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Global Recycling Day- Don't Waste It!

This Global Recycling Day we want to highlight the ways in which we can all be everyday #RecyclingHeroes.

Every year Global Recycling Day (March 18) recognises, and celebrates, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet.

This year we want to send out a simple message to all of our staff and visitors across CTM- Don’t waste it!

Don’t waste your opportunity to make a difference. Every piece of waste that we recycle properly helps us reduce our carbon footprint and prevents recyclable materials from ending up in landfill.

One small act each day, though it may seem insignificant, can make a collective difference which is why we don’t want you to miss your opportunity to play your part.

From today you will find posters (<hyperlink) across all of our sites to support you with your recycling efforts. These guides are there to help you place your recycling in the correct bin- and importantly remind people to wash any food containers before putting them in the recycling.

Across the health board we have already seen the benefits recycling can have for the planet and for our services.

  • We currently recycle approximately 40% of our waste each year.
  • That’s the approximate equivalent of 57,000 tonnes of carbon. And saves us around £14million a year.
  • Project work with theatres and anaesthetics has improved waste separation and recycling rates, providing £4,000 - £8,000 per annum savings per theatre site involved.
  • 100% of food waste from our sites goes to anaerobic digestion rather than landfill.
  • From 2020-21 we diverted an estimated 230 tonnes of food waste from landfill- that’s the same weight as almost 12 coaches full of people or 35 African elephants.

 

Craig Edwards, Environment Waste & Fleet Manager said;

“I am delighted to see so much enthusiasm from our staff and visitors in supporting our Health Board carbon reduction targets. “

“The primary aims of the 2011 waste regulations, in line with the aim of the Waste Framework Directive,  are to deliver the best overall environmental outcomes; and the protection of the environment and human health. 

“Where technically and environmentally possible, prioritizing clean washed recycling over general disposal is one of the key aims of the regulations and fits nicely within the 2030 welsh government targets. Today’s push to promote well separated and properly cleaned recycling will help take us that one step closer to that target“

Linda Prosser, Executive Director of Strategy and Transformation added;

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us all to work together to make small changes that have a huge impact on our environment.

“Recycling is an important part of our decarbonisation strategy and smarter waste separation offers tremendous savings both in terms of our cost to the environment and the financial savings we make through better waste management.

“This is all important for sustaining our future and ensuring that we are prepared for the environmental challenges that lie ahead, and the health challenges that will bring.

“Our strategy for Building Healthier Communities Together ensures that we will work with communities across CTM to achieve this and we want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we reach our next environmental milestones.  Together we can all make a difference”

Further resources

Check out our new Recycling Hub. 

Visit the Global Recycling Day website

Find out more about recycling at Wales Recycles