Reusable Clinical and Sharps Waste Management Service

This framework starts on 19 January 2026, runs for 24 months and ends on 18 January 2028. There is an option to extend for an additional 24 months.

There are three suppliers, including two new suppliers, on the framework offering an extended product range and more choice to customers. See the Suppliers section for a full list of suppliers on this framework.

Areas covered

There is one lot which encompasses the entire end-to-end service for reusable clinical waste containers. See our Downloads ▼ section for the full product listing on the Product Matrix.

Resilience
Our increased knowledge of the global manufacturing base following COVID-19 and subsequent global supply challenges, means we are better able to identify potential risks and mitigate them by building resilience into our sourcing strategies.
For this framework we are adopting measures including using non-financial questions to understand suppliers’ management of growth and continuity of supply for customers to ensure that they can manage growth effectively as this is a direct framework.

How to purchase from the framework

Please refer to the Buying Guide in our Downloads ▼ section for detail on how to purchase from the framework.

Ordering samples

Product samples can be requested directly from the suppliers on the framework.

Please note that the decision to supply samples, along with the unit of issue, supplied quantity, time to supply and free of charge nature of any request, is solely the decision of the relevant supplier(s).

Product switching is available. Our buying guide lays out the processes required for product switching and can be discussed with the supplier directly when looking to enter into a contract or at contract renewal.

Our category team will support any product comparisons and work in conjunction with you and the supplier to monitor performance under the contract and capture any savings and efficiencies generated using this service.

See our Useful Links section for your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager contacts details.

Sustainability, net zero and social value are important elements in how NHS Supply Chain build our framework offering through the procurement process, tendering, supplier award and contract management. There are five mandatory requirements for suppliers to address supporting compliance with relevant PPNs and NHS England policy.

• Carbon Reduction Plan (PPN 006)
• Evergreen Assessment
• Modern Slavery Assessment (PPN 009)
• Social Value (PPN 002)
• NHS England Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and Horizon Scanning

Awarded suppliers meet the current milestones on the net zero roadmap and have awareness and understanding of future milestones.

Social value

See our Downloads ▼ section for further information on suppliers’ social value commitments.

Sustainable opportunities
This framework provides possible sustainable alternatives to single use clinical waste containers which can enable you to make considerable reductions in single-use plastic consumption and CO2 emissions.

Suppliers on this framework also provide training and conduct compliance audits to provide feedback for trusts to ensure the containers are being used correctly and effectively, which further supports sustainability in the waste workstreams.

NHS England’s Health Technical Memorandum (HTM 07-01) provides a framework for best practice waste management across the UK to help healthcare organisations and other healthcare waste producers meet legislative, technical and policy requirements, as well as plan for future challenges and opportunities.

You can also read how Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust eliminated 15 tonnes of plastic through switching to a reusable waste container.

See our Useful Links section to get further information on both.

There are three suppliers on this framework:

• Grundon Waste Management Ltd
• Sharpsmart Ltd
• SRCL Ltd, trading as Stericycle

No suppliers are being delisted.

There is one lot on this framework:

Lot 1: Reusable Clinical and Sharps Waste Management

• Reusable Clinical Waste Containers
• Accessories

See our Downloads ▼ section for the supplier and product matrix.

Product training is available via the suppliers you are in contract with. If you are entering a new contract you should include product training within it, stating the agreed frequency.

About the products
The products supplied under this framework are a range of reusable clinical and sharps containers in different sizes and colours along with associated accessories.

It also includes the end-to-end process whereby suppliers deliver the containers direct to the customer; monitor the level of fill in conjunction with the customer; collect when at capacity and dispose of the waste replacing with a clean empty container to restart the cycle again.

This service also includes site audits, education and training, and management reporting associated with the overall service which is included in the contractual cost and Service Level Agreements between you and the supplier.

These containers are purchased and used by, among others:

• Procurement
• Waste Managers
• IPC Leads
• Nurses
• Theatres
• Oncology
• Clinics
• GPs
• Dentists
• Pharmacies

Choice

• Leading suppliers on contract – providing enhanced range and value from a single source.

More savings

• Pay less – with NHS Supply Chain you have a wider range of product options so you can select the ones that are fit for purpose and value for money.
• Leave your tendering to us – spend less time and money on tendering and let our procurement specialists undertake it on your behalf.
• Back office savings – the efficiency of our service, ranging from e-ordering to consolidated deliveries, enables significant back office savings.

More value

• An integrated approach – the financial benefits of NHS Supply Chain go beyond just product prices. Our approach is an integrated one that reduces cost throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to global logistics, resulting in a much lower total cost.
• Purchasing through our route – when there are changes in the market, we can help minimise the impact of price rises and give support with cost saving initiatives.

Our knowledge and expertise

• Dedicated Acute team and Out of Hospital Care team – your day to day contact for all queries. They will help you identify savings opportunities, solve any issues on your behalf and ensure high service levels are always met.
• NHS Supply Chain Buyers – procurement specialists in their product fields who can give expert advice on new and alternative products.
• Implementation Team – experts in helping you set up the new processes and training required when introducing new products.
• Customer Services Team – with the daily support provided by our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors and service managers you know you are in safe hands.
• Customer Assurance – providing customers with the confidence and assurance of products using a process of clinical evaluation and engagement with clinical users. This ensures all products are clinically assured by the CaPA process, supported by engagement with customers.

Peace of mind

• Dependable deliveries – having access to the know-how and resources of one of the world’s largest logistics companies means we can offer unrivalled dependability and responsiveness when it comes to our delivery services.
• Framework agreement – awarded in accordance with UK procurement legislation.
• Sustainability – Sustainable procurement is embedded into our category management processes to ensure that our suppliers meet requirements for carbon reduction plans, evergreen assessment, modern slavery, social value and NHS England net zero supplier roadmap. Additionally, our logistics partner is certified ISO14001.