University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust’s (UHB) mixed recycling programme, which aims to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill, is underway.

The programme is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by around 800 tonnes of CO² per year – the equivalent of that produced by 155 average-sized cars.

Around 600 mixed recycling bins will be introduced into specific locations within wards, departments and public areas around the Trust over a six-week period to enable patients, staff and visitors to recycle their rubbish.

Common items such as newspapers, magazines, pop bottles, cans, yoghurt pots and other food wrappings will be among those which can be easily disposed of in the new bins. The bins will be emptied daily and the contents recycled at a local recycling depot. The recycling bags contained within the bins will themselves be made of recyclable material. 

John McElhoney, responsible for waste management at the Trust said: “This is the first time that UHB has introduced mixed recycling on a Trust-wide scale.

“It really shows the Trust’s commitment to reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill.

“We already recycle many items such as cardboard but this is the first time we will be recycling on a grand scale. Therefore we need everyone – staff, visitors and patients alike – to help us make this a success.”

Silver waste stations are being installed in public areas of the hospital, with a container for general waste and a container for recycling – similar to those in shopping centres and airports.

Information stands held in Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham's (QEHB) main entrance will help to educate patients and visitors about the new recycling scheme on Thursday 11 April 2013.

What goes in the new recycling bins