Innovative recycling and waste practices recognised at 3R Awards: Minister

12/11/01
Local industry, schools, and community groups have been recognised for innovative waste reduction and recycling initiatives, as part of the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) awards, which were presented by Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards on the weekend.
The awards, now in their seventh year, are judged on the successful development and implementation of waste minimisation programs or strategies. The event also kicks off Recycling week, which will run until November 16.
"These awards clearly demonstrate how diverse and broad waste reduction and recycling can be - and show that it can involve a lot more than just collecting recyclables from the kerbside," Dr Edwards said.
"Entries were received from a diverse range of people from many different sectors, regions and backgrounds.
"They reflect the change in public environmental consciousness - where people are now becoming increasingly aware that every action we take will have a cumulative effect on our environment, especially in how we deal with our waste.
"I congratulate each and every one of the entrants for the time and energy they have enthusiastically put into their projects."
Winners of each category were:
3R Industry Award - Entyre Rubber Systems
The Cleaner Production Award - Solarhart Industries
Small Business and Industry Award - WA Toner Supplies
Business and Industry Award - Wesfarmers CSBP
Community Award - City Farm
Education and Promotion Program Award - Cleanaway
Tertiary Institutes Award - Edith Cowan University, South West Campus
Local Government - City of Melville
State Government Award - Fremantle Hospital and Health Service
Primary School Award - Bolgart Primary School
Secondary School Award - Bunbury Senior High School.
As part of the awards ceremony, Dr Edwards also launched the Waste Wise website, a one stop information source for the community on recycling and waste reduction strategies.
"The website is intended to supply a comprehensive information source on waste minimisation, specifically relevant to Western Australians," she said.
"The website contains unique sections such as a database of waste products and recyclables, including how and where they can be reused, recycled or correctly disposed in local communities."
Other information includes fact sheets on recycling common materials and information on waste reduction in schools, rural areas, industry and offices.
The site is at http://www.wastewise.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: John Carey 9220 5050