Clinical & Healthcare Waste
A future beyond incinerationA waste partner trusted by world-leading brands
Waste generated from hospitals and other healthcare and medical settings is one of the great recycling challenges of our time, particularly the high volumes of infectious and other potentially harmful clinical waste currently incinerated due to the absence of safe alternative methods of recovery.
The figures are stark and on the rise. Less than 10% of all UK healthcare and clinical waste is recycled or recovered, 6% of England’s greenhouse gases come from the health and social care sector, and NHS providers currently send 156,000 tons of clinical waste to incineration or other alternative treatment each year. This is equivalent in volume to over four fully loaded container ships.
5kg
Each UK hospital bed accounts for 5kg of medical waste needing alternative treatment every day.
Globally, healthcare waste is said to account for over 4% of all CO2 emissions and 1-2% of all urban waste, while unmanaged medical waste is linked to the deaths of over 5 million people worldwide each year.
Dental surgeries and veterinary clinics also generate significant volumes of healthcare and clinical waste, as do a wide range of less obvious settings. These include complementary and alternative health providers, such as physiotherapists and acupuncturists, along with care and nursing homes, funeral services, cosmetic and beauty salons, tattoo and body modification studios, as well as general businesses and organisations in the workplace.
RecyClin™: A proven system giving new life to healthcare & clinical waste
Clinical waste is processed at MYGroup’s Hull facility using the latest autoclave technology, allowing clinical and hazardous waste to be sterilised and shredded on site with zero emissions and low water consumption. The company can currently process up to 65 tons of clinical waste a week.
The process
Clinical waste safely broken down through the autoclave process, as well as other non-clinical healthcare waste, is directed through MYGroup’s other separation and recovery processes before reuse or remanufacturing into new materials and products by MYGroup’s ReFactory™ team.
This includes the creation of MYboard™, a material with a plywood-like consistency wholly created from shredded, heated and pressed plastic waste. MYboard is utilised in construction, joinery, shop and event fittings, as well as furniture for commercial and community settings, such as schools.
Recovered foil and metals are put through MYGroup’s owned processing and bulking facilities for scrap metal or remanufactured locally into ingots, while textile items can be washed, recovered and reused through the company’s sustainable factory process.
RecyClin:
How does it work?
The RecyClin advantage: Why choose MYGroup for healthcare and clinical waste?
Zero waste to incineration
Full spectrum of waste remanufactured into new materials and products
The most advanced autoclave technology in the UK, with low carbon footprint
System trusted by world-leading companies
Approved by Environment Agency
Accepted Healthcare & Clinical Waste
Clinical & Infectious
- Sharps (e.g. syringes, needles, scalpels)
- Instruments & equipment (including electronics)
- Contaminated gowns, gloves & masks
- Dressings, bandages & swabs
- Lab smalls & test kits
Pharmacological & Chemical
- Expired or unused fluid & solid medicines or treatments
- Blister packs of medications & supplements (used or unused)
- Disinfectants & other cleaning agents
Packaging
- Plastic wrap, films, containers & trays
- Foil, metal & glass items
- Polystyrene & foam
- Cardboard & paper
By partnering with MYGroup, NHS providers, the wider healthcare industry and other sectors producing high volumes of medical and clinical waste can take a decisive step towards reducing their environmental impact, while maintaining safety and efficiency in the management of this complex waste stream.