How an NHS Trust Cuts Waste and Costs with Reusable Sharps

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare (SASH) NHS Trust is making strides in procurement efficiency while pushing forward the NHS’ net-zero ambitions. By introducing reusable sharps containers, the trust is cutting plastic use and reducing waste, in line with its Green Plan objectives.

The shift away from single-use containers has already saved SASH approximately £23,000 (US$28,500) in procurement and waste management costs. It has also removed the need to distribute 36,000 disposable sharps containers across 90 locations, streamlining operations.

Lee Edwards, Head of Procurement at SASH NHS Trust, highlights the teamwork behind the initiative: “Making changes like these can be a challenge, but we have great working relationships within the trust so when staff understood the reasoning and process, it was easy to bring them along on the journey and get it across the line.

"Our new Waste Manager really drove the implementation, so much so people are now looking at other changes that would deliver on all the same benefits.”

Supporting the NHS net-zero target

The NHS aims to be the world’s first net-zero health system by addressing emissions from transport, buildings, waste and medical supply chains. The targets include:

• Net-zero emissions by 2040 for NHS-controlled activities (NHS Carbon Footprint)
• Net-zero emissions by 2045 for wider NHS-influenced emissions (NHS Carbon Footprint Plus)
• Care Without Carbon, an engagement programme by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust promoting sustainable healthcare

Procurement plays a critical role in this effort, with all NHS suppliers expected to meet net-zero standards by 2030. The strategy includes using low-carbon medicines, electrifying vehicle fleets and improving energy efficiency.

SASH is actively working with Care Without Carbon to enhance sustainability. Key achievements include:

• 100% renewable energy across all sites
• 150 trees planted in the past year
• Nurses’ uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles
• Over 30% reduction in total carbon emissions
• 10 electric vehicle charging points at East Surrey Hospital
• Plans for a woodland area at the hospital site

Michael Brownjohn, Waste Manager at SASH, emphasises the trust’s commitment: “At SASH, we are committed to reducing our use of plastic and the amount of plastic waste we generate as set out in our Green Plan.

"Our new reusable sharps containers support us to streamline processes and pathways, to reduce waste and create a more sustainable NHS.”

Trialling reusable sharps containers

The transition to reusable clinical waste containers began with a six-month pilot in theatres, the emergency department and wards. The trial assessed financial, carbon and plastic savings.

Suppliers conducted a forecast to determine the weight and volume of single-use containers used annually and developed a strategy for phasing them out. A Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) measured carbon savings by considering emissions from manufacturing, transport, cleaning and disposal.

Following a successful pilot, SASH adopted a reusable service model under the NHS Supply Chain framework. A dedicated Waste Manager was appointed in April 2022 to conduct monthly reports tracking progress, identifying efficiencies and managing the system.

Paul Simpson, Chief Finance Officer and Director of Estates and Facilities at SASH, explains the rationale behind the change: “We identified the need to retire old products initially because of safety (reducing injuries from handling sharps) and then realised how environmentally unfriendly our disposal method was, because both the containers and their contents were incinerated after one use.

"Since establishing new reusable waste containers, our sharps injuries have reduced – and in addition to not just throwing things away, the team has prevented thousands of single-use containers from being manufactured and helped us to reduce our carbon emissions.”

What this means for procurement

SASH’s move to reusable sharps containers signals a shift in NHS procurement from product-based purchasing to service-based contracting. This change brings several implications:

• Service-based procurement: Instead of buying single-use plastic containers, NHS trusts will procure a full-service model that includes supply, collection, cleaning and return. This will improve supplier management and cost efficiency.
• Longer procurement cycles & contract management: Contracts for reusable containers will require service level agreements (SLAs) and long-term commitments to maintain hygiene, efficiency and compliance.
• Supplier selection & compliance: NHS trusts will need to ensure suppliers meet strict environmental, regulatory and logistical requirements.
• Potential cost savings: While the transition involves upfront costs, long-term savings will come from reduced spending on single-use plastics and waste disposal.
• Performance monitoring: Procurement teams will need systems to track compliance rates, waste reduction, container turnaround times and cost efficiencies.

By adopting reusable clinical waste containers, SASH is leading a significant shift in procurement strategy. This move aligns with sustainability goals while delivering cost savings and operational improvements across the NHS.

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