Recycling/re-using

Article (15)
  • Pioneers within WEEE recycling
    In a scrap yard in Switzerland, right in the middle of the beautiful Alps, you can find one of Eldan Recycling’s customers - Cablofer Recycling SA. The company is a scrap-metal processor dealing with ferrous and non-ferrous scrap on a 40,000 m2 plot which has been collected from companies as well as from the general public.
  • Crazy for coconuts
    Ford and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company are researching the use of coconut fibre reinforcement for moulded plastic parts to reduce the use of petroleum and make the parts lighter and more natural looking.
  • Market failure in tyre recycling
    Silvio de Denaro* explains why and how the tyre industry is working hard to turn around the current ‘market failure’ in the resource recovery of end-of-life tyres.
  • From landfill to land improvement
    Labelling something as ‘waste’ indicates it has no value. We want people to understand that everything that gets thrown out - except for hazardous materials - is a potential resource. Essentially, we want to ‘mine the urban ore’.
  • Turning waste into a resource
    With landfill sites under strain, can Australia’s capital cities benefit from waste to energy processing? Pablo Perez-Reigosa from Coffey Environments explains how the technology works and its successful implementation in Europe.
  • National recycling reform
    A new and positive era of environmental policy has arrived with the passing of the Product Stewardship Bill by both Houses of Parliament in Canberra on 22 June. The Product Stewardship Bill 2011 will provide powers to ensure that waste minimisation and recycling are mandated on a national basis. This includes using materials more sustainably across priority product categories, industry sectors and waste streams.
  • Recycling policy ramps up around the nation
    In the last two years, since the initiation of moves by the federal government to move back into national policy on waste and recycling, the various state and territory jurisdictions have themselves lifted their focus up a notch also. It’s an interesting reflection on the positive influence an interested federal government can have on state and territory policy activity and the important role national government can play in co-ordinating state- and territory-based action.
  • Efficient materials management - the next big thing
    ACOR (previously the Australian Council of Recyclers) has reinvented itself to take on the umbrella industry role of leading the push for governments to recognise the economic and environmental benefits of three complementary business systems: product stewardship, resource recovery and recycling. The organisation’s revised constitution and new leadership is designed to provide all businesses in these three sectors with a stronger voice nationally.
  • Food waste - a resource with value
    Households throw away billions of dollars of edible food each year, equating to around 3 kg of food waste each week per household. This is not only a massive waste of food, but it is also a waste of energy, water and resources which have been used in the production of that food. This was one of the topics discussed as the recent Zero Waste conference held in Sydney in September.
  • Driving sustainability in waste collection and management
    The introduction of waste levies and targets to reduce landfill by 60%, are driving local councils to look at more sustainable options for collecting and managing household waste.
  • Business calls for urgent changes to waste recovery
    Changes to waste recovery, because of co-mingling of recycled materials, which results in as little as 30% of collected glass being recycled into new bottles and jars and threatens some export-related jobs in Auckland, were called for at a seminar hosted by the Glass Packaging Forum as part of the 22nd WasteMINZ Conference.
  • Glass recycling hits new highs in NZ
    The Glass Packaging Forum recently released the latest data about New Zealand’s glass packaging production, consumption and recovery showing that New Zealanders recycled 166,575 tonnes of glass packaging last year and that two out of every three glass containers is now being recycled.
  • Recycling in a carbon constrained environment
    Gerard van Rijswijk presents his opinions on how the planned Australian Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) may impact the recycling industry. It is a summary of one of his presentations from the recent EcoForum conference in Sydney.
  • E-waste stewardship in Australia
    Australia’s electronic waste is a growing problem, with only a small fraction of it being recycled and the rest ending up in landfill. A new announcement from the EPHC is set to change all that, however, as Andrew Collins reports.
  • Closing the loop
    A commercial plastic milk bottle wash and recycling facility serving communities across the whole of the South Island of New Zealand was officially opened last November. The plant was commissioned in August and is now processing 600 kg of milk bottles per hour or 100,000 bottles per day.
Feature (6)
  • Rescuing surplus food
    Melbourne-based food rescue charity FareShare has estimated in a new report that it will save 620 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2008–09 as a result of its waste reduction efforts. The charity turns surplus food donated from businesses, including food wholesalers and catering companies, into healthy meals for people in Melbourne who are hungry and homeless.
