About the project
The container deposit scheme (CDS) at Tamworth Hospital launched 2023 and works toward some of the key targets set by the NSW Government in the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041:
- triple the plastics recycling rate by 2030
- have an 80% average recovery rate from all waste streams by 2030.
It will also help achieve NSW Health’s sustainability initiatives and service delivery measure KPI23-006 Waste Streams: Resource recovery and diversion from landfill.
Project details
In early 2023, TOMRA Cleanaway and St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (Vinnies) established the Tamworth Return and Earn depot. This initiative encourages organisations to set up bulk collection points for bottles and containers for recycling. The Tamworth Hospital sustainability committee partnered with Vinnies to divert containers from the hospital to the CDS depot.
The project’s success depends on strong support from local health district staff. Small internal bins are placed around the campus in staff tea rooms, nurse stations, and admin offices. These bins are then emptied into central bins.
Vinnies helps by collecting wheelie bins from across the site and transporting them to the CDS. Monthly reports ensure transparency in the recycling process. Tamworth Hospital can then report back to staff on diversion rates, reinforcing that every small act of separating waste makes a significant difference.
Project outcomes
Tamworth Hospital diverts about 925 bottles and containers each month. As more people participate, this number is expected to grow in the coming years.
The CDS benefits the environment and shows Hunter New England LHD’s commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Funds from the CDS go back into the community through the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. This support helps disadvantaged people with food and clothing, bill assistance, home and hospital visits, homeless services, aid for migrants and refugees, mental health support, employment assistance, and youth programs.