Waste & Recycling Guide for Care Homes

Waste & Recycling Guide for Care Homes 

This guide goes out to all our care workers out there.

We understand that you have a million things to take care of, not just including taking care of other peoples family & making sure they are as comfy and as happy as possible, but also meals, cleaning, schedules, medications etc...With the sleepless nights and the worry of the health of your residents, the last thing you need is your waste keeping you up!

This is why, in this guide, we'll unravel the secrets to making a positive eco-friendly impact on both the well-being of you, your residents and your community. 

We hope you can use this blog to refresh any previous knowledge that you have gained over the years, or, if you are just getting into the industry, this can become a one-stop shop to all your care home waste management needs!

What Type of Waste Does a Care Home Create and What Bins Would We Recommend? 

Nursing and Care Homes are unique in the fact that they create such a diverse waste stream. To help you streamline and make your care home waste disposal as efficient as possible, it is crucial to understand the types that you typically produce.

Here is what we bins we recommend to manage the waste created by care homes in the UK: 

General Waste: Everyday waste generated from the emptying of indoor bins. 

• Recommended Bin: Standard general waste bins.

Recyclable Waste: Paper, cardboard, plastic, and other recyclable materials.

• Recommended Bin: Cardboard & Recycling bins for collection of recyclables. Ensure proper sorting to maximise recycling efforts.

Organic Waste: Kitchen waste, food scraps, and garden waste.

• Recommended Bin: Food bins for organic waste. Consider on-site composting if possible.

Medical Waste: This is waste that is contaminated with bodily fluids, dressings, or other potentially infectious materials.

• Recommended Bin: Clinical waste bins with a secure lid for safe disposal. Make sure to follow regulations for the proper handling and disposal of clinical waste.

Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired or unused medications.

• Recommended Bin: Specialised pharmaceutical waste bins with secure locking mechanisms. 

Electrical and Electronic Waste (WEEE): Discarded electronic devices and equipment.

• Recommended Bin: Designate an area for the collection of electronic waste. Arrange for proper recycling through specialised e-waste disposal services.

Confidential Waste: Any form of waste that is confidential such as payroll & other forms with personal data on. 

• Recommended Bin: Locked, lidded bins for discreet destruction. 

Hazardous Waste: Used needles, syringes, and other sharp medical objects.

• Recommended Bin: Containers with puncture-resistant features. 

For some of the waste listed above such as, Hazardous, Confidential, WEEE, Pharmaceutical & Medical, you would have to look at private specialised companies to collect this from your care and nursing homes. 

As always, a care home is a business, so all your waste is classed as commercial waste, meaning you would have to also hire a private company for your other general waste & recyclables.

Handling Specific Waste

Now, we all understand the process of handling general waste & recyclables, but, when it comes to the waste care homes and nursing homes produce, there are specific types of waste that need handling carefully as they could be dangerous to health. 

Navigating waste in a care home may seem like a mighty task, but fear not – we're here with a checklist to make it a breeze!

How to Dispose of Controlled Drugs in a Care Home

Identify Controlled Drugs: First step is to identify which medications are controlled substances. 

Segregate Controlled Drugs: Make sure to separate these from other medications to prevent accidental misuse.

Regular Audits and Monitoring: Monitor the stock levels of your controlled drugs waste to ensure there is no chance of unauthorised access. 

Contact a Registered Waste Carrier: Search for organisations that specialise in safe & legal disposal of controlled waste.

Secure Storage: Store these securely in a clearly designated area with restricted access. You could use a lockable cabinet or safe for this. 

Documentation and Record-Keeping: Keep a record of your drug disposal. This could include the date, quantity, type and details of the waste recycling carrier who came to collect.  

Destroying Unused Drugs: Unused drugs should be returned to the pharmacy for proper destruction or you could check to see if there are any designated disposal services for care homes across the UK. 

Follow Local Regulations: Research your local & national regulations. Different regions of the UK may have specific guidelines that care homes need to follow.

Staff Training: Training on the correct procedures for storage, handling and disposal. You could run regular training sessions can help to ensure the best practices. 

Consult with a Pharmacist: Pharmacists should be happy to steer you along the way with any guidance on the requirements for disposing of controlled drugs. 

How to Dispose of Old Medical Equipment in a Care Home

Assessment and Identification: You don't want your old medical equipment stacking up. Once you can see a piece of equipment on its way out, make sure to identify it. 

Separation of Components: If you are feeling like a bit of an engineer, you can disassemble the equipment into individual components for proper disposal. If not, don't worry. This can be separated at a later stage.

