Stage 1 of the Circular Greater Bendigo EOI process has been completed, however the exercise has raised issues around the efficacy of proposed solutions.
How Ireland is building its circular economy
The Irish Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment published its Waste Action Plan (WAP) for a Circular Economy last month.
Circular Solar grants program boosted
The NSW Government is investing $10 million to divert solar panels at the end of their life away from landfill and into recycling.
Study reveals lack of workplace recycling options
Over 40 per cent of Australians believe workplaces lack recycling options according to new research commissioned by Planet Ark.
New Zealand’s plan for plastic and waste
Ahead of the country’s election this month, the New Zealand government has detailed its action plan on waste and recycling.
No time to waste – Victoria progresses recycling reform
The Victorian Government has published details of the proposed regulatory framework to consolidate regulation of waste and recycling in Victoria.
APCO pivots 2020 awards
The 2020 APCO Awards ceremony will return on 18 November with a new digital format and three new categories.
Vic Greens want more recycling factories before 2025 shortfall
The Victorian Greens have called on the state government to invest in 23 new or expanded recycling factories by 2025 to meet the state’s needs and ensure high recycling rates.
How Return and Earn became a recycling success
The NSW Return and Earn program has seen over four billion containers recycled since 2017 through the scheme.
According to Environment Minister Matt Kean, the program’s design enabled it to deliver tangible environmental, social and economic benefits to NSW, including more than $10.4 million paid to not-for-profits and charities via donations.
“The latest research shows 75 per cent of residents have now participated in Return and Earn – this is a phenomenal achievement in less than three years,” Kean said.
“It also highlights the importance of community-based return point operators like local newsagencies, corner stores and post offices.”
Job opportunities
Return and Earn has provided opportunities for local business to get on board and realise the potential for commercial opportunities and local job creation.
In turn, local businesses have improved customer access by increasing the number of return points.
Kean said that the benefits of the scheme for the environment and to the individual are clear: less material ending up as litter or landfill while being rewarded for each container returned.
“Benefitting from being part of the scheme are social enterprises like Vinnies which have set up their own return points and collected over 100 million containers.
“This has created jobs for many people within communities, including those with disabilities and the long-term unemployed,” he added.
The network of return points in NSW currently consists of 245 over-the-counter return points and 27 automated depots, alongside the 325 reverse vending machines.
How the NSW EPA is using recycling grants
Seven projects across NSW have received support in the latest round of grants of more than $700,000 to help reduce waste and promote recycling.