The emergence of single-use plastics in the mid-20th century revolutionized the fields

The emergence of single-use plastics in the mid-20th century revolutionized the fields of healthcare and medicine. This new form of technology brought about unprecedented sanitation capabilities due to its flexibility and disposability. For decades since, plastic has been selected as the primary material produced and discarded in healthcare on an international level. However, current worldwide efforts are being made in order to reduce the amount of non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastic waste generated in hospitals as well as other healthcare facilities. The use of single use plastics serves as an appealing choice for healthcare workers, as its sterility minimizes the risk of cross contamination. Plastics are easily disposable so as to not become a biohazard to waste handlers, and they tend to be significantly less expensive than more sustainable alternatives. The average hospital produces 25 pounds of waste per day per patient and generates over 5 million tons of waste per year, including infectious waste such as bandages and gloves, hazardous and chemical waste, radioactive waste, and other general waste such as paper and single-use plastics. The World Health Organization estimated that roughly 80% of the hospital waste produced is general waste, 55% of which is plastic with a recycling rate of 20%.