Canary Islands Hospitals Implement Sustainable Waste Management System
The Canary Islands health service has implemented a new freezing-based biosafety system across Tenerife hospitals to improve waste management efficiency and support its 2030 net-zero emissions strategy.
The Canary Islands health service is making its hospital waste management more sustainable and efficient. Following a successful trial last year, the regional health department has launched a new biosafety system across hospitals in Tenerife. Currently, 40 units are in operation at the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, the Ofra Hospital, and the Hospital del Sur. These units use -12 ºC freezing technology to safely treat infectious and cytotoxic waste.
This system does more than just ensure biological safety; it also supports the 2030 Health Zero Net Emissions Strategy. By using cold to stop biological activity, hospitals can store waste on-site for longer periods. This reduces the number of trips required for waste collection, which lowers the carbon footprint of the entire operation—a key priority as safety regulations become more stringent.
This project is part of a larger plan by the Canary Islands Health Service to decarbonize its infrastructure. The strategy includes shifting to renewable energy sources like green hydrogen and using artificial intelligence to manage energy consumption, lighting, and climate control. By adopting these technologies, the health system is balancing high-level biosafety standards with a commitment to protecting the environment.