Background and Objective:
In the last two decades plastic consumption has grown considerably putting at risk our planets overall health. Understanding the elements of plastic production, distribution and waste management is crucial to help control this alarming health threat. Healthcare services use plastic in various ways and are responsible for a great part of single use plastic waste. In the past year, ULSS-6 Local Health Trust in Padua has taken important measures to reduce the usage of single use plastics within the hospital settings.

Methods:
Various meetings were held among healthcare workers to present a code of conduct regarding plastic management. Mindful usage of plastic and adequate plastic recycling were encouraged, especially regarding single-use water bottles given that in the first 6 months of 2022 approximately 478,531 water bottles were used. Hospitals catering services were also reviewed aiming to reduce the plastic distribution in the healthcare facilities.

Results:
In the second half of 2022, plastic cups were replaced with paper water cups. Given that most of the plastic water bottles are used by the hospital healthcare professionals, personal reusable water bottles are being distributed for each staff member. Over the next few months, water dispensers will be placed in each ward and in the hospitals coffee stations. Important effort has also been made to increase plastic collection points to promote adequate plastic recycling. The initial results show significant reduction in plastic bottle waste (nearly 45% in comparison with the first 6 months) but further improvement is expected in the following months.

Conclusion:
Plastic waste management can be very challenging, especially in healthcare settings. Plastic cost, versatility and sanitary conditions make it difficult to completely eliminate its usage. Replacing single-use plastic containers with more sustainable materials represent small but significant steps to control plastic pollution.