboard
2%
Latex gloves
4%
Coffee cups
2% Polystrene (PS)
0.45% Polypropylene (PP)
14%
Syringes
6%
High-Density
Polyethylene
(HDPE)
3%
Paper towels
2%
Organics
39%
Other
23%
Vinyl (Plastic tubing)
5%
21

29. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.8 Mental Health – Solid Waste Stream
Organics/compost contributes to the largest component of waste in the Mental Health
department generating 44% of solid waste. Polystyrene contributed to 18% of the waste
stream composition, followed by paper towels (14%). The smallest component of the
waste stream is glossy paper (2%). Figure 10 details the waste composition for Mental
Health.
Figure 10: Composition of Waste Stream in Mental Health
Paper towels
14%
Polystrene (PS)
18%
Fine paper
4%
Organics
44%
Milk cartons
10%
Polypropylene (PP)
8%
Glossy paper
2%
22

30. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.9 Emergency – Solid Waste Stream
The Emergency Room generates the most waste annually than any other WGA
(51,910.3 kg). Polystyrene was the largest component of the ER’s waste stream (43%).
Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) also contributed significantly to the waste generated,
comprising 26% of the total waste produced. Medical wrappers and polypropylene (PP)
were the lowest contributors to the waste generated in the ER with 2% each. Figure 11
illustrates the composition of the waste for the ER.
Figure 11: Composition of Waste Stream in the Emergency Room
Latex gloves
9%
Vinyl (Plastic tubing)
26%
Medical
wrappers
(paper)
2%
High-Density
Polyethylene
(HDPE)
4%
Polypropylene (PP)
2%
Polystrene (PS)
43%
Paper towels
9%
Organics
5%
23

31. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.10 Brock – Solid Waste Stream
The largest component of the waste stream for Brock was paper towels, generating 58%
of the total waste. Organic/compost (12%) and latex gloves (9%) also contributed
greatly to the waste generated for this WGA. The lowest contributors were cardboard
and aluminum food and beverage cans with 1% each. Refer to figure 12 for the
complete waste composition breakdown for Brock.
Figure 12: Composition of Waste Stream in Brock
Organics
12%
Latex gloves
9%
Paper towels
58%
Fine paper
2%
Cardboard
1%
Plastic wrappers
4%
Coffee cups
7%
Polystrene (PS)
4%
Aluminum cans
1%
Lids
2%
24

32. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.11 Operating Room (OR) – Solid Waste Stream
Five waste streams were identified in the Operating Room (OR). Medical cloth
(including operating blankets) was the largest contributor, generating 72% of the waste.
The second largest contributor was gauze with 11%. Figure 13 depicts the waste
composition breakdown for the OR.
Figure 13: Composition of Waste Stream in the Operating Room
Medical cloth
72%
Gauze
11%
Plastic medical
wrappers
10%
Vinyl (Plastic
tubing)
2%
High-Density
Polyethylene
(HDPE)
5%
25

33. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.12 Endoscopy – Solid Waste Stream
In this WGA, the largest contributor to the waste stream was vinyl (plastic medical
tubing), producing 17% of the total waste (See Figure 14). The second largest
contributor was paper towels (16%), followed by latex gloves and polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) with 13% each. Plastic syringes (1%) and empty glass medicine
bottles (1%) were the smallest contributors to the waste stream.
Figure 14: Composition of Waste Stream in Endoscopy
Latex gloves
13% Sterile plastic
containers
9%
Cardboard
4%
Other
7%
Medical
wrappers
4%
Vinyl (Plastic tubing)
17%
High-Density
Polyethylene (HDPE)
4%
Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET)
13%
Paper towel
16%
Syringe
wrappers
11%
Plastic syringes
1%
Glass medical bottles
1%
26

34. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.13 Discovery – Solid Waste Stream
The largest contributors to the waste stream in this WGA are organics/compost and
disposable coffee cups, individually representing 23% of the waste generated. The
second largest waste streams found are paper towels and fine paper with 18% each.
The lowest contributors were plastic syringes caps (0.47%), Styrofoam (0.47%) and
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (0.62%). Figure 15 illustrates in detail the waste
composition for Discovery.
Figure 15: Composition of Waste Stream in Discovery
Paper towels
18%
Latex gloves
10%
Cardboard
2%
Fine paper
18%
Plastic Syringe caps
0.47%
Organics/compost
23%
Coffee cups
23%
Polystyrene (PS)
0.31%
Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
1%
Milk cartons
5%
Styrofoam
0.47%
27

35. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.14 Medical Imaging – Solid Waste Stream
Paper towels are the largest contributor to the waste stream in the Medical Imaging
department, representing 30% of the waste generated. Other large contributors include
organics/compost (17%), latex gloves (17%) and polystyrene (PS) (15%). The smallest
contributor was aluminum food and beverage cans with 0.04%. For a total breakdown
of the waste composition, refer to Figure 16.
Figure 16: Composition of Waste Stream in Medical Imaging
Paper Towels
30%
Latex gloves
17%
Fine paper
7%
Coffee cups
5%
Organics/compost
17%
Medical
cloth
2%
Aluminum food and
beverage cans
0.04% Polystyrene (PS)
15%
IV bags
4%
Styrofoam
1%
Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
1%
Plastic syringes
1%
Medicine
bottles
0.04%
28

36. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.15 Women’s Centre – Solid Waste Stream
The waste generated in Women’s Centre was predominantly coffee cups (31%),
organics/compost (26%), paper towels (19%) and fine paper (16%). The smallest
contributor to waste stream was polystyrene (PS) comprising 1% of the total waste
generated. Figure 17 details the composition of the waste stream for this WGA.
Figure 17: Composition of the Waste Stream in Women’s Centre
Fine paper
16%
Paper towels
19%
Cardboard
3%
Styrofoam
4%Polystyrene (PS)
1%
Organics/compost
26%
Coffee Cups
31%
29

37. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.16 Laboratory – Solid Waste Stream
GNGH’s Laboratory generated many types of waste. However, the largest contributor
to the waste stream was ice packs (55%). It should be noted that the heavy weight of
the ice packs accounted for their large contribution. The second largest waste type
was latex gloves, representing 17% of the waste generated. Figure 18 describes the
waste composition of the Laboratory.
Figure 18: Composition of Waste Stream in the Laboratory
Cardboard
5%
Latex gloves
17%
Fine paper
12%
Paper towels
2%
Packing material
1%
Ice packs
55%
Styrofoam
2%
Plastic syringe caps
3%
Cotton
balls
1%
Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
1%
Vials
1%
Coffee cups
0.21%
30

38. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.17 Dietary/Kitchen – Solid Waste Stream
Dietary/Kitchen had various types of waste. 26% of the waste generated in the kitchen
is Styrofoam. The second largest contributors to the waste stream are polystyrene (PS)
and aluminum food and beverage cans at 12% each. Coffee cups and milk cartons
are the third largest waste types, each producing 11% of the waste generated. Refer to
Figure 19 for the waste composition breakdown for Dietary/Kitchen.
Figure 19: Composition of Waste Stream in Dietary/Kitchen
Styrofoam
26%
Milk cartons
11%
Polystyrene (PS)
12%
Fine paper
1%
Organics/compost
6%
Coffee Cups
11%
Polyethylene
Terephthalate
(PET)
9%
Aluminum food and
beverage cans
12%
Latex gloves
1%
Cardboard
8%
Plastic (#7 - other)
3%
31

39. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.18 Maintenance – Solid Waste Stream
GNGH’s Maintenance department did not produce a large quantity of waste (1080.4kg
per year). However, the greatest waste contributor for this WGA is metal (39% of the
waste stream). The second largest waste type was plastic packaging and coverings at
27%. Organics/compost provided for 8% of the waste generated. See Figure 20 for a
complete breakdown of the waste composition for Maintenance.
Figure 20: Composition of Waste Stream in Maintenance
Cardboard
4%
Paper towels
3%
Fine paper
5%
Metal
39%
Plastic packaging and
coverings
27%
Organics/compost
8%
Coffee cups
2%
Latex gloves
2%
Styrofoam
0.35%
Fire barrier sealant
plastic bottles
5% Polystyrene (PS)
5%
32

40. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.19 Purchasing – Solid Waste Stream
Five different waste types were identified in Purchasing. Plastic wrapping accounted for
83% of the waste created, while Styrofoam contributed 6% and coffee cups
contributed 5%. Refer to Figure 21 for the full waste composition breakdown.
Figure 21: Composition of Waste in Purchasing
Plastic wrapping
83%
Coffee cups
5%
Styrofoam
6%
Fine paper
3%
Polystyrene (PS)
3%
33

41. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.20 Human Resources – Solid Waste Stream
Human Resources only had four waste types in the regular waste stream (See Figure 22).
The greatest waste contributor for this WGA was paper towels, accounting for 67% of
the waste. Fine paper produced 29% of the waste, while polystyrene (PS) generated the
smallest amount of waste (1%).
Figure 22: Composition of Waste Stream in Human Resource
Fine paper
29%
Paper towels
67%
Coffee cups
3%
Polystyrene (PS)
1%
34

42. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.21 General Office Areas – Solid Waste Stream
Organics/compost is the largest contributor to the solid waste, generated in General
Office Areas, comprising 47% of the waste stream. The second greatest contributor is
polystyrene (PS) with 11%. The smallest amount of waste produced is Styrofoam and milk
cartons with 3% each. See Figure 23 for a waste composition breakdown of the General
Office Areas.
Figure 23: Composition of Waste Stream in General Office Areas
Coffee cups
7%
Newsprint
9%
Polystyrene
(PS)
11%
Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET)
10%
Organics/compost
47%
Fine paper
10%
Styrofoam
3%
Milk cartons
3%
35

43. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.22 Cafeteria – Solid Waste Stream
The largest contributor to the waste stream in the Cafeteria is organics/compost,
comprising 33% of the waste. Polystyrene (PS) accounts for 22% of the waste generated,
while paper towels account for 15% of the waste. Figure 24 depicts the waste
composition for the Cafeteria.
Figure 24: Composition of Waste Stream in the Cafeteria
Styrofoam
1%
Organics/compost
33%
Polystyrene (PS)
22%
Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
14%
Paper towels
15%
Aluminum
food and
beverage
cans
1%
Milk cartons
0.47%
Coffee cups
14%
Fine paper
0.31%
36

44. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.23 Physiotherapy – Solid Waste Stream
The largest contributor to this WGA’s waste stream was latex gloves, which represented
40% of the total waste generated. The second largest contributor was
organics/compost producing 28% of the waste. The smallest contributors were fine
paper (0.38%), polystyrene (PS) (1%) and Styrofoam (2%). For a more detailed
breakdown of the waste, refer to Figure 25.
Figure 25: Composition of Waste Stream in Physiotherapy
Organics/compost
28%
Fine paper
0.38%
Latex gloves
40%
Paper towels
20%
Coffee cups
6%
Styrofoam
2%
Plastic (others #7)
3%
Polystyrene (PS)
1%
37

45. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.24 Sterilization – Solid Waste Stream
The Sterilization department had various types of waste in its waste stream. The greatest
contributor to this waste stream was high-density polyethylene (HDPE) generating 24%
of the waste. The second largest contributor was vinyl (plastic medical tubing) with 19%
of the waste. Latex gloves (3%) and plastic #7 (2%) were the smallest types of waste
generated. For a total breakdown of the waste composition, see Figure 26.
Figure 26: Composition of Waste Stream in Sterilization
Latex gloves
3%
Plastic (others #7)
2%
Polyproplyene (PP)
5%
High-density
polyethylene (HDPE)
24%
Vinyl
8%Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
15%
Metal
7%
Plastic medical
tubing
11%
Face masks
14%
Fine paper
11%
38

46. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.25 Pharmacy – Solid Waste Stream
The largest contributor to the Pharmacy’s waste stream was IV bags, totaling 38% of all
waste generated (See Figure 27). Other significant contributors were plastic (others #7)
(23%) and paper towels (19%). Polystyrene (PS) was the smallest amount of waste
produced, only representing 0.07%.
Figure 27: Composition of Waste Stream in the Pharmacy
IV bags
38%
Coffee cups
7%
Latex gloves
5%
Paper towels
19%
Cardboard
2%
Plastic (others #7)
23%
Polypropylene (PP)
3%
Polystyrene (PS)
0.07%
Fine paper
3%
39

47. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
4.26 Bio-Medical Engineering – Solid Waste Stream
The Bio-Medical Engineering department is one of the WGAs that generated a small
quantity of waste. The greatest contributor to this waste stream is metal with 40% (See
Figure 28). High-density polyethylene (HDPE) produced the second largest amount of
waste with 38%. Coffee cups (8%), paper towels (6%), fine paper (6%) and polystyrene
(PS) (2%) provide little contribution to the waste stream.
Figure 28: Composition of Waste Stream in Bio-Medical Engineering
Fine paper
6%
High-density
polyethylene
(HDPE)
38%
Coffee cups
8%
Polystyrene (PS)
2%
Paper towels
6%
Metal
40%
40

48. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
5.0 Discussion and Analysis
Conducting annual solid waste audits allows the opportunity for the results to be
compared to previous waste audit reports. This comparison will determine if the waste
reduction strategies and recommendations from previous years are successful. In order
to compare the current results to past waste audit reports, it is important that the
methodology be consistent with prior audit reports. Additionally, the audit itself must be
conducted at the same time every year for the most accurate results. Prior to this solid
waste audit, GNGH last conducted a waste audit in the spring of 2009.
With this knowledge, this section will detail comparisons between this waste audit and
the waste audit conducted in 2009.
5.1 Total Amount of Waste Generated (2009, 2012)
According to the waste audit conducted in 2009, GNGH generated 319,100kg of solid
waste. This amount increased significantly in the 2012 waste audit to 426,633.38kg.
Although it is difficult to determine this growth, it is believed that the recent expansion
of the emergency room (ER) and a rising number of patients could have contributed to
an increase in waste generated at GNGH.
5.2 Largest Generator of Waste (2009, 2012)
In 2009, the operating room (OR) produced the greatest amount of waste
(86,216.46kg), compared to the other WGAs. The emergency room (ER) was the second
largest contributor of solid waste, generating a distant 32,021.49kg.
The 2012 waste audit results suggest that the emergency room (ER) is now the largest
generator of waste, contributing 51,910.3kg to GNGH’s waste stream. The operating
room (OR) produces the second largest amount of solid waste with 37,932.6kg. This
surge in waste generated in the emergency room (ER) is mostly likely attributed to the
expansion of this WGA, thus receiving a higher turnover rate of patients.
Furthermore, the comparison of these waste audit reports displays an increase in the
waste generated in the emergency room (ER) between 2009 and 2012 as well as a
significant decrease in the waste produced in the operating room (OR) (See Table 4).
Table 4: Comparison of the 2009 and 2012 Solid Waste Audit Reports
Category 2009 Solid Waste Audit 2012 Solid Waste Audit
Total amount of waste
generated (kg)
319,100kg 426,633.38kg
41

49. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Largest generator of
waste
Operating room: 86,216.46kg Emergency room: 51,910.3kg
Second largest generator
of waste
Emergency room: 32,021.49kg Operating room: 37,932kg
5.3 Comparison of Overall Diversion Rates (2009, 2012)
GNGH’s overall diversion rates from 2012 could not be compared with the rates from
2009 because the report does not divulge the hospital’s diversion rates.
5.4 Comparison of Recycling Capture Rates (2009, 2012)
The capture rates from the 2012 audit report could not be compared with the rates
from 2009 as the report does not discuss the hospital’s capture rates.
42

50. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
6.0 Recommendations
The recommendations outlined in this section are based on the results from the solid
waste audit and interview with Val Franco. It is hoped that these suggestions will be
utilized as the basis for GNGH’s waste reduction plan. The recommendations have
been prioritized to suit the Environmental Management Hierarchy:
Source reduction is of greatest importance as it minimizes the financial costs associated
with waste management and disposal. As an institution that relies on government and
private funding, GNGH will benefit from the cost savings that accompanies this waste
reduction strategy. Recycling is given second priority because it is sustainable and more
cost effective than landfill disposal costs.
6.1 Source Reduction Recommendations
Due to the size of GNGH and the amount of general waste it produces, our source
reduction recommendations will focus on three major waste issues at the hospital as
well as other smaller strategies to decrease the amount of waste generated.
6.1.1 Paper Towels
Paper towels accounted for approximately 10% of the overall waste stream
composition. To reduce the amount of paper towels in the general waste stream, it is
recommended that they be composted with the organics. Furthermore, automatic
hand dryers should be installed to minimize the amount of paper towels used in the
hospital.
6.1.2 Paper
It is understood that paper consumption at GNGH is necessary, as paper is used for
patient records, test results, etc. However, to reduce the overall amount of paper used,
it is suggested that when possible, use both sides of a piece of paper. Moreover,
purchase paper made from 100% recycled content to minimize the hospital’s strain on
raw materials.
•Source Reduction
• Recycling
•Treatment
•Disposal
43

51. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
6.1.3. Coffee Cups
While sorting the solid waste for each WGA, it was noticed that coffee cups make up
an estimated 5% of the solid waste stream. It is recommended that the hospital and Tim
Horton’s promote the use of reusable mugs. Tim Horton’s already sells reusable mugs
and offers its customers who use them a small discount off of their beverage; therefore
this should be advertised for staff, patients and guests. By using reusable mugs, the
amount of coffee cups in the general waste stream would be reduced significantly.
6.1.4 Other Source Reduction Recommendations
GNGH can employ the following recommendations to further their source reduction
strategies:
 Staff awareness: Involve staff in source reduction initiatives. Create an
audio/visual presentation for the staff that discusses the amount of waste
generated at the hospital and ways in which they can help reduce it. For
example, using reusable coffee cups and containers or bringing garbage free
lunches.
 Food packaging: Replace heavily packaged vending machine food items with
less packaged food items.
 Styrofoam plates: replace Styrofoam plates in the cafeteria with reusable plates
6.2 Recycling Recommendations
6.2.1 Organics / Compost
Organics / compost made up an estimated 17% of the general waste stream. Although
an organics program has been implemented in the cafeteria, kitchen and at Tim
Horton’s, it is recommended that GNGH expand its organics program throughout the
facility to divert organic waste from the landfill. Having a ‘green bin’ program will turn
organic waste into compost, which can be reused. Furthermore, by expanding the
organics program, paper towels will be composted, instead of landfilled.
6.2.2 Plastics Recycling
Recycling plastics can be quite confusing, as each type of plastic has a designated
number. According to the capture rates, 16,530.12kg of plastics are placed in the
general waste stream each year, when they could be recycled. It is recommended
that GNGH promote recycling by posting signs explaining what can be recycled to its
staff, patients and visitors. It would be helpful if these signs contained the plastic
numbers as well. Also, it is suggested that GNGH review its current recycling program to
maximize their capture and diversion rates.
44

52. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
6.2.3 Diaper Recycling
Diapers accounted for an estimated 11% of the overall waste stream at GNGH. In order
to decrease the number of diapers landfilled, it is suggested that the hospital consider
recycling their diapers. Canadian companies, such as Smallplanet offer recycling
technologies where the diaper material is sanitized and separated mechanically to
extract the wood pulp that can be recycled. This wood pulp is used wallpaper and
shoe insoles. The recycled plastic from the diapers can be used to manufacture plastic
wood and roof shingles.
6.2.4 Purchasing Policies
To lessen your environmental impact, it is suggested that GNGH review their purchasing
policies and concentrate on buying materials and products made with recyclable
content. By doing this, the hospital will achieve a greater diversion rate.
6.2.5 Recycling Awareness
In order to optimize the hospital’s recycling program, staff should be re-educated in
recycling initiatives and procedures. This can be achieved this by posting signs above
all recycling receptacles (paper and plastic), stating what can be recycled. These signs
will encourage recycling amongst staff members, patients and visitors.
6.3 Other Recommendations
It is strongly suggested that GNGH conduct a solid waste audit on a yearly basis to track
their waste reduction progress and the efficiency of their waste management systems.
Completion of the waste audit will ensure environmental compliance with Ontario
Regulations 102/94 and 103/94.
45

53. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
7.0 References
Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (1996). Waste audit users manual: A
comprehensive guide to the waste audit process. Retrieved February 29, 2012,
from http://www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/pn_1210_e.pdf
Ontario Regulation 102/94: Waste audits and waste reduction work plans. Retrieved
from, http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_940102_e.htm
Ontario Regulation 103/94: Industrial, commercial and institutional source separation
programs. Retrieved from, http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaw-
s_regs_940103_e.htm
Thomas, J. (2005). New diaper recycling technology to be launched. Retrieved from,
http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/new-diaper-recycling-
technology-to-be-launched.html
46

54. Greater Niagara General Hospital Solid Waste Audit Report 2012
Appendix A:
Ministry of Environment Forms

55. Ministry of the Environment Waste Form
Report of a Waste Audit
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Establishments
As required by O. Reg. 102/94
• This report must be prepared 6 months after becoming subject to O. Reg. 102/94 and a copy retained on file
for at least five years after it is prepared, and be made available to the ministry upon request.
• For large construction and demolition projects, please refer to the forms included with “A Guide to Waste
Audits and Waste Reduction Work Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects as Required Under
Ontario Regulation 102/94” (revised July 2008)
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Name of Owner and/or Operator of Entity(ies) and Company Name:
Greater Niagara General Hospital
Name of Contact Person:
Val Franco
Telephone #:
1-905-358-0171
Email address:
vfranco@niagarahealth.on.ca
Street Address(es) of Entity(ies):
5546 Portage Road
Municipality:
Niagara Falls
Type of Entity
(check one)
Retail Shopping Establishments Hotels and Motels
Retail Shopping Complexes Hospitals X
Office Buildings Educational Institutions
Restaurants Large Manufacturing Establishments
Note: O. Reg. 102/94 does not apply to multi-unit residential buildings.
II. DESCRIPTION OF ENTITY
Provide a brief overview of the entity(ties):
The Greater Niagara General Hospital (GNGH) was established in 1907 and was originally located on
Jepson Street. Over the years, there were four additions, but it soon became evident a larger hospital
was needed to serve the growing population of Niagara Falls.
In 1951, the citizens of the Greater Niagara area approved a grant of $1.7 million for the construction
of a new health care facility. With tremendous support and unprecedented fund raising, a further $1
million dollars were raised in the community. The City of Niagara Falls subsequently donated Poplar
Park for the site of the new hospital and by 1958 construction was completed.
GNGH has continued this tradition of "Working Together for a Healthier Niagara". We provide a wide
range of acute, surgical, long term care and mental health services for the citizens of Niagara Falls and
surrounding area, as well as the many tourists who visit our City each year. Through the ongoing
support of our community, we have acquired state-of-the-art equipment, such as a helical CT scanner,
gamma camera for nuclear medicine testing and a mammography machine to name a few.
The Greater Niagara General Hospital is one of eight Hospitals in the Niagara Region amalgamated on
March 8, 2000 under one corporation, The Niagara Health System (NHS).