  • Automated e-waste recycling plant
    Sims Recycling Solutions has opened what it claims is the first automated e-recycling plant in the Southern Hemisphere. 
  • Case study: E-recycling initiative
    Networking solutions company Netgear has launched a new recycling program in Australia that gives its customers a quick and easy way to dispose of their old networking equipment, free of charge.
  • Recycling wastes from the steel industry
    The worldwide steel industry could see waste problems turned into profit using innovative eco-friendly technologies developed by engineers in Australia.  
  • Case study: Water re-use and harvesting scheme
    Grundfos pumps used to boost delivery of recycled water in South Australia.
  • China's green building boom good for Australia
    In a recent report issued by Austrade, demand for green building technology is on the rise in China, with the country expected to be home to half the world's building construction between now and 2020
Product (20)
  • Backhus DC 50 compact composting unit
    The Backhus DC 50 compact composting unit is a dynamic containerised in-vessel composting facility. Waste can be processed at the point of generation, making the computer-controlled unit suitable for food industry applications such as composting grease trap wastes and food wastes from grocery stores, cafeterias and hotels; green and yard waste. Other applications include composting: industrial sludges, municipal solid waste (MSW), manure, biosolids and sewage sludge.
  • Dimension Data eWaste management service
    Dimension Data has launched its eWaste management service, a national program that offers environmentally responsible removal, disposal and recycling of electronics materials, ranging from the packaging materials for new products when they are delivered, to equipment at end of life.
  • BASF Ecovio plastic
    The latest release of the Ecovio range can be used to make 100% compostable and biodegradable plastic bags which meet European standard EN 13432 and Australian standard AS 4736.
  • HSM ProfiPack 400 cardboard waste converter
    The HSM ProfiPack 400 is a compact tabletop machine designed to convert cardboard waste into a packaging material for re-use. The waste cardboard is fed into the device which then instantly converts it into an interlaced weave pattern. The packaging material produced is non-slip, easy to bend and provides a good replacement for other types of packaging such as bubble wrap and foam beads.
  • Festo MHJ valve series
    The MHJ valve series has the ability to output very short pulses of air, which can result in energy savings and makes it suitable for various applications. It features a long service life and high precision with direct actuation for the shortest switching times of \<1 ms, flow rates of 50, 100 and 150 L/min and good repetition accuracy of \<0.1 ms.
  • C&D recycling facility
    The $45 million Western Metropolitan Recycling Facility, owned and operated by the Alex Fraser Group, has been opened in Melbourne.
  • PET ‘bottle to bottle’ recycling unit
    The France Plastiques Recyclage (FPR) - a joint venture for SITA France, a Suez Environment subsidiary, and the Paprec Group - has opened its first PET bottle recycling unit in Limay, France. At the successful completion of the 40-million-euro project, the plant will be able to recycle 40,000 tonnes of bottles per year, which will be directly usable, in granulate form, in the manufacture of new bottles or food product containers.
  • Steinert sensor sorting system
    The X-ray Sorting System (XSS) allows new possibilities for automated sorting of mixed material. Capable of recognising different material densities, the system uses a combination of information processing and X-ray sensing technologies to distinguish materials with similar colours and weights. This functionality allows it to process and sort material for applications such as: minerals processing, waste and recycling, production of refuse derived fuels (RDF), scrap metal processing and e-waste applications.
  • Stand for strap recycling
    A versatile stand has been designed to help users save time when recycling sorted steel and PET strapping into two separate recycling bins. The stand is used for moving the Sweed Strap Choppers over the separate bins.
  • Reverse vending machine
    Sydney’s Metcentre shopping centre complex has installed a reverse vending machine from Envirobank to manage the centre’s recyclable waste, lower its environmental impact and engage with customers.
  • Container cleaning and crushing system
    Used steel and plastic drums have presented a disposal issue to many industries; Aquasol Products is now importing the Drumbeaters range from the US to help address this problem.
  • IT recycling self-assessment tool
    Greenbox has launched a free self-assessment tool for businesses to help them rate their recycling programs. The assessment is completed via an online survey on Greenbox’s website and includes questions on disposal strategies, compliance with laws and standards, and internal accountability.
  • E-waste recycling facility
    TES-AMM has begun operations in Australia to provide assistance to IT manufacturers, businesses and consumers in recycling e-waste.
