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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Recycling Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} operates an effective and environmentally responsible recycling system, contributing to sustainable waste management while complying with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations and Welsh Government environmental policies. This policy outlines how we reduce waste, recycle materials efficiently, and educate staff and residents on the importance of recycling in a care home setting.

This policy aims to:

• Promote environmentally sustainable practices in line with Welsh Government’s Zero Waste Strategy.
• Reduce waste production and landfill use by increasing recycling rates.
• Ensure compliance with waste disposal regulations and environmental legislation.
• Encourage residents, staff, and visitors to participate in recycling initiatives.
• Maintain hygiene and safety while handling recyclable materials.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff members, including care, catering, housekeeping, and administrative teams.
• All residents, encouraging their participation in appropriate recycling practices.
• Visitors and external contractors, ensuring compliance with our recycling procedures.
• Waste collection providers, ensuring materials are disposed of responsibly.

3. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (CHW16).
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (CHW17).
• Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures (CHW20).
• Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy (CHW22).
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (CHW19).

4. Recycling Management at {{org_field_name}}

4.1. Waste Reduction and Segregation

• A structured recycling system is in place across all areas of the care home.
• Designated recycling bins are clearly labelled for different waste types.
• Staff are trained to segregate waste correctly at the point of disposal.
• Residents are encouraged to participate in recycling through education and easy-access bins.
• Recycling performance is monitored to ensure continuous improvement.

Types of Waste We Recycle:

1. Paper and Cardboard – Newspapers, magazines, office paper, packaging.
2. Plastics – Bottles, containers, food packaging (cleaned and dried before recycling).
3. Glass – Jars, bottles (rinsed and safely stored).
4. Metals – Aluminium cans, tin food containers.
5. Food Waste – Composted or disposed of through a dedicated food waste system.
6. Electrical Waste (WEEE) – Batteries, lightbulbs, outdated electronics.
7. Medical Waste – Handled separately in line with clinical waste disposal regulations.

4.2. Recycling Bins and Collection Points

• Recycling bins are placed in key locations, including offices, communal areas, kitchens, and resident rooms.
• Colour-coded bin systems are used to make sorting easy:
  • Blue bins – Paper and cardboard
  • Green bins – Glass
  • Red bins – General waste
  • Yellow bins – Clinical waste (separate from general recycling)
  • Brown bins – Food waste for composting
• Regular waste collection schedules ensure timely disposal of materials.
• Waste collection providers are licensed contractors following environmental compliance laws.

5. Staff Responsibilities and Training

5.1. Staff Training on Recycling Procedures

• All staff receive mandatory recycling and waste management training during induction.
• Regular refresher courses ensure staff understand new waste regulations.
• Posters and guides are displayed throughout the care home to reinforce correct disposal procedures.

5.2. Care and Kitchen Staff Responsibilities

• Kitchen teams must dispose of food waste separately and ensure packaging is rinsed before recycling.
• Housekeeping staff are responsible for collecting and sorting waste correctly in resident areas.
• Care staff support residents in using the correct bins and educating them on recycling practices.

6. Resident Participation in Recycling

6.1. Encouraging Recycling Awareness Among Residents

• Residents are encouraged to dispose of recyclable waste independently, where possible.
• Staff provide support for residents with disabilities who may need assistance in using recycling facilities.
• Educational activities and workshops on recycling are offered to residents who are interested in environmental issues.
• Residents’ families are encouraged to follow the recycling guidelines when visiting.

6.2. Recycling in Private Resident Rooms

• Small recycling bins are provided in each room for paper, plastic, and food waste.
• Housekeeping staff collect recyclable materials daily to prevent contamination.
• Any hazardous or clinical waste in resident rooms is handled separately.

7. Food Waste Management

• Food waste is collected separately and sent for composting or used in food waste disposal systems.
• Kitchen staff are trained to minimise food waste through effective portion control and meal planning.
• Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on meal sizes to reduce unnecessary waste.

8. Handling Hazardous and Clinical Waste

8.1. Clinical and Medical Waste Disposal

• Medical waste (dressings, sharps, PPE) is disposed of separately from recyclable materials.
• Yellow clinical waste bins are provided for the safe disposal of contaminated items.
• All staff handling medical waste are trained in infection control procedures.

8.2. Electrical and Battery Waste Recycling

• Batteries, old IT equipment, and electrical appliances are collected separately for specialist recycling.
• Items are disposed of through authorised e-waste contractors in compliance with WEEE regulations.

9. Fire Safety Considerations for Waste Storage

• Waste is stored in designated areas away from fire hazards.
• Bins are emptied regularly to prevent overfilling and potential fire risks.
• Flammable materials are disposed of correctly, following CIW fire safety regulations.

10. Monitoring and Compliance with Environmental Laws

10.1. Compliance with Welsh Waste Regulations

• {{org_field_name}} complies with:
  • The Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
  • The Welsh Government’s ‘Beyond Recycling’ Strategy
• CIW inspectors may review recycling practices as part of regulatory audits.

10.2. Internal Audits and Performance Monitoring

• Quarterly recycling audits assess waste management effectiveness.
• Waste records are kept to track recycling rates and identify areas for improvement.
• Feedback from staff and residents helps refine waste reduction strategies.

11. Continuous Improvement and Sustainability Goals

• {{org_field_name}} is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by increasing recycling rates and reducing overall waste.
• Sustainable procurement policies ensure eco-friendly products are used where possible.
• Regular staff meetings review recycling performance and introduce new sustainability initiatives.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• CIW regulations change.
• New environmental policies are introduced in Wales.
• Staff or resident feedback suggests improvements.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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