Pediatric Minor Procedure Rooms Generate Less Waste Compared to Similar Procedures in Operating Rooms

Operating rooms (ORs) are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and hospital waste, producing up to 33% of a hospital’s total waste. Waste in the OR also arises from underutilized surgical instrument trays. Minor procedure rooms (MPR) may offer a lower-waste alternative for appropriate cases. This study compared waste production in MPRs and ORs for common pediatric surgical procedures.