Achieving Net Zero in the health sector, with all its complexities, will require a more sustainable approach to waste management to maximise opportunities to reduce waste, as well as increase recycling and reuse. Without this, increases in population and ill health will lead to an increase in clinical, food and hazardous waste, with the associated emissions, which will simply add to the health risk and sustainability challenge in the UK. Taking a more sustainable approach to waste can also help to minimise costs and deliver longer-term waste resilience.
Through collaboration between NHS teams, waste management businesses and third-party partners it’s time to move from the traditional waste hierarchy in favour of an emerging carbon hierarchy approach.
With solutions ranging from simple to innovative, Biffa’s panel will share practical solutions to prevent and reduce waste within healthcare; as well as maximising reuse and preparing for legislative change.
- Legislation and Government Policy
Hear the latest updates on the waste and recycling policy changes set to impact day-to-day operations in the healthcare sector over the next few years. These policies are designed to increase both recycling rates and the recyclability of packaging:
- Simpler Recycling will standardise recycling collections in England from April 2025
- Digital waste tracking will be required from 2025
- Deposit Return Scheme where a cash deposit on single use drink containers will be charged to consumers, which is repaid when bottles are returned to retail outlets is likely from 2027
- Supporting waste best practice in the NHS
How do we support the NHS to use waste best practice to deliver Net Zero 2040 and HTMI 07/01?
Strategically the carbon cost of all waste activities from collection, transportation and disposal will become equally as important as waste weight or volume. Whilst on the ground the focus is on effective segregation of waste in healthcare environments challenged by space, resource and training.
- FSG Returnables – Pioneering a Circular Future
Find out more about the role of reusable vs single use items to help foodservice operators reduce carbon emissions, financial costs and waste – whilst supporting a balance between patient care and environmental stewardship.
- Panel discussion
Joined by a special guest from NHS operations our speakers will discuss these key areas in more detail, as well as answering questions from the audience
Finally, as key workers, all NHS employees qualify for membership to Company Shop Group – a Biffa company – which gives them access to heavily discounted groceries and household items. This means, depending on location, NHS employees could save up to 50% on the weekly shop. Company Shop Group can offer these big savings on top brands because Biffa works with the biggest manufacturers and retailers to ensure quality surplus products don’t go to waste, and instead are offered to Company Shop members at affordable prices. All you have to do is Sign up for free membership | Company Shop Group
Speaker profiles:
Simon Rutledge – Group External Affairs and Sustainability Manager at Biffa
Simon has been a leading figure at Biffa for over a decade and is directly involved in discussions between the Governments of the UK, Industry and Public Sector Organisations on a wide range of waste sector policy. Simon also plays a key role in developing and delivering Biffa’s own sustainability strategy.
Debra Macey – Senior Development Manager at Biffa
Debra oversees the development of the Biffa’s partnerships with NHS trusts, finding solutions for the operational and sustainability challenges hospitals face when dealing with waste and recycling. Debra is also active in projects trialling innovation across healthcare supply chains.
Garry Sweeney – Sales Director at FSG Returnables
Garry is an experienced sustainability professional with a passion for all things reusable; focussing on products for the food service sector which reduce waste whilst offering significant social, environmental and economic benefits.