Showcase Projects
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust.
Aim: To undertake an audit to identify the potential for increased segregation and recycling to achieve savings to mitigate against a 5% cut in waste budgets. The project may also involve the design and development of an e-learning programme.
Progress: Intensive waste audits have been completed at 10 Trust sites. The audits identified the type and quantity of each type of waste generated at each site, and how it was managed. Following the visits Action Plans have been produced to suggest opportunities for improvement in waste segregation and suggestions to overcome health sector specific barriers, such as infection control.
This project identified a potential 20% saving on waste that can be recycled and thus diverted from landfill at a potential saving of around £30,000/year.
In addition, there could be a potential saving of £85,000/year if there was an introduction of an offensive waste (’tiger bag’) stream in key areas with high incontinency wastes.
An innovative clinical waste trolley trial also has the potential to divert additional 15 tonnes of clinical waste resulting in additional cost savings
Staff Training was delivered to the Trust in May 2010 through a number of short focussed workshops at Trust premises to raise employee awareness of the importance of using the correct bins for different types of waste.
Carmarthenshire (Hywel Dda) NHS Trust.
Aim: To assist with the implementation of scheme and waste strategy across trust that will ensure all staff involved in resource efficiency and put in place robust systems of communications, monitoring, reporting and training.
Progress: 8 Trust facilities were audited and Action Plan reports were produced to identify improvement actions and associated savings.
A training packaged was also delivered to selected staff teams within individual hospitals and acute units to facilitate environmental awareness.
Total potential savings have been identified through better segregation of both general and clinical waste of almost 90 tonnes; a potential cost savings of over £20,000.
The Trust have also received assistance in developing their EMS and the implementation of a waste strategy, that includes a recommended target to increase their recycling rate by 20% by 2011. A supply chain assessment is in the process of being arranged to investigate options for reducing waste coming into the premises.
Her Majesty's Courts Service (Wales).
Aim: To target food waste and water as well as other material streams. The aim is to improve monitoring and training on resource efficiency. The projects overall objective is to increase recycling by 40% before the end of March 2010 across all sites in Wales.
Progress: Audits at 7 'flagship' court premises throughout Wales were completed during Autumn 2009 and individual Action Plans produced detailing practical resource efficiency improvements that could be implemented at each site. From the various measures idendified such as replacing plastic cups with reusable glass jugs and beakers and the creation of recycling points, the HMCS stand to reach their recycling target, as well as realise substantial cost savings.
Swansea City and Borough Council.
Aim: Project to identify a more joined up approach across council departments, addressing what waste is produced and how this can be reduced. Project also to tackle the engagement and encouragement of staff.
Progress: Audits of 3 council premises, Guildhall, Civic Centre and Penllergaer site were conducted to look at current waste management process and assess staff attitudes to recycling.
An Environmental Champions plan has been provided to the council, to assist with encouraging staff to use recycling facilities in place, and improve communications and awareness of the scheme.
The Action Plans produced for each premise audited have identified that existing recycling rates could be increased by as much as 50% resulting in a diversion from landfill of over 100 tonnes. It is suggested that this is achieved by rationalising desk bins and implementing recycling points.
Wales Ambulance Trust.
Aim: To offer the Trust advice on waste management, through completion of waste audits to investigate implementation of recycling schemes at ambulance stations and control centres throughout Wales, monitor achievements and set targets for waste reduction.
Progress: Waste audits have been completed at least 2 ambulance stations in each of the 22 Trust locality areas. The audits have identified significant potential for improved recycling and resource efficiency measures, and Action Plans were sent to each locality officer, and a summary report produced for discussion with the National Estates Manager.
Based on the findings of the audits, the Trust will be able to decide on a clear direction to improve waste management procedures.
Local Service Boards
Last year, the PSWMC provided support to both Gwynedd LSB Carbon Reduction workgroup, and not only produced targets for reduction and diversion of waste, but identified a carbon saving of 700,000 tonnes CO2 e that could be achieved as a result of managing waste differently.
The Campaign also provided support to Carmarthen LSB developing action plans for each organisation, and assisting with implementation support and commitment to sustainability / waste reduction targets.
