Working hard to reduce the impact of sanitary waste
Sanitary waste is an inevitable part of maintaining hygienic washrooms, but what is not inevitable is how it’s managed and disposed of.
The typical process, the one the industry has used for decades, is simple: collect, transport, and incinerate. It kept things compliant, but not necessarily sustainable.
Today, new technologies and service models are reshaping how businesses handle sanitary waste. Our goal for our sanitary bin service is no longer just disposal, but aiming to reducing waste at the source, using low-emission treatment methods, and designing services that support greener operations.
1. Smarter Collection and Fewer Emissions
The first step toward greener sanitary waste disposal is often invisible: logistics. Every mile travelled by a collection vehicle contributes to carbon emissions. Modern washroom providers now plan routes using digital mapping and service scheduling that reduce unnecessary travel.
At Anway, our collections are locally coordinated — meaning fewer long-distance journeys, lower fuel use, and a smaller carbon footprint per site. It’s a simple change that makes a measurable difference over a year of regular servicing.
2. Low-Energy Treatment Over Incineration
Traditional high-temperature incineration is reliable but energy-intensive. Newer waste treatment options use steam sterilisation (autoclaving) or microwave disinfection to neutralise bacteria and pathogens before the material is processed further.
These systems use significantly less energy, generate fewer emissions, and often allow by-products to be safely repurposed rather than sent to landfill.
3. Sustainable Bin Design
Even the bins themselves are evolving. Eco-friendly sanitary bins are made from recycled polymers or durable materials designed for long service life. Slimline models minimise the use of raw materials and require fewer replacements, while refillable liners reduce plastic waste. Where possible, Anway partners with manufacturers committed to using recycled and recyclable components in washroom products.
4. Responsible Disposal Partnerships
A genuinely sustainable sanitary waste strategy doesn’t end when waste leaves the premises. It continues through to how waste management partners operate.
We work with licensed carriers and treatment facilities that meet strict environmental standards, ensuring every stage, from transport to final disposal, is traceable and compliant with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Waste Duty of Care Regulations 2011.
5. Educating and Empowering Businesses
Eco-friendly waste disposal also means helping organisations make informed choices. Many businesses still believe sustainable disposal means higher cost or added complexity. In practice, efficient service planning and reduced waste volumes often cut costs over time.
Anway supports customers with advice on waste segregation, correct bin placement, and realistic collection frequencies that balance compliance with sustainability goals.
A Practical Green Step Forward
Moving toward greener sanitary waste disposal isn’t about grand gestures — it’s about continuous, practical improvements. Whether that’s using fewer vehicle miles, switching to recyclable bin materials, or partnering with low-emission treatment facilities, every decision adds up.
By rethinking how we manage something as everyday as sanitary waste, businesses can play a small but meaningful role in building a cleaner, more sustainable future.