Contact Equipment Manufacturers or Suppliers: Speak to your supplier to let them know that your medical equipment is on the brink. They may offer a take back program or be able to put you in the right direction for recycling options. 

Donation or Re-purposing: Consider donating usable equipment to charities if you feel that people could benefit from this, As always, make sure they are safe before donating. We don't want any old defibrillators going off!

Arrange for Collection by a Registered Waste Carrier: If the equipment is unable to be recycled or repurposed, arrange for a collection from a licensed waste carrier service. 

Secure Data and Remove Batteries: For any electrical items, make sure to remove the batteries and dispose of the battery waste separately. Also if you are getting rid of anything with patient data on ensure this is deleted. 

Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain records of the disposal process, including dates, descriptions of the equipment, and details of any recycling or waste disposal services used.

Staff Training and Awareness: No matter what you are disposing of, this is always crucial. Staff awareness & training is vital to healthcare waste. Show them correct disposal techniques of each type of nursing home waste. 

How to Dispose of Clinical Waste in a Care Home

Identification of Clinical Waste: Identify which items are classed as clinical waste. 

Organizing a Disposal Protocol: Create a process to help you with the disposal of your clinical waste. Research UK Guidelines so that you are always safe when handling. 

Documentation and Record-Keeping: Keep up-to-date records of all the waste disposals for your clinical waste. This will ensure transparency and keep you compliant for any health & safety checks. 

Waste Management Services: Get into contact with a specialised waste management company that have a focus on clinical waste. This helps to ensure that you manage waste professionally. 

Staff Briefings and Awareness Programs: Conduct staff meetings and programs to keep your staff aware of proper care home waste removal. Try to keep these sessions interesting and stress the importance of why there needs to be safe handling for full staff engagement.

Compliance: As always, follow those rules! Ensure you are compliant with local & national regulations to stop any fines or health & safety scares!

Create Strategies: Put together recycling strategies that can help organise your waste and reduce the amount of waste materials that are you throw away in UK-based care homes. 

Continuous Improvement and Training: Keep a continuous record of training & incentives staff to keep improving. This could be in the form of waste bonuses if targets are hit and training is completed. 

Care Home Waste Regulations 

Not the most interesting of sections, but ultimately one of the most important for your care home!

We have mentioned care home waste regulations a few times already in this blog, and we don't just want to leave you empty handed and having to go away and research all the regulations yourself, oh no , we would never do that to you! 

Here are waste regulations for care & nursing homes in England. 

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - This act ensures the health, safety, and welfare of individuals at work.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 - Regulates the use and disposal of hazardous substances.

Environmental Protection Act 1990 - Addresses environmental considerations related to waste management.

Waste Duty of Care Regulations 2015 - Places a legal obligation on those producing, transporting, and managing waste.

Clinical Waste Regulations 2002 - Ensures the safe disposal of clinical waste with biological contamination.

Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 - Regulates the disposal of hazardous waste materials.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013 - Addresses the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.

Duty of Care Waste Transfer Note - Crucial to always ask for these for any collection of waste you are getting frmo a waste company. This a document to prove the transfer of waste between parties.

Care Home Recycling Best Practices 

Setting Up an Efficient Recycling System

By implementing and setting up a clear recycling process that all staff members and residents can follow, you can create a workplace that thrives off waste reduction. a workplace that becomes a lot easier to manage your waste & a workplace that gets rid of the right waste!

Here is a list that you can follow to create an efficient recycling system: 

Waste Audit - Follow our Waste Audit tips below to start. 

Recycling Plan - Once you have carried out your audit, you will know exactly what waste you create. Develop a plan around this. 

Collection Points - Designate specific bins to highly popular zones. This could be: Food Bins near the kitchen etc. 

Training - Make sure all staff are fully trained and understand your new recycling system. Take part in interactive sessions with your elderly residents to educate them on what is needed. 

Feedback - Ask for feedback from staff and your residents to see if there is any info that they don't understand. Also ask them to give a review on whether they think it is working & if they have any ideas on how else you could better your wastage. 

Engaging Residents in Recycling Initiatives

Educational Programs - You are never too old to learn! Use visual aids or videos to make recycling information stand out.

Interactive Sessions - The best way to get them onboard is to make these sessions fun & interactive. Split into teams & have competitions for who can guess which bin the rubbish goes in. Have a recycling themed quiz event with awards for the winners or have a craft night. 

Weekly Rewards & Recognition - Try out a Resident of the Month award. Award badges/vouchers/rewards to the highest recyclers. 

