Waste Stories 5/2/2018

 

The Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group

1. CIWM course on hazardous waste regulations

As of 5 July 2018, a new EU regulation implements changes for hazardous waste, including criteria for ozone depleting substances and the summation equations for acute and chronic aquatic hazards, along with wastes containing heavy metals. Changes to HP 14 ecotoxicity may well impact how your waste is classified.

View details here

2. Vacancy for Health Emergency Officer with the WHO

For further details, click here

3. Half day workshop on remanufacturing/repair/reuse and single use in the healthcare sector

This half-day workshop which is sponsored by Grundon Waste Management Ltd, will focus on the remanufacturing/repair/reuse of bulky items, as well as the effective management of single use items in healthcare facilities. There will be short presentations from Alan Armstrong from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and Karl Sheehan from Sharpsmart. Following the presentations, there will be the opportunity for discussion and the sharing of information. These discussions will be facilitated by Anne Woolridge and Maria Mahon. A light lunch will be served at the end.

Only 3 spaces left. To book, click here

4. NHS Confederations events on sustainability and health

They are free for NHS, public health, social care and other related public sector organisations.

For more information and to book here

5. Aqua Fund

The AquaFund is designed to support UK-based private and public sector organisations in establishing greater efficiencies in their water consumption and to help realise significant water savings. The AquaFund provides the financial assistance, resources and expertise necessary to reduce water usage and save costs, including the following:

  • Site surveys.
  • Installation and maintenance of water saving equipment.
  • Validation of water bills via Water Bureau Service.
  • Legal and admin resources to optimise tariffs.
  • Investigation of water consumption anomalies and potential leaks.
  • Monthly reports for in-depth visibility on water usage and tangible improvements.

Read more here

Waste Stories 18/7/2016

 

10th anniversary

1.New committee members
I am pleased to announce three new members of the Group’s steering committee, who are Ed Van Reenen, Maria Mahon and Mark Lepine-Williams. Ed, Maria and Mark replace Andy Stratton and Helen Murphy, who have left the Committee due to other commitments. Andy and Helen will continue to lend support where possible, and I wish to thank them for their efforts over the years.
2. Horizon Low Carbon Hospital Prize Open to Applications
In Europe, the integration and use of renewable energy in buildings for heat and power generation still faces unsolved technological problems linked to the security and reliability of energy supply and related costs. This is due to the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind. The challenge is even greater in cases where a 100% security of energy supply is essential, such as for hospitals.
The European Union’s Horizon Prize – Low Carbon Hospital is offering a prize of €1 million to a hospital that integrates within its premises a combined heat and power installation to supply all of its energy needs using only renewable sources.
Entrant hospitals must install a new combined heat and power system integrating at least three different European renewable energy technologies, with an energy storage component, annually generating at least 2,000,000 kilowatt-hour (kWhe), and being able to provide 100% of the hospital’s annual needs for energy consumption. The system should have been operating in the hospital premises for at least six months at the submission of the application.
Installing this kind of integrated equipment in the ecosystem of a hospital would not only ensure the security of its energy supply, but it would also raise public awareness of the integration of renewable energies in everyday life. The Prize also aims to mobilise and enhance private and public investments for the replication of similar solutions in Europe and worldwide.
Entries can be submitted until the competition closing date on 3 April 2019. Potential participants are required to register for the contest by 31 March 2017.

 

3. SDU report on the financial value of sustainable development

This work has been produced by partners throughout the health and care system coordinated by the Sustainable Development Unit (for NHS England and Public Health England) and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) NHS Environmental Sustainability Special Interest Group. It provides crucial evidence on where the health and care system can improve sustainability both financially and environmentally.

Read the full report Securing_Healthy_Returns_Report_SDU_WEB

4. Study comparing the costs and environmental benefit for selected healthcare waste technologies

This paper aims to evaluate the ‘optimum’ healthcare waste treatment technology, using a National Health Service organisation in the East Midlands region of England, as the case study organisation. Using analytic hierarchy process as the research tool, this research determined that the ‘optimum’ approach was a mix of technologies. However, this result was largely driven by costs considerations. Thus the findings suggest the need for a holistic approach to the decision-making process for the procurement of their healthcare waste management services.

