LUHFT Waste Services award win for zero landfill initiative

LUHFT Waste Services Team celebrated a double award win at the Awards for Excellence in Waste Management for the NHS in England, for their ‘remarkable advancements in sustainable waste management’.

Hosted by NHS England, the awards highlight the NHS’ commitment to environmental responsibility and the vital role waste management plays in achieving this objective. 

The team picked up the bronze award for Waste Management Team of the Year and Facilities Manager, Michael Morgan, scooped the bronze award for Waste Management Champion of the Year.

The team were recognised for the initiatives in how we dispose of hospital waste at LUHFT, so that no waste goes to landfill. All our waste is diverted to either recycling or energy recovery.

Craig Jones, Head of Estates Services, said: "The Waste Services Team have embraced the Trust’s drive towards more sustainable practices, and it is great to see this work recognised nationally."

On the bronze award for Waste Management Team of the Year,  judges said: “The Waste Management Team has made great strides in fostering sustainability and operational excellence. The proactive initiatives have yielded substantial results, including achieving zero landfill - a critical milestone in reducing the Trust’s environmental impact. By diverting over 26% of their total waste into recycling streams for materials like cardboard, paper, and metal, the team has demonstrated their commitment to circular economy practices and responsible waste management.

“The team has also focused on upskilling their workforce by partnering with Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, they have equipped staff with the expertise to influence waste reduction practices among clinical teams, fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the Trust.”

The judges recognised how Michael Morgan, who won bronze award for Waste Management Champion of the Year, has been instrumental in driving significant change, effectively aligning the Trust with national sustainability goals. They said: “Michael has also expanded the Recycling Programs, building on successful protocols from Aintree University Hospital and achieving a recycling rate exceeding 26% in 2023/24.

“Through collaboration with B&M Waste Services, he established local disposal routes that not only reduced transportation emissions by 56%, but also generated significant cost savings, demonstrating a strong commitment to operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.”

Building on these achievements for the future, the team are aiming to meeting the NHS England target of 20/20/60 for clinical waste segregation and increasing the recycling rate to 30% of total waste generated.

Key objectives include introducing offensive waste streams for better segregation, expanding existing recycling programs, adopting reusable sharps containers, and fostering collaboration with neighbouring Trusts to enhance waste management practices across the region.