MedStar Union Memorial Hospital created an innovative furniture reuse and recycling program. The hospital had an excessive amount of bulk waste and supplies, particularly office and waiting room furniture, and was determined to reuse or recycle 100% of it. A multi-departmental team created a database of all the materials, called “New2U”, which included photographs, descriptions, and ID numbers. An intranet link to the inventory was created, and the team worked with marketing and purchasing to promote it’s use to hospital employees.

To kick off the new program, the hospital conducted a ‘clean sweep’ event, where employees were asked to give up unnecessary items like chairs, desks, and tables. Now, when an associate attempts to purchase new items, they are first asked if they’ve checked the inventory. Store hours were created for employees to come and assess the inventory, while a green team member is on hand to greet them and accept new items.

Another intranet link was created for office supplies. Employees can post and claim items such as paper clips, pens, and printer toners. These items are exchanged directly between employees.

Several departments have saved money by reupholstering items found in the New2U inventory. Items beyond repair are recycled, while other items are donated to local non-profits. To date, 160 items have been donated, 354 reused in-house, and 166 sold to employees for personal use. This collaborative and resourceful project is effective and creative!