Parkes residents now have a new destination to recycle their eligible bottles and cans with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at the Parkes Services Club.

This latest addition marks the third return point in the Parkes Shire Council area, giving locals increased opportunities to participate in the recycling scheme and earn a 10-cent refund per container, as revealed in a news release. 

“Parkes Share Council residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over39.4 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the operator of the Return and Earn network.

The new machine offers several refund options. Users can print a voucher to redeem for cash at Coles or opt for digital payments directly to their bank or PayPal account through the Return and Earn app. 

Additionally, residents can donate their refunds to various charitable partners listed in the app.

One of the key donation options currently available is a state-wide appeal supporting Little Wings, a charity that provides free air and ground transport for seriously ill children from regional and remote areas of NSW, helping them access critical medical treatment.

Since the scheme’s inception, more than 12 billion containers have been recycled through the network of over 630 return points across NSW, putting over $1.2 billion back into the community through refunds.

Return and Earn serves as a fundraising platform for numerous charities and community groups across NSW, generating over $62 million through donations and hosting fees since its launch.

Dorney emphasised the importance of the new Parkes machine in encouraging locals to make recycling part of their daily habits. 

“Together, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, where the materials from our bottles, cans, and cartons are kept in use and out of landfill,” Dorney said.

The new machine is located in the Parkes Services Club car park at 20 Caledonia Street and operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.

For more details, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.

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InfraBuild, an Australian recycling firm, has advanced its sustainability efforts by installing a relocatable two-storey office complex made from shipping containers at its vast one-million-square-metre facility in Mayfield, Newcastle.

Developed by Modulate Group, this innovative project highlights InfraBuild’s dedication to eco-friendly practices and demonstrates the viability of steel as a sustainable and long-lasting building material.

The 225-square-metre office development, bathed in natural light, was custom-built to meet the needs of InfraBuild’s recycling staff. 

As Australia’s only fully vertically-integrated steel manufacturer, InfraBuild leads the charge in material circularity, using electric arc furnaces to transform high-quality scrap steel into new products, diverting waste from landfills and contributing to the global circular economy.

David Bowden, National Project Operations Manager at InfraBuild Recycling, praised the design, noting that it aligns with the company’s sustainability goals while offering practical benefits.

“We believe the very tough but very comfortable relocatable steel building we refined and customised shows what can be achieved within the scope of well-designed container-based steel buildings,” Bowden said.

The structure consists of eight 20-foot and two 40-foot shipping containers, customised to create a spacious, functional workspace with built-in insulation and integrated utilities. 

Key sustainability features include efficient water management, climate control systems, and the ability to be disassembled and relocated as needed, offering long-term flexibility for InfraBuild’s operations.

The office complex includes:

• Top-floor open layout: A large boardroom and manager’s office feature sliding glass doors and panoramic windows, providing expansive views of the worksite.
• Ground-floor offices: Seven private offices are connected by a wide hallway, with a foyer and additional workspaces.
• Well-equipped kitchen: Includes modern Polytec® joinery, a breakfast bar, and a ZIP hot and cold filtration system. An additional kitchenette maximises space at the end of the hallway.
• Bathrooms: Two bathrooms fitted with R10 sheet vinyl surfaces for easy cleaning and durability.
• Staircase and roof design: A galvanised steel staircase with custom handrails connects the two floors. The cyclone-rated roof and water management system, including gutters and downpipes, ensure efficient rainwater conservation.
• Climate control: Three external AC units power 16 interior head units, ensuring a comfortable environment throughout the structure.

Bowden highlighted the office’s resilience, noting it was built to endure the challenges of a demanding industrial site.

“The strength is built into it, so it can comfortably accommodate hard-working crews with all their gear, without having to worry too much about damage. Even if the exterior of the building got a bump from site machinery, it is built to take the knocks without spilling insulation or fracturing services,” he said.

For more details on the project, visit Modulate Group or learn about InfraBuild’s operations at InfraBuild.

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New Zealand outdoor brand Kathmandu is setting new standards in sustainable product innovation with the launch of its all-new outdoor activewear line, crafted using cutting-edge carbon recycling technology. 

This pioneering approach transforms carbon emissions into yarn, which is then utilised to create everyday products such as clothing, the company said in a news release. 

In collaboration with LanzaTech, an innovative American technology firm founded in New Zealand, Kathmandu captures carbon emissions from steel mills before they enter the atmosphere. 

The emissions are converted through a proprietary process into yarn, which is blended with recycled materials to construct several pieces in its new outdoor active range, including men’s and women’s fleece jackets, quarter zip tops, tees, tanks, fleece joggers, and loose shorts.

“In-line with our B Corporation certification, Kathmandu continues to push the boundaries in sus tainable product innovation within the Australian and New Zealand textile industry, seeking ways to reduce our climate impact,” said Karinda Robinson, Kathmandu’s general manager of Product. 

