A photo of Will, Nigel, Sophie and Grace who were among the CHS staff that visited the SUEZ Materials Recycling Facility in Huddersfield

This week is Recycle Week and our colleagues in CHS are raising awareness about the significant trip that our recycling takes after it leaves our hospitals and how everyone can contribute to making CHFT and CHS greener.

In keeping with the theme of the week which is "rescue me, recycle", Will, Nigel, Sophie and Grace from CHS visited the SUEZ Materials Recycling Facility in Huddersfield back in June. The aim of the visit was to make sure that the waste we produce is not handled or disposed of in a way that may be harmful or unapproved. It also gave the team the chance to see what happens to the things we throw in our recycling bins.

Clinical Net Zero Lead, Sophie Lawton, said: "Over 1,500 tonnes of rubbish, the equivalent of 1,000 cars, have been recycled by the Trust since 2021. It is a significant accomplishment that lessens our impact on the environment.

"From our visit we saw how crucial it is to utilise the appropriate bins because improperly disposed of materials slow down recycling and may even contaminate entire batches.

"Thank you to all colleagues for continuing to do their bit to help!"

Where does our waste go?

  • Paper - is delivered to paper mills after being manually screened and baled.
  • Glass - metals are extracted, filtered, and delivered to specialised recycling facilities.
  • Metals - baled, magnetised, and prepared for repurposing.
  • Plastics - sorted using optical scanners into seven distinct polymers, quality-checked, and dispatched to be moulded into new items.

Our hospitals produce enormous amounts of rubbish every day. By correctly recycling and minimising our waste, we can:

  • Preserve the environment and natural resources
  • Cut down on landfill waste
  • Save money and increase productivity
  • Be a good example for patients, guests, and contractors.

Here are a few everyday things we can all do:

  • Make use of the appropriate bins and read labels before discarding anything.
  • Reduce the number of single-use items you bring by bringing a lunchbox, mug, or bottle.
  • Reuse before replacing – give extra stationery or kit to coworkers.
  • Consider sharing digitally when possible. Encourage supplier takeback programs and adhere to regional package return guidelines.
  • Encourage others by bringing up recycling with coworkers, contractors, and guests.

Sophie adds: "Recycling is only one aspect of CHFT and CHS's larger Green Plan. Through our CHFT Green Champions who help with implementing good changes throughout our sites and collaborating with suppliers on greener solutions, we hope to make sustainability a part of daily life."

If you are interested in becoming a Green Champion, you can take the CHFT Green Champions Training