Journal article

Interventions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from health-system solid waste: a systematic review

A McGushin, E Okokon, RE Haddock, AT O’Brien, MR Turner, F McGain, C McGinley, A Wyns, S Vardoulakis, M Skellern

Lancet Planetary Health | Published : 2026

Open access

Abstract

SummaryWhen considering the entire lifecycle of products, including manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal, health-system solid waste contributes substantially to health-system greenhouse gas emissions, making the issue an important target for sustainability and decarbonisation action. In this systematic review, we examined sustainability principles and interventions that have been implemented in Australia and other high-income countries to reduce the greenhouse gas emission footprint of solid waste in the health-care and aged-care sectors, considering the waste hierarchy for the efficient use of resources. We identified 107 primary research articles and systematic review..

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University of Melbourne Researchers