Ryde Hospital expands medical plastics recycling program Across Northern Sydney Local Health
NSLHD Sustainable Procurement Implementation Manager David Russell said strong support from hospital leaders and staff had helped make the program possible. “Working with our suppliers to collect and recycle products after they have been used is an important way we can reduce waste,” David said. “It is great to see ward managers, staff and hospital leaders supporting practical programs like this wherever possible.” The program supports the NSLHD Planetary Health Framework 2024–2027, including its focus on recycling more healthcare waste and participating in supplier take-back programs.
District, almost three tonnes of plastic waste is generated each year from disposable leg compression sleeves, which are used to help prevent blood clots in patients. Around 500 kilograms, or 18 per cent, comes from Ryde Hospital alone. Ryde Hospital is now working to reduce this waste through a new program to recycle used leg compression sleeves. Following the successful introduction of manufacturer Arjo’s ReNu recycling program at Royal North Shore Hospital in 2025, the program will now be expanded to Ryde Hospital’s theatres, selected wards and intensive care unit. More than 3,000 sleeves have already been diverted from landfill at RNSH, representing around 575 kilograms of plastic and an estimated saving of 2.7 tonnes of carbon emissions — equivalent to driving an average Australian car around 14,000 kilometres. Ryde Hospital staff from a range of clinical and non-clinical areas recently worked with Arjo to design a collection process suited to the hospital’s clinical areas, infection prevention requirements, waste operations and ongoing redevelopment works. Used sleeves will be placed in dedicated collection bags before being transported to a central bin for collection and recycling by Arjo.
Staff at Ryde Hospital are utilising the Arjo bins
NSLHD staff step up in 2026 for cerebral palsy Northern Sydney Local Health District is getting ready to take part in STEPtember, Australia’s biggest workplace health and wellbeing challenge.
Staff can register in a team of up to four people or take part individually. Sign up for STEPtember 2026 and get ready to step up for a great cause: https://bit.ly/ STEPTEMBER-2026-NSLHD
Throughout September, staff are encouraged to step, walk, roll or move while raising funds to support early detection and therapy for babies with cerebral palsy. Psychological Wellbeing Manager Michelle Barry has been visiting hospitals and services across the district to help staff prepare for the challenge and encourage more people to get involved. “STEPtember is a wonderful opportunity to get active, connect with colleagues and support an important cause,” Michelle said. “Whether you join a team or take part individually, every step and every contribution can make a difference.” This year, participants will also be invited to join the new STEPtember 2026 Teams community, where staff can share photos and ideas, celebrate their progress and motivate each other throughout the challenge.
Michelle Barry and Ryde Hospital General Manager Jennifer McConnell encourage staff to sign up for STEPtember
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