NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), has launched a ‘Sustainable Healthcare Recycling & Waste Management’ framework agreement, which is aimed at helping the NHS meet net zero.

The framework agreement has been developed in collaboration with Barts Health NHS Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, along with suppliers of sustainable waste management services and technologies.

NHS and public sector organisations will be able to access to carefully vetted vendors of innovative, sustainable waste management solutions, like pyrolysis technology, on site bio-digesters and food recycling management, with the ability to buy them compliantly, cost-effectively and at pace.

The framework provides services centred around the principles in the waste hierarchy including: recycling and waste consultancy; sustainable asset management/waste re-purposing solutions and technology; clinical healthcare waste; reusable sharps; sanitary and washroom services; commercial and household waste; food recycling management services; and hazardous waste.

Emma Clyne, NHS SBS principal category manager - estates and facilities at NHS SBS said" “Sustainability in healthcare waste management has moved from a ‘nice to have’ position, to a focal objective where trusts will be required to undertake work to implement the new guidance.

“For context, the clinical waste strategy says that every year, NHS providers produce approximately 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste - equivalent to over 400 loaded jumbo jets of waste - that is either sent to high temperature incineration or for alternative treatment. This has a significant environmental impact and is associated with high running costs and carbon emissions.”