Green Team launches recycling pilot program for alkaline batteries

July 19, 2016

72016alkalinebattery640From implementing eco-friendly programs to reduce medical waste, enhance energy conservation and promote recycling practices, Texas Children’s Green Team continually engages employees and staff around collaborative initiatives to help Texas Children’s go green every day.

On July 14, the Green Team launched a pilot program for recycling alkaline batteries, which is being rolled out in strategically designated areas of the hospital at Texas Children’s medical center campus.

“We had a lot of interest expressed during events about the possibility of recycling alkaline batteries,” said Ron Robb, Texas Children’s assistant director of Biomedical Engineering. “We checked with the City of Houston for guidance, and ultimately decided to move forward with expanding our recycling program.”

Considering that Texas Children’s uses more than 10,000 pounds of alkaline batteries each year, the Green Team will pilot the recycling program in areas that are the largest users of alkaline batteries which include Pharmacy, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cardiology, Biomedical Engineering and Facilities.

The recycling bins are located in the following areas:

  • NICU (West Tower, fourth floor) – Pod A and Pod B Utility Room
  • EP Lab (West Tower, 20th floor) – Cartech office
  • Pharmacy (Pavilion for Women, seventh floor)
  • Facilities Operations (Abercrombie Building, B2) – Reception area
  • Central Distribution (Abercrombie Building, B1) – Decontamination area

When recycling these items, do not tape or cover the leads on the alkaline batteries. Only alkaline batteries will be accepted.

For hospital areas that will not receive collection containers, employees can drop off their alkaline batteries at the Biomed Front Desk on the sixth floor of Abercrombie Building near the Red Elevators.

“Our long-term goal is to expand this program system wide,” Robb said. “The program will be rolled out in phases, depending on compliance and participation, which will drive the number of containers and frequency of collection.”

Facilities Operations will monitor the recycling bins to see how quickly they fill up. If a recycling bin is full, contact Ted Walker at Ext. 4-5197. For more information about the pilot program, contact Robb at Ext.4-1808 or Eric Swaim at Ext. 4-3685.

Save the Date: Energy Conservation Event

On Tuesday, August 2, from noon to 2 p.m., the Green Team will host an energy conservation event on The Auxiliary Bridge.

Several community vendors will provide eco-friendly, cost-saving tips to employees including how to become more energy efficient all year round as well as information on energy and utility incentives available, tips on rain water harvesting, how to maximize energy conservation in your home with the installation of solar roofs and panels, and much more.

Be sure to save the date and encourage your colleagues to participate.

Stay tuned to Connect for more details about upcoming Green Team activities including the hospital’s October launch of the pharmaceutical waste recycling program. Also, if you’d like to reach out to the Green Team with your green ideas or suggestions, email teamgreen@texaschildrens.org