“CityNews” spoke with some of the local experts who are tackling the large problem of waste.

PLANET Ark established the National Recycling Week campaign in 1996, to educate on recycling and the waste hierarchy.

This year National Recycling Week will be held from November 13-19.

According to the Australian Plastics Flows and Fates Study for 2020-21, a total of 3,791,000 tonnes of plastics were consumed in Australia.

“CityNews” spoke with some of the experts who are tackling the large problem of waste, locally.

Operating globally in a sustainable manner

IN the ongoing quest to combat waste, Sims Metal Management’s trading manager NSW/ACT Rhett Gerard says the company is deeply driven by a resolute purpose.

“To shape a world free from the burdens of waste, a mission intrinsically linked to preserving our precious planet,” he says.

“This purpose harks back to our modest origins when Sims Limited was established in 1917 by English immigrant Albert G. Sims, in Newtown, Sydney.

“Over a century, we’ve undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a global leader in metal recycling, circular technology solutions, and renewable energy.”

With 4000 dedicated employees across 260 facilities spanning 14 countries, Rhett says Sims Metal Management leads the industry in reshaping resource management practices.

“Moreover, Sims Metal ACT exemplifies our commitment to this cause,” he says.

“Specialising in procuring ferrous and non-ferrous metals from the public, demolition, manufacturing, and government infrastructure projects, we provide a secure licensed recycling facility in Hume, featuring collection bins of varying sizes.

“Our mission transcends waste elimination; it’s about transforming how we perceive resources, the environment, and the global community.

“Guided by our purpose to create a world without waste and preserve our planet, we are steadfast in making a significant impact on the journey towards a sustainable, waste-free world – a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and a brighter future.”

Sims Metal Management, Alderson Place, Hume. Call 6129 8800, or visit simsmm.com

Recycling and re-using IT

TODAY e-waste is recognised as a significant concern for future generations, which is why Reuse-RecycleIT is “doing it right” by recycling and re-using end-of-life IT, says Capital Easy Finance and Leasing sales director Sydney Borg.

Reuse-RecycleIT, which is a division in Capital Easy Finance and Leasing, has been operating for more than 28 years helping clients with their disposal needs. 

Reuse-RecycleIT’s three major aims are to ensure that; privacy and security matters are formally addressed when recycling used and surplus IT equipment; that no used IT equipment ends up in landfill and that there’s a  financial return to its clients on sale or disposal of the equipment depending on condition.  

Sydney says it’s important to recycle IT because if it’s not recycled it can have harmful, long-term effects.

“Electronic waste affects nearly every system in the human body because it contains a plethora of toxic components including mercury, lead, cadmium, polybrominated flame retardants, barium and lithium,” he says. 

“As a community, our objectives are to ensure we protect future generations by ensuring e-waste can no longer pollute our water supplies.”

The services at Reuse-RecycleIT are designed for large e-waste disposals to organisations such as the ACT government, federal and state governments, councils and large and small businesses. 

RRIT is the preferred e-waste broker for all of ACT government and seen as one of the leaders in secure data wiping, sanitisation and shredding of hard drives, and recycling/ re-use of IT equipment of all types.  

99 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra. Call 6282 7844, or visit reuse-recycleit.com.au

Quality second-hand furniture

RATHER than creating more waste, Ex-Government Furniture gets second-hand items weekly, in an “almost new condition”, says co-owner James Fullerton.

“For everything we sell, it means one less item people are buying that’s brand new and disposable,” he says.

“We’re diverting thousands of tonnes of furniture from landfill, and giving people the opportunity to reuse and recycle it.

“At the moment we have lots of stock that’s been repurposed into shelving or storage, making them truly unique items.

“We’ve got high-quality office chairs, desks, workstations, boardroom tables and shelving, storage, and new stuff coming in all the time,” says James.

“Some of our products come in nearly brand new as well, but the metal used in their frames has already been made from recycled materials, so it’s a double-whammy really.

“We charge fair prices and are often able to source the best, no-nonsense, quality furniture available, always with an eye for good quality.”

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com

Metal shop that can do the lot

METALMART is a one-stop metal shop, says owner Belinda Reynolds, who, backed with experience in the construction industry, took over the business
in 2019.

MetalMart is a steel and scrap icon and has been successfully trading for more than 30 years in steel retail sales and scrap metal recycling. 

“We are popular with a diverse range of steel users including farmers, steel fabricators, artists and the backyard handyman,” says Belinda.

“Whether it’s for domestic, rural or commercial applications, MetalMart has the products you need and if we don’t have what you are after we will do our best to track it down for you through our extensive range of suppliers.”

Belinda says MetalMart stocks an extensive range of brass and stainless steel products with a wide range of flat sheets in hot rolled, aluminium, zinc, steel plate perforated and stainless steel.

“Customers can come in with any idea and MetalMart can make it, too.”

MetalMart, 53 Collie Street, Fyshwick. Call 6239 2422 or visit metalmart.com.au