Until August 13, full access to the article is available here

5. Senior Technical Advisor position for the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management

Due to a promotion, CIWM is now seeking candidates with a sound technical knowledge of wastes and resource management to provide advice on waste, resource and environmental issues. For more details about the role and advert click here for details of the job description click here, the closing date for applications is Friday 29th July 2016.

For more information click here

6. Mauser acquires Daniel Healthcare

On July 11th, 2016, MAUSER Group, a worldwide leading company in rigid industrial packaging based in Bruehl, Germany, announced the acquisition of Daniels Healthcare Group. Based in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, UK, Daniels Healthcare manufactures and markets medical waste containers for hospitals, surgeries, needle exchange schemes, councils and the clinical waste industry.

Read the release here

Waste Stories 23/5/2016

10th anniversary1.Healthcare waste management sector survey

We would like to get a sense of the needs for the sector so that we can conduct research that is more applied and relevant. Therefore, we have developed a short survey (only 3 questions), that we would like some feedback on.

Please complete the anonymous survey here. It will close by June 3. Thanks in advance

2.The Environment Agency’s senior management structure

Please click here

3. Technical manager vacancy: CIWM

The CIWM is at an exciting and important stage in its development. The current Manager of the Technical department is moving on to a new role after 12 years, and we are now seeking candidates with a sound technical knowledge of wastes, resources and sustainability as well as proven leadership and management experience.

See the details here

4.Scottish Low carbon skills fund

The Low Carbon Skills Fund gives Scottish businesses with under 100 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £5000 towards employee training costs in areas such as renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, energy efficiency, waste management and reuse, and reducing carbon in supply and energy management.

We refund up to 50% of employee training costs, up to a maximum of £1000 per employee. It’s an opportunity to further develop within your industry and help Scotland become more sustainable.

Eligible training includes:

  • Renewable energy, low carbon technologies and microgeneration
  • Energy efficiency, environmental and clean technologies
  • Waste management and re-use
  • Reducing carbon in supply and energy management.

For more information, please click here

 

Waste Stories 3/5/2016

10th anniversary1.UNDP Healthcare waste management toolkit

View the toolkit here

2.Launch of CIWM’s waste crime guide

Waste crime is a major problem in the UK, and is growing in scale every year. It can cause significant environmental problems for organisations and the community as a whole. The enforcing agencies are having their resources cut, whilst at the same time the financial rewards for evading the law are growing.
CIWM are delighted to be partnering with Dentons to launch the Fighting Waste Crime Guide: the real impact of waste crime on your organisation on May 11, 2016.

Register here

3. Top 30 global medical devices companies in 2015

See the list here

4. Government consults on new national innovation plan

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has issued a call for ideas to obtain public and professional feedback on ways to ensure the UK retains its position as a global leader in innovation.

The Government is mindful of changes in the nature of innovation and increased challenges to the UK’s position as an innovation leader, and is therefore seeking feedback in order to deliver a modern, robust innovation strategy that:
• builds and supports an open business environment that encourages innovation;
• promotes collaboration and the sharing of ideas to drive innovation opportunities;
• provides businesses with the confidence to invest in R&D and supports them to diffuse and scale the best ideas; and
• uses the power of procurement and customer demand to stimulate the development of innovative products.

The consultation closes on May 22 and can be accessed here

 

Waste Stories 17/8/2015

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1. Free GGHH webinars on August 19 and 20

The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) will be hosting two free one hour webinars on healthcare waste management strategies on August 19 and 20.

For details and booking, click GGHH webinars

2. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft schedule (Aug 2015)

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

3. Short course on healthcare waste management

This short course provides an introduction to the effective management of Healthcare Wastes.

