TITLE: The Chase to Reduce Waste

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 (MFR) 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 has launched the MFR during Recycle Week (Monday 13 to Sunday 19 November), 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 today: '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,' Mr Mills said. Vicinity Centres aims to introduce the Material Recovery Facility at other centres across its portfolio this financial year.
Andrew Richardson Chief Executive Officer, HWNS said: 'The MFR is an innovative project, creating employment for people with a disability in conjunction with environmentally responsible recycling. House with No Steps is proud to partner with Vicinity Centres, leading the way in responsible recycling and employment opportunities for people with a disability.'
The MRF is just one part of Vicinity's overall sustainability strategy which acknowledges that shopping centres are centrepiece of our communities and an important contributor to establishing smart, sustainable destinations.

For further information please contact:

Joel Crean
T +61 447 044 215
E Joel.Crean@vicinity.com.au

John Klein
T +61 400 656 962
E John.Klein@vicinity.com.au