  • Glass recycling facility
    WSN Environmental Solutions and joint venture partner Australian Glass Technologies (AGT) are launching a facility capable of processing up to 40,000 t per year of previously unwanted glass.
  • Paint recycling service
    PlaceMakers has launched an environmental initiative in New Zealand to help customers recycle unwanted paint - providing a solution to an increasing environmental problem
  • Solvent recycling service
    Planet Paints is a solvent recycling and paint manufacturing service which is focused on the recycling of solvent from the automotive trade. The business is fully EPA licensed and as such is able to collect the waste product from the panel trade and return it to its depot for recycling.
  • LDO sensor
    The Hach/Hydrolab LDO sensor is approved by the EPA. It uses a sensor cap that is coated with a luminescent material. Blue light from an LED strikes the luminescent chemical on the sensor, which instantly becomes excited. As the excited chemical relaxes, it releases red light. The higher the oxygen concentration, the less red light given off by the sensor cap. The red light is detected by a photo diode. The time it takes for the chemical to return to a relaxed state is measured.
  • Free online re-use solution
    www.e-cycled.com is a free online site that was developed by Cameron Andrews, Sandra Wang and Emma Rogers. It is a safe, easy and free way to get in touch with people in the user's local area who are looking for things that they don't need anymore.
  • Glass recycling process
    The Glass AGG system from Glass Aggregate Systems is capable of processing plate and laminated window glass, and glass beverage and food containers.
  • Photometric converter
    The Optek C4000 is a photometric converter engineered for performance and advanced multifunction process monitoring and control. It supports bi-communication, 4-20 mA, four relay outputs and eight I/O product/range changes. It has a built-in data logger and split graphical/numerical displays.
News (99)
  • Guide for the re-use of construction and demolition waste
    The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has released a guide to assist in the development of effective markets for the re-use of construction and demolition waste. The ‘Construction and Demolition Waste Guide - recycling and re-use across the supply chain’ draws on Australian case studies to highlight the best practice waste management and resource recovery in the construction and demolition sector and to address a common perception that the re-use of this type of waste is too difficult.
  • Recycling of disposable nappies now a reality
    New technology is enabling the recycling of disposable nappies, female hygiene products and adult incontinence aids.
  • Design award for biodegradeable children's stool
    A children's stool made from wheat starch, water, vinegar, glycerol, pea straw and grass seeds has won a design discovery award.
  • Biological brands join recycling program
    GROLogic and Roots Shoots and Fruits are the latest brands to join the Agrecovery Container Recycling program in New Zealand.
  • New playful App encourages recycling
    The Bin It! App aims to encourage 'players' to toss plastic packaging into virtual - and real world - recycling bins.
  • Tyre-recycling process launched in Victoria
    An environmentallly sustainable tyre-recycling process developed in Victoria has been launched.
  • ‘Fuel’ from paint sludge
    In an attempt to halve the amount of paint sludge disposed of in landfill, Ford Australia is using the sludge as an alternative source of fuel in the cement-making process.
  • Leichhardt residents’ recycling skills acknowledged
    The good recycling skills of residents in Leichhardt have been identified in a recent LGA audit of recycling bins.
  • Responsible recycling of automotive and industrial batteries
    The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI) has initiated an industry awareness program to ensure that all organisations involved in the recovery of automotive and industrial batteries are aware of their legal, social and environmental obligations.
  • Parramatta Council awards recycling contract
    Parramatta City Council has awarded its contract to process construction and demolition waste to Benedict Recyling.
  • E-waste being dumped in Africa
    An investigation by SBS’s Dateline has found that electronic waste from Australia is being illegally shipped and dumped in the west African nation of Ghana. The report has prompted the Australian Government to launch an investigation into Australia’s role in the exportation of e-waste.
  • Research says consumers prefer glass food packaging
    Glass packaging maker O-I says its new research shows Australian consumers prefer glass packaging for their food and beverages.
  • Asian e-waste contamination could become a global threat
    There is concern that the electronic waste contamination in Asia could potentially spread worldwide.
  • Shaping the future of resource recovery
    Australian sustainable resource recovery management specialist SITA Australia launches its new brand and identity.
  • Nestlé encourages recycling in Singapore
    Nestlé Singapore’s 123 REcycle application for iPhone and Android devices has been launched to help people recycle waste packaging correctly.
