In an Australian first, Chatswood Chase Sydney has launched its latest weapon in the war on waste, an innovative recycling system which will save an additional 695 tonnes of landfill every year – equivalent to 15,500 household wheelie bins of waste.
With a Zero Waste target, Chatswood Chase will reduce its carbon footprint and this industry-leading operation is likely to revolutionise the way Vicinity Centre’s portfolio of 80+ shopping centres across the country deal with waste.
The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) system starts in-centre, engaging retailers to use specific bins for different items such as paper, plastic, organics. The rubbish is then taken to the waste dock where it is sorted, bundled and processed accordingly on-site.
Chatswood Chase launched the MRF in partnership with one of Australia’s leading disability service providers, House With No Steps (HWNS). The not-for-profit organisation provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities.
Justin Mills, Executive General Manager, Vicinity Shopping Centres said: “The Material Recovery Facility makes great business sense and is a win for the community. We have created seven new jobs, six of which help create meaningful employment for people living with disabilities while also diverting 92% of waste away from landfill, cutting our carbon footprint and improving our operational productivity.
“This is the first recycling system of its kind at an Australian shopping centre,” said Mills.
Vicinity Centres aims to introduce the MRF at other centres across its portfolio this financial year.
