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Environmental Sustainability at Vail Health

With a strong focus on the connection between human and environmental health, Vail Health’s Environmental Sustainability department has been committed to becoming more energy efficient, diverting more waste from landfill, and reducing water consumption throughout its facilities. Their efforts are paying off.

In 2024, Vail Health reached a 26% waste diversion rate from the landfill, thanks to extensive diversion programs, including comprehensive recycling, composting, electronic waste, equipment donation, and metal recycling programs. 

“Vail Health’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our mission of elevating health across our mountain communities,” said Tim Ivancich, the sustainability supervisor at Vail Health. “As we reflect on our achievements over the past year, it is clear that our focused efforts in waste diversion, composting, recycling, and community engagement are making a significant impact.”
 

Composting

Vail Health has started composting programs at both its Vail and Edwards campuses. While data is not yet available for the Edwards program, the Vail campus reported diverting 71,108 lbs. of compost from landfill in 2024. 

71,108 lbs. of compost is equivalent to 50,842 net pounds of CO2 saved, which is also equivalent to: 

• 4.28 average cars driven for one year
• 49,266 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle
• 2,163 gallons of gasoline consumed in one year
• 2.42 homes’ energy consumption for one year

Cardboard Diversion

Out of all the recyclable materials that Vail Health uses, cardboard is by far the most abundant. In 2021, Vail Health Hospital diverted 72,720 lbs. of cardboard. Since purchasing a cardboard compactor in 2024, the organization has increased diversion by 25%, diverting 91,080 lbs. of cardboard.
 

Recycling 

After  transitioning to a single-stream/mixed recycling system, all recyclables can be disposed of in the same bin. In 2021, Vail Health Hospital diverted 27,667 lbs. of mixed recycling from landfill; in 2024, approximately 43,200 lbs. were diverted, an increase of 56%. 
 

Gloves

Glove recycling has also been an initiative since 2021. Uncontaminated, used gloves are now being recycled into raw nitrite and made into new materials. Since the start of 2021, Vail Health Hospital has recycled 1,213 lbs. of gloves. This may seem like a small amount, but every effort makes a difference in reducing the overall waste footprint. In addition, the Environmental Sustainability Department is addressing the efficient disposal and recycling of scrap metal, kitchen grease and shredded paper. When medical equipment is replaced, Vail Health donates usable equipment to a nonprofit organization called Project C.U.R.E., who sends it to facilities in need around the world. 
 

Community Involvement

Tim participates in, and encourages other staff to attend, county-wide sustainability efforts. Vail Health sponsors and volunteers at events like the Highway/River Cleanup, 2024 Eagle River Water Festival with Eagle River Coalition, Spanish Sustainability Festival, Climb it Climate with Walking Mountains Science Center, and Bike Work Day with Eagle County. 

“Looking ahead, we are excited to build on our momentum by implementing innovative strategies, such as transitioning to durable materials and adopting energy management systems,” said Ivancich. “Together, we can continue to foster a healthier environment, which in turn supports the well-being of our patients and the community at large.”