56. III. HOW WASTE IS GENERATED AND DECISIONS AFFECTING THE PRODUCTION OF WASTE
For each category of waste that is generated at the entity(ies), explain how the waste will be generated and how
management decisions and policies will affect the production of waste.
Categories of Waste
How Is the Waste Produced and What Management
Decisions/Policies Affect Its Production?
Example: Disposable Food Packaging
Generated by customers eating inside restaurant. Food packaging is
used for health reasons. Reusable mugs for customers consuming
coffee/tea inside restaurant is being reviewed.
Organics/compost
Organics / compost waste is generated from patient wards,
coffee shop, kitchen / dietary, cafeteria, and visitors
waiting room
Latex gloves
They are mostly used during medical examinations and
procedures. Latex gloves are used to prevent
contamination between staffs and patients. They were
found in most WGAs and a large component of the
hospital’s waste stream.
Paper Towels
All WGAs use of paper towels and can also be generated
from washrooms
Fine paper
All departments generate paper (i.e. Patient logs,
pharmacy and records). Admissions department generates
25 sheets of paper per patient and kitchen / dietary
generates menus and tray tickets.
Cardboard
Cardboard is generated from packaging; food services
supplies; medical and office supplies; building and
housekeeping supplies; and equipment supplies
Plastic medical wrappers
Surgical instruments and other medical supplies are
packaged in plastic wrappers
Coffee cups Generated mainly from Tim Hortons and the cafeteria
Polystyrene (PS)
Mainly from disposal take-out food packaging (Found in
most WGAs)
Aluminum food and beverage cans
Generated from patient wards, kitchen / dietary, cafeteria
and visitors waiting room
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Generated from all WGAs. (Coloured bottles, some water
containers plastic jugs, crates, totes and drums, chemical
bottles)
Vinyl (plastic medical tubing)
Generated in operating rooms, endoscopy, patient wards,
etc.
Polypropylene Generated in most WGAs of the hospital
Newsprint
Newspapers available in gift shop or are brought in by
patients, staff or visitors.
Gauze
Used mostly in the lab, operating rooms and medical
examination rooms
Diapers (including wipes) Generated mostly from Trillium and Rainbow
Plastic other (#7) Non-recyclable plastics generated in multiple WGAs
Medical cloth (including operating
blankets)
Used mainly by doctors, nurses and other staff in the
operating rooms and clinical areas
Food wrappers
Generated from patient wards, kitchens / dietary, cafeteria
and visitors waiting room
Milk cartons
Generated from patient wards, kitchen / dietary, cafeteria
and visitors waiting room

57. Plastic syringes Generated in the lab, surgical and patient wards
Glossy papers Generated in all locations
Paper medical wrappers Generated in the lab, surgical and patient wards
Sterile plastic containers Found in endoscopy, the pharmacy and
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Generated from patient wards, kitchen / dietary, cafeteria
and visitors waiting room
Syringe wrappers Generated from lab, surgical and patient wards
Plastic syringe caps Generated in the lab and in Discovery
IV bags Generated in the pharmacy and medical imaging
Metal
Generated in maintenance, sterilization and bio-medical
engineering
Vials Generated in the lab
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is used in the cafeteria as well as for packaging
for shipments
Glass medicine bottles Used in endoscopy and medical imaging
Packing material
Generated in all WGAs (i.e. new medical supplies and
other products)
Ice packs Ice packs are used in the lab
Cotton balls Generated in the lab
Face masks
Face masks are used in sterilization (Face masks from
operating room are considered as biomedical waste)
Plastic packaging and coverings Generated in Brock, maintenance and purchasing
Other
Wastes not identified on MOE form. These wastes were
found in every WGA.
Note: When completing this form, write “n/a” in the columns where the entity will not generated any waste for a
category of waste.
…/2

58. IV. MANAGEMENT OF WASTE
For each category of waste listed below, indicate which waste items will be disposed or reused/recycled and how
each item will be managed at the entity(ies).
Category Waste to be Disposed Reused or Recycled Waste
Example: Beverage cans
Staff/clients may place in garbage
bins
Staff/clients place cans in recycling
receptacles. Collection staff later collect
cans. Those in garbage are disposed;
those in recycling receptacles are
recycled.
Organics/compost Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place organic in compost
receptacles
Latex gloves Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place latex gloves into garbage
bin
Paper Towels Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place paper towel into garbage
bin
Fine paper Staff place it in garbage bins
Staffs place fine paper into recycling
bin
Cardboard Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place cardboard into the
cardboard bin
Plastic medical wrappers Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place plastic medical wrappers
into garbage bin
Coffee cups Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place coffee cups into garbage
bin
Polystyrene (PS) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place into PS garbage bin
Aluminum food and beverage
cans
Staff place it in garbage bins Staff aluminum cans in recycling bin
High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE)
Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place HDPE into recycling bin
Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place vinyl into garbage bin
Polypropylene (PP) Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place PP into recycling bin
Newsprint Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place newsprint into recycling
bin
Gauze Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place gauze into the garbage bin
Diapers (including wipes) Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place diapers into the garbage
bin
Plastic other (#7) Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place plastic(#7) into the
recycling bin
Medical cloth (including
operating blankets)
Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place medical cloth into the
garbage
Food wrappers Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place food wrappers into the
garbage
Milk cartons Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place milk cartons into the
recycling bin
Plastic syringes Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place plastic syringes into the
recycling bin
Glossy papers Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place glossy paper into the
garbage bin
Paper medical wrappers Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place paper medical wrappers
into the garbage
Sterile plastic containers Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place sterile plastic containers
into the recycling bin
Polyethylene Terephthalate
(PET)
Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place PET into the recycling bin

