They disposed of their food waste using a process known as maceration. This involves chopping the food up and then flushing it down the drain. Aside from the negative environmental impact, macerating units are costly to run and drains can become blocked. Macerators have recently been banned in Scotland and the water industry trade association Water UK is lobbying for a halt on their use in England and Wales.

Seeking to lead the way in the recycling of food waste within the NHS, RDaSH arranged for a tour of the ReFood plant. Following this, we were asked to establish a collection service across most hospital sites and due to the initial success is being implemented at all site where feasible in the near future. We are pleased to say the macerators are now being phased out and the NHS (RDaSH) have made considerable financial savings.