Effective waste management in hospitals with Sort-More

From the rolling hills of Italy to the fjords of Norway and from the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the serene landscapes of Sweden, the cutting-edge Sort-More system has been installed in several different hospitals in these diverse regions worldwide, showcasing its global reach and impact.

Sort-More system part of the full vacuum AWCS at St Olav Hospital, Norway

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, hospitals constantly seek innovative solutions to streamline operations and enhance patient care. One such groundbreaking innovation is the Envac Sort-More system, which can transform hospitals’ waste management. Implementing the Sort-More solution integrated with the automatic waste management system at St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, has demonstrated its ability to enable smooth operations and uninterrupted patient care.

The Sort-More solution is an effective waste management system that addresses several key challenges healthcare facilities face, including the efficient use of vertical and horizontal space, the automation of waste and recycling management, and the prevention of spreading bacteria. Hospitals can unlock many benefits by automating the sorting and transportation of waste and recyclables, from improved patient care and staff efficiency to enhanced infection control and sustainability.

How it works

Sort-More, integrated with an automated waste management system, allows hospitals to manage up to four different waste fractions – paper, confidential paper, residual, and plastic through a single chute. Installed at the bottom of a vertical waste chute, Sort-More is a multi-diverter and an intermediate storage unit, seamlessly sorting and storing the various waste streams.

The system features a user-friendly control panel with buttons, enabling staff to select the appropriate waste type for disposal easily. A pneumatic mechanism, activated by the controls, opens the corresponding shut-off valves in sequence, allowing the waste to be evacuated from the chutes and transported to the collection station.

Optimising elevator usage and preventing bacteria spread

The closed-pipe network system for material movements significantly reduces the burden on elevators. By separating waste transportation from people’s movement, the Sort-More solution helps hospitals maintain a smooth and efficient flow throughout the facility.
Significantly, this system also minimises the risk of cross-contamination. By containing potentially hazardous materials within the sealed pipes, the Sort-More solution can prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and infections, ensuring a safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

Our Sort-More solution and the automatic waste management system play a crucial role in material movements, minimising the manual handling of soiled and dirty fractions. This not only enhances efficiency but also significantly reduces the potential for cross-contamination.
By addressing the root causes of infection transmission, we enable healthcare facilities to create a safer patient environment. Through our innovative approach, Envac is committed to delivering comprehensive solutions that prioritise patient well-being and quality of care.

Implementation of the Sort-More solution integrated with the automatic waste management system by optimising the hospital’s logistical processes can give the best results. The Sort-More system also ensures the efficient movement of materials and waste, allowing the hospital to maintain a seamless flow of operations and prioritise patient well-being.

Magnus Sjöstrand

Healthcare solutions expert at Envac

Sort-more solution at St Olavs Hospital, Norway

The hospital underwent a significant reconstruction project, which resulted in the construction of new buildings and facilities over a large area. The new hospital has over 900 beds and has implemented several innovative measures to ensure efficient and effective waste collection.

One of the most notable measures adopted by the hospital is the installation of Envac’s automatic waste collection system. The system is designed to collect four different waste streams: paper, confidential paper, residual, and plastic.

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Streamlining logistics: Balancing manual labour and AGV efficiency

The manual collection and transportation of waste and recyclable materials can be labour-intensive and time-consuming. By automating this process, hospitals can free up valuable resources and ensure consistent, reliable waste management, regardless of the day or time. Sort-More solutions can also help reduce the space required for storing waste and recycling bins, further optimising the use of hospital facilities.

Hospitals can enhance their operations by combining the Envac systems with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). The Envac systems can manage the handling of residual waste, infectious waste, recyclables, and soiled linen. At the same time, the Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are ideal for transporting clean items, such as hospital supplies, clean linens, and even food.

In this way, we contribute to an effective logistical chain overall. AGVs have their place within this chain, but manual labour is also a viable option in specific scenarios.
By optimising Envac’s hospital solutions, we free up significant capacity and space, allowing the AGVs to operate more efficiently. This, in turn, can lead to reduced collisions and a significant decrease in critical peak hours within the overall logistical system.
Envac aims to deliver excellent efficiency and reliability to our clients by using our innovative technologies and expertise. With its robust design and high-quality components, Sort-More is a shining example of how innovative solutions can transform waste management in the healthcare industry.