Worsley Alumina Refinery a finalist in recycling awards

9/11/00
Worsley Alumina's Collie refinery has been chosen as a finalist in the State 3R (reuse, reuse and recycle) 2000 Awards.
The State 3R 2000 Awards, presented by the State Recycling Advisory Committee and co-ordinated by the Department of Environmental Protection, recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations that reduce the amount of waste that would be destined for landfill.
Worsley Alumina was chosen as a finalist in the category for business and industry, for reuse of materials and educating staff in waste minimisation practices.
The company aims to reduce solid waste to landfill by 60 per cent, and to totally eliminate recyclable waste in bauxite residue disposal areas, by 2001.
Worsley is already well on the way through such initiatives as glove laundering and reuse, an on-site pallet reuse scheme, stockpiling timber for reuse by ACTIV Timber Industries, guidelines for disposing of packaging arriving on site and employee education and awareness programs.
Its efforts in recycling rugs have raised more than $18,000 already this year for Princess Margaret Hospital.
Other success stories for Worsley include a 70 per cent reduction in sanitary waste to landfill and diversion of 1000 tonnes each year from bauxite residue disposal areas by heater tube, conveyor belt and wire rope recycling.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the quality of this year's 33 finalists was a good sign that reducing waste was an increasingly high priority for Western Australian businesses and the general community.
"This is the sixth year we have held these special awards to recognise companies that help the environment by cutting back and recycling waste material and this year's field of finalists is the strongest yet," Mrs Edwardes said.
"The awards attract sponsorship by organisations with strong environmental credentials, including the Publishers National Environment Bureau, the Beverage Industry Environment Council and Waste Stream Management.
"Also, Cleanaway, Alcoa World Alumina Australia, VISY Recycling and Millennium Inorganic Chemicals have lent their reputations as environmental leaders to the awards.
"These awards recognise finalists as leaders in environmental protection through waste minimisation."
Winners in each category of the State 3R 2000 Awards will be announced at a presentation dinner on Saturday, November 11.
Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777
Photos and comments: Rebecca Woods 9734 8449