From overcooked casseroles to untouched plates, food waste in care homes is an everyday reality.

But as environmental regulations tighten and costs rise, ignoring the issue is no longer an option.

Managing food waste isn’t just about compliance, it’s an opportunity to cut costs, improve hygiene, and support sustainability.

Read on to find out more about how your care home can reduce its food waste.

Table of Contents

• Why Food Waste Matters in Care Homes
• Understanding New Simpler Recycling Legislation
• 5 Ways Care Homes Can Reduce and Manage Food Waste
• Benefits Beyond Compliance
• Conclusion

Why Food Waste Matters in Care Homes

According to WRAP, the UK hospitality and care sector wastes around 1 million tonnes of food annually – nearly three-quarters of which could have been eaten.

For care homes, where residents rely on regular meals and special dietary requirements, the volume of avoidable waste can be significant.

A study conducted by our food waste partner Keenan Recycling found that care homes spend up to £50,000 every year sending their food waste to landfills.

This isn’t just a sustainability concern.

Food waste contributes to:

• Higher waste disposal costs
• Increased CO₂ emissions
• Unpleasant odours and pest risks
• Poorer kitchen efficiency

Understanding New Simpler Recycling Legislation

The UK’s new Simpler Recycling legislation was introduced on the 1st April 2025, and requires any business with 10 or more employees across England, including care homes, to separate their food waste from other waste streams.

Even if you only produce minimal food scraps, it is still essential that you separate this from general waste bins.

As of now, all businesses producing food waste will need to:

• Segregate food waste on-site
• Arrange separate food waste collections
• Keep records of waste transfers

Failing to comply with these regulations may lead to missed collections and fines, not to mention reputational damage.

5 Ways Care Homes Can Reduce and Manage Food Waste

1. Track and Measure Waste

Begin with a waste audit.

Monitor what’s being thrown away, when, and why.

Are residents skipping meals? Are portions too large?

Data can help identify patterns and prevent overproduction.

2. Train Kitchen and Care Staff

Staff should understand the importance of food waste segregation.

Create simple processes: colour-coded bins, signage, and regular refresher training help maintain standards.

3. Plan Menus Wisely

Tailor menus to resident preferences and consider using flexible meal options.

This reduces untouched meals and allows for more efficient ingredient use.

4. Invest in Food Waste Collection Services

Partner with a licensed waste broker, who offers dedicated food waste bins and regular collections.

These services often include recycling, converting waste into energy or compost.

At Waste Managed, we provide compliant food waste collection specifically for care homes, ensuring your site meets DEFRA requirements while reducing landfill costs.

5. Engage Residents

Involve residents in the conversation.

Feedback can help improve menus and mealtimes, while educational sessions on sustainability can create community support into reducing food waste.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

• Cost Savings: Reducing food waste lowers disposal costs and improves purchasing efficiency.

• Environmental Impact: Less waste in landfills lowers the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are created.

• Improved Reputation: Demonstrating sustainability is a positive message for families, staff, and inspectors.

• Better Resident Care: Efficient kitchens can focus more on quality for residents, and less on waste.

Conclusion

Food waste management in care homes is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s a legal requirement and a real opportunity to make a difference.

By complying to Simpler Recycling legislation and implementing smart waste strategies, care homes can improve hygiene, reduce costs, and support a more sustainable future for residents and staff alike.

At Waste Managed, we’re here to make your food waste management easier.

From getting your quote to receiving fully compliant collection services, we support care homes across the UK every step of the way.

Get a quote with us today to ensure your business remains compliant!

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With sustainability and waste management becoming increasingly important, understanding how to efficiently and responsibly dispose of these items is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies for bedding and blanket disposal, relevant statistics, and useful resources for businesses.

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Proper Bedding and Blanket Disposal
• Best Practices for Disposal
• Interesting Facts about Bedding and Blanket Disposal
• Conclusion

The Importance of Proper Bedding and Blanket Disposal

Bedding and blankets can accumulate quickly in industries where cleanliness and hygiene are really important.

For hotels, care homes, nurseries, and other similar businesses, disposing of these items correctly not only ensures compliance with health regulations but also contributes to environmental responsibility.

According to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), the UK disposes of around 1 million tonnes of textiles annually, with a significant portion coming from commercial sources.

Best Practices for Disposal

Recycling:

Many types of bedding and blankets can be recycled.

