You cannot reduce what you do not measure. Before you start "greening" the practice, it pays to find out where the plastic actually goes. A simple one-week audit gives you the numbers – and they show where to start.
1 Choose audit categories
Categories to measure separately may include barriers and covers, cups, suction tips, retractors, instrument packaging and disposable PPE. Set priorities only after recording your own weight and volume data.
2 Run a one-week audit
Retain the method and input data for later comparison; see our <a href="/articles/sustainable-dentistry" class="text-primary underline">waste-measurement article</a>.
- For one week, separate single-use plastic from the rest of the waste.
- Sort it into categories (see above) and weigh each one.
- Multiply by your actual working weeks and label the result as an estimate.
3 Assess possible changes
For items with a reusable alternative, compare the approved instructions, infection-control requirements and your own consumption, waste and cost data. No category is automatically the best choice; our retractor guide and cost worksheet show the method.
4 Compare reduction, reuse and recycling
Assess reduction, reuse and recycling options against the measured waste, local rules, infection-control requirements and each product’s instructions. Verify the effect of a change by repeating the same measurement.
5 Measure and communicate
After making changes, repeat the audit and measure the change. Share only the result actually observed and the method behind it with the team or patients; the framework is in our sustainable practice guide.
Conclusion
A waste audit provides baseline data for deciding which items to address. After a change, repeat the same method and compare like-for-like periods.