In 2008, Veolia embarked on a new initiative at it’s Port Botany Transfer Station, whereby removal of recyclable materials from incoming waste streams now occurs. As a result, the facility has recovered a massive 12,000 tonnes of recyclable material in that time.
An excavator, loader and 4 operators are now dedicated to removing as much recyclable material as possible; anything from cardboard and greenwaste, to timber, concrete and steel. Receiving these dry wastes from commercial and industrial customers, 2009 has seen over 14% of incoming waste diverted from landfill.
So far the recycling initiative has saved an estimated 11,600 tonnes of greenhouse gas (tCO²e), which is equivalent to planting over 43,000 trees, or taking almost 3,000 cars off the road for a year.
*For more information on Veolia Environmental Services Recycling Services please visit our recycling-services section.