CTMC enhances green efforts with Single Stream Recycle Program
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rachel Nelson (512) 753-3616
rachel.nelson2@ahss.org
CTMC ENHANCES GREEN EFFORTS WITH SINGLE STREAM RECYCLE PROGRAM
SAN MARCOS, TX – Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) recently became a little bit greener through the launch of a Single Stream Recycle Program, named for the fact that recyclable items do not have to be sorted. Glass, plastic, cans, paper and any item made out of recyclable material may be collected in one container.
According to CTMC Director of Environmental Services Cindy Kalb, cardboard boxes are the only items that will be kept separate from the other recycled materials. “We are sorting the cardboard out because we now have a cardboard baler, and we will be able to sell the bales back for money to offset the rental of our equipment,” Kalb said.
A green recycle dumpster has been installed behind the hospital where the recycled materials are now being placed. Departments within the facility that choose to recycle have been provided with containers and green recycle bags to put in them. The bags are picked up periodically by CTMC’s waste and linen technicians.
CTMC’s green efforts date back to 2008 when the hospital became smoke-free. In 2009, the hospital created a Green Team dedicated to making the facility as environmentally friendly as possible. In 2010, CTMC was recognized for its green efforts in the Austin Business Journal’s Going Green Business Awards. The same year, CTMC was named the first ever Green Business of the Year by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.
The hospital’s earth-friendly efforts have included all eco-friendly disposable ware in the hospital’s Café, more and more paper items replaced by online services for associates including job applications, pay checks, newsletters and other formally printed collaterals, as well as the addition of special parking for bicycles and motorcycles.
In addition, the hospital replaced its ceiling lights with eco-friendly lighting and implemented drought and eco-friendly landscaping when developing new garden spaces.
For more information about CTMC’s green initiative, visit www.ctmc.org.
About CTMC
The hospital, which originated in 1923 as Hays County Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Memorial Hospital, was restructured in 1960. The present facility was opened at its current Wonder World Drive location in 1983. The CTMC staff of more than 700 employees works with more than 220 active and consulting physicians to provide quality services to patients and their families.
In addition, over 200 community members and interns from area educational institutions volunteer their services to the hospital. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, CTMC was named The Best Hospital in Hays County. CTMC also added a certified Chest Pain Center to its ER capabilities in 2011. In 2012, CTMC became the first operating room along the IH-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio to be equipped with a da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery suite.
CTMC is a member of the Adventist Health System (AHS), a not-for-profit healthcare organization that emphasizes Christ at the center of care. Founded in 1973, AHS has quickly grown to become the largest not-for-profit Protestant healthcare provider in the nation. Today, AHS supports 43 hospitals and employs 55,000 individuals. AHS hospitals are comprised of 7,700 licensed beds, providing care for 4 million patients each year in inpatient, outpatient and emergency room visits.