“By using LanzaTech carbon recycling technology, we are working to reduce our reliance on virgin fossil carbon to make new fabrics and support the recircu lation of carbon-rich gases.

Robinson emphasised the balance between sustainability and performance, stating, “Importantly too, we have ensured the use of carbon capture technology does not negatively impact the product’s performance. Consumers can expect a more sustainably made product, without having to forego functionality and performance, which we are very proud of.”

Kathmandu’s new outdoor active range also includes a rain jacket, tight shorts, and leggings crafted with Q-CYCLE by Fulgar—a fabric derived from recycled plastic waste, including end-of-life car tires, through principles of mass balance. 

This innovative material gives new life to otherwise wasted resources. “At end of life, car tires are often incinerated, releasing significant amounts of toxic pollutants into the air, or disposed of, taking up space in landfills,” Robinson explained. “Q-CYCLE by Fulgar showcases our commitment to increasing circularity.”

Core pieces in the range also feature moisture-wicking fabrics, anti-odor treatments, and UPF50+ protection.

Kathmandu’s outdoor active range is now available online and in-store nationwide. 

For a complete overview of the range, please visit kathmandu.com.au/collections/seeker.html and kathmandu.com.au/blog/lanzatech.

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Telopea residents now have a new option for recycling their eligible bottles and cans with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at Sanfa Village Supermarket. 

This is the 13th return point in the City of Parramatta area, further expanding opportunities for locals to collect a 10-cent refund for each eligible container, as stated in a news release. 

“City of Parramatta residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 104.8 million eligible bottles, cans, and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for the Return and Earn scheme.

The new machine allows users to print a refund voucher redeemable for cash at the Sanfa Village Grocer, or opt for e-vouchers or direct payments through the Return and Earn app. 

Users also have the option to donate their refund to various charitable causes, including the Parramatta Women’s Shelter or the state-wide donation appeal for Little Wings, a service that provides free transport for seriously ill children from rural areas to medical facilities.

Since the program’s inception, more than 12 billion containers have been recycled across NSW, resulting in over $1.2 billion in refunds. 

The Return and Earn machine at Sanfa Supermarket Telopea, located at 7A Evans Road, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“I encourage everyone to make Return and Earn a part of your regular recycling routine,” said Dorney. 

“Together we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, where the materials that our bottles, cans and cartons are made of are kept in use and out of landfill.” he concluded.

For more information, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.

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A major expansion at a plastics recycling facility in Dandenong South is utilising state-of-the-art technology to transform plastic containers into high-quality recycled flake for food packaging. 

The multi-million dollar facility upgrade, which received $6 million in funding from the Victorian Government and the Australian Government, has also created 28 new jobs in the region.

Martogg, one of Australia’s largest privately owned plastics recycling companies, has invested in advanced optical sorting technology that identifies and sorts post-consumer PET bottles and containers. 

This process allows for the granulation and thorough washing of the containers, producing a high-quality flake suitable for conversion back into food-grade recycled pellets.

The expansion has enabled the plant to process 40,000 tonnes of post-consumer PET bottles each year, allowing it to produce 17,300 tonnes of food-grade PET flake annually, which is equivalent to over 800 million PET bottles.

This facility upgrade is part of a broader initiative, with 13 jointly funded recycling projects completed since 2021, nine of which specifically target plastics. 

These projects have increased Victoria’s capacity to process an additional 80,000 tonnes of plastics per year, with Martogg’s project contributing over a quarter of this additional capacity.

Victorian Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos commented, “We want to reshape Victoria, where we use recycled materials anywhere and everywhere, from the roads you drive on to the bottles we drink from. We’re pleased to partner with the Albanese Labor Government on a significant investment in Victoria’s recycling economy, creating jobs and building a strong local recycling sector.”

Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek added, “I know Victorians want to do their part to reduce their waste, reuse, and recycle household products. That’s why we are supporting new recycling infrastructure to tackle plastic waste and prevent soft plastics from going to landfill, while fostering innovation and delivering jobs.”

“The Albanese Government is committed to collaborating with states and territories to better support industry and households in managing waste and increasing recycling capacity,” Plibersek stated.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus noted, “The Albanese and Allan Governments are working together to boost the local economy and reduce waste by recycling plastics into new products instead of adding it to landfill. People in Isaacs care about the environment and want to do their part to protect our environment. This $6 million joint investment creates new jobs and opportunities for our community and confirms Dandenong’s place as the heart of manufacturing in Victoria.”

Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams emphasised the significance of the new technology, stating, “This new technology is turbocharging our ability to locally recycle and reuse plastic from our household recycling bins and our Container Deposit Scheme.”

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Tyres once destined for landfill are now being repurposed for use in road paving, artificial turf, and children’s playgrounds at Australia’s first rubber crumb plant, located in the Shoalhaven region, as revealed in a news release. 

