Released 08/08/2019 - Joint media release
The ACT Government has today presented the Canberra Hospital with Actsmart Business Recycling program accreditation for their outstanding achievements in sustainability.
The Canberra Hospital joins over 680 local businesses and entities achieving the high standard of recycling required to gain accreditation under the Actsmart program.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said there have been significant changes to how Canberra Hospital thinks and acts when it comes to sustainable practices.
"The accreditation incorporates 22 wards and buildings across the hospital site at Woden."
“This huge achievement is the result of a number of initiatives taken by Canberra Hospital since signing on to the program in 2009.
"I congratulate staff on their commitment to helping to make the ACT more sustainable. It’s been a great team effort," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury said the hospital has made a significant difference to how much waste is diverted from landfill.
"I am pleased that the hospital is now diverting more waste from landfill - co-mingled recycling has increased by 29%, paper and cardboard recycling is up by 9.8% and organic waste recycling has grown a massive 81%," Mr Rattenbury said.
"Introduction of the Organics 'Feed Me' machine began in December 2017. Micro-organisms break down food into a fine liquid which flows down the sewer and is processed at the Icon Water treatment plant. In its first year of use the Hospital diverted over 28 tonnes of food waste from landfill using this system." Mr Rattenbury said.
"Monthly staff newsletters, educational sessions, intranet pages, desktop wallpaper and digital screens are being used to promote sustainability messages and we have seen a 'bring your own cup' promotion to reduce many of the 42,000 disposable coffee cups used each year. Dual bins that include recycling are all throughout the Hospital for the general public to use," Mr Rattenbury said.
For more information about the Actsmart Business Recycling program please visit: https://www.actsmart.act.gov.au/what-can-i-do/business/recycling
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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