An Analysis of the Electronic Waste Produced by Dermatological Clinics.

Background: Medical waste significantly impacts the environment and contributes to climate change. While the environmental effects of medical waste are well documented, the impact of electronic waste (e-waste) in dermatology generated by the rapid turnover of medical devices, incorporation of new technologies into practice, and the impact of dermatological office equipment waste is often overlooked.

Summary: In this article, we describe various sources of medical waste in dermatology clinics, estimate the volume of e-waste and clinical carbon footprint produced by dermatology, and propose solutions for recycling waste to mitigate environmental and human health risks associated with poor waste management practices.

Key messages: Incorporating the use of recycling programs in dermatology clinics targeted at minimizing e-waste is a multi-step process that involves: (a) Sorting electrical waste components, (b) Pre-processing hazardous materials for removal, (c) Dismantling equipment for material recycling or disposal, (d) Processing materials for neutralization and disposal of hazardous agents, (e) Recycling elements and devices with preserved utility, and (f) Disposal of unsalvageable or hazardous articles for destruction or discardment. While there is a gradual evolution toward eco-friendly product design, the establishment of health-conscious industry standards and endorsing responsible waste-management practices are essential in the interim reduce the health and environmental impacts of e-waste by dermatology clinics and the healthcare footprint at large.