RBWH’s NICU waste warriors
The RBWH Neonatology and Special Care Units have implemented a range of new recycling measures to help create a more sustainable future for the sick and premature infants they care for every day.
The team’s new ‘Recycling Hub’ aims to reduce the unit’s environmental footprint, and currently recycles PVC, cardboard, plastic bottles, stainless steel, and food packaging. They have also brought in reusable plastic trays to minimise single use plastic, as well as an expired (but still usable) medical stock box to collect stock which is then donated to developing countries.
So far, the team has diverted around 200 Baxter bags from landfill and 250 metres of PVC tubing. They also filled their first PVC recycling bin in less than one month and donated their first box of expired medical stock to third world countries – both very exciting milestones!
RBWH Neonatology nurse Bonnie McNeill said the NICU Green Team are passionate about encouraging others to recycle and helping people to realise we all have a part to play.
“We’ve been recycling in the NICU for quite some time, however commencing additional sustainability initiatives has taken a bit longer than expected due to COVID. We’re excited to finally see some results,” she said.
“We realise that change can’t happen overnight, so we are looking at ways to progressively bring positive change. The most important thing in my opinion is just to get people caring about our environment, so they can make informed decisions about the future based on that.
“It’s vital to keep education and conversations flowing between friends and colleagues so that the word spreads and we all can do our bit. There’s a role for every person in the climate movement and it’s about doing what you can manage. It’s all about little steps in the right direction.”
The team are currently working with Mark Walker from Recycling and Waste Management to look at other ways they can recycle materials used in the NICU. They have recently completed a waste assessment and are looking at ways to better dispose of medicines so there is no chance of them getting into waterways. They also received education on clinical waste and how to use these bins efficiently.
If your ward is not already recycling, please contact Mark Walker from the RBWH Recycling and Waste Management team on 3636 2339 to arrange a waste assessment and to find out how your team could develop more sustainable practices. By adopting more sustainable ways of working, we can help build a brighter future for our patients and our own families alike.