Reduce, reuse and recycle on Australia Day

• Waste reduction and recycling focus for Australia Day 2013

• Recycling compounds to be set up on city and South Perth foreshores

Environment Minister Bill Marmion has called on all West Australians to be 'Wastesmart' this Australia Day and make a real effort to reduce their impact on the environment.

"The Australia Day Skyworks is the biggest community event on the Western Australian calendar and it also creates a massive amount of waste," Mr Marmion said.

"Last year only 27 per cent of the waste produced on the South Perth foreshore was recycled, which was a disgrace.  As a community it is critical that we reduce the amount of waste we produce and recycle more.

"For people celebrating Australia Day at the Skyworks or at backyard barbeques, I urge you to think about taking food and drinks in reusable containers and making sure you recycle.

"For those coming to Skyworks, there will be recycling compounds on the Perth and South Perth foreshores - and you can even get a reward for doing your bit."

There will also be recycling and general waste skip bins every 50m along the foreshore and in the Supreme Court Gardens.

People can recycle aluminium cans and plastic and glass containers (no lids). The Minister stressed the importance of not putting any other waste in the recycling skips.

"If the recyclables are contaminated by other waste, they may not be able to be recycled," he said.

The Waste Authority is providing support to the City of Perth and the City of South Perth to encourage people to be 'Wastesmart' and to recycle correctly.

          Fact File

• Waste Authority is State Govt statutory body with responsibility for encouraging waste avoidance and recovery of materials that might otherwise go to landfill

• On South Perth foreshore, recyclers will receive a voucher for a camel ride.  On the Perth foreshore, they will receive a voucher which can be can be used at food and drink vendors on Langley Park (except the International Food Market and Big BBQ)

• Liberal National Govt introduced new penalties to combat illegal dumping and increased fines for cigarette butts ($75 to $200) and littering offences ($1,000 to $5,000)

Minister's office - 6552 6800

 South Perth mayor Sue Doherty, Environment Minister Bill Marmion and avid recycler Ariane Beyer share a Wastewise picnic ahead of Australia Day