Learning Outcomes:

• To become aware of, and how to comply with, the relevant policies and legislation governing the management of healthcare waste

• To understand the issues surrounding the consignment and transport of healthcare waste

• To become aware of the key thermal and alternative treatment technologies employed in managing healthcare waste

Book to do the course here: healthcare waste short course

4. CIWM public contracts regulations’ master class

Whether you’re a waste or procurement officer working for a local authority, it’s vital that you are aware of the recent changes that have come into effect following The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (SI 2015). This half-day masterclass will provide you with the very latest information on these changes as well as a practical understanding of how the regulations will apply to the procurement of public waste contracts.

To reserve your place please contact kent@ciwm.co.uk or click here: CIWM master class

5. NHS Trusts told to financial plans ‘unaffordable’

Hospitals and health trusts in England have been told by regulators to look again at their financial plans as current ones are “simply unaffordable”. Monitor has written to the 46 foundation trusts with the biggest deficits “challenging” their plans. It urged money-saving measures such as filling only essential staff vacancies.

Read the full story NHS trusts

Waste Stories 3/2/2015

Healthcare

1.US EPA to propose new regulations for pharmaceuticals

The EPA plans to propose new regulations this year to address the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The agency anticipates issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking on this issue in June 2015, according to its updated regulatory agenda, the availability of which was announced in the Federal Register on December 22, 2014 (79 Fed. Reg. 76,772).

Read the story here: EPA guidelines on pharmaceutical waste

2. Half day master class in planning, at CIWM HQ

In partnership with ENDS and Waste Planning magazine, CIWM is delighted to offer a half-day masterclass on ‘Smarter Planning and Delivery for Waste’. Three highly experienced speakers will cover the vital issues facing those working in the waste sector, including guidance for robust and compliant waste planning, advice on locating suitable locations for waste facilities (with reference to what the new waste policy means for development in the green belt) and how to effectively communicate plans for waste development to the wider community.

See booking details here: CIWM master class in planning

3. Defra digest of waste and resources

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published key statistics from the waste and resources sector in a single publication.

See the report here: Defra waste digest

4. North Bristol NHS Trust uses ‘robots’ to move waste

North Bristol National Health Service (NHS) Trust has rolled out a new automated waste collection system using containers from bin manufacturer Taylor and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from automative specialists Swisslog.

Read the story here: North Bristol NHS waste ‘robots’

 

Waste Stories 12/8/2014

 

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 1. Seminar on September 25 (Bywaters: recycling made easy Bywaters)

The Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group will be hosting a seminar focusing on treatment technologies and recovering value from healthcare waste, on Thursday September 25.

It will be held at the Bywaters’ recycling facility, in East London. The morning session will be dedicated to presentations from a range of speakers. While in the afternoon, delegates will have the opportunity to tour the facility.

The event is being sponsored by Frontier Medical Group, MITIE, Sharpsmart and Bywaters. Additional sponsors include GV Health, SRCL, Econix and Independent Safety Services Ltd.

Registration forms and booking details, including early bird discounts are available at the link below. When you book, can you let us know: (1) if you would like to do the site tour in the afternoon, (2) if you require a car parking space and (3) if you have any disability requirements?

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-treatment-technologies-and-recovery-of-value-a-seminar-tickets-11313828967

2.Fist bumps and infection control

Bumping fists has a negative bro-stigma, but it’s better than shaking hands—in that it transmits significantly fewer bacteria. At a time of global concern that our antibiotics are becoming obsolete, new research shows how fist bumping could save lives…

Read the full story here: fist bumping and infection control

3. Online planning tool from Resource Efficient Scotland

Resource Efficient Scotland recently launched an online planning tool to help businesses and the public sector to improve the efficiencies of their processes and save monies.

See the Resource Efficient Scotland online tool

4. CIWM Midlands EU Leonardo programme

The Midlands region of the CIWM has places available for its EU Leonardo Programme on health and safety. Interviews will take place in September.

Read more about the CIWM Midlands EU Leonardo Programme

5. Separate collections to come into force from 1 January 2015

From 1 January 2015, waste collection authorities must collect waste paper, metal, plastic and glass separately, unless they can demonstrate that it is not necessary to ensure the appropriate level of quality, or/and it is not technically, environmentally and economically practicable (TEEP)….

