Global Recycling Day: How to take action

Each year, we use billions of tons of natural resources to meet our needs. Raw materials are extracted, items are manufactured that are barely used, and then discarded as waste. The issue is that the Earth's supply of these resources is finite. With this current linear mindset, we are producing goods to throw them away. How sustainable is that? What if we began by removing the term ‘waste’ from our production and consumption patterns?

“In nature there is no such thing as waste. In nature nothing is wasted; everything is recycled.”— David Suzuki

What is Recycling? 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. These three R’s help us minimise the amount of natural resources that we use, thus preserving the Earth’s resources and the energy that is needed to produce new items. It means that less waste goes to landfills as the materials can be reprocessed into something new. 

  • Reduce: the amount of materials and the resources (fuel, water, electricity) that you use.
  • Reuse: make it into something completely different (upcycling), sell it on a peer to peer marketplace, give it to a friend or donate to an organisation, swap it for something else. And don’t forget to repair any broken item at your local Repair Cafe.
  • Recycle: certain materials can be collected and repurposed. However, keep in mind that processing these recyclables requires energy, time, and can be costly to society and the environment. Ideally, you would recycle an item only if it could not be reused or repaired.

As part of the Seventh Resource upon which we depend for the supply of raw materials, recycling is a key component of sustainability and the circular economy. Each year, recyclables save over 700 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, a figure that is expected to reach 1 billion tons by 2030.

What can we recycle?

Recycling can be confusing. And it can be even more difficult to know if you’re following the rules. WRAP recycling guidelines can be a game-changer. You will know exactly what can and can’t be recycled in the UK, along with how the waste should be presented. These rules have been agreed upon at a national level by local authorities and waste management companies. To find out more about what can be recycled in your local authority, visit Wrap's Recycle Now website.

What is Global Recycling Day?

On 18 March, the Global Recycling Foundation will hold its annual Global Recycling Day. Created in 2018, the organisation’s goal is to help recognise, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet. Through education and communication, they aim to raise awareness about the connection between recycling, pollution, and environmental health.

What is happening on Global Recycling Day?

The 2022 Global Recycling Day focuses on the “recycling fraternity”, highlighting the work of those who put themselves on the frontline to collect waste and advocated for recycling during the pandemics and the multiple lockdowns. 

Waste and Recycling in the UK Healthcare Sector

The NHS has committed to reducing its environmental impact. Good waste management is a critical part of the solution. Ensuring best practices, redirecting, and minimising waste will also reduce operational costs that can be reattributed to patient care instead.

Every healthcare professional should be aware of the importance of waste segregation.

Healthcare waste is segregated into groups depending on how it needs to be treated and disposed of. Domestic waste, offensive or hygiene waste, clinical waste, and hazardous waste are all examples of waste that we can list. They can then be sorted into two broad categories: infectious - anything that is at risk of causing an infection to any living being and that requires incineration - or non-infectious. 

waste segregation

Image credit: Royal College of Physicians Less waste, more health: A health professional’s guide to reducing waste

According to the World Health Organisation, only 15% of the waste generated by  healthcare activities is considered hazardous material (infectious, chemical or radioactive).

It's easy to think of all hospital waste as infectious, but improving segregation of waste can help trusts be more sustainable as well as reducing costs.

Communicating and ensuring that all shareholders understand the waste segregation principles is critical to establishing a safe, cost-effective, and sustainable waste management protocol in every healthcare facility. Displaying aide-memoires and labelling appropriate bins can assist in reinforcing messaging. Taking action in the healthcare sector should be encouraged nationwide as well as promoting increased awareness, and conducting behavioural change and low carbon programmes.

Useful documentation:

What you can do as a healthcare professional?

Follow the Greener NHS National Programme: 

  • Reduce: turn off equipment, lights out, close doors to reduce energy consumption. 
  • Reuse: avoid using single-use items. You can bring with you reusable cups, bottles, or cutlery.
  • Recycle: be aware of the proper healthcare waste management, use the appropriate bin for paper, plastic, or food waste.
  • Replace: walk, cycle, or use public transport when possible.

Educate yourself on healthcare waste management:  

Would you like to learn more about sustainability, health and healthcare?

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Guest Author

Sara Lemaitre

Sara is a holistic health student with an interest in Sustainability and Ecology. Combining education with creativity to connect people and nature.