A new initiative to improve container recycling rates in the Western Australian mining industry is tackling the 50 million containers lost to landfill on mine sites annually.
To date, more than 3.4 billion containers have been collected and more than $12 million donated to charities, schools and community groups every year under Containers for Change.
In a major step towards diverting mine site container waste from landfill, a new Western Australia Return Recycle Renew Limited-supported (WARRRL) partnership between CITIC Pacific Mining and Sodexo Australia is set to bring Containers for Change to CITIC’s Eramurra village and mine site near Karratha.
Through the partnership, WARRRL will provide 360 Containers for Change collection points throughout Eramurra’s recreational areas, car parks, administration and the site’s wet mess.
This is expected to collect 2.7 million containers each year, diverting more than five per cent of unrecycled containers from landfill.
Donations generated through container refunds are expected to contribute to CITIC Pacific Mining’s community fund and support community initiatives in Karratha and the wider Pilbara region.
The partnership is the first of many expected to be announced in the coming months, with WARRRL continuing to work with the mining industry to expand Containers for Change’s reach.
Western Australian Environment Minister, Reece Whitby, said Containers for Change is a major part of the State Government’s commitment to improve recycling rates in Western Australia.
“It’s encouraging to see WARRRL work with the mining industry, which is critically important to our state, to provide Western Australians with more options to return their ten-cent containers.
“Together, they are ensuring more donations go towards schools, charities and community groups throughout Western Australia.”
Mines and Petroleum Minister, David Michael, commended CITIC Pacific Mining and Sodexo Australia for taking up the opportunity with WARRRL to provide more recycling options for its workforce.
“With ESG becoming an increasingly important consideration across the resources sector, I urge more companies to take up this and other similar opportunities.
“Containers for Change is a great initiative, and Western Australia’s resources sector can play a leading role in proving its environmental credentials by diverting recyclable waste away from landfills.”
Western Australia Return Recycle Renew CEO, Tim Cusack, congratulated CITIC Pacific Mining and Sodexo Australia on their efforts to adopt Containers for Change at Eramurra.
“They are leading the way by ensuring that every ten-cent drink container can be captured and recycled by positioning bins on their sites in all locations where disposal occurs.
“This site has embraced the Containers for Change resources available to significantly improve the environmental and social impact of their site.
“The impact that one site can have on reducing landfill is significant, and we are committed to providing the tools and assistance for mining organisations to adopt a Containers for Change solution as part of maximising recycling on their sites.”
CITIC Pacific Mining Chairman and CEO, Chen Zeng, described the initiative as a win-win situation.
“We have a very large workforce, and their understanding and support of the program has been fundamental in what we’ve been able to achieve so far.
“Education has been the key – they know every time they choose to put a plastic water bottle or glass stubby in a designated collection bin, they’re helping us both tread a little lighter in terms of our environmental footprint and supporting the local community.
“We’re very pleased to be piloting the expansion of this program and are ready, willing and able to share our knowledge and experience with our industry peers.”
Sodexo Australia Managing Director, Keith Weston, said, “Partnering with CITIC Pacific and WARRRL in onsite recyclable container collection is a significant step for Sodexo in Australia.
“Being the first food services company to commit to net zero globally by 2040, reducing waste across our operations is crucial to achieving this goal.
“With our presence in 100 locations in Australia and our largest footprint being in Western Australia, this partnership sets a new standard in our sector and establishes a replicable model that benefits local communities.”
Featured image: Andy Carton/shutterstock.com
