{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Recycling Policy

1. Purpose This policy outlines {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to responsible waste management and recycling, ensuring compliance with CQC regulations, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. Our goal is to minimise waste, promote sustainability, and ensure safe disposal of materials while maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the people we support, staff, and visitors.

2. Scope This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and visitors at {{org_field_name}}. It covers the management of recyclable waste, hazardous waste disposal, and best practices for waste reduction within the care home.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Ensures a clean, safe environment for care services.
• Regulation 15 – Premises and Equipment: Requires safe management of waste disposal.
• The Environmental Protection Act 1990: Governs responsible waste management and recycling duties.
• The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011: Sets waste management requirements, including the duty of care for recycling.
• The Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012: Defines responsibilities for different types of waste disposal.
• CQC Guidelines on Cleanliness and Infection Control: Requires waste to be managed safely to prevent risks to health.

4. Principles of Waste Management and Recycling

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Promote waste minimisation through responsible purchasing and consumption.
• Safe and Efficient Disposal: Ensure waste segregation and disposal comply with legal and environmental standards.
• Sustainability Commitment: Reduce the care home’s environmental impact through effective recycling programs.
• Compliance with Local Authority Waste Management Policies: Adhere to waste collection and recycling guidelines set by local councils.
• Training and Awareness: Ensure all staff understand and follow best practices for recycling and waste management.

5. Waste Segregation and Recycling Categories

• General Waste (Non-Recyclable):
  • Includes non-recyclable plastics, contaminated food packaging, and miscellaneous waste.
  • Disposed of in black bins.
• Recyclable Waste:
  • Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, packaging.
  • Plastic Recycling: Plastic bottles, containers, and packaging (as per local council guidelines).
  • Glass Recycling: Bottles and jars (rinsed before disposal).
  • Metal Recycling: Aluminium cans, tins, and foil.
  • Recyclables must be placed in designated recycling bins.
• Food Waste Recycling:
  • Organic waste such as fruit, vegetables, tea bags, and coffee grounds should be disposed of in food waste bins.
  • Composting may be introduced where feasible.
• Hazardous and Clinical Waste (Non-Recyclable):
  • Includes used PPE (gloves, masks), dressings, incontinence pads, and contaminated materials.
  • Must be disposed of in yellow clinical waste bins.
• Electronic Waste (WEEE Recycling):
  • Outdated computers, phones, and electrical appliances must be collected separately for safe disposal or recycling.
• Batteries and Light Bulbs:
  • Must be disposed of in designated collection points to prevent environmental contamination.
• Confidential Waste:
  • Paper containing personal or sensitive information must be shredded or placed in secure disposal bins.

6. Staff Responsibilities

• All Employees:
  • Follow the care home’s recycling and waste segregation procedures.
  • Reduce waste by reusing materials where appropriate.
  • Report any issues related to waste disposal to the Registered Manager.
• Housekeeping and Maintenance Staff:
  • Ensure proper collection, storage, and disposal of waste in designated bins.
  • Monitor and maintain cleanliness in waste disposal areas.
• Management Team:
  • Oversee compliance with waste management regulations and recycling policies.
  • Provide regular training on recycling and environmental responsibility.
  • Engage with suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging and promote sustainable purchasing.

7. Waste Collection and Disposal Procedures

• Daily Collection: Staff must empty recycling and general waste bins daily to maintain hygiene.
• Safe Storage of Waste:
  • All waste must be stored in secure, designated areas until collection.
  • Clinical waste must be stored separately and removed by licensed waste carriers.
• Recycling Bin Locations:
  • Clearly labelled bins for recycling, food waste, and general waste must be available in key areas.
  • Regular audits should be conducted to ensure compliance with waste segregation guidelines.

8. Reducing Waste and Promoting Sustainability

• Paperless Administration: Encourage electronic records and communication where possible.
• Eco-Friendly Procurement:
  • Prioritise suppliers offering biodegradable or recyclable materials.
  • Reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
• Water and Energy Conservation:
  • Implement measures to reduce unnecessary water and electricity usage.
  • Encourage energy-saving practices among staff and visitors.

9. Training and Awareness

• Mandatory Staff Training:
  • All staff must receive waste management and recycling training during induction.
  • Annual refresher training to reinforce best practices.
• Signage and Information:
  • Clear signage should be placed near bins to help staff and visitors dispose of waste correctly.
  • Posters should highlight what materials can and cannot be recycled.

10. Compliance and Monitoring

• Regular Audits:
  • The Registered Manager will conduct periodic waste audits to monitor compliance.
  • Issues must be addressed promptly, with corrective action plans where needed.
• Engagement with Waste Disposal Services:
  • Work with local authorities and licensed waste carriers to ensure legal disposal.
• Incident Reporting:
  • Any issues, such as hazardous waste spills or non-compliance, must be reported immediately.

11. Related Policies

• CH12-Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH15-Premises and Equipment Policy
• CH17-Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CH18-Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CH34-Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy

12. Policy Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes in waste management legislation, local authority guidance, or CQC regulations occur.
• Amendments will be made to ensure ongoing compliance and sustainability 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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.