Modern Slavery Statement
Banner Healthcare has worked with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to deliver a compliant recycling solution for two hospital sites across the trust, including University Hospital of Wales, the largest hospital in Wales.
With new workplace recycling legislation coming into effect in Wales, the Health Board needed a practical and scalable waste management solution that could be easily and consistently implemented across all sites and in complex and high-traffic environments. Leveraging Banner Healthcare’s expertise in healthcare environments, facilities management and compliant workplace solutions, the project was designed to support legislative compliance while improving day-to-day recycling behaviours and reducing the operational impact of waste contamination.
The Challenge
Within the Health Board, existing recycling systems varied between sites and no longer aligned with current legislative requirements. This inconsistency contributed to high levels of waste contamination, resulting in significant fines and operational inefficiencies. The overall contamination rate stood at 48%, highlighting the need for a more structured and reliable approach to waste management that could be delivered with value for money.
The solution needed to work across different healthcare settings, including wards, public areas and kitchens, all with different waste streams and user needs. With staff, patients and visitors moving through the sites each day, the solution needed to support correct disposal behaviours, be accessible and easy to use.
The Solution
As the project progressed, the Banner Healthcare team supported the development of a structured and behaviour-led recycling solution tailored to the operational demands of the healthcare sector. The opportunity was the most cost-effective solution for the Health Board and was supported by Banner Healthcare’s partnership with Rubbermaid and access to their innovative recycling solutions.
As an existing Banner Healthcare customer, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board was already familiar with Banner’s service and looked to complete the requirement through the Welsh Government Commercial Delivery Division framework. Working with the Health Board’s procurement team, Banner Healthcare helped provide a compliant route to market for the required recycling infrastructure.
The project began with a waste walk and site analysis across key hospital areas to better understand the waste streams, disposal habits and usage patterns. This consultative approach enabled Banner Healthcare to develop a tailored facilities and waste management solution aligned to the operational realities of each site.
Before full implementation, a pilot programme was introduced in selected wards and public areas. This allowed the Health Board to test the effectiveness of the proposed solution in real-world healthcare settings, gather feedback and refine the approach before wider rollout.
By combining compliant recycling infrastructure with behaviour-led workplace solutions, Banner Healthcare helped create a more intuitive and accessible disposal experience across the Health Board. The team also supported with the delivery by getting hands-on and helping with the setup and installation of the bins, ensuring that the solution was implemented smoothly on site.
A strong emphasis was placed on behaviour-led design to improve waste segregation accuracy and make recycling simpler for users. The solution incorporated:
- Colour-coded waste streams
- Clear signage and visual guidance
- Accessible bin openings
- Custom labelling in both Welsh and English
- Strategic positioning
The aim was to create a consistent and inclusive recycling experience that improved clarity and supported compliance across all hospital environments.
The Result
Following a successful pilot, the solution was rolled out across two hospital sites, including at the University Hospital of Wales. The project demonstrated how Banner Healthcare’s scalable facilities supplies and compliance solutions can be successfully and effectively implemented across large and complex healthcare estates.
More than 300 recycling stations were installed, creating the infrastructure required to improve waste segregation performance at scale. Across two sites alone, approximately 1,000 bins were delivered to support a consistent and practical recycling experience.
As a result, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s waste contamination was reduced from 48% down to 8%. The new system enhanced the day-to-day experience for staff, patients and visitors by making disposal clearer, simpler and more intuitive.
As a leading provider of healthcare solutions, Banner Healthcare worked collaboratively with the Health Board, Rubbermaid and procurement stakeholders to balance compliance, value for money, operational efficiency and user experience.
To learn more about how Banner Healthcare can support your organisation with compliant waste management, facilities supplies and workplace essentials, contact your account manager or email contact.banner@BannerUK.com.