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, officially inaugurated the rubber crumb plant at Shoalhaven City Council’s West Nowra Recycling and Waste Depot on Thursday, 19 September.

“I’m really pleased to open this innovative recycling project, which contributes to council’s circular economy and provides a very practical solution to tyre waste,” said Phillips.

The plant received a $514,000 grant, co-funded by the Federal Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) and the NSW Government’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative. 

The funding has allowed the plant to not only reduce tyre waste but also transform it into a valuable resource for local infrastructure projects.

“This facility is a fantastic example of the kind of innovation we need to boost recycling in Australia,” Phillips added. 

“Not only is this great for the environment by saving used car, truck, and machinery tyres from going into landfill, we are also creating a product that is really useful.”

The rubber crumb plant is designed to process waste tyres into crumbed rubber and mesh powder, which can be used in a variety of local projects, including roads where it will be incorporated into asphalt and bitumen. 

The facility is expected to dramatically increase Shoalhaven’s recycling capacity, allowing the council to process up to 160 tonnes of waste rubber annually, with potential to reach 270 tonnes in the future.

The crumbing technology used in the plant removes 99% of all contaminants, resulting in a high-purity product that is in demand within the recycled products market. 

This initiative aligns with the NSW Government’s goal to achieve an 80 per cent average recovery rate from all waste streams by 2030.

In addition to the rubber crumb plant, Shoalhaven City Council is also running several other recycling projects, including a MICROfactorie that re-manufactures recycled glass sand and textiles into green ceramics, a polystyrene recycling operation, and facilities for baling paper, cardboard, plastics, and electrical cables.

Phillips also highlighted that the RMF is driving the shift towards a circular economy in Australia, ensuring that when a product is no longer needed for its original purpose, it is either reused, recycled, or remanufactured.

According to her, the Shoalhaven rubber crumb plant is part of a broader effort to expand recycling infrastructure across the state. 

“The Shoalhaven rubber crumb plant is one of 43 RMF projects in NSW, with more than $35 million in joint funding between the Australian and NSW Governments,” remarked Phillips. 

“On completion, these projects are expected to add 197,000 tonnes of recycling capacity each year, support over 790 ongoing and construction jobs, and see over $122 million invested in recycling infrastructure in the state,” she concluded. 

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Residents of Caringbah now have a more convenient option for recycling their eligible bottles, cartons, and cans with the launch of a new Return and Earn machine at HomeCo. Caringbah. 

This marks the 13th return point in the Sutherland Shire, offering locals an additional location to redeem their containers for a 10-cent refund per item, as revealed in a news release. 

“Sutherland Shire residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 232 million eligible bottles, cans, and cartons through local return points since Return and Earn started,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for Return and Earn.

The machine provides recyclers with multiple refund options. Users can print a voucher to redeem for cash at Woolworths or choose to receive their refund electronically via the Return and Earn app, with payment options including bank transfer, PayPal, or e-voucher.

In addition to these options, locals can donate their refund to over 300 charities listed on the Return and Earn app. 

The current statewide donation partner is Little Wings, a charity that offers free air and ground transport to seriously ill children from regional and remote NSW, ensuring access to life-saving medical care.

Return and Earn has grown into a significant fundraising tool for charities and community groups across New South Wales, with over $62 million raised from donations and fees since the program’s launch in 2017. 

The scheme also recently celebrated a major milestone, with 12 billion drink containers returned for recycling through its network of over 630 return points. This has resulted in more than $1.2 billion in refunds being distributed back to the community.

“I encourage everyone to make Return and Earn a part of their routine, to help reduce litter, protect the environment, and earn a little extra cash,” said Dorney.

The new Return and Earn machine at HomeCo. Caringbah is located on level 3 of the car park at 220 Taren Point Road. 

It is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For more information about the Return and Earn program, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.

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The NSW Government’s Return and Earn scheme has reached a major milestone, recycling 12 billion drink containers and returning $1.2 billion in refunds to the community.

“Return and Earn is a NSW circular economy success story. Almost seven years after launching, it has become one of the most successful and trusted recycling initiatives in the state,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for Return and Earn. 

“It has also resulted in more than 1 million tonnes of materials recycled, contributing to a 54 per cent reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels,” he noted.

The scheme’s popularity continues to grow, with new research indicating that support and trust in the container deposit initiative are at an all-time high. 

Participation rates have also peaked, with 84 per cent of NSW adults having taken part in the scheme.

Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, the scheme coordinator, highlighted the widespread cultural shift that has occurred since the program’s launch. 

“Today’s achievement and the research findings show that we have seen amazing cultural change over the last few years, with taking drink containers to your local Return and Earn return point becoming a way of life throughout all corners of NSW,” Smalley said.

