In another step towards reducing its environmental footprint, Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is transforming plastic waste into chairs at Orange Health Service as part of its Sustainability Strategy 2023-2027.
NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the District is reducing waste by recycling certain plastics in theatres at Orange Health Service, with some of the waste turned into seating for patients and families in the ICU and Community Health courtyards.
“The NSW Government is committed to doing everything possible to improve the sustainability of the NSW Health system and this initiative at Orange Health Service is one example of the innovative recycling projects reducing waste in our hospitals,” Mr Park said.
“As a result of this project, the District has diverted 761 kilograms of hard plastic from landfill to be repurposed at Orange Health Service over more than 12 months. This equates to 76 wheelie bins of plastic.
“The transformation of plastic waste into usable seating not only reduces the environmental footprint of Orange Health Service, but it also serves as a powerful example of how everyone can proactively address sustainability challenges.”
As part of its Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2023 – 2027, the district is committed to reducing waste going to landfill by 10 per cent by 2025 and increasing waste recycled to 20 per cent also by 2025.
Orange Health Service Clinical Nurse Specialist and NSW Health Net Zero Lead for Nursing, Rohan Hutchins, said he identified there was an opportunity to reduce the amount of waste going into landfill by recycling certain plastics in theatres at the facility.
“Staff have jumped on board and started separating the hard plastic waste generated in theatres and the Sterile Service Department,” Mr Hutchins said.
“We have then collaborated with Downer and Allmould Plastics Group to find local, sustainable solutions to repurpose the waste at Orange Health Service. The project is a small, but very tangible and visible demonstration of what our recycling efforts can achieve.”
Allmould Plastics Circular Manager, Scott Cantrill, said the project is a great example of how people can reduce waste going into landfill or incineration and repurpose it into other things creating a true circular economy.
“The Allmould Plastics Group is committed to the future and believes environmental issues are of vital importance,” Mr Cantrill said.
“This has resulted in the establishment of our own recycling plant, both mobile and onsite, in which all waste material is processed, granulated, and remade into products that do not require 100 per cent virgin material. In doing this, we are considering the environment, and reducing large volumes from landfill and incineration.”
Downer’s Executive General Manager of Health and Education, Liz Curran, said the initiative is an excellent example of how with partnership, a shared sustainability vision, and an innovative mindset, organisations can collaborate to drive positive change.
“Hospitals have an abundance of opportunity to pursue a more sustainable future, be it through renewable energy solutions, or initiatives like this one which Orange Health Service championed, to divert waste from landfill whilst improving the patients’ outdoor environment,” Ms Curran said.