University of Sydney students tackle medical waste challenge with REMONDIS

Students from the University of Sydney are collaborating with waste management company REMONDIS to develop solutions for sustainable medical waste management.

This collaboration is part of the University’s Industry and Community Project Units (ICPUs). Which offers students the chance to work on real-world challenges provided by industry, community and government organisations. In collaboration with an industry partner and an academic lead, students from diverse disciplines come together to research, analyse and propose solutions to issues assigned by the external partner.

Students are working with REMONDIS to address the challenge of medical and clinical waste disposal from facilities such as hospitals, GP clinics, tattoo parlors and a range of health service providers.

Sustainable medical waste processing is a significant challenge in Australia, which lags behind other parts of the world in this area. Local businesses do not always have the right expertise or systems in place. Estimates from 180 Waste Group indicate that Australia produces over 42,000 tonnes of clinical waste each year. The methods used to dispose of this waste have significant environmental consequences, including greenhouse gas emissions from incineration, pollution from landfills, and the risk of contaminating water and soil.

The students are seeking practical and scalable solutions to waste management issues, which include disposal methods, logistical challenges and opportunities for operational improvement.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to apply their skills and creativity to a real-world business challenge," said Kirsten Andrews, the University's Vice-President (External Engagement). "Not only does it give them invaluable practical experience, but the solutions they develop have the potential to drive meaningful change in an important industry."

Ms April Browne, the project’s academic lead, said such partnerships helped prepare graduates to thrive in an evolving workplace.

“This is an opportunity for students to gain experience in an environment that supports them to develop their capability through structured learning and reflection,” Ms. Browne said.

Students in the unit have worked on a range of solutions targeting different industries that generate medical waste, from aged care facilities and dentistry to veterinary science. Their solutions include the use of digital app-based systems for waste handling, new logistical approaches and education platforms to promote best practices within the industry.

Senior Executive Leadership from REMONDIS Australia, including Chief Operating Officer Alex Hatherly and Executive Advisor Mike Arnold, has been actively involved in the project. Reflecting on the partnership, REMONDIS leadership shared that the collaboration has allowed them to consider new fresh perspectives and challenge existing processes. “Working closely with the dedicated students from the University of Sydney has exceeded our expectations in terms of creativity and development proficiency,” said the REMONDIS team. “We are looking forward to diving deeper into the students’ diverse suite of ideas.”

Zeina Khochaiche, a third-year student of Bachelor of Arts (Project Management) participating in the program, said: “Working directly with REMONDIS has given us the opportunity to tackle a complex, real-world issue. This unit has contributed to my skills, encouraged me to be agile, and taught me to work in a fast-paced environment and work  in a diverse team”

“These experiences enable students to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice far earlier in their career, supporting their employability and perhaps more importantly, their capability to be reflective, lifelong learners in the workplace”, Ms. Browne said.

• Elective unit for third and fourth year students from all faculties
• Students work in groups of five to six on complex industry problems
• Industry partners provide problems, mentoring, and attend presentations
• Students deliver 4000-word reports and formal presentations
• IP owned by students, but industry partners have usage rights

Hero Media: Mike Arnold with students participating in projects.