We can confirm that the Trust does have procedures in place for recycling even if they are not readily visible.
There are separate waste streams for cardboard and furniture which are segregated on site and disposed to SUEZ.
We also segregate electrical equipment including IT and electronic medical equipment which is disposed of in accordance with WEEE Regulations.
Batteries, lamps and metals are also segregated on site for recycling.
General domestic waste is collected by SUEZ and our contract with them requires that no waste is disposed of to landfill.
Thus material is separated by SUEZ off-site and what cannot be recycled (e.g. contaminated paper) is incinerated and the energy recovered for re-use, typically for heating/ hot water.
Clinical waste is not easy to recycle for health and safety reasons and most will be incinerated with energy recovery as described above.
Our contractor’s incineration plant is based on the hospital site at Oldham and the heat energy is used to created steam for heating and hot water in the hospital.
A mixed waste stream is being considered but there are pro’s and con’s with this which need to be recognised if we are to be practical and realistic.
For example, recent reports suggest that recycling is not a sustainable solution in the long term.
A strategy which encourages the use of alternative materials may be the wiser approach, or even a reduction in overall consumption.
Other projects we have in place include Managed Print, electric vehicles in logistics, recycling of confidential waste paper (after shredding) and the use of bio-degradable plastics in Catering.
The Trust has a Sustainability Policy and a Sustainability Group which is becoming more pro-active. Sustainability Events have been organised on site which will be repeated.
We are also submitting data to the Sustainable Development Unit (SDAT - Sustainable Development Assessment Tool) so that we can compare our performance against other Trusts.
The SDAT will help us to understand where our strengths and weaknesses are.
It is unfortunate that we have not publicised our sustainable activities more widely within the Trust but actions are being taken to remedy this.
Hope that helps and thank you for your interest.