Northern Adelaide Local Health Network Named Finalist in 2026 SA Climate Leaders Awards
Green Eco Technologies is proud to celebrate Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) being named a finalist in the 2026 SA Climate Leaders Awards for its work to reduce hospital food waste emissions utilising WasteMaster.
An initiative of the Premier’s Climate Change Council, the awards recognise individuals and organisations taking action on climate change across South Australia. The 2026 awards attracted a record number of nominations, highlighting growing momentum around innovation, emissions reduction and sustainability.
NALHN was recognised in the Government category for its work at Lyell McEwin Hospital to reduce hospital food waste emissions, with a WasteMaster from Green Eco Technologies installed in late 2025 in support of their Carbon Management Plan.
WasteMaster dehydrates food waste on site, reducing its volume significantly and produces a reusable residual material which is then collected and converted into nutrient-rich agricultural compost. Since January 2026, the system has completed 25 processing cycles and diverted 16.5 tonnes of food waste from landfill. Data generated by the system also helps to identify waste trends, and to refine menus and portion sizes. The system delivers environmental and operational benefits and contributes to broader sustainability efforts.
With Australian healthcare institutions generating an estimated 251,000 tonnes of food waste each year, 99% of which goes to landfill, the project demonstrates how healthcare can reduce waste while supporting a circular economy. The judges were impressed by NALHN’s measurable reductions in food waste and emissions, as well as the potential for the approach to be applied across hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Sarah Ripley, Manager for Environment and Sustainability at Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, said: “Healthcare is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions globally, yet it is rarely part of the climate conversation. We are acting now, and we are showing what is possible.”
NALHN’s finalist recognition demonstrates how WasteMaster technology can deliver meaningful climate action in healthcare. Green Eco Technologies congratulates NALHN on its recognition and its leadership in sustainable food waste management. We look forward to continuing our support, building on this important work and delivers further positive environmental outcomes.
Follow the link to learn more about the SA Climate Leaders Awards 2026, and find out more about all of the finalists and winners here.