Waste Optimisation Project at UHLG
Why are we optimising clinical waste streams?
As part of the NHS's commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, UHLG is implementing new healthcare waste streams. This aligns with both national sustainability goals and local efficiency targets. Our key reasons for this transformation are:
- Sustainability: Reduction in waste output and associated CO2 emissions to hit NHS targets set
- Compliance: Ensure waste is correctly segregated and consigned, meeting legal requirements for healthcare waste
- Value: Reduction in waste disposal costs through proper segregation
- Education: Provide comprehensive information and training to all staff
What will you expect to see during this refresh?
The Trust is partnering with Sharpsmart to implement the Offensive waste stream across our sites.
You can expect to see:
- Bin labels on all clinical bins
- Bin Position Change/Alteration
- Educational materials being put up in each clinical area
- Bag to bed (bag dispensers) in typical ward areas only
- Face to face department trainings (10-15 minutes)
- Clear signage in waste cupboards and disposal holds
- Additional bins to prevent mixing of different waste types
Waste Stream Classifications
Offensive waste (Tiger striped bags):
- Incontinence waste
- Treatment waste
- Contaminated PPE from non-infectious patients
- Non-infectious bodily fluids
Infectious waste (Orange bags):
- Heavily blood stained items
- Treatment waste from infectious patients
- PPE worn while treating infectious patients
- Bodily fluids from infectious patients
Isolation Procedure
In clinical areas, when patients are isolated:
- A sign should be put on the door/trolley outside of the room to indicate that the patient is infectious
- You must ensure the waste bag inside the bins in this patient's room are orange (regardless of the label on the lid, or the colour of the bin), allowing to segregate the waste compliantly
- If the patient is discharged, moved or confirmed as no longer being infectious, then the bag in the bin can revert to whatever the label on the lid says (which will be either general waste, or offensive depending on which department you work in)
Special Focus: Royal Liverpool Hospital Bag to Bed Process
What is bag to bed?
Bag to bed uses convenient bag dispensers placed near glove/apron stations, providing staff with offensive waste bags for immediate use. This allows for:
- Direct waste transport from patient to dirty utility
- Improved waste segregation at source
- Enhanced infection control
- Better waste management efficiency
Implementation in Ward Areas
Bag dispensers will be installed next to glove/apron stations. Before starting a procedure that will create waste, take an offensive tiger bag from these dispensers.
When caring for your patient:
- Take the bag to your patient's bedside
- Place all offensive waste directly into the bag
- Take the filled tiger bag to the sluice
- Place it in the larger offensive waste bin
This process ensures that any offensive waste is quickly removed from patient bedrooms and recovery areas.
Online Training Quiz
Access our online training quiz:
- Scan the QR code above or follow the link provided
- Complete lessons about waste management
- Test your knowledge
- Participate in our competition - the department with the best overall score will win a hamper!