Celebrating Our Partners at the Waste Management Awards
Forget the Oscars and the BAFTAs, there’s a new kid on the awards block this year – the Awards for Excellence in Waste Management for the NHS in England…
As the proud Gold Sponsors of these recent awards, we want to add some extra well-deserved limelight on the winners for each category.
This event was the first of its kind and marks a significant milestone in the NHS’s journey towards sustainability and a Net Zero future and the pivotal role of waste management in achieving these goals. The awards process included several stages from submission to judging, culminating in a live Awards Ceremony at the BCEC Conference Centre in Birmingham on 2nd October 2024.
Read on to discover the nine different award categories with a description of each and the outstanding teams and individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions to waste management within healthcare.
TOPICS WE WILL COVER:
1 / Foreword from Neil Robinson
2 / Waste Management Team of the Year
3 / Waste Management Champion of the Year
4 / Best Waste Management Innovation of the Year
5 / Best Reuse Initiative of the Year
6 / Best Reduction of Single-Use Items of the Year
7 / Best Reduction of Food Waste of the Year
8 / Best Reduction of Clinical Waste of the Year
9 / Biggest Reduction of Carbon from Waste of the Year
10 / Best Recycling Initiative of the Year
11 / Closing Statement from Carl O’Neill
Foreword from Neil Robinson
The inaugural Awards for Excellence in Waste Management for the NHS in England in Birmingham held a special significance, marking the beginning of a new tradition of recognising the excellence, talent, and achievement of waste management teams across the NHS.
It’s an exciting moment, not only because it celebrates the outstanding efforts of the first group of honourees but also because it sets the tone for future years of success and recognition which can only benefit the waste management profession and the NHS in achieving its sustainability and efficiency targets.
Being the Gold sponsor of the inaugural awards is a privilege, as it allowed us to show thanks and appreciation to our partners with whom we have collaborated to achieve some exciting collective results.
Congratulations to all the award winners, your accomplishments have laid the foundation for this new tradition, and I’m confident that this event will inspire even greater achievements in the years to come.
We’d like to give an extra shoutout to all of our partners who won awards this year!
- Chesterfield Royal Hospital
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
- East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
- Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- North Bristol NHS Trust
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
- Sheffield NHS Trust
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire
- West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
- York & Scarborough Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
A special thanks from me to Sharpsmart’s field service, contract management, commercial and operations teams who I believe have contributed to the success of the 78% of the gold winners with whom we are partnering with our Reusable Sharps programme and/or waste services.
We look forward to providing further support for the awards for excellence in the future.
Let’s take a look at those results now…
Waste Management Team of the Year
This award highlights the teams that have showcased exceptional innovation, efficiency and environmental stewardship, going above and beyond in educating healthcare professionals and the community on the significance of waste management to promote a culture of responsibility and sustainability.
Gold Winner
– Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
The judges commended the Waste Compliance Team for their clear mission to enhance the Trust’s waste strategy, achieve financial savings, and reach net zero emissions by 2040.
With a dedicated team, they excelled in waste segregation, auditing processes, and staff training on legislation, fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainability.
Their proactive updates to the waste training program and data-driven improvements significantly enhanced waste management practices, earning them well-deserved recognition.
Silver Winner – Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
The judges praised Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust for their significant improvements in clinical waste segregation across over 70 sites in a short time.
Initially far from NHS England’s targets, the trust employed a dedicated Waste Monitor and developed a comprehensive staff training program, leading to impressive progress. Within a year, they achieved a waste split of:
- HTI 11%
- AT 48%
- Offensive 41%
This reduced waste management costs from £158.5k to £139k annually and lowered their carbon footprint from 32.98tCO2 to 21.42tCO2.
The trust’s commitment to sustainability, compliance, and cost reduction is commendable, exemplifying their dedication to continuous improvement in waste management.
Bronze Winner – Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Waste Management Champion of the Year
This award honours an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing effective waste management practices. This person has made a notable impact within their team, hospital, trust, and the broader community.
Gold Winner – Jason Mitchell – Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The judges praised Jason Mitchell for his exceptional dedication over nine years at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Guided by the Waste Hierarchy, he has focused on resource recovery and cost efficiency, significantly reducing waste costs since his arrival in 2015.
Jason leads the regional Waste and Resources Group and shares best practices within the NPAG Waste BVG Group.
