Recycling Medical Waste: Feasibility of Recovering PET Plastic from Blood Collection Test Tubes

In response, a feasibility study was conducted to explore the potential of recycling PET from blood collection tubes, which represent a homogeneous source of high-quality PET material. Each year, seven million blood collection tubes are used and incinerated in the Region of Southern Denmark alone, contributing to approximately 21 tonnes of PET plastic waste. By shifting from incineration to recycling, it is estimated that 33 tonnes of PET could be diverted from incineration annually.

The research confirmed that recycling PET from blood collection tubes is technically feasible but requires optimized cleaning methods. While the pilot study showed that recycling can be accomplished, effective cleaning and decontamination processes are crucial to ensuring the material's quality and safety. The inherent recyclability of PET plastic is a significant advantage, but challenges remain in maintaining the integrity of the material through the recycling process.

Challenges persist, particularly regarding contamination from blood residues and anticoagulant coatings, as well as difficulties in label removal. The researchers discovered that while current industry processes could handle label removal from shredded tubes, whole tubes presented more significant obstacles. Overcoming these issues is vital for successful recycling initiatives.

The study also underscored the need for further research into advanced recycling technologies, such as chemical and enzymatic processes. Improved cleaning techniques are essential for enhancing the quality of recycled material and minimizing environmental impact. Future efforts will focus on exploring these technologies and refining recycling processes.

Successfully recycling PET blood collection tubes could lead to a substantial reduction in PET plastic waste, supporting broader sustainability goals and contributing to Denmark's Climate Action Strategy, which targets a 70 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

Additionally, the study suggested that other laboratory consumables, such as pipette tips and petri dishes made from PP and PS, might offer further opportunities for recovery and recycling. Ongoing research aims to improve circularity in healthcare and reduce the sector's climate footprint, marking a significant step towards sustainable waste management in medical settings.