Increased recycling and improved
sustainability for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust operates from three main hospitals, including two district general hospitals located in Eastbourne and Bexhill. They employ over 6,000 staff with a turnover of £365m per year and provide healthcare services for some 525,000 East Sussex residents. They also have a number of smaller facilities around the county enabling easier access for outpatients located in rural villages.
The challenge
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust wanted to increase recycling, reduce costs, decrease general waste and improve communication to help manage waste more effectively.
The solution
Following an in-depth audit across the Trust’s key sites, Veolia implemented a service that delivered more efficient waste management, increased recycling and improved sustainability.
The service has increased recycling collections and the volume of materials processed at Veolia Materials Recycling Facilities (MRFs).
By introducing bespoke recycling points within the hospitals and introducing recycling at ward-level – in staff and common rooms – recycling has increased by 30% and delivered a 20% decrease in general waste.
As awareness of recycling is key to the success of the programme, waste- awareness days were held twice-yearly to ensure continued education and knowledge spread amongst staff. This is also reinforced by visits to Veolia Energy Recovery Facilities and MRFs twice-yearly to help staff understand the value of recycling, which has been key to increasing recycling rates.
To broaden communication and further the success of the service, Veolia has increased meeting frequency, engaged with key members of ward staff and has also encouraged the Trust to identify ‘Environmental Champions’ at ward-level.
Value delivered
Veolia has improved recycling and decreased general waste by working closely with the Trust’s sites in line with its aim to increase recycling and reduce spend. This has provided more effective waste management and improved the Trust’s sustainability.
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