Waste management posters
These waste management posters are designed to help you promote sustainable practices and reduce waste at your site. Download, print, and share them to create a greener NHS.
Dry Mixed Recycling / General Waste Poster
If you have dry mixed recycling and general waste bins only, download this poster.
General / Glass / Food / Dry Mixed Recycling Poster
If you have all four bins, download this poster to help you separate your waste correctly.
Clinical / Non-Clinical Waste Poster
Put this poster up in clinical settings to show what waste goes in the different colours of bag.
Waste and recycling guidance
Find other helpful resources on healthcare waste and recycling, including bin labels, COVID-19 guidance, and frequently asked questions.
Waste Bin Labels
Put these labels onto the correct bins so people know what to dispose of and where.
COVID-19 Waste Guidance
Read our guidance on how to dispose of vaccination centre waste and personal protective equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about waste segregation or recycling? Visit our FAQ page for expert answers.
Simpler Recycling Legislation
From 1 April 2025, you may need to change how you separate your waste.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has introduced new legislation to make recycling simpler.
Find out what this means for your organisation and what you need to do to comply by downloading the guide below.
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.
