Environmental & Sustainability Initiatives

Sydney Markets is a world leader in environmental sustainability and waste management. Our comprehensive approach to reducing our ecological footprint covers waste, renewable energy, education and community engagement.

Sydney Markets is a leader in recycling and reducing food waste, achieving upwards of 70% recycling of all waste on-site — which not only benefits the environment but also saves the company over $1 million each year. This philosophy includes a commitment to technological innovation, safe and efficient trading conditions and effective waste management strategies.

Waste Stream

Organic Waste

• Dedicated Green Point collection recycling facility on-site
• Around 50% (13,000 tonnes) of our waste is organic
• Four full-time staff advise, educate and manage organic waste
• Organic waste is transported to an anaerobic digester facility where food waste is turned into green energy and fertiliser
• Suitable produce is also sent to farmers to feed livestock
• Over 1,700 tonnes of fruit and vegetables diverted to Foodbank annually

Waste Stream

Polystyrene

• 50 tonnes of polystyrene collected and recycled annually (500 truckloads)
• Polystyrene is recycled on-site and reduced by 90 times from its original size
• End product is exported to Korea and re-moulded into picture frames, building products and kitchen cupboards

Waste Stream

Plastic

• Plastic film is used for packaging and securing boxes on pallets
• Plastic waste is collected out of the waste stream as it does not break down and does not mix well with organic waste
• Over 50 tonnes of soft and hard plastic collected each year
• Plastic products are diverted and recycled into many other products

Waste Stream

Cardboard & Paper

• Tenant co-operation is critical to the collection programme
• Waste contractor physically collects cardboard from the entire site seven days per week
• Around 1,800 tonnes of cardboard recycled per annum
• Cost savings of $700k per annum compared with landfill

Waste Stream

Timber & Pallets

• 2,000 tonnes of pallets recycled in the past year
• Pallets in good condition are re-used by internal and external companies
• Damaged pallets are shredded into garden mulch

Waste Stream

General Waste

• The remaining 30% (8,000 tonnes) of general waste is sent to a bioreactor facility
• Over 92% of methane gases are captured at this facility
• Sydney Markets has contributed 1,800 megawatt hours of renewable energy through waste processing — equivalent to powering 280 homes for one year

Container Deposit Scheme

Return & Earn

• Since 2018, 12.5 million containers have been deposited at Sydney Markets