  • SITA joins FluoroCycle as Foundation Signatory
    SITA Environmental Solutions has become a Foundation Signatory of FluoroCyle, an initiative of the Australian Government and the Lighting Council of Australia.
  • Glass-crushing plant for Hamilton Island
    A glass-crushing plant on Hamilton Island provides a local use for recycled crushed glass (RCG), negating the need to transport the material to the mainland at great economic and environmental expense.
  • ATM Recyclingsystems appoints Koga Recyclingtech as Australasian agent
    ATM Recyclingsystems of Pucking, Austria, supplier of heavy recycling machines and specialised scrap processing systems to the global metals recycling industries, has appointed the Koga Group as its Australasian agent.
  • DKSH signs Titech representation agreement for ANZ
    DKSH Australia has signed an agreement to become the exclusive sales representative of Titech for Australia and New Zealand.
  • Giving mobile phones another life
    After his first meeting with recycling company Green Collect, Aid Rawlins drove to his Mulgrave office with more than 800 mobile phones in the boot. Aid is the Managing Director of Australia’s first online mobile phone recycling company, Mazuma Mobile, that offers cash back to businesses and individuals.
  • Sims Metal Management acquiring metal recycling company assets
    Sims Metal Management, the listed metal and electronic recycling company, has announced that its subsidiary Sims Group Australia Holdings Limited (SimsMM Australia) has signed an agreement for the purchase of the assets of Commercial Metal Recycling Services (CMRS).
  • Resource recovery facility operating at full capacity
    Over 25,000 tonnes of a new source of nutrient-rich compost have been added to Perth’s agricultural soils over the past year. The source of the new supply of organic soil conditioner is the advanced resource recovery facility (RRF) at Neerabup, which recently completed its first full year of operation.
  • SMBs to be rewarded for recycling old technology
    Hewlett-Packard Australia has announced a campaign that delivers cash rebates to small to medium-sized businesses when they replace, and then recycle, their old PCs before 31 October 2010.
  • Cardia Bioplastics and Sulo collaborate in household food waste recycling
    Cardia Bioplastics will provide Sulo MGB (Australia), supplier of waste containment products, with certified compostable bags, enabling Sulo to offer fully integrated organic waste diversion services to local governments.
  • Recycling directory for businesses
    A free, online directory containing information about recycling and waste disposal services for Australian small to medium-sized businesses is now available. BusinessRecycling.com.au has been established by Planet Ark in association with the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water NSW and Pitney Bowes.
  • O-I’s Lean+Green wine bottles win design award
    O-I’s Lean+Green lightweight wine bottle range secured its fifth national award after taking out a prestigious Australian International Design Award in Sydney.
  • Wet’n’Wild rides the recycling wave
    Wet’n’Wild Water World has announced the rollout of a public recycling initiative that will see more than 1000 bottles diverted from landfill each day.
  • Major producers join NZ silage wrap recovery program
    More silage wrap is set to be recovered off New Zealand farms following the announcement that two leading producers have joined the Agrecovery Wrap Recycling program.
  • SITA signs with anaerobic digestion technology provider
    SITA Environmental Solutions (SITA) has entered into an exclusive agreement with Organic Waste Systems (OWS) in order to deliver anaerobic digestion solutions in Australia as an add-on option to its composting and recycling facilities.
  • Plastic milk bottle wash and recycling facility for NZ South Island
    A world-class commercial plastic milk bottle wash and recycling facility, serving communities across the whole of the South Island of New Zealand,  has been officially opened by the Hon Dr Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment. The plant was commissioned in August and is now processing 600 kg of milk bottles per hour or 100,000 bottles per day.
  • Ministers support industry waste partnership
    A communiqué by Australia’s Environment Ministers outlining a comprehensive long-term national waste strategy has been welcomed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).
  • Australians want more container recycling options
    According to a new study, Australians are looking for more container recycling facilities, especially when they are away from home.
  • Flemington backs a winner in glass recycling
    The equivalent of half a million champagne bottles is expected to be recycled at this week’s Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington.
  • Making it easy to Do the Right Thing in Queensland
    A new recycling initiative will significantly reduce waste to landfill by enabling shoppers to recycle.
  • Landmark agreement sheds light on future of e-waste recycling
    Television and computer manufacturers that import products to Australia may soon have to join a national electronic waste (e-waste) recycling scheme, if the federal government decides to implement a new recycling model backed by environment and industry groups.