Silver Winner – Kirsten Bain – York & Scarborough Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The judges praised Kirsten Bain for her pivotal role in advancing the Waste Management project at York & Scarborough Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. As the Waste Trainer and Auditor, she identified the need for significant improvements and successfully secured resources to recruit a dedicated Waste Auditor/Trainer.
Kirsten’s efforts led to the implementation of a Clinical Waste Analysis Tool, resulting in £114,000 in cost savings and an 82% progress rate toward the national 20/20/60 waste target.
Bronze Winner – Michael Morgan – Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Best Waste Management Innovation of the Year
This award recognises the team or individual who has pioneered and effectively applied a groundbreaking solution, technology, or process, leading to substantial advancements in waste management practices within the healthcare sector.
Gold Winner – Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Silver Winner – Sheffield NHS Trust
The judges praised the Trust for their proactive measures to reduce non-conforming waste loads and enhance service delivery. The project began with a thorough analysis of waste management practices, leading to the introduction of a paperless system that improved efficiency.
Active engagement with customers helped identify and address the root causes of non-conforming loads. The initiative resulted in a 66% reduction in non-conforming loads in 2024 and the acceptance of 395 containers of GMO waste. Operational changes, such as extended facility hours and CCTV for waste tracking, further improved compliance.
Bronze Winner – East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
The judges acknowledged the innovative nature of the project implemented with a focus on education and engagement and highlighted the potential for significant cost savings through partnership working.
Since the introduction of the offensive waste stream in January 2024, a bespoke training package has been developed, achieving a 48% diversion rate by May 2024, with expectations to exceed the 20/20/60 target by July.
The project involved collaboration with 18 acute hospitals and despite being in its early stages, the project has received positive feedback, expected to reduce carbon emissions and generate cost savings for the Trust.
Best Reuse Initiative of the Year
This award applauds the team or individual who has excelled in advocating for and executing initiatives aimed at reusing materials within the healthcare sector, recognising efforts that have significantly reduced waste and minimised environmental impact.
Gold Winner – Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Best Reduction of Single-Use Items of the Year
This award recognises the initiatives aimed at significantly reducing the use of single-use items within healthcare facilities and celebrates efforts that promote sustainable practices and minimise environmental impact.
Gold Winner – The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital
Silver Winner – 2gether Support Solutions – East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
The judges praised 2gether Support Solutions and East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust for their significant achievement in reducing single-use bottled water across five clinical sites.
Discovering that 650,000 bottles were consumed annually, the team implemented operational changes and cultural shifts, leading to a 96% reduction in bottled water use and saving over £100,000 annually.
The rapid transition eased the operational burden on the catering team and demonstrated a proactive approach to sustainability.
Bronze Winner – North Bristol NHS Trust
The judges praised North Bristol NHS Trust for their innovative approach to reducing unnecessary cannulation, a common yet often overlooked issue in patient care. By cutting the number of unused cannulas by 62%, the team improved patient comfort, reduced infection risks, and achieved significant cost and carbon savings – 1,898 KgCO2e and £58,000 annually.
Their use of educational tools empowered nursing staff to make informed decisions, and their commitment to sustainability through continuous auditing and training exemplifies how healthcare can reduce environmental impact.
Best Reduction of Food Waste of the Year
This award acknowledges initiatives that have effectively curtailed food waste within healthcare settings, recognising efforts that encourage responsible consumption and significantly lessen environmental impact.
Gold Winner – Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
The judges commended Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust for their comprehensive approach to reducing food waste. By forming a dedicated task force, implementing advanced waste tracking technology, and adjusting food service practices, they reduced monthly food waste from 17.5 tonnes to 11.9 tonnes in under two years.
Initiatives like made-to-order breakfasts and tailored food offerings in high-waste wards highlight their thoughtful balance between sustainability and patient care.
Silver Winner – Solent NHS Estates and Facilities
Bronze Winner – Chesterfield Royal Hospital
The judges praised Chesterfield Royal Hospital for their commitment to reducing food waste through staff engagement and data-driven solutions, noting the project’s success in enhancing patient satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Initial trials revealed high plate waste and unserved meals, often ordered ‘just in case’ for post-surgery patients. In response, the hospital introduced a hot trolley service for ‘missed meals,’ extending meal availability by six hours daily and reducing over-ordering which saw unserved meals drop from 8.87% to an average of 83 per day.
