One of the biggest issues is the incorrect use of the clinical waste stream. The orange waste bag in particular is meant for items used to treat those with infections only. So this includes things like infectious PPE, dressings and swabs.
But, a lot of people also put non-infectious, general and recyclable waste in there too. This results in less waste being recycled, and it becomes much more expensive to process.
To address these issues, in 2023, NHS England launched a new waste strategy with the aim to reduce clinical waste.
The NHS Waste Strategy aims to generate approximately £11 million in savings, every year for the next ten years, by helping colleagues manage waste effectively.
The plan should lead to a 30% reduction in carbon emissions and help support the NHS’s net-zero targets.
To support this, NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is aiming to increase the amount of recycling across our sites and put recycling bins in even more of our properties.
Download our NHS waste streams guide
This NHS waste stream guide shows where different types of waste go and what happens to your waste after it is thrown away.
Share this simple guide with your colleagues to help prevent waste from being put in the wrong bins.
Download our 7 types of plastic guide
Use this guide to learn the different types of plastic. What can be recycled and what it can be turned into.
Print and put these above your bins to help colleagues recycle.
Want more information?
Every item we can recycle or use to create energy saves the NHS money. Don’t waste your waste.
You can find more resources, including printable posters, bin labels and guides on our waste page.
