University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) has been recognised nationally for its approach to recycling.

UHB’s mixed recycling scheme, which saw more than 600 mixed recycling bins introduced across the hospital site, has led to the Trust being shortlisted for "Healthcare Recycler of the Year" at the 2014 National Recycling Awards.

The mixed recycling system, launched in April 2013, provides a simple but effective way for patients, staff and visitors to take a more environmentally friendly step by turning rubbish into recycling.

In the first year of the scheme, over 330 tonnes of recyclable waste, such as card coffee cups, newspapers, sandwich packets, envelopes and plastic bottles have been recycled – the equivalent of around 100 African elephants.

The Trust recycles almost 50% of its waste and bins are just one of a number of ways in which UHB has shown its commitment to recycling. It also disposes of other items - garden waste; white goods, such as fridges and other electrical items; fluorescent tubes and light bulbs, as well as old uniforms – in a responsible and environmentally friendly way.

It’s not the first time the Trust has been praised for its commitment to recycling. Birmingham City Council presented UHB with a "highly commended" award in November 2013.

John McElhoney, UHB’s Operational Contracted Services Manager who oversaw the implementation of the recycling scheme, spoke of his surprise: “I’m delighted that the Trust has been recognised at a national level for its efforts to deliver a sustainable programme of recycling.

“I never imagined that we would make the final given that we only launched recycling a year ago but this just goes to show that we are on the right track.

“The project team has worked tirelessly to turn a desire to recycle on a grand scale into reality, and we have achieved a great deal in a very short space of time.

“I hope that staff, patients, volunteers and visitors will keep up the good work and continue to help us recycle."

Winners of the National Recycling Awards will be announced on Thursday 3 July at special awards ceremony in London.