Efficient materials management - the next big thing
26 October, 2010 by Rod Welford*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
26 October, 2010Households 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.
Business calls for urgent changes to waste recovery
13 October, 2010Changes 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.
Product stewardship program takes the wrap
30 September, 2010Plasback 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.
Resource recovery facility operating at full capacity
30 September, 2010Over 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.
Dimension Data eWaste management service
24 September, 2010 byDimension 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.
SMBs to be rewarded for recycling old technology
27 August, 2010Hewlett-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.
Glass recycling hits new highs in NZ
19 August, 2010The 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.
Household food waste recycling solution
03 August, 2010A 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
02 August, 2010 byVillage 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
30 July, 2010 byThe 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.
Cardia Bioplastics and Sulo collaborate in household food waste recycling
26 July, 2010Cardia 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
29 June, 2010A 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
09 June, 2010O-I’s Lean+Green lightweight wine bottle range secured its fifth national award after taking out a prestigious Australian International Design Award in Sydney.
BASF Ecovio plastic
31 May, 2010The 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.
