How We Diverted 151,000 Pounds From Landfills

Through our Mission Donation Program, we have donated more than 151,000 pounds of unused, excess medical supplies, furniture and equipment since 2016. 

All of these items were kept out of the landfill, instead being redirected to Carilion-sponsored education at the SIM Center, Education and Organization Development, Nursing Services, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Radford University Carilion, in addition to local and international aid organizations.

“There are certainly costs saved by reducing haul-away disposal fees,” says Marina Sotelo, Efficiency and Sustainability coordinator, “but the primary reason for this program is our commitment to environmental sustainability, waste reduction and public health.”

Where do the items come from?

• When we upgrade medical equipment and the existing machines are in good condition and are still functional, they get donated.
• As part of Infection Control best practices, and in partnership with Environmental Services, Nursing Services, Safety, Human Factors and the Design Group, we are working to eliminate wood products, certain finishes and fabrics to reduce health care-associated infections in our facilities. If those products are still in good condition, they get donated.
  • Damaged furniture is evaluated on whether it can be refinished, reupholstered or refurbished and returned to use; if not, replacement occurs and the item is considered for donation.
• Any unused, unopened supplies from nursing units that cannot be returned to inventory also gets donated.

“We work closely with Nursing to set processes in place to help identify and stop supplies from being wasted on the front end,” says Marina. "In the instances that this can't happen, we can donate them."

Many of our donations help provide clinical and non-clinical furniture for clinics and hospitals that have been constructed without the funds to be properly furnished. One recent shipment from our Mission Donation Program was delivered in May to a hospital in Ethiopia through Mihret Medical Supply (see photo gallery above). This donation included 397 different pieces that can be reused in patient rooms, public waiting rooms, dining areas and offices, diverting more than 14,800 pounds from our landfills!

The international aid groups that we partner with handles the shipment and distribution of some of our donations, while the Design Group distributes donations locally. Supplies are also delivered by some of our employees when they participate in international mission trips.

How can you help?
“One way that we can reduce waste is by only taking necessary supplies to patient rooms, and making sure to return anything that isn’t used and can be returned according to policy,” says Marina.

She also encourages you to reach out to her about any of the following:

• If you identify unexpired supplies in your area that cannot be returned to inventory
• If you are going on a mission trip and need supplies
• If you are an educator and need supplies
• If you are interested in volunteering to help collect supplies from units and sort for shipping

For more information about the Mission Donation Program, contact Marina Sotelo, Efficiency and Sustainability, at mcsotelo@carilionclinic.org or 540-266-6475 (76475).