Masks worn by staff, patients and visitors at hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside are now being recycled, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact.

The pandemic has resulted in a huge increase in the use of disposable face masks across society, not least in healthcare settings, and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is currently using around 70,000 every week.

Northumbria Healthcare has joined the first wave of NHS organisations to install a special recycling machine, developed by Cardiff-based company Thermal Compaction Group, which melts used masks down into plastic blocks which can then be used to make new products, such as chairs, kidney trays, bins and other containers.

As well as face masks, the machine also recycles curtains, drapes and wraps, all of which are made from single-use polypropylene plastics.

Dedicated mask bins have been placed in the entrances to hospitals and other sites, with staff and patients disposing of masks when they leave urged to put them in the right bin.

Sir James Mackey, chief executive of the trust, said: “We have been focused on reducing our environmental impact for some time now and the ability for us to recycle face masks and other single-use fabrics is a great example of how we are constantly adapting to operational changes to ensure that Northumbria is as sustainable as it can be.

“As well as the need to play our part in limiting climate change, the environment is one of the six key pillars of Our Community Promise, our new pledge to take action on the wider issues that impact on people’s health and well-being. This is because of the clear links between environmental factors, our health and wellbeing, and the inequalities which affect people’s ability to live long, healthy and happy lives.

“Continuing to make in-roads into reducing our carbon emissions and our waste will need concerted effort by the entire Northumbria Healthcare team, so it is pleasing that this initiative has been welcomed by staff, who are always happy to drive forward any new green initiatives.”