Businesses should seek out textile recycling companies that accept these items.

Recycling helps reduce landfill waste and repurposes materials for new products.

Donation:

Gently used bedding and blankets can be donated to charities, homeless shelters, and animal shelters.

This not only aids those in need but also supports corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Upcycling:

Creative upcycling projects can transform old bedding into new, useful items.

For example, blankets can be converted into cleaning rags, cushion stuffing, or even insulation materials.

Specialised Waste Management Services:

Partnering with a waste management service that specialises in textile disposal can streamline the process.

These services often provide collection, sorting, and recycling options tailored to commercial needs.

Interesting Facts about Bedding and Blanket Disposal

• Textile Waste in the UK: Approximately 300,000 tonnes of textile waste ends up in landfills each year in the UK.

• Recycling Rates: As of recent data, the UK’s recycling rate for textiles is around 25%, indicating significant room for improvement (source: The Waste and Resources Action Programme).

• Environmental Impact: The production of textiles, including bedding, contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions.
  
  Proper disposal can help mitigate this impact (source: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

Conclusion

By implementing these disposal methods, UK businesses can ensure they manage bedding and blanket waste responsibly, supporting both their operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

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As a business owner in the UK, especially if you run a childcare facility, care home, or any establishment that caters to young families or the elderly, proper disposal of nappies (also known as diapers) is a critical concern.

Disposing of nappies correctly not only ensures hygiene and environmental responsibility but also ensures compliance with UK legislation.

This guide will provide you with essential information, statistics, and legal requirements for nappy disposal.

Table of Contents

• The Scale of Nappy Waste in the UK
• Legal Requirements for Disposing of Nappies
• Best Practices for Nappy Disposal
• Environmental Considerations
• Conclusion

The Scale of Nappy Waste in the UK

The UK generates a significant amount of nappy waste each year.

Some key statistics to consider:

• Approximately 3 billion nappies are disposed of annually in the UK.

• Disposable nappies can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfill sites.

• Nappies contribute to about 2-3% of the total household waste in the UK.

Legal Requirements for Disposing of Nappies

In the UK, nappy waste is considered sanitary waste, and its disposal is governed by specific legislation to ensure it is managed safely and hygienically.

Waste Management Regulations

• Environmental Protection Act 1990:
  
  This Act requires businesses to ensure their waste is stored, transported, and disposed of without harming the environment.
  
  Non-compliance can result in significant fines.

• The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005:
  
  While nappies themselves are not classified as hazardous waste, the regulations require businesses to categorise and manage waste appropriately.
  
  Nappy waste, due to its potential to contain bodily fluids, should be handled with care.

• The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011:
  
  These regulations emphasise the importance of waste hierarchy – reduce, reuse, recycle.
  
  Businesses are encouraged to minimise waste production and recycle wherever possible.

Dispose of Nappies: Health and Safety

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, businesses must ensure that waste, including disposing of nappies, is handled in a way that does not pose a risk to health and safety.

Best Practices for Nappy Disposal

Segregation and Storage:

• Use dedicated bins for nappy disposal to avoid contamination with other waste.

• Ensure bins are lined with leak-proof bags and have secure lids to prevent odours and pest access.

• Store nappy waste in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and food areas until collection.

Collection and Disposal of Nappies:

• Partner with a licensed waste management company that specializes in clinical waste.
  
  They will ensure the nappies are collected and disposed of in compliance with regulations.

• Consider service providers that offer environmentally friendly disposal methods, such as incineration with energy recovery or advanced recycling processes.

Hygiene and Safety Measures:

• Train staff on proper handling and disposal techniques to maintain hygiene standards.

• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and aprons to staff handling nappy waste.

• Implement regular cleaning and disinfection protocols for storage areas and bins.

Environmental Considerations

While disposable nappies are convenient, their environmental impact is significant.

As a business owner, you can take steps to mitigate this impact:

• Promote Reusable Nappies: Encourage the use of cloth nappies by providing information to parents and caregivers.
  
  Although they require washing, modern cloth nappies are designed to be user-friendly and significantly reduce waste.

• Recycling Programmes: Some areas have nappy recycling schemes where disposable nappies are processed and repurposed.
  
  Check if such programmes are available in your locality and participate actively.

Conclusion

Proper disposal of nappies is a responsibility that UK business owners must take seriously to ensure compliance with legislation and to protect public health and the environment.