59. Syringe wrappers Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place syringe wrappers into the
garbage bin
Plastic syringe caps Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place syringe caps into the
recycling bin
IV bags Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place IV bags into the garbage
bin
Metal Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place metal into metal receptacle
Vials Staff place it in garbage bins Staff place vials into the garbage bin
Styrofoam Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place Styrofoam into the
garbage bin
Glass medicine bottles Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place bottles into the recycling
bin
Packing material Staff place it in garbage bins
Depending on the type, if it
recyclable, it placed into the recycling
bin, if not, then into the garbage bin
Ice packs Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place ice packs into the garbage
bin
Cotton balls Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place cotton balls into the
garbage bin
Face masks Staff place it in garbage bins
Staffs place face masks into the
garbage bin
Plastic packaging and
coverings
Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place plastic packaging and
coverings into the recycling bin
Other Staff place it in garbage bins
Staff place garbage in bin, and other
recyclable in the recycling stream
Note: When completing this form, writes “n/a” in the columns where the entity will not generated any waste for a
category of waste.
…/3

60. V. ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF WASTE GENERATED ANNUALLY
Estimated Amount of Waste Generated
kgs or tonnes (t)
Generated Reused Recycled Disposed
Categories of Waste
“A”
Base
Year
“B” *
Current Year
“C” *
Chang
e
(A-B)
“A”
Base
Year
“B” *
Current
Year
“C” *
Change
(A-B)
“A”
Base
Year
“B” *
Current
Year
“C” *
Change
(A-B)
“A”
Base
Year
“B” *
Current Year
“C” *
Change
(A-B)
Organics/compost N/A 14,614.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14,614.6 N/A
Latex gloves N/A 4,832.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4,832.6 N/A
Paper Towels N/A 8,887.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 8,887.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Fine paper N/A 3,058.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3,058.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Cardboard N/A 3,259.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3,259.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Plastic medical wrappers N/A 1,182.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,182.6 N/A
Coffee cups N/A 4,073.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4,073.4 N/A
Polystyrene (PS) N/A 7,708.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7,708.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Aluminum food and beverage
cans
N/A 1,255.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,255.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A
High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE)
N/A 1,496.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,496.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Vinyl (plastic medical tubing) N/A 5,175.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5,175.7 N/A
Polypropylene (pp) N/A 1,591.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,591.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Newsprint N/A 806.65 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 806.65 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Gauze N/A 711.75 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 711.75 N/A
Diapers (including wipes) N/A 9,734.55 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9,734.55 N/A
Plastic other (#7) N/A 1,700.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,700.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Medical cloth (including
operating blankets)
N/A 2,306.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,306.8 N/A
Food wrappers N/A 7.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.3 N/A
Milk cartons N/A 2,087.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,087.8 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Plastic syringes N/A 226.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 226.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Glossy papers N/A 131.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 131.4 N/A
Paper medical wrappers N/A 149.65 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 149.65 N/A
Sterile plastic containers N/A 543.85 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 543.85 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Polyethylene Terephthalate
(PET)
N/A 2,576.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,576.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Syringe wrappers N/A 667.95 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 667.95 N/A
Plastic syringe caps N/A 91.25 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 91.25 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Iv bags N/A 2,730.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,730.2 N/A
Metal N/A 332.15 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 332.15 N/A N/A N/A N/A

61. vials N/A 73.20 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 73.20 N/A
Styrofoam N/A 21.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 21.9 N/A
Glass medicine bottles N/A 941.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 941.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Packing material N/A 10.95 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.95 N/A
Ice packs N/A 7.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.3 N/A
Cotton balls N/A 978.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 978.2 N/A
Face masks N/A 178.85 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 178.85 N/A
Plastic packaging and coverings N/A 1,208.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,208.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Other N/A 1,565.85 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,565.85 N/A
Total
Percent Change (total C ÷ total A x 100 )
Note: When completing this form, write “n/a” in the “Estimated Amount of Waste Generated” column where the entity will not generated any waste for a category of waste.
* Fill out these columns each year following the initial waste audit or baseline year to determine the progress that is being made by your waste reduction program.
…/4

62. VI. EXTENT TO WHICH MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS USED OR SOLD BY THE ENTITY CONSIST
OF RECYCLED OR REUSED MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS
Please answer the following questions:
1. Do you have a management policy in place that promotes the purchasing and/or use of
materials or products that consist of recycled and/or reused materials or products? If yes,
please describe.
There is no policy regarding purchasing.
2. Do you have plans to increase the extent to which materials or products used or sold*
consist of recycled or reused materials or products? If yes, please describe.
There are no plans at this time.
* Information regarding materials or products “sold” that consist of recycled or reused materials
or products is only required from owner(s) of retail shopping establishments and the owner(s) or
operator(s) of large manufacturing establishments.
Please attach any additional page(s) as required to answer the above questions.
I hereby certify that the information provided in this Report of Waste Audit is complete and correct.
Signature of authorized official:
Val Franco
Title:
Hospitality Services Manager
Date:
April 18, 2012
…/5

