Reductions in clinical waste and environmental emissions through recycling and waste segregation in a dental school: a cross-sectional study

Introduction The increasing generation of plastic waste in healthcare settings, particularly in dentistry, highlights the need for structured recycling and waste segregation initiatives.Aim This study evaluates the effectiveness of a recycling initiative implemented in a dental school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Methods A 12-month recycling initiative (April 2023 - March 2024) was implemented. The primary outcome measured was the total amount of recyclable waste collected, while secondary outcomes included monthly trends in plastic and paper waste generation and reductions in clinical waste production.Results A total of 443.57 kg of recyclable waste was collected, with plastic making up 53.9%. The highest collection occurred in March 2024 (179.78 kg). Clinical waste production significantly declined post-implementation, with a notable reduction in April 2023 (936.5 kg) compared to April 2022 (1,919.3 kg; p <0.05). However, this reduction may also reflect reduced personal protective equipment usage following the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, the initiative offset approximately 813.06 kg of CO₂ emissions by diverting recyclable waste from clinical disposal.Conclusion This study highlights the impact of a structured recycling and waste segregation initiative within a dental school in Kuala Lumpur, demonstrating significant reductions in clinical waste while enhancing recycling efforts. Future research should explore long-term sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and broader applications of such recycling programs in other healthcare settings.