Kiama Municipal Council increases recycling by 50%

3-in-1 recycling system fits under desk

A 50% increase in recycling, as well as a reduction in daily cleaning time of 40-60 minutes is a spectacular outcome for Kiama Municipal Council since the installation of an under-desk recycling system at the beginning of 2007.

According to instigator of the system at Kiama, waste minimisation officer, Josephine St John, the initial motivation in implementing the system was to ensure council 'walks the walk' that it 'talks' to residents and local business about the need to reduce waste and recycle more efficiently.

"Part of my role is education 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, St John approached Paper To Paper about its unique at-source 3-in-1 recycling system that fits neatly under an office desk. 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 glad wrap, straws or finished biros into a neat basket attached to the side.

One of the most important factors here 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 co-mingle office paper with other recyclables.

St John undertook a thorough internal communications program so that each staff member was aware of their responsibilities regarding the new system, including a one-page description of what should go into each section of the 3-in-1 receptacle to each staff member and wall posters in each section.

Each staff member is responsible for emptying the recycled office paper compartment of their receptacle into one of the 80 L paper bins scattered around the office, as well as emptying the recycling compartment containing glass, tetra packs or anything with the recycle symbol into the recycling bin in the lunch room.

The cleaners are responsible for emptying the hanging basket (non-recyclable materials) replacing the compostable bin liner every day. As a backup at the end of the week, the cleaners check the bins to ensure they are properly cleared so the office is left completely clean over the weekend.

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.

St John has designed an incentive scheme to encourage staff in the take-up of the new system. A continuous review is carried out and the department deemed to be the best waste managers within a six-month period will be rewarded with a $50 voucher to buy morning tea.