Best Reduction of Clinical Waste of the Year
This award recognises the team or individual who has successfully implemented strategies to minimise clinical waste in healthcare environments and celebrates contributions towards a more efficient and sustainable waste management system.
Gold Winner – ISS Facility Services Healthcare and University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire
The judges awarded the Gold Award to ISS Healthcare and University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire for their impressive transformation in clinical waste management.
In 2023, ISS launched a strategic initiative to improve waste segregation, achieving a 39-tonne monthly reduction in healthcare waste. Key measures included hiring dedicated waste managers, implementing the “Healthcare Waste Wise” training program, and introducing an offensive waste stream RCV service. These efforts led to significant cost savings and carbon emission reductions, setting an industry-leading example.
Silver Winner – West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
The judges praised West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust for their collaborative approach to implementing the offensive waste stream. By involving clinical teams, estates, housekeeping, and communications, the Trust ensured effective waste segregation across the hospital.
Their focus on compliance and regular monitoring highlights their dedication to maintaining improvements and despite a 4.5% increase in total healthcare waste, the judges recognised their significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of clinical waste.
Bronze Winner – Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Biggest Reduction of Carbon Emissions from Waste of the Year
This award highlights the team or individual who has made the most substantial strides in reducing carbon emissions from waste within healthcare operations, celebrating efforts that align with NHS England’s sustainability targets and goals.
Gold Winner – Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services at Chesterfield Royal Hospital
The judges praised Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services for their outstanding efforts in reducing carbon emissions from clinical waste disposal. They diverted a high volume of waste from high-temperature incineration to an energy recovery facility, cutting their carbon footprint by 198 tonnes CO2e.
Silver Winner – West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
The judges praised West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust for their comprehensive approach to waste management with a project executed in two phases – focused first on high-volume waste areas and then on surgical and medical wards.
The project included detailed training, a robust communications strategy, and regular audits, leading to a 152% increase in offensive waste tonnage and a 54% reduction in clinical waste.
Key learnings highlighted the importance of tailored messaging, simplified compliance, and environmental changes. Ongoing ‘waste check-ups’ will support future recycling initiatives.
Bronze Winner – Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
The judges praised Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust for their comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions from clinical waste which included stakeholder engagement, comprehensive training, and clear communication.
The Trust saw a 23.5-tonne CO2e reduction within the first year of their new approach and is committed to continuous improvement through waste audits and optimising transport logistics, setting a sustainability precedent for other healthcare institutions.
Best Recycling Initiative of the Year
This award recognises the team or individual who has led an exceptional recycling initiative within the healthcare sector and celebrates significant contributions to waste diversion and the achievement of sustainability goals.
Gold Winner – NHS Blood and Transplant (Bristol), Health Innovation West of England, and Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex
Silver Winner – University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bronze Winner – The Critical Care Unit at Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust
Closing Statement from Carl O’Neill
It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in and support the first Waste Management Awards – thank you to the event organisers and all participating NHS Trusts!
Following the exciting launch of the new NHS Clinical Waste Strategy, Sharpsmart was delighted to see the focus and structure put in place to drive positive change within healthcare waste management. This strategy emphasises best practices, raises awareness about the importance of healthcare waste management, and enhances resilience within the industry – all whilst aiming for Net Zero.
We’re proud to support our customers in driving projects that promote continuous improvement and sustainable outcomes in waste management. The awards provided a perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the successes and achievements across NHS trusts.
The projects delivered were fantastic, with exemplary ideas executed. Each winner should be proud of their achievements and for sharing their success stories to help other trusts move closer to their targets.
The depth of knowledge and experience within healthcare waste management across the NHS is encouraging. It brings to life the majority of contracts we manage, driving more engagement and focus on making change happen. We encourage all customers to review the submissions and projects delivered, think outside the box, and work with providers and peers within the industry to reach objectives together as partners.
We look forward to reviewing progress over the next year and to next year’s awards, where we hope to see more people proudly sharing their projects and results.
Awards ceremonies like this give us all the opportunity to come together and celebrate the great work happening behind the scenes. Well done to the unsung heroes of the NHS for driving such significant projects forward!
Onwards and upwards!
Are you looking for an award-winning healthcare waste service?
Josh Glover
Content Specialist
As a natural storyteller driven by curiosity, Josh aims to educate and engage through informative and thought-provoking content; working towards a safer and more sustainable healthcare system.