Trust partnership shortlisted in National Recycling Awards

The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, in partnership with Concept Management, has been shortlisted as a finalist for a national recycling award in recognition of a pioneering approach to sustainable waste management.

The partnership is shortlisted as part of the MRW (Materials Recycling World) National Recycling Awards 2024, in the Partnership Excellence (Public/Private sector) category. MRW is the market-leading specialist in the recycling and waste management industry.

The joint initiative has enabled the reduction in carbon emissions associated with IT equipment disposal – known as e-waste – to be measured. This is centred around innovative software which measures the carbon emissions generated from the collection, transportation and processing of IT equipment. Collecting and recycling e-waste from IT materials has resulted in reduced carbon emissions, saving 1.5 tCO2e for every one tonne of IT waste processed. This totalled 18 tCO2e saved from 12.664 tonnes of material recycled in 2023.

This has not only helped the Trust meet its environmental targets and contributed significantly to carbon reduction goals, but also demonstrated compliance with the NHS net-zero emissions mandate.

Mat Ramskill, Head of Digital Platforms at Mid Yorkshire, said:

The innovative software has transformed our approach to IT waste, allowing us to see the direct impact of our efforts in reducing carbon emissions. This is a practical solution to a significant environmental challenge that delivers measurable results. Together we have achieved a streamlined, sustainable IT disposal process that can serve as a model for other healthcare institutions.

As a result of the partnership, a 30% increase has been achieved in the Trust’s overall recycling rates together with a 20% reduction in disposal costs, highlighting the significant financial and environmental benefits that have been realised.

Peter Leighton-Jones, Head of Sustainability at Mid Yorkshire, commented:

This partnership offers an effective means through which we can measure quantifiable carbon emission reductions. It is aligned with the ambitious Greener NHS goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, and with our own sustainability objectives, by directly addressing the mandate for carbon reduction and providing a robust tool for progress tracking, accurate emissions reporting and monitoring net-zero goals. The recycling rates achieved for the products disposed of via this route are a testament to the success of the initiative and overall approach.

Concept Management provide secure computer disposal, IT recycling and data destruction, and work with both public sector and corporate organisations to deliver free of charge WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) compliant services.

Mark Wilding, Managing Director for Concept Management, added:

Our partnership with Mid Yorkshire has had a significant beneficial impact on waste and resource management, with substantial improvements in sustainability and efficiency. This is an inspiring model for sustainable IT and e-waste management, setting a new standard for sustainable waste management in healthcare. IT disposal can play a significant role in carbon footprint reduction and this pioneering software enables emissions to be accurately measured.

The winners from the shortlisted nominations will be announced at an event held on 26 November in London, which is the largest awards ceremony in the recycling and resource management sector.

Going forward, Concept Management plan to integrate more types of waste into their recycling programme and further enhance the software's capabilities to drive broader environmental and economic benefits across the public sector.