Manage Your Medical Waste
Initial Medical helps you store your hazardous waste safely with flexible and prompt collections. We dispose of your waste according to legislation, keeping you compliant.
For Washroom Services, Call Us On 0800 313 4972
For Healthcare Waste, Call Us On 0800 030 4005
We have always been British owned, innovative and focused on building customer relationships, earning us a position of trust within the UK market. Initial have 120 years of expertise, providing businesses of all shapes and sizes, and across many sectors, with dependable and reliable hygiene services.
Scroll through our history to learn about our UK origins and how we came to be an established washroom hygiene and medical waste services provider with a local feel.
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Initial is born
Mr A. P. Bigelow, a soap salesperson in New York, spotted an opportunity in European linen supply services. His first innovation was simple, giving customers the same towels by marking each towel with the customer's initials.
Leading firm
Initial quickly expanded across the UK. We opened our own laundry and floated on the London Stock Exchange by 1928, becoming the leading firm of our kind.
Embracing the roller towel
After three decades of success, our eye was caught by an American innovation - the roller towel! Spotting the product's advantages, we moved quickly in 1937 to become the first company to introduce the roller towel in the UK.
Raining towels
By 1963, Initial had 17,880 miles of roller towelling in circulation. If rolled out, the towelling would reach from London to Hong Kong almost three times! Initial acquired Dudley Industries to significantly boost production and cater for an ever-increasing demand.
Origins of Initial Medical
It was at this time that Initial first explored the hazardous waste market by helping customers manage and safely store their medical waste. The Initial Medical brand owes its existence today to these humble beginnings, keeping customers compliant as healthcare waste legislation grows more complex.
More than towels
During this time, we noticed that many of our customers were not receiving the level and type of servicing they required for their washroom facilities. And so, before long, we used the might of our Dudley Industries production house to switch our strategy and to produce hygiene products. Our Initial Washroom Hygiene service emerged, focusing on delivering fresh smells, a more hygienic experience and a stylish look.
Global success
Initial entered South Africa, the Caribbean and Asia during the 1990s. 1996 was particularly significant; Rentokil, a world-renowned pest control provider, acquired Initial. This move marked the creation of the parent brand – Rentokil Initial – that we operate under today. By the end of the 2000s, Rentokil Initial was present in five continents worldwide.
Introducing Signature
As we look back, the Signature range launch was a huge moment for Initial Washroom Hygiene. Signature is a stylish range of quality washroom products made from durable materials and designed to reduce the spread of germs. The range sets the bar for hygiene excellence and won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2014.
Fighting the climate crisis
We announced a new partnership with Cool Earth, helping to protect 42,000 hectares of rainforest. That equates to 20 million trees and 8 million tonnes of carbon stores. We have also funded seven 9,000L rainwater-harvesting tanks, used by communities during droughts.
Electrifying
Since 2020, we have been trading fossil fuels for the power of electricity to service our customers. Our latest eco-friendly vans run on 100% electric power, helping to protect our environment.
Post-pandemic world
The Coronavirus pandemic changed our customers' lives, so we adapted our services to help businesses safely return to work. Our VIRUSKILLER™ air purifier range launched in 2021, followed by AirTrinity in 2023. These air purifiers deliver clean, healthy air indoors, giving confidence to employees, customers and patients about their safety in your premises.
Setting the standard for Hygiene and delivering safer work, public and leisure spaces across the UK, since 1903
Craig is always efficient when carrying out his work. Always happy with the service we receive from him. Thank you very…
By Certas, December 2023
12511 reviews on
Kind hearted individual that always comes in to the shop with a smile.
By Costcutter., December 2023
12511 reviews on
Colin is very helpful and kind towards the children. He also makes sure the toilets are empty before going in. He is…
By Torbain nursery, December 2023
12511 reviews on
Always friendly, polite, efficient and punctual.
By Valley nursery, December 2023
12511 reviews on
Graham is very helpful and on time
By Alana, December 2023
12511 reviews on
Setting the standard in healthcare and infectious waste management in the UK
My NORMAL initial man is the best, he knows what i need before me lol, he is always here about the same time every…
By The Elms Medical Practice, December 2023
2627 reviews on
We set up a new dental practice in South Wales, and the service has been great. Jason helped with the initial set up,…
By Cowbridge Orthodontics Ltd, December 2023
2627 reviews on
Jude is always on time, very personable and does a brilliant job. She is a credit to the company
By Jamil, December 2023
2627 reviews on
Always very helpful and very polite and we never have to ask for bags Richard always makes sure he delivers bags as he…
By Sholden hall, December 2023
2627 reviews on
always very friendly and helpful
By rachael, December 2023
2627 reviews on