63. Ministry of the Environment Waste Form
Report of a Waste Reduction Work Plan
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Establishments
As required by O. Reg. 102/94
This report must be prepared 6 months after becoming subject to O. Reg. 102/94 and a copy
retained on file for at least five years after it is prepared, and be made available to the ministry
upon request.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Name of Owner and/or Operator of Entity(ies) and Company Name:
Greater Niagara General Hospital
Name of Contact Person:
Val Franco
Telephone #:
1-905-358-0171
Email address:
vfranco@niagarahealth.on.ca
Street Address(es) of Entity(ies):
5546 Portage Road
Municipality:
Niagara Falls
Type of Entity
(check one)
Retail Shopping Establishments Hotels and Motels
Retail Shopping Complexes Hospitals X
Office Buildings Educational Institutions
Restaurants Large Manufacturing Establishments
Note: O. Reg. 102/94 does not apply to multi-unit residential buildings.
II. DESCRIPTION OF ENTITY
Provide a brief overview of the entity(ties):
The Greater Niagara General Hospital (GNGH) was established in 1907 and was originally located on
Jepson Street. Over the years, there were four additions, but it soon became evident a larger hospital
was needed to serve the growing population of Niagara Falls.
In 1951, the citizens of the Greater Niagara area approved a grant of $1.7 million for the construction
of a new health care facility. With tremendous support and unprecedented fund raising, a further $1
million dollars were raised in the community. The City of Niagara Falls subsequently donated Poplar
Park for the site of the new hospital and by 1958 construction was completed.
GNGH has continued this tradition of "Working Together for a Healthier Niagara". We provide a wide
range of acute, surgical, long term care and mental health services for the citizens of Niagara Falls and
surrounding area, as well as the many tourists who visit our City each year. Through the ongoing
support of our community, we have acquired state-of-the-art equipment, such as a helical CT scanner,
gamma camera for nuclear medicine testing and a mammography machine to name a few.
The Greater Niagara General Hospital is one of eight Hospitals in the Niagara Region amalgamated on
March 8, 2000 under one corporation, The Niagara Health System (NHS).

64. III. PLANS TO REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE WASTE
For each category of waste described in Part V of “Report of a Waste Audit” (on which this plan is
based), explain what your plans are to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle the waste, including: 1) how the
waste will be source separated at the establishment, and 2) the programs to reduce, reuse and
recycle all source separated waste.
Waste Category
(as stated in Part V of your
“Report of a Waste
Audit”)
Source Separation and 3Rs Program
Example:
fine paper (e.g. from an
office)
“Fine Paper 3Rs Program”
Reduce: Staff will be encouraged to print on both sides of each sheet.
Reuse: Discarded paper with print only on one side will be used for note pads/scrap.
Recycle: Staff will be provided with instructions via email. Receptacles will be provided
beside each desk. Staff will empty receptacles into centralized containers. Custodial staff
will empty centralized containers into bulk container at loading dock for collection by
recycling company.
Organics/compost
Reduce: N/A
Reuse: N/A
Recycle/compost: Compost: expanding the current organics program,
paper towels will be composted, instead of landfilled
Latex gloves The management would be encouraged to make use of recycled gloves
Paper Towels
The use of hand dryer should be encouraged, which would eliminate the
use of paper towel. Paper can also be diverted from landfills through
composting.
Fine paper
Reduce: Management and staffs would be encouraged to print on both
sides of each sheet and more usage of blackboard would be encourage
Reuse: surplus paper with print only on one side can be used for note pads
Recycle: staffs will be coached and provided with adequate instructions via
e-mail; recycling bin would be made available at each WGA, and emptied
into the centralized containers.
Cardboard
Reduce: Management would be encouraged to buy products with less
packaging
Reuse: N/A
Recycle: staffs and students will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions via e-mail
Plastic waste
Reduce: The use of refillable and reusable plastic cans will be encouraged
amongst staff, visitors and patients.
Reuse: N/A
Recycle: staffs will be coached and provided with adequate instructions via
e-mail; recycling bin would be made available at each WGA, and emptied
into the centralized containers. To include what kinds of materials can be
recycled
Comingled plastics
Reduce: avoid use of non recyclable plastic
Reuse: the reuse of plastic containers would be encouraged
Recycle: N/A
Coffee
cups/Styrofoam
Reduce: the use of travel mugs instead of coffee cups would be encouraged
amongst staff, visitors and patients.
Reuse: N/A

65. Recycle: N/A
Aluminum food and
beverage cans
Reduce: prohibiting the sale of canned drinks
Reuse: N/A
Recycle: staffs will be coached and provided with adequate instructions via
e-mail; recycling bins would be made available at each WGA, and emptied
into the centralized containers.
Vinyl (plastic
medical tubing)
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions
Newsprint
Recycle: Staffs will be coached and provided with adequate instructions
via e-mail; recycling bins would be made available at each WGA, and
emptied into the centralized containers.
Gauze
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to efficiently use and reduce waste produced from this
category.
Diapers (including
wipes)
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
Medical cloth
(including operating
blankets)
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
Milk cartons
Recycle: Staffs will be coached and provided with adequate instructions
via e-mail; recycling bin would be made available at each WGA, and
emptied into the centralized containers.
Iv bags
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
Metal
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
vials
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
Glass medicine
bottles
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
Packing material Management would be encourage to purchase material with less packing
Ice packs
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
Cotton balls
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
Face masks
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
Other
Management and staffs will be coached and provided with adequate
instructions on how to reduce waste generated from this category
IV. RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE WASTE REDUCTION WORK PLAN
Identify who is responsible for implementing the Waste Reduction Work Plan at your entity(ies). If
more than one person is responsible for implementation, identify each person who is responsible
and indicate the part of the Waste Reduction Work Plan that each person is responsible for
implementing.
Name of Person Responsibility Telephone #
Val Franco Hospitality Services Manager