  • A new wave in water bottle production
    Evian Volvic Sources (EVS) has become the first client of the France Plastiques Recyclage (FPR) plant which was built in Limay by Paprec and Sita, a subsidiary of Suez Environnement.
  • Mobile phone recycling awards
    Moonee Valley City Council and Eurobodalla Shire Council were joint winners of the prestigious ‘National Excellence Award’ for mobile phone recycling at the 2009 MobileMuster Local Government Awards.
  • Recycling made easier in major Lend Lease shopping centres
    Shoppers and shopping centre staff will now be able to recycle efficiently and effectively while away from home thanks to a new industry-funded initiative between the Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) of the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Lend Lease Retail.
  • National battery recycling charges ahead
    In the lead-up to World Environment Day, SITA Environmental Solutions is charging up battery recycling in Australia with the national launch of its Battery Recycling program.
  • Scrap vehicles to win
    The Ministry of Transport is offering motorists in Christchurch and Wellington instant rewards when they scrap unwanted vehicles. Participating vehicle recyclers will also be giving these motorists the chance to win a brand new Toyota Corolla.
  • Macarthur recycling facility reaches quarter of a million tonnes
    Sydney recycler WSN Environmental Solutions has processed a quarter of a million tonnes of resources in its materials recycling facility (MRF) at Macarthur Resource Recovery Park at Narellan.
  • Advanced waste treatment plant opened in Western Sydney
    A $50 million advanced waste treatment plant will establish Western Sydney residents as the most effective recyclers in NSW.
  • Cane toads to return to canefields as mulch
    One of Australia’s greatest pests, the cane toad, is about to serve a useful purpose as mulch in the sugar cane crops it has traditionally multiplied in.
  • 48 tonnes of waste saved from going to landfill
    Over the last week, New Zealanders saved 48 tonnes of waste from going to landfill as part of this year’s Fisher & Paykel Appliances’ recycling days.
  • DUMP award winners for bad packaging announced
    Everyday supermarket items including Coles pre-packed lemons, Kids Care fruit snacks and Dynamo laundry refill packs have been exposed for their use of damaging and useless packaging in Environment Victoria’s 2009 National DUMP Awards.
  • Container deposit systems will cost consumers more
    Australian Food and Grocery Council Chief Executive Kate Carnell said that it was disappointing that high-profile members of the community were still calling for costly, outdated 1970s solutions to 2009 challenges.
  • Television and computer monitor recycling plant for Australia
    Australia is set to increase its recycling capacity with the introduction of the television and computer monitor recycling company, CRT Recycling Australia.
  • Industry organisation launches new structure
    The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative has announced the official structure of its newly incorporated organisation.
  • Plastic bag ban passed by SA parliament
    The South Australian Parliament has passed legislation to ban plastic bags.
  • Waste processing park receives gold award from government
    Sydney recycling company WSN Environmental Solutions has been honoured by the NSW government for its waste processing park in Sydney’s south-west, receiving a gold award in the 2008 Premier’s Public Sector Awards.
  • Recycling industry welcomes landfill levy
    The recycling and waste management industry said that announcements in the NSW Treasurer’s Mini-Budget would hasten a major increase in recycling in NSW.
  • Company wins award for bin retention system
    Australian Cosset Industries has won a national environmental award for a product that turns old cash, plastic bags and discarded drink bottles into trashcan holders.
  • Research shows Australians looking for guidance on global warming
    Research shows ‘recycling’ is Australia’s most widely understood environmental term and is considered the most practical and tangible way for the public to ‘do their bit’.
  • Revelations on the recycling habits of Australians
    Australians are continuing to do the right thing and recycle at home, achieving residential recovery rates for beverage containers of between 75–85%, similar rates to those achieved through South Australia’s container deposit system.
  • Call for expressions of interest
    Sustainability Victoria is calling for expressions of interest for projects to develop and implement new collection service models and improved logistics for the recovery of commercial and industrial post-consumer recyclable packaging.
  • Green group calls for 21st century approach to electrical waste
    Environment Victoria has called on all state and federal environment ministers to stop avoiding the issue of electrical waste and urged them to discuss a new recycling scheme for televisions and fluorescent lights at the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) meeting.
  • Mobile phone recycling now easier in Canberra
    It is now easier and more convenient for Canberrans to recycle their old mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories.
