Last week was National Recycling Week across Australia, a week dedicated to bringing a national focus to the environmental benefits of recycling.
The week served as a reminder for the recycling options we have at Monash Health and our role in making sure our waste is recycled when possible.
At Monash Health, we incorporate recycling into our waste system as managing our resources efficiently is an important part of the fight against climate change.
We have several recycling streams which target different types of waste. These streams include commingled recycling, clean paper, surgical blue wrap (Kimguard), batteries, metal instruments, polyvinyl, chloride, and electronic waste.
Commingled Recycling
Our waste provider has supplied us with tips to ensure our commingled recyclable materials remain valuable for their new life!
#1Keep it Simple
Only recycle:
- Hard, rigid plastic bottles and containers, including hollowware items
- Glass bottle and jars
- Steel cans, aluminium tins and foil
- Clean paper
- Cardboard
#2 Keep Out Soft Plastics
Keep Out:
- All soft plastics, including bags, plastic wrapping, chip packets
- No degradable or biodegradable plastic bags – these belong in the landfill bin
#3 Keep Out Small Items
Don’t place anything smaller than a credit card into the recycling bin. This includes:
- Drink bottle lids
- Bread tags
- Bottle tops
#4 Keep it Safe
Keep it safe for our recycling facility workers and machines by excluding broken glass, chemicals and other hazardous materials.
#5 Keep it Clean and dry
Keep it clean by rinsing or wiping out your containers of any excess food, drink etc. Keep out:
- NO food scraps
- NO soiled paper or cardboard
- NO general waste
#6 Keep it Loose
Place your recyclables loose into your recycling bin. Don’t bag or box your recyclables.
Other recycling options at Monash Health
Materials that cannot be collected in the commingling recycling service, but can still be recycled through other waste streams available to Monash Health, include:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) products, such as IV fluid bags, oxygen tubing & oxygen masks
- Single-use metal surgical instruments
- Diathermy leads
- Batteries
- E-waste
- Kimguard and chuck towels
- Large metal furniture
- Lead containing products, such as lead aprons, shielding, thyroid collars
- Uniforms
To learn more about National Recycling week visit: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/nationalrecyclingweek/
Approved by Sharon McNulty.