Reusables vs. Disposables: What Hospitals Get Wrong
Hey there, I’m Greg,
Up to now, we’ve talked a lot about sustainability in healthcare laundry, from cutting energy waste to reducing your hospital’s carbon footprint. But today, I want to chat about one of the biggest misconceptions hospitals have about sustainability and cost savings:
The disposables vs. reusables debate.
Most hospitals believe single-use textiles are cheaper and more convenient than reusables. But after years of working with healthcare facilities, one thing’s for certain: Most are overspending on disposables while creating mountains of unnecessary waste at the same time.
So, what if I told you it’s possible to make your linen program cheaper, more sustainable, and more reliable all with one simple switch?
Let’s get into it.
That COVID-19 Wake-Up Call
Aside from the financial and sustainability wins of reusable textiles, they can also keep a healthcare facility going during shortages or supply chain issues.
We saw this firsthand with COVID-19.
When the pandemic hit, hospitals that depended on disposable isolation gowns were left scrambling. Supply chains were in crisis, and getting your hands on single-use protective equipment became near impossible overnight.
At the time, I was running an accredited full-service healthcare laundry. As hospitals desperately searched for single-use gowns, our company was able to help by supplying reusable isolation gowns that kept healthcare workers and patients protected when disposables ran out.
We processed thousands of these gowns daily, sometimes making double runs to hospitals just to meet the surging demand during unprecedented times.
Meanwhile, the hospitals that had already incorporated reusables into their linen program were better protected, spent less money, and weren’t caught in the same crisis.
The problem is that many facilities still believe switching to reusables is too expensive or too complicated. But it’s really not.
Let’s break down the numbers.
Reusables vs. Disposables
Cost Savings: A single-use isolation gown costs US$0.50 to US$1.00. A high-quality reusable costs US$7 to US$10 but lasts 75+ cycles, bringing the per-use cost down to around US$0.10. Plus, less waste disposal means lower waste management costs. This is no chump change – reusables offer a 70-80% savings over disposables.
Waste Reduction: Many reusable textiles can be processed and reused hundreds of times, reducing landfill contributions by more than 80%. They also generate 28% less carbon emissions than disposables!
Better Performance: Disposable gowns tear easily, while reusable versions offer better protection and comfort. Reusable surgical towels, drapes, and microfiber cleaning cloths all perform better than their disposable alternatives.
Final Thought
Hospitals often push back on reusables, saying they’re too expensive and too complicated to manage. But in reality, modern linen tracking (RFID, inventory systems) makes management easier than ever. The best sustainability move isn’t just buying “eco-friendly” disposables. It’s switching to reusables wherever possible.
In my book, I outline the pros and cons of reusables and disposables, giving you a better idea of how to decide what’s best for your healthcare laundry program (spoiler alert: reusables typically win – with only a few exceptions).
If your facility is still over-relying on disposables, it’s time to rethink your approach.
I’ve helped dozens of hospitals cut costs, reduce waste, and build stronger supply chains by integrating reusables into their linen programs.
If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through the process and help your team identify the best path forward.
📩 Simply reply to this email, or send me a message on LinkedIn, and let’s chat.
Until next time,
Greg