By following best practices, staying informed about relevant regulations, and considering environmentally friendly options, businesses can manage nappy waste effectively and sustainably.

For more detailed guidance, always consult with waste management professionals (just like us!) and stay updated with local regulations.

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Hazardous waste in care homes can include items such as used syringes, medications, soiled dressings, and contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE).

Proper handling and disposal of these materials are essential to prevent health risks and environmental contamination.

Here’s a complete guide on how to handle hazardous waste in care homes effectively.

Table of Contents

• 1. Understand What Constitutes Hazardous Waste in Care Homes
• 2. Segregate Hazardous Waste Properly in Care Homes
• 3. Train Care Home Staff Regularly on Hazardous Waste Procedure
• 4. Use Appropriate PPE for Hazardous Waste in Care Homes
• 5. Follow Disposal Regulations for Hazardous Waste
• 6. Implement Safe Storage Practices in Your Care Home
• 7. Promote a Culture of Safety in Care Homes
• Conclusion

1. Understand What Constitutes Hazardous Waste in Care Homes

Before implementing any waste management procedures, it is crucial to identify what types of waste are considered hazardous.

In care homes, hazardous waste can include:

• Sharps: Needles, syringes, and other sharp objects.

• Medications: Expired or unused pharmaceuticals.

• Biological Waste: Soiled dressings, bandages, and other materials contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.

• Chemical Waste: Cleaning agents, disinfectants, and other chemical substances.

• Contaminated PPE: Gloves, masks, and gowns that have been in contact with infectious agents.

Did you know that sanitary waste is not the same as hazardous waste? Read more in our blog!

2. Segregate Hazardous Waste Properly in Care Homes

Proper segregation of hazardous waste is essential to ensure safe handling and disposal.

Care homes should implement a clear and systematic approach to waste segregation:

• Colour-Coded Bins: Use colour-coded bins to distinguish between different types of waste. For example, use yellow bins for clinical waste, blue bins for medications, and red bins for sharps.

• Labeling: Clearly label each bin with the type of waste it is intended for. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and ensures that waste handlers know how to manage each type of waste correctly.

3. Train Care Home Staff Regularly on Hazardous Waste Procedure

Staff training is a critical component of effective hazardous waste management.

Care home staff should receive regular training on:

• Identifying Hazardous Waste: How to recognize different types of hazardous waste and the risks associated with each.

• Proper Handling Procedures: Safe handling practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene.

• Emergency Response: Steps to take in case of spills, exposure, or other waste-related incidents.

4. Use Appropriate PPE for Hazardous Waste in Care Homes

Personal protective equipment is vital for the safety of staff handling hazardous waste. Depending on the type of waste, staff may need:

• Gloves: To protect hands from contamination.

• Masks: To prevent inhalation of harmful substances.

• Gowns and Aprons: To protect clothing and skin from exposure.

• Eye Protection: To shield eyes from splashes and airborne particles.

5. Follow Disposal Regulations for Hazardous Waste

Care homes must adhere to local and national regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal.

This includes:

• Contracting Licensed Waste Disposal Services: Ensure that waste is collected and disposed of by licensed and certified waste disposal companies (just like us!)

• Documentation: Keep accurate records of waste disposal, including the types and quantities of waste disposed of, and the disposal methods used.

• Audits and Inspections: Regularly audit waste management practices to ensure compliance with regulations and identify areas for improvement.

6. Implement Safe Storage Practices in Your Care Home

Hazardous waste should be stored safely before disposal to prevent accidents and contamination:

• Secure Containers: Use secure, leak-proof containers for storing hazardous waste.

• Designated Storage Areas: Allocate specific areas for storing hazardous waste, away from high-traffic areas and food preparation zones.

• Regular Collection: Arrange for regular collection of hazardous waste to prevent accumulation and minimise risks.

7. Promote a Culture of Safety in Care Homes

Creating a culture of safety within the care home is essential for effective hazardous waste management.

Encourage staff to:

• Report Incidents: Promptly report any spills, exposures, or other incidents involving hazardous waste.

• Follow Protocols: Adhere strictly to waste management protocols and guidelines.

• Participate in Training: Engage in ongoing training and stay informed about best practices in hazardous waste management.

Conclusion

Proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste in care homes are vital for protecting the health and safety of residents, staff, and the environment.

