Medical plastics recycled in new trial
Staff at RNSH with the new green bins
Royal North Shore Hospital has partnered with the manufacturer, Arjo, and joined its ReNu recycling program, in the first program of its kind in a NSW public hospital aimed at reducing waste from the use of compression sleeves.
It is estimated that 14,000 compression sleeves are used across the district in a 12-month period, as part of the standard deep vein thrombosis prevention strategy, resulting in nearly three tonnes of plastic waste. Under the new program, staff have been provided with biodegradable collection bags to place used sleeves during routine care in post-operative wards. The program presents a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impact and improves how clinical waste is managed at RNSH. The bags are picked up during regular waste rounds and
transferred to a central bin at the hospital’s loading dock, where Arjo collects the contents for recycling on a weekly basis. NSLHD Sustainable Procurement Implementation Manager David Russell said the program marked an important step in planetary health. “Our clinical products and plastic waste are a big part of our emissions, and we’re aiming to cut those emissions in half by 2035,” he said. “Implementing programs like Arjo’s ReNu program at RNSH can
demonstrate how working with suppliers helps to reduce waste, lower emissions and save money, as we strive to continue leading the way in planetary health as a district.” This initiative is one of many supplier-supported opportunities that NSLHD has evaluated and began implementing on its journey to being the leading district in planetary health in the state. The program also supports the goals of the NSLHD Planetary Health Framework 2024–2027, particularly around improving recycling and participating in supplier-led sustainability efforts.
22 NSLHD 2025 Year in Review
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