With the continuous expansion in the use of medical devices in hospitals and healthcare centers, the challenge of managing decommissioned or out-of-service devices has become more pressing. Random disposal of such equipment is not only an economic burden but also poses significant environmental and health risks. This is where the concept of smart recycling of medical devices emerges as a strategic option that enhances health sustainability by balancing economic efficiency with environmental protection.<br />What is Smart Recycling?<br />Smart recycling goes beyond simply collecting and dismantling outdated medical devices. It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics to manage the entire lifecycle of medical devices—from manufacturing to reuse or recycling of components. This approach allows precise tracking, usage data analysis, and identification of the most effective ways to repurpose devices after their operational life.<br />________________________________________<br />Strategic Benefits of Smart Recycling<br />1. Reducing Electronic Medical Waste<br />By dismantling devices and reusing metals and electronic circuits, harmful waste is significantly minimized.<br />2. Lowering Operational Costs<br />Reusing functional parts for repairing other devices reduces the need to purchase expensive new components.<br />3. Fostering Local Innovation<br />Recycling initiatives provide universities and research centers with components for developing new models and experiments.<br />4. Protecting the Environment and Public Health<br />Preventing unsafe disposal reduces the release of toxic substances such as mercury and lead.<br />Practical Applications<br />• Establishing smart centers for managing electronic medical waste equipped with AI-based automated sorting systems.<br />• Developing digital platforms to track devices from their introduction into service to their decommissioning.<br />• Encouraging hospitals to partner with specialized recycling companies that adhere to health and environmental standards.<br />Connection to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<br />Smart recycling of medical devices directly aligns with several UN 2030 SDGs:<br />• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Reducing health risks linked to medical waste.<br />• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Leveraging energy savings from remanufacturing processes.<br />• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Supporting innovative local recycling industries.<br />• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Promoting eco-friendly healthcare systems.<br />• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Strengthening responsible management of medical resources.<br />• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Cutting emissions from unsafe disposal practices.<br />Investing in smart recycling of medical devices is more than a technical choice—it is a national and global strategy to ensure healthcare system sustainability. It simultaneously reduces costs, safeguards the environment, boosts innovation, and protects human health. Thus, smart recycling becomes a cornerstone of a sustainable healthcare future, where technology and sustainable development work hand in hand to serve future generations.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq.<br />