By understanding the types of hazardous waste, implementing robust waste segregation practices, providing regular staff training, using appropriate PPE, following disposal regulations, and promoting a culture of safety, care homes can effectively manage hazardous waste and reduce associated risks.

Ensuring these practices are consistently followed will create a safer, healthier environment for everyone involved.

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With healthcare facilities contributing significantly to plastic waste, including single-use items and packaging, it is crucial for care homes to implement effective strategies to reduce their plastic footprint.

Here are some approaches and interesting insights into reducing plastic waste in care homes!

Table of Contents

• Using Reusable Alternatives to Plastic in Carehomes
• Sustainable Packaging and Waste Segregation
• Reduce Incineration
• Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• Encouraging Recycling and Circular Economy
• Interesting Facts and Statistics about Plastic Waste in Care Homes
• Conclusion

Using Reusable Alternatives to Plastic in Carehomes

One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste is by transitioning from single-use to reusable items.

Historically, healthcare has relied heavily on single-use plastics for items like gloves, aprons, and syringes due to their convenience and hygiene benefits.

However, reusable alternatives can be just as effective:

Reusable Gowns & Aprons

Studies suggest that reusable gowns offer better protection than disposable plastic ones due to their superior barrier qualities, better fit, and enhanced features like reinforced seams.

They also provide environmental and economic benefits by reducing waste and lowering costs associated with disposal.

Glass Syringes

Glass syringes offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic syringes as they can be sterilised and reused multiple times, so therefore significantly reduce plastic waste in care homes.

These syringes are made from high quality, durable glass that can withstand repeated sterilisation without degrading, maintaining their integrity and functionality over time.

By switching to glass syringes, healthcare facilities can cut down on the large volumes of plastic waste generated by disposable syringes.

This not only helps in waste reduction but also lowers the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of plastic syringes.

Sustainable Packaging and Waste Segregation

Plastic packaging contributes a substantial portion of healthcare waste.

Implementing sustainable packaging solutions and better waste segregation can help:

Biodegradable Packaging

Encouraging your existing suppliers to use all-paper or biodegradable packaging for medical supplies or choosing to a supplier that provides this can drastically reduce plastic waste.

Proper Waste Segregation

Training staff to segregate waste properly can ensure that only truly infectious waste is incinerated, while recyclable plastics are appropriately processed. This practice can reduce the volume of plastic waste sent to incineration.

Reduce Incineration

Incinerating plastic waste is a common practice in care homes but has significant environmental drawbacks, including high carbon emissions.

Regular audits can help identify non-infectious items that are unnecessarily incinerated, while staff training on proper disposal methods can further reduce the amount of plastic waste being burned.

Small care homes can implement viable alternatives such as using reusable items like gowns, aprons, and glass syringes, which can be sterilised and reused.

Encouraging sustainable packaging and proper waste segregation can also minimise plastic waste.

Partnering with recycling programmes and exploring biodegradable packaging options can further enhance sustainability efforts.

Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

What does EPR stand for?

EPR stands for “extended producer responsibility”.

EPR policies basically help to keep the producer of a product actually accountable for the entire lifetime of the products they produce, which helps when it comes to reducing waste.

Medical EPR policies hold medical manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer care home waste.

Implementing EPR benefits care homes by promoting cost savings and incentivising manufacturers to produce more sustainable products.

For example, British Columbia’s EPR policies have saved millions of dollars through enhanced waste recovery and the adoption of sustainable practices.

Encouraging Recycling and Circular Economy

Improving recycling rates and promoting a circular economy are crucial for managing plastic waste.

Currently, only 16% of plastic waste is recycled, highlighting the need for enhanced recycling efforts and infrastructure.

Care homes can contribute by partnering with specialised recycling programmes like TerraCycle, which handle items such as blister packs.

Embracing a circular economy approach, where materials are reused and recycled within the system, not only reduces waste but also conserves resources and minimises environmental impact effectively.

Interesting Facts and Statistics about Plastic Waste in Care Homes

• Plastic Production: Over 380 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with healthcare consuming a significant portion.

• Plastic Waste in Healthcare: In Europe, 36% of healthcare waste is plastic, and a significant portion of this is incinerated.

• UK NHS: The NHS produces around 2,500 tonnes of plastic waste daily, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Reducing plastic waste in care homes is a multifaceted challenge that requires a combination of reusable alternatives, sustainable packaging, proper waste segregation, and robust recycling programmes.