Read the full story here: TEEP guidance

Waste Stories 15/7/2014

Symp2

1. Seminar on September 25 (Sharpsmart: making healthcare safer http://http://sharpsmart.co.uk/ )

The Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group will be hosting a seminar focusing on treatment technologies and recovering value from healthcare waste, on Thursday September 25.

It will be held at the Bywaters’ recycling facility, in East London. The morning session will be dedicated to presentations from a range of speakers. While in the afternoon, delegates will have the opportunity to tour the facility.

The event is being sponsored by Frontier Medical Group, MITIE, Sharpsmart and Bywaters. Additional sponsors include GV Health, SRCL, Econix and Independent Safety Services Ltd.

Registration forms and booking details, including early bird discounts are available at the link below. When you book, can you let us know: (1) if you would like to do the site tour in the afternoon, (2) if you require a car parking space and (3) if you have any disability requirements?

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-treatment-technologies-and-recovery-of-value-a-seminar-tickets-11313828967

2. SRCL opens new alternative treatment plant

SRCL has opened its eighth clinical waste Alternative Treatment (AT) site at Knowsley, near Liverpool. The plant is designed to recover 100 percent of the treated clinical waste as refuse derived fuel (RDF), which will be used in the cement industry.

Specifically commissioned to service customers locally in the North West of England, and following an investment of £2m by SRCL, the new AT plant has the capacity to process up to 48 tonnes of clinical waste per day and adds to SRCL’s seven other AT sites across the UK and Ireland in Cumbernauld, Newcastle, Four Ashes, Bridgend, Larkfield, Belfast and Dublin.

Read more here: SRCL opens new AT plant

3.Zero waste Scotland report on the potential health impacts of the frequency of non-recyclable waste collections

Research led by Zero Waste Scotland has found that there is no health risk involved in collecting waste less frequently.  The reportstudied the potential exposure of both householders and waste collectors to health risks where residual waste is collected at ‘extended frequencies’ of less than fortnightly. Laboratory research found that health risks were reduced if residual waste is bagged and biodegradable waste is collected separately. Recommendations in the report therefore include encouraging householders and businesses to separate biodegradable and residual waste as well as to place in bags rather than loose in the bin.

Read the full report here: Zero Waste Scotland report on health impacts of waste

4. NHS facing pre-election crisis says Nuffield Trust

The NHS is “increasingly poorly placed to manage the impact of austerity” and faces a pre-election funding crisis, a respected healthcare think-tank has warned. In a detailed analysis of health service finances, the Nuffield Trust suggests the health service has relied heavily on one-off or temporary savings but is reaching the limit of its capacity to withstand further cuts.

Andy McKeon, senior policy fellow at the Nuffield Trust, said demand for NHS services showed no sign of abating. With hospital finances increasingly weak, growing pressures on staffing, and the goal of moving care out of hospitals and into the community proving elusive, “the NHS is heading for a funding crisis this year or next”. The immediate choice, he said, was “rapidly becoming one of financial deficits or scrimping on the quality of care”.

Read the full story here: Nuffield Trust report on NHS funding crisis

5. Defra announces four-year low in waste costs

The Defra Annual Report on Accounts 2013-2014 shows that the costs of councils’ waste collection have reached their lowest levels in real terms since 2008. Local authorities have spent 1.3% and 3.4% less per household for waste management activities compared to 2011-2012 and 2008-09 respectively, having spent £140.40 per household for waste management activities in 2013-14 compared to £145.38 in 2008-09. Defra said “this significant reduction suggests some efficiency savings have been achieved, with reductions in the amount of waste sent to landfill being a key driver”.

Read the full report here: Defra accounts for 2013/4

6. Nigerian Healthcare Waste Management Plan

The government in Nigeria has recently issued a new healthcare waste management plan. Details of the document can be found at the link below.

Nigerian national healthcare waste plan