150 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand to recycle PVC medical waste by end of 2018

^{A programme to recycle PVC medical waste from hospitals in Australia and New Zealand is expanding.}

The PVC Recycling in Hospitals programme has diverted over 200 tonnes of high-grade PVC waste from landfill to recycling sites since its launch in 2009.

The programme helps redirect material to reprocessors in Australia and New Zealand, enabling manufacturers to use the recycled polymer in goods such as garden hoses or outdoor playground matting.

By collecting IV bags, face masks and oxygen tubing for recycling, hospitals can help contribute to carbon and energy savings; especially considering that PVC is 100% recyclable.

Now the programme, which is managed by the Vinyl Council of Australia and its member partners, is aiming to reach 150 hospitals by the end of 2018.

The programme, which currently involves 138 hospitals, is targeting New South Wales as a priority location.

“New South Wales is one of our priorities given it only has 11 hospitals participating in the program at the moment. As the state with the biggest population in Australia, the opportunity to grow the program there is really good,” Vinyl Council chief executive Sophi MacMillan said.

“Thanks to great support and enthusiasm from healthcare professionals, the PVC Recycling in Hospitals program is now operating in every state in Australia except the Northern Territory.

“It’s a great example of how the healthcare sector can demonstrate leadership in PVC sustainability and recover high quality material that can be genuinely recycled locally for use in new products. We are currently looking at further end product applications for the recyclate,” MacMillan added.

In the UK a similar project is currently in its pilot phase and is being financed by the European’s PVC industry’s sustainable development programme.