An interesting piece in The Daily Telegraph yesterday, describing evidence from what is described as the first NHS efficiency tables which expose ‘profligate’ waste of money in purchase and procurement.

I guess the same differences arise in disposal costs, once these disposable items have been used.

If that equitable? Some will say that the increased costs of disposal for a small producer, or an inner city establishment demanding 3am pickups or resulting in a hefty congestion zone charge should indeed pay more than do others for whom a routine collection can be far less costly.

That would seem reasonable, except those charges are rarely visible. Though the sector has a few major players and several smaller companies acting largely as a collection and transfer service, there are significant differences in contract prices between providers and indeed from an individual provider depending on location.

Should there be a standard UK charge for disposal?

Should there be a single UK provider?

Would that help, or hinder, the NHS and other providers? Logically, contract prices would be negotiated centrally by a national consortium of NHS Trusts, and savings shared by all.

But, don’t hold your breath!