The innovative way the Health Board is helping to improve the lives of animals across Wales

Horses, dogs and even chickens across Wales are seeing a boost to their care, comfort and wellbeing – thanks to the way the Health Board disposes of its waste.

Since May 2023, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has used the services of Elite Paper Solutions, a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Merthyr Tydfil.

Using large trucks, the charity travels to the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) and Cardiff Royal Infirmary (CRI) to pick up its cardboard waste before taking it back to its warehouse, removing impurities such as staples and toxins, and then shredding it.

The shredded cardboard is then packed up and sold for animal bedding which is fully biodegradable and has low dust content which allows animals to breathe more easily. The bedding is also good at absorbing water which minimises odour, and the corrugated cardboard traps warm air produced by the animal.

According to Elite, since May this year around 22 tonnes of cardboard waste have been taken from UHW and CRI. Anything that is not used as bedding is recycled, meaning nothing is sent to landfill.

“It’s a healthier option, for both animal and owner, in comparison to straw and wood chippings. It ticks a lot of boxes,” explained Ian Thomas, Group Enterprises Manager at Elite Paper Solutions.

“Our customer base is growing and all the time and now includes farm owners, stable owners, riding schools, and we’ve also donated some of the bedding to a pony rescue centre based in Merthyr as we want to support other charities.

“We’ve had dog and guinea pig owners buy the bedding, and we also supply a poultry farm in Brecon which breeds high-end chickens.

“There’s a growing popularity for this type of bedding from race horse owners as it’s better for the animals’ lungs, plus they’re kept indoors all-year round which means demand for it doesn’t drop during the summer.”

Elite Paper Solutions is now working with South Wales Police to provide bedding for its specially-trained horses and dogs.

What’s more, the company’s whole ethos is around providing employment opportunities and prospects to people with disabilities and facing disadvantages. Working on case-by-case basis, Elite offers training and equips individuals with new work, life and social skills while assisting organisations in reducing their carbon footprint.

Ian added: “It’s a very fulfilling job and I get to see people improving their lives through the opportunities that we’ve helped create.”  

Elite Paper Solutions has already won several accolades for its animal bedding initiative, including the Sustainable Procurement Award at the Go Awards for its work with Cardiff and Vale UHB, and an NHS Wales Award for their partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB.

Calum Shaw, Environment Sustainability Improvement Manager at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “This initiative from Elite helps our Health Board by supporting a more circular economy approach, lowering our waste and reducing our carbon emissions.”