  • Drum recycling program approaches milestone
    The drumMUSTER drum collection and recycling scheme is approaching its 12 million-drum milestone.
  • ACCC seeks submissions
    The ACCC has proposed to allow the Inner Sydney Waste Management Group of Councils to tender and contract for services to transfer, process and dispose of food and garden organic waste and to market and sell any end products in the relevant local government areas.
  • Mattress recycling program reaches 10,000 mark
    Sydney residents have dropped off 10,000 mattresses at recycling sites throughout Sydney.
  • Viability of recyclers threatened
    The viability of recyclers is threatened by the Rudd government’s climate change policies, according to theTotal Environment Centre.
  • Business waste gets $23 million government and industry recycle makeover
    Recent data from Australian waste management company Transpacific Industries Group Ltd suggests fewer than 20% of Australian businesses recycle.
  • $10 million for future waste management
    The Victorian Advanced Resource Recovery Initiative (VARRI) will explore the use of new waste recovery technology to process Melbourne’s waste into clean energy and product such as compost.
  • Recyclers call on government to recognise recycling
    A collection of the biggest recyclers in the country is calling for the Federal Government to give serious recognition to recycling’s valuable contribution to combating climate change.  
  • EPA reviews waste regulation
    The South Australian EPA is reviewing the way it regulates the waste industry in response to the increase in resource recovery and re-use.
  • ISO increases confidence in certification of ship recycling management systems
    An ISO publicly available specification (PAS) for bodies providing audit and certification of ship recycling management will help to increase the safety of workers and protection of the environment by providing requirements for independent recognition of good practice.
  • Funding to stop packaging waste from landfill
    The National Packaging Covenant announced approval of funding for five new projects to start over the next 12 months, which will leverage $42 million of investment into recycling infrastructure and litter prevention in Australia.
  • Energy efficient business need to be rewarded
    Speaking before the Senate Inquiry into the Management of Australia's Waste Streams, SITA Environmental Solutions’ Mike Ritchie said that leaving energy efficiency out of an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) would be neglecting one of the key drivers that will make the scheme work.
  • Packaging recycling on track to meet targets
    The Australian Food and Grocery Council has advised the Senate Inquiry into the Management of Australia’s Waste Streams and the Drink Container Recycling Bill 2008 that there is no crisis in packaging waste and that Australia was progressing well towards recycling targets set by government.
  • Standard to expand plastics recovery and recycling worldwide
    A new ISO International Standard will assist the emerging worldwide market for plastic recovery and recycling.
  • Garden organics facility opens at Macarthur
    WSN Environmental Solutions has reached a milestone in the rollout of its Macarthur Resource Recovery Park, with the Ecolibrium garden organics facility starting commissioning this week.
  • Waste bill gives economic incentives
    New waste legislation will offer economic incentives and rewards to businesses and councils that do their bit for waste reduction, said Environment Minister Trevor Mallard during the second reading of the Waste Minimisation Bill.
  • Tropical forest sustainabilty: a climate change boon
    Improved management of the world's tropical forests has major implications for humanity's ability to reduce its contribution to climate change, according to a paper published in the international journal, Science.
  • Calls for e-waste management system via 'Take Back' policy and energy star rating
    The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has called on the ICT industry and Federal Government to consider adopting a two-pronged policy approach to reduce the environmental effects of e-waste by introducing a 'Take Back' policy for domestic and commercial ICT manufacturers.
  • Griffith earmarked for UN e-waste hub
    Queensland's Griffith University has been approached by the United Nations research arm for managing electronic waste to create an Asia–Pacific hub dedicated to reducing the 40 million tonnes of e-waste produced each year worldwide.
  • National carbon committee for waste industry
    The Waste Management Association of Australia has moved to strengthen the voice of the waste industry in forming a National Carbon Committee as the government finalises the Australian Emissions Trading Scheme (AETS).
  • Organic farming to mitigate climate change
    A 30-year scientific trial shows that organic practices can counteract up to 40% of global greenhouse gas output.
  • National conference to promote sustainability
    An alliance of Australian universities has invited business, industry, government, schools and TAFE to a united conference to promote partnerships that will lead to improved sustainability.
  • Going Green Expo opens on World Environment Day
    The Going Green Expo 2008 will provide businesses and consumers with the opportunity to explore a wide range of ‘green’ consumables, commercial products and technologies which offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to life in the workplace and at home.
