Waste disposal in the STRIVE Academic Centre

The NHS produces around 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste annually, which is either incinerated or treated through alternative methods. This volume of waste is equivalent to over 400 loaded jumbo jets and has significant environmental and financial implications. As one of the country’s largest waste producers, it is crucial for the NHS to dispose of waste safely, efficiently, and sustainably, minimising waste generation whenever possible.

To facilitate a fundamental shift in waste management practices, a clinical waste strategy has been developed to guide NHS providers. This strategy aims to set a clear path toward achieving the NHS target of net zero direct carbon emissions by 2040.

By adopting best waste management practices, NHS providers can reduce waste, enhance compliance, save costs, minimise environmental harm, and optimise resource utilisation, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and financial savings.

The strategy emphasises the importance of innovation, data utilisation, staff engagement, and training to enhance waste management resilience, decision-making processes, compliance, and the identification of carbon reduction opportunities within the NHS system.

Implementing this strategy over the next decade is estimated to save the NHS approximately £11 million annually in recurrent revenue costs and reduce carbon emissions from waste by around 30%, which is equivalent to eliminating 2 million road miles per year.

This e-learning package aims to initiate a transformative shift in waste management perceptions within the STRIVE Academic Centre, ultimately striving to generate tangible, real world financial and environmental benefits for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

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Please press “Non-clinical waste” below to access the start of the course.

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