Waste Segregation
The NHS produces over a quarter of a million tonnes of waste every year and the management of healthcare waste is therefore a hot topic, not merely from a legal but also from a health, environmental and financial perspective.
Whilst many organisations are looking to “Reduce, Re-use and Recycling”, this is not always appropriate in a healthcare setting. Clearly waste is an unavoidable by-product of healthcare processes. Disposable items such as gloves, swabs and dressings are there to protect both patients and practitioners, and neither cost nor waste reduction considerations should compromise clinical need.
The welfare of patients and practitioners comes first but a responsible waste management policy can help safeguard staff and patients, protect the environment and help the NHS better manage their budgets.
The foundation stone of any effective waste management policy is the correct segregation of waste. This can allow waste to be stored and transported safely, can aid its recovery and recycling and help save your trust thousands of pounds every year.
It costs nearly 5 times as much to dispose of 1 bag of healthcare waste than it does to dispose of a black bag. Yet every day, up to a third of every orange bag sent for disposal is actually made up of general, non-hazardous waste. By correctly segregating your waste and placing general rubbish in the correct bin, you can help save your trust money – money which can be better used to pay nurses, improve facilities and buy lifesaving equipment.