Container Deposit Scheme – Tamworth
The container deposit scheme (CDS) at Tamworth Hospital launched in September 2023 and works toward some of the key targets set by the NSW Government in the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 :
- have an 80% average recovery rate from all waste streams by 2030
- triple the plastics recycling rate by 2030
It also helps deliver on the NSW Health KPI23-006 Waste Streams – Resource Recovery and Diversion from Landfill KPIData-2023-2024.pdf (nsw.gov.au). Which is focused on reducing the amount of waste disposed to landfill by increasing the amount of waste diverted to non-landfill disposal by a minimum of 5% per annum compared to the previous reporting year.
In early 2023 the Tamworth Return and Earn depot opened in Taminda. This facility was delivered in partnership between TOMRA Cleanaway and the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (Vinnies). As part of the depot launching, Vinnies sent out an Expression of interest to local businesses and organisations to be established as bulk collection points. The Tamworth Hospital sustainability committee with the support of the General Manager then successfully partnered with Vinnies to divert containers from Tamworth Hospital to the CDS depot.
The success of the project relies on strong LHD staff support, with both segregation and bin emptying. Small internal bins are located across the campus in areas such as staff tea rooms, nurse stations and admin offices, these are then decanted into centralised bins. Vinnies offer support in collection of wheelie bins from across the site and transportation to the CDS. Monthly reporting ensures that there is transparency in the chain of custody of products collected for recycling. Tamworth Hospital is then able to report back to staff on diversion rates, this helps to reinforce that every small act of segregation adds up to make a significant difference.
Tamworth Hospital is diverting approximately 925 bottles/containers each month. As uptake continues across the campus this is expected to increase over the coming years.
Not only is the CDS a benefit to the environment, but it also shows HNELHD’s commitment to positively impacting society. Donations are directed back into the community through the work of Vinnies.
By using Vinnies’ Bulk Container Deposit Centre you’re not only helping the environment, you’re also helping Vinnies to have a positive social impact by supporting the most disadvantaged in our community.
The St Vincent de Paul Society helps thousands of people every day by providing food and clothing packages, assistance with bill payments, friendship, home and hospital visitation, homeless services, migrant and refugee assistance, mental health and employment support, youth programs and more.
THANK YOU for supporting Vinnies and helping us turn bottles and cans into helping hands.
Return and Earn - Bottle, Can & Container Recycling - Official Site
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Vinnies NSW
Recycling at Tamworth Return and Earn Depot - Return and Earn
If you have any questions relating to the Container Deposit Scheme - Tamworth Project please contact:
HNELHD Sustainability Project Officer: Amy Bernotas at Amy.Bernotas@health.nsw.gov.au
If you have any questions relating to the HNELHD Sustainability Strategy or other Sustainability Projects please don’t hesitate to contact:
HNELHD Sustainability Project Team at HNELHD-SustainableHealthcare2030@health.nsw.gov.au