Following a successful trial of eight Bigbelly smart stations, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust has taken the decision to expand its fleet across the site.

The initial rollout demonstrated how small, practical infrastructure changes can deliver meaningful impact. By deploying a mix of general waste and on-the-go recycling stations, the Trust has transformed how patients, visitors, and staff interact with the hospital’s public spaces – while actively encouraging better recycling habits and reducing contamination.

William Sutherland, Senior Facilities Officer at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust shares his experience of the trail:

“Here at The Walton Centre we are very pleased with our new solar powered “compacting” bins as they not only improve our carbon footprint, but the colourful design with our brand messaging enhances the look of a traditional waste bin. The dual bins encourage patients and visitors to recycle their waste. When the bins are close to capacity it sends out a message, which is received via WhatsApp to agreed upon staff members, informing them they need to be changed. Because of the compacting element, we only change the bins once or twice a week as opposed to our previous bins which needed to be changed two to three times a day. This has resulted in porters being able to reallocate their time and focus on important patient-related tasks. As the bins are a fully enclosed unit, it helps keep the outside grounds free of blown about debris.”

Making Recycling Simple and Accessible

In high-footfall healthcare environments, waste disposal must be seamless. The introduction of clearly labelled, well-placed stations helps remove uncertainty around recycling and supports more sustainable behaviours.

By introducing Bigbelly smart bins, The Walton Centre is:

Reducing contamination: Ensuring recyclables stay clean and processable.

Improving efficiency: Avoiding unnecessary collections.

Improving Site Aesthetics: Eliminating overflows through smart compaction technology.

Supporting Sustainability in Healthcare

Sustainability is becoming an increasing priority across the healthcare sector. Hospitals and specialist centres operate around the clock, serving thousands of people every week, and the sheer volume of waste requires a modern solution. Small operational improvements, when scaled across a site, can contribute to wider environmental objectives.

The Walton Centre’s decision to expand their fleet reflects a proactive approach – using data and real-world performance to measure long-term sustainability strategy.

Looking Ahead

At Future Street, it’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside organisations that are committed to making tangible environmental progress. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of our Bigbelly smart solutions across The Walton Centre as they lead the way in sustainable healthcare infrastructure.

Sustainable change doesn’t always require large-scale transformation. Sometimes, it starts with making the right everyday choice easier for everyone.