  • Industry seeks ongoing commitment to managing packaging waste
    The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has called on Environment Ministers to reject calls for a national container deposit system ahead of discussions at the Environment Protection and Heritage Council meeting in Melbourne.
  • Calls for increased recycling and a reduction of greenhouse gases
    Diageo Australia has announced its support for having effective means of recycling and reducing greenhouse gases following calls by Senator Steve Fielding, as well as those made recently by Clean Up Australia founder Ian Kiernan, for an effective national container recycling scheme.
  • Innovative Product of the Year 2007 announced
    The WaterGuard system produced by NSW company Watersave Australia Pty Ltd has been declared the winner of the 2007 Innovative Product of the Year at the national GreenPlumbers Awards - an industry showcase of environmentally conscious products and services for the plumbing industry.
  • Closed-loop recycling program implementation
    Sydney’s ANZ Stadium has set the precedent for recycling and environmental initiatives among stadiums in NSW by implementing a closed-loop recycling program at its 80,000 seat Homebush Bay site.
  • Decision to double beverage levy questioned
    The food and beverage industry has questioned the objectives of the South Australian government in light of its decision to double the container deposit levy on beverage containers from five to 10 cents.
  • Mobile glass crusher to increase recycling
    A mobile glass crusher will help increase New Zealand’s ability to recycle glass, according to Environment Minister David Parker.
  • Recycling council closes
    Recent changes in the local steel industry have brought on a change in the education of steel can recycling, according to the Steel Can Recycling Council Inc (SCRC).
  • LoveNZ recycling bins installed
    The first ‘LoveNZ’ recycling bins have been installed in Kaikoura and unveiled by Environment Minister Trevor Mallard.
  • E-waste collection service off to a flying start
    The free E-waste Collection Service trial started last 23 February has been a success according to Sydney recycler WSN Environmental Solutions and Bankstown City Council.
  • Big wheels keep on turning
    Thiess Pty Ltd is turning the wheels on tyre wastage by increasing the average tyre life of its Off Highway Truck (OHT) tyres in the 240 tonne truck class.
  • South Australia continues to lead nation on recycling
    Environment groups today congratulated the South Australian government on its decision to stand up to the beverage industry and increase its deposit on drink containers from 5¢ to 10¢.
  • Zoo achieves highest environmental accreditation
    Auckland Zoo has been awarded the highest international accreditation standard in environmental management — the International Standards Organisation’s ISO 14001.
  • Report on the state of NZ's environment welcomed
    The report Environment New Zealand 2007 provides a timely check-up on the health of our environment and charts New Zealand’s journey towards sustainability, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard said at the report’s launch.
  • Gold Certification awarded
    Armstrong World Industries has been awarded Gold Certification, in Sustainability Victoria’s Waste Wise Program at the company’s manufacturing plant in Braeside, Melbourne.
  • Waste companies, recyclers and environmentalists unite
    Collaboration between Australia's waste companies, recyclers and the Total Environment Centre has resulted in the release of a national plan to prevent two billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
  • Trust lifts the stakes in fight against butts
    The Butt Littering Trust has consolidated its role as Australia’s leading protagonist in the fight against butt littering with the appointment of its first full-time executive director.
  • Call for action on computer recycling
    Sydney recycler WSN Environmental Solutions has called on computer makers and governments to fund the cleanup of unwanted computers stored in households around the nation.
  • Adopt-A-Site in 2008 with Clean Up Australia
    Every year, more and more volunteers get involved in Clean Up Australia Day but with support from businesses so much more could be done.
  • Mindarie community benefits from a new vision
    BioVision 2020 has signed an agreement with Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) to build an $80 million waste processing plant in Perth’s northern suburbs.
  • Record plastics recycling could fill the MCG five times
    An independent national survey has found the recycling rate for plastics packaging has equalled last year's record result and continues to meet environmental improvement commitments.
Case Study (18)
  • Gas recycling technology
    ABB has developed a technology for the comprehensive recycling of contaminated SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) gas, based on an energy-efficient cryogenic process.The new technology, developed by an Australian team at ABB’s Moorebank, NSW, facility, will be implemented at a dedicated SF6 gas recycling centre at Moorebank. Australia will be the first country in a global rollout of this new technology.
