SustainRx: Sustain Rx Data-Driven Approach to Reducing Medical Waste (Eco-E)

The U.S. healthcare industry generates approximately 6 million tons of waste annually, which is nearly equivalent to the country of India’s entire annual waste production. Of this, a significant portion stems from single-use plastics and other medical products that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, and disproportionate health risks for underserved communities. Many hospitals want to reduce their waste but face logistical, financial, and regulatory barriers that make it difficult to achieve their sustainable goals.

SustainRx aims to equip hospitals and healthcare providers with a centralized way to track, reduce, and manage medical waste without compromising patient safety. The project will help eliminate waste at its source using a centralized, data-driven platform that enables healthcare organizations to monitor procurement and disposal patterns, assess inefficiencies, and receive actionable waste reduction recommendations. Our approach will also aim to recommend sustainable product alternatives and match facilities with local programs to design solutions tailored to real-world problems.

Our business model envisions a B2B subscription-based platform offering analytics, compliance tracking, and connections to recyclers and vendors. SustainRx supports a shift toward circular healthcare practices by aligning environmental goals with operational efficiency, enabling hospitals to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance equity through responsible waste management.