Improving recycling rates at WA mine sites

A new initiative in WA will improve the State’s container recycling rates and see millions of beverage containers on mine sites collected and diverted from landfill every year.

CITIC Pacific Mining will partner with Sodexo Australia to provide 360 Containers for Change collection points at Eramurra mine site and village, near Karratha, WA.

This Western Australia Return Recycle Renew Limited-supported (WARRRL) partnership is expected to result in 2.7 million containers collected each year, diverting more than 5% of unrecycled containers from landfill.

Sodexo Australia managing director Keith Weston says this is a significant step for the company.

“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,” he said.

“With our presence in 100 locations in Australia and our largest footprint being in WA, this partnership sets a new standard in our sector and establishes a replicable model that benefits local communities.”

CITIC Pacific Mining chairman and chief executive Chen Zeng comments on this.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“It’s a win-win situation.

“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.”

More than 3.4 billion containers have been collected and more than $12m donated to charities, schools, and community groups every year under Containers for Change.

Yet, about 50 million containers are lost to landfill on mine sites each year.

Through this partnership, WARRRL will provide 360 Containers for Change collection points throughout Eramurra’s recreational areas, car parks, administration and the site’s wet mess.

Donations generated through container refunds are expected to contribute to CITIC Pacific Mining’s community fund, as well as support community initiatives in Karratha and the wider Pilbara region in WA.

This partnership is the first of many to be announced in the coming months, with WARRRL continuing to work with the mining industry to expand Containers for Change’s reach.

WA Mines Minister David Michael commends CITIC Pacific Mining and Sodexo Australia for taking up this opportunity with WARRRL.

“With ESG becoming an increasingly important consideration across the resources sector, I urge more companies to take up this and other similar opportunities,” he said.

“Containers for Change is a great initiative and WA’s resources sector can play a leading role in proving its environment credentials by diverting recyclable waste away from landfill.”

WA Return Recycle Renew chief executive Tim Cusack says both companies are leading the way.

“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,” he said.