66. V. TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTING WASTE REDUCTION WORK PLAN
Provide a timetable indicating when each Source Separation and 3Rs program of the Waste
Reduction Work Plan will be implemented.
Source Separation
and 3Rs Program
Schedule for Completion
Example:
Fine Paper 3Rs Program
“Deskside receptacles and centralized containers to be purchased in March. New
collection contract for recycling to be arranged for April Kick off for program and
instructions to staff regarding 3Rs program to occur in April” OR
“3Rs Program currently in place.”
Organics/compost 3R’s program already in place
Latex gloves 3R’s program currently in place
Paper Towels 3R’s program currently in place
Fine paper 3R’s program currently in place
Cardboard 3R’s program currently in place
Plastic waste 3R’s program currently in place
Comingled plastics 3R’s program currently in place
Coffee
cups/Styrofoam
3R’s program currently in place
Aluminum food and
beverage cans
3R’s program currently in place
Vinyl (plastic medical
tubing)
3R’s program currently in place
Newsprint 3R’s program currently in place
Gauze 3R’s program currently in place
Diapers (including
wipes)
3R’s program currently in place
Medical cloth
(including operating
blankets)
3R’s program currently in place
Milk cartons 3R’s program currently in place
Iv bags 3R’s program currently in place
Metal 3R’s program currently in place
vials 3R’s program currently in place
Glass medicine
bottles
3R’s program currently in place
Packing material 3R’s program currently in place
Ice packs 3R’s program currently in place
Cotton balls 3R’s program currently in place
Face masks 3R’s program currently in place
Other 3R’s program currently in place

67. VI. COMMUNICATION TO STAFF, CUSTOMERS, GUESTS AND VISITORS
Explain how the Waste Reduction Work Plan will be communicated to employees, customers,
tenants, guests/visitors and students:
 Management, Staff, and employees will be provided with information via;
e-mail, and notice boards on what materials must be source separated, the desired quality
and locations of collection bins
 Disposal bin with labeled would be available at each WGA
 Management and Staffs would be trained on the advantages and importance of waste
management
 Adequate use of sign post at strategic places, where staff and visitor frequently use
 Incentive on 3R’s initiative provide by staff.
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68. VII. ESTIMATED WASTE GENERATED BY MATERIAL TYPE AND THE PROJECTED AMOUNT
Material
Categories
(as stated in
Part III)
Estimated
Annual Waste
Generated *
(kgs)
Name of Proposed 3Rs
Program
(as stated in Part III)
Projections to Reduce, Reuse
or Recycle Waste
(kgs or tonnes)
Estimated Annual
Amount to be
Diverted **
(%)
Reduce Reuse Recycle
Example:
Fine Paper
1.8 tonnes Fine Paper 3Rs Program 200 kg 100 kg
1.2
tonnes
83
Organics/
compost
14,614.6
Organics 3R’s
Program
Latex gloves 4,832.6
Latex gloves 3R’s
Program
Paper Towels 8,887.8
Paper towel 3R’s
Program
Fine paper 3,058.7
Fine paper 3R’s
Program
Cardboard 3,259.5
Cardboard 3R’s
Program
Plastic
medical
wrappers
1,182.6
Plastic medical
wrapper 3R’s
Program
Coffee cups 4,073.4
Coffee cups 3R’s
Program
Polystyrene
(PS)
7,708.8 PS 3R’s Program
Aluminum
food and
beverage cans
1,255.6
Aluminum 3R’s
Program
High Density
Polyethylene
(HDPE)
1,496.5 HDPE 3R’s Program
Vinyl (plastic
medical
tubing)
5,175.7 Vinyl 3R’s Program
Polypropylene
(pp)
1,591.4 PP 3R’s Program
Newsprint 806.65
Newsprint 3R’s
Program
Gauze 711.75 Gauze 3R’s Program
Diapers
(including
wipes)
9,734.55
Diapers 3R’s
Program
Plastic other
(#7)
1,700.9
Plastic #7 3R’s
Program
Medical cloth
(including
operating
blankets)
2,306.8
Medical cloth 3R’s
Program
Food
wrappers
7.3
Food wrappers 3R’s
Program

69. Milk cartons 2,087.8
Milk cartons 3R’s
Program
Plastic
syringes
226.3
Plastic syringes 3R’s
Program
Glossy papers 131.4
Glossy Papers 3R’s
Program
Paper medical
wrappers
149.65
Paper medical
wrapper 3R’s
Program
Sterile plastic
containers
543.85
Sterile plastic
containers 3R’s
Program
Polyethylene
Terephthalate
(PET)
2,576.9 PET 3R’s Program
Syringe
wrappers
667.95
Syringe wrappers
3R’s Program
Plastic syringe
caps
91.25
Plastic syringe caps
3R’s Program
Iv bags 2,730.2 Iv bags 3R’s Program
Metal 332.15 Metal 3R’s Program
vials 73.20 Vials 3R’s Program
Styrofoam 21.9
Styrofoam 3R’s
Program
Glass
medicine
bottles
941.7
Glass medicine bottle
3R’s Program
Packing
material
10.95
Packing material
3R’s Program
Ice packs 7.3
Ice pack 3R’s
Program
Cotton balls 978.2
Cotton balls 3R’s
Program
Face masks 178.85
Face masks 3R’s
Program
Plastic
packaging and
coverings
1,208.2
Plastic packaging
3R’s Program
Other 1,565.85 Other 3R’s Program
* Estimated Waste Generated = Waste Diverted (3Rs) + Waste Disposed
** Estimated Waste Diversion Rate = Amount of Waste Diverted (3Rs) ÷ Estimated Waste Generated x
100%

70. I hereby certify that the information provided in this Waste Reduction Work Plan is complete and
correct.
Signature of authorized official:
Val Franco
Title:
Hospitality Services
Manager
Date:
April 18, 2012