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The Energy Forum | Center for Energy Studies | Podcast

The Challenges and Opportunities of Medical Plastic Waste Management

April 3, 2025 | Rachel A. Meidl
Gloves and syringe on top of sharps container

Table of Contents

Author(s)

Rachel A. Meidl

Fellow in Energy and Sustainability | CES Deputy Director

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Sustainabilityhealth carePlasticsThe Energy Forum

About the Episode

Medical plastic waste is a growing environmental and public health concern, yet only a small percentage is recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills or incinerators.

In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Rachel Meidl, Center for Energy Studies deputy director and fellow in energy and sustainability at the Baker Institute, sits down with Linette Leadon, director of environmental health and safety at MD Anderson, to explore the complexities of medical plastic waste management. They discuss regulatory challenges, innovative solutions, and the need for systemic change to create a more sustainable and resilient health care system. Tune in for a critical conversation on the intersection of health care, waste management, and sustainability.

This episode was recorded on March 27, 2025. Subscribe and listen to “The Energy Forum” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

About ‘The Energy Forum’

Hosted by experts at the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies, “The Energy Forum” podcast brings together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore key topics in energy and sustainability.

 

 

This material may be quoted or reproduced without prior permission, provided appropriate credit is given to the author and Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The views expressed herein are those of the individual author(s), and do not necessarily represent the views of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

© 2025 Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
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