Our Recycling Program

New York Hospital Queens has partnered with Stericycle to greatly improve our waste recycling programs. Click on the links below for more information and tips on recycling at NYHQ.

Recycling Data 

• After nine months, our new initiatives have improved our waste stream. 
• 14% of all waste generated at NYHQ is being recycled.  
• Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) accounts for 7% of all waste.

Leading environmental stewardship organizations such as Practice Greenhealth target 15% recycling rates in hospitals as a first tier benchmark for recycling. The NYHQ Sustainability Council hopes to reach the 15% mark shortly and will aim for even more recycling in the months ahead. Recognized benchmarks for RMW ae at or below 10%.  NYHQ currently exceeds that target. 

Bio-Digestor 

An organic waste decomposition system was installed in the hospital's kitchen to help reduce the amount of food waste generated by out hospital.  The decomposition system can process up to 1,200 lbs. of organic material per day, using microorganism to digest the waste.  Since the system's installation in December 2011, it currently processes about 400 lbs. per day.  This represents 4% of our total waste stream.  This waste is no decomposed on site and no longer goes into the open container.  By reducing quantities of waste in the open container, NYHQ saves money and reduces truck traffic by reducing the number of times our carter must come to exchange the open containers.     

• NYHQ recycling announcement of new initiatives
• Facts about our recycling program
• What can you recycle at NYHQ?