Kiama Municipal Council talks the talk and increases its own recycling by 50%

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Wednesday, 04 July, 2007

A dramatic increase in recycling, as well as a reduction in daily cleaning times of between 40 to 60 minutes each day, is a spectacular outcome for Kiama Municipal Council, since the installation of an innovative under desk recycling system at the beginning of 2007.

According to waste minimisation officer, Josephine St John, the initial motivation in implementing the unique system was to demonstrate to residents and local businesses the way to reduce waste and recycle more efficiently.

"Part of my role is to educate about responsible waste disposal, so it is very important that we lead by example and take responsibility for our own system of waste minimisation," she said.

After some intensive research on the subject, Josephine approached Australian company Paper to Paper about its unique at-source 3-in-1 recycling system that fits neatly under office desks.

The receptacle separates out paper, which can be recycled back into office paper in one compartment; other recyclables such as glass drink bottles and plastic in another; as well as non-recyclable materials such as plastic wrap, straws or finished biros into a neat basket attached to the side.

One of the most important factors is that the used office paper is recycled back into clean white office paper rather than being "˜down cycled' to cardboard, as is common in other systems which commingle office paper with other recyclables. The Paper to Paper system is the only at-source all-in-one system available in Australia.

Each staff member is responsible for emptying the recycled office paper compartment of their receptacle into one of the 80 litre paper bins scattered around the office, as well as the recycling compartment.

The cleaners (and management!) are delighted with the 40-60 minute reduction in their cleaning time which enables them to perform other duties as part of their job redesign. It has also led to improved efficiency and effectiveness of the cleaning service.

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