Published date: 02 March 2023
How to dispose of waste correctly
Sorting your waste is one of the easiest ways to protect the environment.
Not only does this help reduce the amount of waste in landfills, but it also brings us one step closer to reaching net zero. You can read more about our plans to become net zero carbon here.
On this page, you'll find various resources to help you recycle and dispose of waste correctly, such as posters, bin labels and guidance documents.
If you can't find what you need, please get in touch with our Customer Service Centre.
How we're supporting customers
As one of the largest estate owners in the UK, it's our priority to reduce and recycle waste as much as possible.
Here's what we're doing:
- Installing more internal bins at our customer's properties, including general, Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR), glass, and food waste bins.
- Making sure that bins have labels that show what should and shouldn't go in them.
- Putting up waste segregation posters in relevant areas.
- Replacing external general waste bins with Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) bins.
- Providing bags for different types of clinical waste.
- Offering training to our colleagues to support you.
- Working with our waste contractors and suppliers to reduce waste where possible and improve our waste segregation and recycling.
What you can do to reduce waste
The NHS produces a lot of clinical waste each year. Knowing what clinical waste goes where can significantly minimise risks, costs and environmental impact.
Here's what you can do:
- Follow the guidance on bin labels and posters. These will help you sort your waste correctly.
- Don't put general waste or recycling into clinical waste bins.
- Use the yellow and black striped bags for non-infectious bandages, masks, and dressings
- Use the orange waste bags for infectious waste that is not chemically and/or medically contaminated, such as bandages and dressings
- Use the yellow waste bags only for infectious clinical waste that is also chemically and/or medically contaminated.
- Recycle where possible to protect our environment. It's also 25% cheaper to use dry mixed recycling bins compared to general waste bins - that's saving the NHS a lot of money! Speak to your local Facilities Manager if you don't have recycling bins so we can add them to your site.
Got a question?
If you have any queries on waste, please contact your local Facilities Co-ordinator/Facilities Support Assistant or our Customer Service Centre.
