Reducing Pharmaceutical Waste: Challenges and Innovations at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola, Indiana, faced significant challenges managing pharmaceutical waste, from excessive disposal quantities to unclear waste segregation practices. With a budget-conscious approach and commitment to sustainability, the hospital implemented effective strategies to simplify and improve its waste management processes.

One of the primary issues was the hospital's classification as a large pharmaceutical waste generator, with over 1,200 pounds of waste annually. This designation came with higher fees and highlighted inefficiencies. A breakthrough occurred in 2021-2022, when the hospital partnered with the pharmacy and laboratory departments to identify key areas for improvement. One early success was reducing biohazard container use from 15 to 6, with further consolidation saving costs and streamlining workflows.

Signage played a critical role in the transformation. Clear, strategically placed labels helped staff identify appropriate waste streams, reducing errors. “It’s amazing what ends up in pharmaceutical waste bins—regular trash, specimen cups, even lunch leftovers,” said Darren Goff, executive director of hospitality services. By educating staff and emphasizing proper segregation, pharmaceutical waste was nearly halved to 656 pounds in 2022, keeping the hospital under the small generator threshold.

Training and accountability were equally vital. Staff participated in competency evaluations tied to annual and biannual assessments, reinforcing proper waste disposal practices. These evaluations not only ensured compliance but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement. “We want our frontline workers to feel informed and involved in decisions,” Goff noted.

Looking ahead, the hospital aims to explore alternative disposal companies and methods to further enhance sustainability. With plans extending to 2025, Cameron Royal is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to reduce costs and environmental impact.

This initiative not only improved pharmaceutical waste management but also inspired broader changes in departmental budgeting and accountability. “It’s about simplifying processes, saving money, and empowering our team to make informed decisions,” Goff concluded.