Resident Committees & Groups - Select your champion residents to form a recycling group. This allows residents to take ownership and pride in their recycling efforts!

Community Events - Host special events centred around recycling awareness, featuring guest speakers or interactive activities. You could also look at organising a community clean up day, or asking the family of your residents to come in and help spruce up. 

By putting these strategies into practice, care homes can create a positive and engaging environment that encourages active participation in recycling initiatives. The end result?

An eco-conscious community & care home that's all about sustainability!

Promoting Sustainability in Your Care Home 

Promoting sustainability in the care home industry is a fantastic initiative that not only benefits the environment but also enhances the well-being of your residents and creates a positive, socially responsible atmosphere.

We know, we know. 

The older folks have seen it, done it, got the T-Shirt. But maybe, just maybe we might be able to give you some practices that will astound & amaze even the oldest of heads. 

Energy Conservation Measures for Eco-Friendly Care

• LED Lighting: The residents may be old but why not treat them to some new bulbs. LED bulbs save a lot more energy than standard incandescent bulbs. 
• Smart Thermostats: Get those programs installed. Just like at home, having a regular schedule selected for when the heating comes on, is a great way of conserving energy. 
• Sensors: Place light sensors in common places where your residents like to go. This stops energy being wasted on rooms that nobody occupies. 
• Insulation: We aren't saying give your residents 4 jackets to put on. Improve insulation in walls or windows to minimise the amount of heat lost. Get some draft excluders to prevent the need for constant heating. 
• Renewable Energy: If possible, look into solar panels. This renewable power source could put a stop to those pricey heating bills!

Water Saving Practices in Care Facilities

• Water Recycling: Reusing of water from baths, showers & laundry can help save water. 
• Irrigation System: Drip irrigation systems, can deliver water directly to plants which reduces your water usage. 
• Dual Flush Toilets: They sound fancy and they are! These toilets will use a different amount of water based on what type of flush is needed & yes we are talking about a Number 1 or a Number 2!
• Rainwater Harvesting: Collect & store rainwater. Rainwater can be used for all types of things and with the amount of rain we get in the UK, you are missing a trick not trying it. 
• Water efficient appliances: Invest in dishwashers, washing machines & other appliances that focus on minimising water usage. 

Sustainable Food and Dining Options - Reducing Food Waste in Care Home Kitchens

• Meal Planning: Create a detailed meal plan so that you can look at food requirements & find the perfect stock levels. 
• Customise Meals: Allow your senior residents to customise their meals. This stops food leftovers and will give your residents more control over what they want and like to eat which increases your residents well being. 
• Storage Practices: Get that food stored safely and labelled! By clearing labelling stock with the use by date, this gives your staff an idea on what needs to be used to prevent wastage and means you are serving fresher food. 
• Food Waste Recycling: Reuse old food in soups or broths or why not create a food recycling composting system so that you are getting full usage out of your food. Alternatively, use companies that send waste to energy facility & stop using companies that send food waste to landfill. 
• Ask for Feedback: Ask for feedback and reviews of the meals by your residents. This will help you create a long-term plan for what meals and portion sizes work best. 
• Donations: Establish a partnership with local food banks or charities, so that you can send any surplus food waste is going to a good home. 

Sustainable Purchasing and Procurement

• Choose Your Supplier Wisely: Work with a local supplier that cares about ethical issues and fair wages. Also, by working with a local supplier you are reducing the amount of transportation making your deliveries more eco friendly. 
• Waste Reduction: Once you have chosen your supplier, encourage them to use less packaging if they don't already do so. 
• Training: As with all the tips mentioned above and below, training should come hand in hand with it. By training your staff on practices to reduce waste, you instil these into your care home waste management services. 
• Sustainable Furniture: Find furniture and fixtures that are made from recycled, sustainable or up-cycled materials. 
• Bulk Purchasing: The Bulkier the better. Bulk purchasing not only saves your money, but, it also reduces fuel for transport, as less trips taken, reduces packaging waste and improves your carbon footprint. All in a days work ey!

Green Cleaning and Maintenance Practices

• Green Cleaning Products: Use biodegradable, environmentally friendly cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. Companies such as Green Seal or Eco Logo are renowned for there products. 
• Reduced Packaging Waste: Choose products that offer less packaging. Consider buying in bulk to save on packaging waste. 
• Eco-Friendly Floor Cleaners: Look for eco-friendly floor cleaners or when cleaning your carpets, opt for dry carpets cleaners to reduce your water consumption. 
• Green Window Cleaning: Chemical free window cleaning solutions that are eco friendly. Also, invest in microfiber cloths or reusable cloths to reduce waste. 
• Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintain & clean all the equipment in your home to reduce your waste and general waste. 