  • Powering ahead with recycling
    Funded by the Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) of the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Brisbane Powerhouse, 20 new waste and recycling bins have been installed at the Brisbane Powerhouse venue.
  • Hilton recycling soap to help developing countries
    Hilton Worldwide has announced a partnership with the Global Soap Project, a non-profit organisation that recovers and recycles soap from hotels that would otherwise end up in landfills. The Global Soap Project sorts, reprocesses and remoulds used soap into new bars and distributes them to vulnerable populations in developing countries that are at risk of sanitation and hygiene-related disease. In its first year of the partnership, Hilton Worldwide expects this investment to result in the donation of more than one million new 110 g bars of soap to people in need.
  • Rural waste-disposal solution
    Fiber Fresh Feeds has taken a further step towards becoming 100% clean and green by becoming the first stock feed company able to recycle its bags using the Agrecovery Wrap recycling program.
  • Shopping centre set to recycle 250 tonnes every year
    Two hundred and fifty tonnes of waste will be recycled per year at Erina Fair through an on-site organic waste management system, taking the retail centre one step closer to achieving its ‘zero net waste’ goal.
  • Product stewardship program takes the wrap
    Plasback is a product stewardship program that is run by Tapex, a supplier of fodder conservation plastics. The program currently recycles waste silage wrap, pit covers, grain tubes and twine for farmers. It works with partner recyclers in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney that reprocess the plastic waste and give it a second use as plastic pellets which can be remoulded into plywood sheets called Tuffboard and Tuffdeck.
  • Household food waste recycling solution
    A Cardia Bioplastics and Sulo MGB (Australia) collaboration is providing a household food waste recycling solution. Cardia will supply certified compostable bags enabling Sulo to provide a fully integrated organic waste diversion service to local governments.
  • On-site recycling for building waste
    Village Building Co (VBC) has been recognised by the ACT Commissioner of Sustainability and the Environment for taking the initiative to set up its own recycling plant to manage building waste on its Brindabella at Macgregor site for all of VBC’s housing developments.
  • Chemical drums recycling program
    The drumMUSTER program continues to provide an effective recycling service for Australian ag and vet chemical users. The 15 millionth drum was delivered in Central Victoria to the Nagambie Transfer Station by Tahbilk Winery & Vineyard.
  • Recycling service onboard ships
    TT-Line’s Spirit of Tasmania twin ships are ahead of the fleet when it comes to glass recycling, with both vessels recycling 400 kg of glass a week - equivalent to more than 117,000 stubbies diverted from landfill and recycled each year.
  • Lamp recycling program
    Fertiliser and housing insulation are but two of the by-products produced through Sylvania Lighting Australasia’s SYLrecycle lamp recycling program.
  • Carpet tile recycling initiative
    A carpet tile recycling centre that separates PVC from nylon and reintroduces it as a raw material is now operating at Ontera Modular Carpets’ Northmead plant in NSW. The initiative is expected to save approximately 200 tonnes of waste from landfill each year. As well as the environmental benefits, it’s also providing cost savings for the company in terms of reducing the raw material consumption of PVC for its carpet manufacturing process.
  • Organic solution helps council
    Camden Soil Mix (CSM) has joined with Liverpool City Council to help close the loop on recycling using an organic enriched top-dressing mix to repair sporting fields suffering wear and tear from the winter football codes.
  • Shredders used at insulation manufacturing facility
    Origin Insulation has chosen AXO Shredders to pre-shred waste paper and card at its cellulose insulation manufacturing facility in Melbourne.
  • Putting tyres on the recycling road
    CSIRO is working with Australian company VR TEK Operations to design and develop a new, improved method of recycling waste rubber which could be used to make new tyres, industrial insulation, road pavement, flooring or geotextiles for retaining walls and embankments.
  • Briqetting waste at source
    SRS of Sommerville, Victoria is repacking meat under a supply contract to Coles stores and wanted to implement an efficient method of disposing of its recyclable waste, which is a steady flow of cardboard boxes
  • Turning elephant dung into paper
    A Sri-Lankan company that turns elephant dung into eco-friendly paper won a global competition for projects that benefit local communities and the environment
  • Tarac Technologies makes its marc on the wine industry
    A sustainable way to dispose of winemaking residues. According to Ira Plant, project manager (environment and sustainability) at Tarac Technologies, if not dealt with appropriately these residuals can lead to significant environmental problems
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