Article 03/09/2024

Sustainability at 202 Elizabeth hotel with 100% Clean Recycling

By Carol Fung

Prioritising waste reduction in hospitality

At 202 Elizabeth, a boutique hotel in Sydney’s vibrant Surry Hills, expanding sustainable practices is a central to their business ethos. Serge Diachenko, the hotel’s sustainability manager, explains how recycling is an important part of their efforts to create a more environmentally friendly hospitality industry–Envirobank’s 100% Clean Recycling Pickup Service makes integrating recycling in their operations convenient and effective.

By booking a pickup for 500-600 containers each month, 202 Elizabeth has made a significant dent in reducing their waste output. For every 500 containers recycled, they’ve saved 30kg of material from ending up in landfill, along with conserving 2,937 litres of water (the equivalent of a 327-minute shower) and 651.94 MJ of energy (enough to power a TV for 684 hours). These statistics not only highlight the environmental savings of recycling, but also underscore the impact of collective action within the hotel’s operations in achieving their sustainability goals.

Building a more sustainable future

The hotel is committed to building a more sustainable future by continuously seeking opportunities to reduce waste in its operations and supply chain. Recognising that recycling is a crucial part of reducing waste sent to landfills, Serge explains, “Why Envirobank? It brings convenience into the equation, making it easier and faster to do the right thing. Our recyclables end up where they should, without contamination risks. The biggest benefit is that we don’t need to worry about whether they’ll end up in landfill—it’s all handled for us.”

He continues, “From there, the rest of the benefits follow: you reduce your carbon footprint and lower the chances of communities, whether local or abroad, being negatively impacted by our waste. It’s also quantifiable—you see a significant reduction in the number of red or yellow bins being rolled out each week. It’s a great feeling to tangibly see those visible, measurable results from the new sustainability programs and systems we’ve implemented at the hotel.”

Convenience and efficiency for hotels and businesses

Envirobank’s 100% Clean Recycling Pickup Service offers a convenient solution for businesses like 202 Elizabeth hotel to manage their recyclables efficiently. “When we book a pickup, we request Envirobank to call us on arrival. They pull up to the side lane, and within a minute or two, our team hands over the bags of separated recyclables. We receive new Orange bags, and the cycle continues,” Serge explains. This process ensures that all 10¢ refundable bottles and cans are properly recycled, without the risk of contamination that can occur with co-mingled yellow bins.

This service, available across Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Greater Melbourne, Greater Bendigo, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, enables hotels, businesses, schools, and community groups to recycle efficiently while getting paid for it. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, cut down on landfill costs, or fundraise for a cause, Envirobank’s pickup service is a simple step toward achieving these sustainability goals.

Film Director & Producer: Andrew Kaineder, Production: Stitch Films.


Opening doors to new sustainability initiatives

For 202 Elizabeth hotel, Envirobank’s pickup service has been more than just a recycling solution—it’s a catalyst for broader sustainability initiatives. “Recycling bottles has opened the door to many new sustainability programs for us,” Serge notes. This includes evaluating supply chains, focusing on sustainable sourcing, and finding new ways to minimise waste and divert it from landfill.

Envirobank’s service is an ideal choice for any hotel or business aiming to incorporate more sustainable practices and create a positive environmental impact. By choosing 100% Clean Recycling, businesses not only help reduce waste but also take a proactive stance in building a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.

Join the 100% Clean Recycling movement

If you’re a business, school, club, or household looking to recycle responsibly and get your 10¢ refunds, Envirobank’s 100% Clean Recycling Pickup Service is the way to go. Simply create a free Envirobank account and book a pickup.

Sign up today to start making an impact: Envirobank Pickup Service.

By recycling 500-600 containers, 202 Elizabeth hotel prevents 30kg of waste from ending up in landfill. Photography: Shaun Naylor-Clark, Great Weather.


“In simple terms, our biggest driver… is to just reduce the number of things that end up in landfill.” – Serge, Hotel Sustainability Manager at 202 Elizabeth


Sign up for a free account and join our 100% Clean Recycling movement! From your account, you can book a pickup.

By Carol Fung