At GHFT, we have been making significant strides in waste management with two impactful initiatives that not only support compliance with new legislation but also promote sustainability and cost-efficiency. These projects focus on improving clinical waste segregation and enhancing food waste recycling practices.
Tiger Bins: Smarter Clinical Waste Segregation
In collaboration with the GHFT Infection Prevention and Control team, GMS has rolled out 270 new tiger bins across wards. These bins replace the orange bins used for infectious clinical waste. Unlike orange bins, which require energy-intensive treatment processes, tiger bins are designated for offensive (non-infectious) clinical waste, which can be rendered safe with less intensive treatment. This initiative is expected to deliver substantial benefits, including:
Phase 1 (Jan-Mar 2024): Swapped 121 bins, saving £12,600 and 46 tonnes of CO2e.
Phase 2: Currently underway, swapping 275 bins, with forecast savings of £28,000 and 100 tonnes of CO2e.
Annual Carbon Savings: Approximately 140 tonnes of CO2e saved annually across both sites.
Financial Savings: Estimated annual cost reduction of £40,000.
By supporting compliance with new waste legislation, this initiative ensures that waste is managed responsibly while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Food Waste Recycling: Turning Waste into Fertiliser
Our food waste recycling program is another important step towards sustainability. Food waste from GRH and CGH is now sent to anaerobic digestion facilities instead of waste-to-energy plants. Anaerobic digestion provides a source of renewable energy and also produces a nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as fertiliser. Key highlights include:
Volume Processed: GRH recycled 86 tonnes of food waste from April to December, while CGH processed 13 tonnes from August to December. Further food waste recycling will be introduced during 2025.
Carbon Savings: Currently saved 1.2 tonnes of CO2e by removing 99 tonnes of food waste from the black bag waste stream.
Together, the tiger bin and food waste initiatives demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. With an annual combined carbon saving of 105 tonnes CO2e and significant financial benefits, these projects highlight how thoughtful waste management can make a meaningful difference.
GRH Women’s Centre: New Gas Scavenging System
A new gas scavenging system is being installed at the GRH Women’s Centre to remove and destroy Entonox, a gas widely used in maternity care. This system will save approximately 500 tonnes of CO2e per year: A significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
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For further information, please contact [email protected]
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