How to Carry out a Waste Audit at a Care Home

That dreaded word that strikes fear into anyone it passes. AUDIT!

We know with the amount of audits you most likely do week in week out in a care home, a waste audit is going to be at the very bottom of the list. We get it. When peoples lives are being cared for, auditing your waste isn't something that takes huge priority.

This is why we want to take the planning time out of it for you. 

By following the steps below, you can take the stress out of your waste audit and gain a strategy on where to start when it comes to managing the amount of waste in your care home. 

Preparing for a Waste Audit: Tools and Techniques

Tools you will need:

• Gloves
• Garbage bags or bins
• Recycling bins
• Clipboards
• Pens and paper
• Sorting tables or surfaces
• Scales or wheelie bins
• Camera or Smartphone

Handy Techniques

• Identify Waste Generation Points: Look where the waste is generated. Be it the Kitchen, Communal Room etc. 
• Random Sampling: Randomly select samples from various areas for a full representative sample of your care home. 
• Data Sheets: Use simple data sheets to record waste type, weights, date etc. 
• Look for easy changes: The classic low hanging fruit, pick an easy win. Identify simple processes that you can bring in to reduce waste. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Waste Audit

Form a Team: Recruit help from your staff or if possible, ask some of the elderly to spend time helping you sort the rubbish to assist with your audit.

Choose a Sample:

• Select a normal day for the audit. This will be to represent a typical waste pattern.
• Ensure you have an appropriate sample size by performing the audit over a few days or weeks.

Collection of Waste:

• Throughout the audit day, collect all waste generated in your nursing home. This includes both trash and recyclables.
• Label each container or bag with the date and location in the care home where it was collected.

Sort the Waste: 

• Set up sorting tables in a well-ventilated area. Ensure you have gloves and a safe space to sort through the rubbish.
• Begin the sorting process by opening each bag or container and separating the materials into categories. Common categories include paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metal, organic waste, and non-recyclable waste.
• Record the weight or volume of each category as you sort. You can use scales or simply put them in a normal bin to assess the amount of waste i.e Half Bin, Quarter Bin, Full Bin.

Once your waste has been sorted, weighed & noted down, we can move onto the results and see what can be improved. 

Analysing the date & Implementing Waste Minimisation Techniques

The waste audit is complete, it is time to look at the data. 

• Look at patterns in the data, such as what waste type you are most frequently disposing of, the least amount you dispose of etc.
• Calculate the percentage of each type of business waste in your total waste stream. 

From this data, it should give you a clearer idea of what you actually need from a private waste company. This means that you can optimise your waste collection. With this data you can:

• Speak to your waste removal service in regards to your size and frequency of waste collection services to match the actual needs of your care home.
• Negotiate a better contract that aligns more with your waste reduction goals. 
• Get the right sized bins.

So, you now know the volume of waste, the type, the frequency and you have got your waste supplier in order, but, what do we do now? 

Well, now you have to put your data into action!

Create a waste reduction plan that has goals on what you want to achieve out of your waste audit. A good place to start is to choose your low hanging fruits...you know, these areas of improvements that can be quick and easy to introduce in your setting. 

It could be as simple as:

• Introducing a designated recycling area. 
• Placing clear informational signage around your setting.
• Documenting your waste audits in a folder.
• Purchasing items with minimal packaging. 
• Increasing recycling bins. 
• Reducing single-use items and replacing them with reusable alternatives.
• Educating staff on proper recycling and waste reduction practices.
• Running fun, interactive sessions with your elderly residents to educate them.

Any of these small quick goals are a fantastic way to start implementing change and educational awareness into your nursing home. Pick and choose what works for you and your staff, ask them for feedback, hold meetings & most of all keep monitoring your waste.

We recommend carrying out an audit every 3/6 months so that you fully keep understand the waste you produce.

Eco-Friendly Training & Practices for Care Home Staff

Green Initiatives and Staff Participation

Getting your staff onboard with your green projects is vital for any of your plans to succeed. UK care homes are spending a lot of money and time trying to introduce eco-friendly practices into the industry, but, without the backing of your staff, it will be always be an uphill task. 

Here are some ways to get your staff fighting the eco-friendly fight.

