Released 17/12/2019
The ACT Government is trialling modifications to the Tuggeranong Recycling and Drop off Centre (RDOC) during the holiday period to help reduce contamination found in the recycling stream.
“When recycling becomes too contaminated, materials may not be able to be recycled,” ACT NoWaste Executive Branch Manager Michael Trushell said.
Mr Trushell said polystyrene and loose plastic wrapping used to package items like televisions, fridges and washing machines was a major contaminant, as it is often left inside the cardboard box when taking it for recycling.
“We ask users of the facility to separate any polystyrene and loose plastic wrapping materials to keep them out of the recycling stream, and we have provided an additional waste bin at the Tuggeranong RDOC for residents to dispose of these items,” Mr Trushell said.
“We have also changed the design of the paper and cardboard cage from a large sliding gate to a smaller slot, aimed at ensuring boxes are emptied and flattened before placing them in the cage. This will help reduce the amount of polystyrene blocks making their way into our recycling stream.
Mr Trushell said that new signage has been erected that explains the changes, and during peak periods staff would be onsite to provide assistance and advice on recycling.
“We expect to see a lot of packaging over the holiday period and encourage everyone using the Tuggeranong RDOC to help recycle right,” said Mr Trushell.
The Tuggeranong RDOC accepts household containers and packaging, including paper, cardboard, glass bottles, jars, steel cans, aluminium cans, trays, foil and ridged plastic containers.
“A Container Deposit Scheme ‘Drop and Go’ pod is also onsite, providing a convenient option for residents to return their eligible containers and receive a ten cent refund for each said Mr Trushell.
The Tuggeranong RDOC trial will run until 27 January 2020. Following the trial, ACT NoWaste will determine if similar modifications should be used at other recycling facilities in the ACT.
The Tuggeranong RDOC is located on Scollay Street.
- Statement ends -
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