By adopting these strategies, care homes can significantly lower their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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This guide explains everything you need to know about care home waste management, ensuring that your care home waste disposal practices comply with UK laws and regulations.

Table of Contents

• What is Care Home Waste?
• What Are the Different Types of Care Home Waste?
• How Are the Different Types of Care Home Waste Disposed of Safely?
• Who Collects the Waste from Care Homes?
• Why is Care Home Waste Management Important?
• What Are the UK Laws and Regulations for Care Home Waste?
• Care Home Waste Statistics
• Conclusion

What is Care Home Waste?

Care home waste comprises all types of waste generated within a care home setting, including waste from medical treatments, personal care, food preparation, and everyday activities of residents and staff.

Managing this waste properly is essential to minimise health risks and environmental impact.

Common examples of care home waste include:

• Expired medication

• Sanitary waste

• Leftover food plate scrapings

• Used needles & syringes

• Used dressings

• Gloves & masks

• IV bags and tubing

• Blood or bodily fluid samples

• General waste

• Recyclable material like paper, card etc

What Are the Different Types of Care Home Waste?

Understanding the types of care home waste is fundamental to implementing effective disposal strategies. These types include:

• Clinical Waste: Items that have been in contact with body fluids and may pose a risk of infection.

• Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired or unused medications.

• Sanitary Waste: Nappies, incontinence pads, etc.

• Sharps Waste: Needles, blades, and other sharp instruments used in medical care.

• Food Waste: Any food wasted during the preparation of resident and staff meals, dropped food, and plate scrapings.

• Mixed Recycling: Dry recyclable material such as cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, cans, tins etc.

• General Waste: Non-hazardous waste similar to household waste, including food waste, packaging, and non-infectious materials.
  Sometimes you may have to dispose of mattresses too.

• Hazardous Waste: Chemicals and materials that pose a risk to health or the environment, excluding infectious waste.

How Are the Different Types of Care Home Waste Disposed of Safely?

Safe disposal of care home waste involves:

• Clinical and Sharps Waste: Using designated bags and containers in addition to arranging for disposal by licensed care home waste collection services like Waste Managed.

• Pharmaceutical Waste: Collecting in specific blue bins and ensuring destruction under controlled conditions.

• Sanitary Waste: You’ll need to have dedicated sanitary bins and bags and arrange for regular collections.

• Food Waste: All food waste needs to go into a dedicated food waste bin where it can then be collected and taken to be turned into energy, animal feed or fertiliser.

• General Waste: Disposing of in standard waste bins, with consideration for recycling where possible.

• Mixed Recycling: Any recyclable material needs to be kept dry and put into a separate recycling bin to await collection from your chosen waste management servicer.

• Hazardous Waste: Segregating from other waste types and using specialist disposal services to manage it according to its specific requirements.

Who Collects the Waste from Care Homes?

If you’re a private care home, you’ll need to arrange for commercial waste collections.

Your waste collector will provide your bins (for free if you use Waste Managed), you fill them up and they’ll be around on your scheduled days to empty them.

Why is Care Home Waste Management Important?

Effective care home waste management is vital for:

• Protecting Health: Minimises the risk of infections and diseases.

• Environmental Responsibility: Reduces pollution and the impact of waste on the environment.

• Legal Compliance: Ensures that care homes meet statutory obligations and avoid penalties.

Want to know more about how to reduce plastic waste in Care Homes? Read our blog!

What Are the UK Laws and Regulations for Care Home Waste?

UK legislation governing care home waste includes:

• Environmental Protection Act 1990: Establishes the duty of care for waste management.

• Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005: Covers the classification, handling, and disposal of hazardous wastes.

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Requires employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees and the public.

Care homes must adhere to these and other relevant regulations to manage their waste legally and safely.

Care Home Waste Statistics

• 64% of care homes in the UK aren’t aware of the legislation from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Environmental Act, which plans to make recycling food waste a legal requirement in England. It already is in Wales.

• 48% of UK care homes do not think food waste is a core priority, but on average each home spends around £50,862 a year on sending their food to landfill instead of having a dedicated food waste recycling service.

• £50 million worth (17%) of NHS-supplied medications are disposed of every year by care homes.

Conclusion

For UK care home business owners, understanding effective waste management is non-negotiable.

By familiarising yourself with the types of waste, implementing robust disposal methods, and adhering to legal frameworks, care homes can ensure a safe, clean, and compliant environment.

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