• Educate - Carry out training sessions and workshops that your staff can get involved in. Make it fun and immersive. Hands on approaches to learning can be a great way of showing your staff exactly what is needed and why. Create bingo cards with sustainability practices on that staff can mark off as they complete each one. By keeping it fun, you have a greater chance of getting your staff fully involved. 
• Get staff involved - Form a Green Team to tackle your initiatives head on. Assign each team a different task such as Waste Reduction, Water Conservation etc. Also look to get your employees involved in any decision making regarding your green practices. 
• Clear Communication - Host regular meetings to discuss any updates and concerns. You can do this as a follow on from your normal weekly/fortnightly staff meeting rather then having to drag your staff in on days off or after work. 
• Reward - When any targets are met, celebrate it. Recognise the achievements and hard work that your staff members have been.
• Competitions - Implement monthly green challenges so everyone knows what you are working towards. Encourage different departments to compete against each other in a Waste World Cup or other comp. 

Building an Eco-conscious Care Home Community

Building an eco-conscious care home community involves creating a culture of sustainability that benefits residents, staff, and the environment around you. This means getting yourself and your care home fully immersed in community activities, projects & initiatives.

By doing this and following some of the steps below, you can help foster an eco-friendly environment for all in your community. 

• Green Outdoor Spaces - Create outdoor living spaces that your residents can take full advantage of. This helps get them outside, keeps them active with gardening and fosters a connection with nature. 
• Waste Reduction Challenges - Organise waste reduction challenges within your care home and community. Encourage residents, staff and community members to minimise single use plastic. Set up a recycling station outside your care home where the community can donate. You could even offer to match the waste donated by the community and at the end of each year, have a get together where you celebrate how much waste you have saved. 
• Outdoor Activities - Arrange nature walks & talks to connect residents with nature and promote well-being. This could be community walks 
• Attend Community Meetings - Attend community meetings to put your message across and let the community know what you are intending to do. Link up with local environmental organisations to work together on your sustainability efforts. 
• Shared Transport/Carpooling - Offer car sharing to your staff members to reduce your carbon footprint, or look to install bike racks on your premises to encourage your staff members to cycle to work. 

Resources and Tools for Green Training

• The Carbon Trust  - This website provides information on carbon reduction, energy efficiency & sustainability. You can find tools and guidance on here.  
• UK Green Building Council - Provides resources and training related to green building practices. They offer courses, events, and publications to support sustainable construction and design.
• Energy Saving Trust - The Energy Saving Trust provides information and tools to help individuals and organisations save energy. This website includes advice on energy-efficient practices, home improvements, and sustainable transportation.
• Green Training Hub - This site provides online courses on all things eco. This training can be used for your care home.
• Carbon Literacy Project - This website aims to offer training to understand climate change in more depth. 

When you find the time, have a browse of the above sites and pick and choose which guides, manuals, training sessions would work best for you, your staff members, residents and care homes. 

Waste Collection Services for Your Care Home 

Are you tired of dealing with the complexities of waste management in your care home?

We don't want you worrying about if your waste is being collected or being dragged into a 3 year contract from a waste service that doesn't put you and your setting first!

We've got the solution for you!

Here are a few reasons why you should use us for your recycling and waste management:

• Fully Accredited & Licensed
• 12 months contracts / No Auto-Renewal
• Dispose of waste correctly! No Landfill! All your rubbish is sent to an Waste to Energy facility to ensure your care home is as environmentally friendly as ever.
• Clear waste disposal costs. No Hidden Fees!
• Junk Removal & Skip Hire Service - Ideal for clearing out any old medical equipment, or if you having a refurb for your new residents!
• If you wish to see any of our legal documentation then please email binfo@busybins.co.uk and we will be happy to provide copies of this. Our waste carriers licence number is CB/DU222271 for any online checks you wish to carry out.

Don't just take our word for it though, throughout our 7 years of being in business, we have received over 1000 verified customers reviews who have rated us 4.9 out of 5 on our service & we have never been put on report!

To have a peek out our reviews, click here: https://busybins.co.uk/reviews

So come and take part in the service with a smile.

Ready to revolutionise your care home's waste management? Contact us today at: www.busybins.co.uk

Conclusion 

Congratulations!

You've successfully navigated the twists and turns of our care home blog. We hope you've found it informative. 

As you embark on the journey back to the real world (or your next internet adventure), remember: caring for the environment is just as important as caring for your residents.

Whether you're inspired to start composting like a champ or you're contemplating the eco-friendliness of your favourite throw morning coffee brand, you're now armed with a wealth of sustainable knowledge to take with you along the way!

Until next time...