She extended her gratitude to the NSW community and the beverage industry for their role in the scheme’s success, which has led to significant financial, economic, and social benefits. 

“The operation of Return and Earn is fully funded by the beverage industry and is Australia’s best example of product stewardship,” Smalley added. 

“As well as environmental benefits, we have seen $1.2 billion in container refunds generated, and over $62 million raised for charities and community groups through donations and fees from hosting return points.”

Smalley also noted the impact of the scheme on households across NSW. 

“The 10c per container refunds have helped families and individuals with day-to-day expenses or to reach savings goals for special extras, holidays, and even a wedding,” she said.

The scheme has also become a crucial fundraising avenue for hundreds of charities and community groups. 

The Return and Earn app features over 300 charities, enabling participants to donate their refunds to causes they care about.

“It’s not just about recycling to clean up our environment; we are turning those bottles and cans into an in-demand and valued commodity in our growing circular economy,” Dorney said.

Return and Earn is delivered through a partnership between the NSW Environment Protection Authority, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change, and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

For more information, visit Return and Earn.

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The Australian Research Council (ARC) announced an investment of $92.9 million to fund 200 research projects led by early-career researchers across the country. 

This funding, part of the ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) scheme, aims to drive innovation and address critical challenges in various fields, the council said in a news release. 

Among the funded projects are initiatives that could revolutionise plastic recycling and enhance agricultural productivity. 

The University of New South Wales, for example, has been awarded $458,331 to develop new catalysts that convert plastic waste into high-value chemicals, potentially enabling the creation of new virgin plastics from recycled materials. 

Another notable project is from the Australian National University, which received $467,603 to improve the efficiency of nitrogen use in crops. 

By advancing the understanding of how plants utilise nitrogen during grain filling, the research could lead to increased crop yields with less fertiliser, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Dr Richard Johnson, acting CEO of the ARC, highlighted the broader impact of the DECRA scheme. 

“The ARC Discovery Program has an impressive track record in generating new knowledge that addresses significant gaps,” he said. 

“These projects not only enhance Australia’s research and innovation capacity but also pave the way for new technologies, economic growth, and improved quality of life.”

Additional projects funded under the DECRA scheme include research on digital learning at the University of Wollongong, studies on Indigenous heritage by Monash University, and climate research at the University of Tasmania. 

Each of these projects promises to contribute valuable insights and innovations in their respective fields.

For a full list of funded DECRA projects, including a snapshot of funding by State and Territory, please visit the ARC website.

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Samsara Eco, a leader in environmental technology, has partnered with NILIT, a global frontrunner in nylon 6,6 production for apparel, to develop the world’s first textile-to-textile recycling facility for nylon 6,6. 

The new site, slated for construction in South East Asia and expected to begin operations by late 2026, aims to revolutionise the recycling of this widely used but challenging material, as revealed in a media release. 

Data reported unveiled that approximately 4 million tonnes of nylon 6,6 are produced each year, primarily for performance apparel and fashion. 

However, recycling this material is particularly challenging, especially when combined with fibres like spandex. 

To address these issues, Samsara Eco and NILIT have partnered to develop solutions aimed at overcoming the difficulties in recycling nylon 6,6.

“Our vision is to deliver climate repair through infinite recycling,” said Paul Riley, CEO and founder of Samsara Eco. 

“Creating the first circular pathway for nylon 6,6 is a crucial step. Discarded nylon 6,6 items, like activewear or car interiors, often end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to significant environmental harm.”

The facility will employ cutting-edge technology to recycle textile waste into high-quality recycled nylon 6,6 polymers. 

This will enable textile brands and manufacturers to integrate recycled materials into their supply chains, promoting a sustainable and circular approach to fabric production.

Sarah Cook, chief commercial and operations officer at Samsara Eco, added, “By working with NILIT, we can reverse this trend and give apparel a new life.” 

“The MoU agreement is an important step to help brands and the world advance nylon 6,6 circularity and reduce plastic waste. We’re proud to be exploring a pilot recycling facility with NILIT, setting a precedent of what’s possible for future partners globally.”

Meanwhile, Ilan Melamed, general manager of NILIT, emphasised the strategic importance of the collaboration: “NILIT’s partnership with Samsara Eco is a critical step in our multi-pronged strategy to provide the apparel market with premium nylon 6,6 products that have lower environmental impact.”

The EosEco technology, developed by Samsara Eco, will play a key role in this initiative. 

EosEco utilises a combination of biophysics, chemistry, biology, and artificial intelligence to create plastic-eating enzymes. 

These enzymes break down nylon 6,6 textiles into raw materials, which are then reintegrated into the manufacturing process, achieving a closed loop. 

The technology can handle a variety of feedstock inputs, including colored and blended textiles, and will work in tandem with NILIT’s polymerization and spinning technologies to produce high-quality recycled nylon 6,6 yarn.

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