Tag: Recycling
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Bin Baskets aim to capture the missing one-third of NSW’s Return and Earn recycling
Introduction: A simple idea with big recycling potential New South Wales’ Return and Earn program has already transformed recycling habits, with two out of every three eligible containers being recycled. But a persistent gap remains: the containers that are consumed out of home, often ending up in general waste. Exchange for Change, in collaboration with…
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Sweden Allows Throwing Damaged Clothes in Trash Starting Oct 1
Sweden’s textile waste policy shift explained From October 1, Swedish households can place torn and worn clothing directly in the regular garbage. The change marks a significant reversal of a policy that aimed to separate and divert all textile waste into donation, resale, or recycling channels. The move comes after months of practical difficulties for…
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Sweden Allows Damaged Clothes in Trash from October 1
What changed on October 1 From October 1, Sweden allows households to place damaged clothes and other unsellable textiles in the ordinary household waste bin. This marks a shift away from the stricter rule that textiles must be kept separate for reuse or resale. The change comes after a period in which a textile waste…
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Reimagining Waste as a Resource: Turning Polystyrene into Nylon Precursors
Turning a stubborn plastic into a valuable feedstock Waste plastics come in many forms, but not all are easy to recycle. Polystyrene, particularly in its extruded foamed form known as Styrofoam, has long posed a recycling challenge. At Saarland University, a multidisciplinary team led by biotechnologist Christoph Wittmann has turned a stubborn problem into a…
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Addressing Mining Tyre Waste in Australia
The Environmental Challenge of Mining Tyres In the heart of Western Australia’s iron ore mining industry, a pressing environmental issue is surfacing: the disposal of oversized mining tyres. Each year, an astonishing 30,000 tonnes of these tyres are buried, contributing to significant waste and environmental harm. Mining tyres are not only critical assets on mine…
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Innovative Solutions for Recycling Mining Tyres in Australia
The Environmental Impact of Mining Tyres Every year, approximately 30,000 tonnes of oversized mining tyres are buried in landfills across Australia. This practice not only poses a serious environmental threat but also signifies a reckless waste of valuable resources. Tyres, particularly those used in the iron ore mining industry of Western Australia, are engineered for…
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End of Buried Mining Tyres: A Sustainable Solution
Introduction Every year, a staggering 30,000 tonnes of mining tyres are disposed of, primarily ending up buried in landfills across Australia. These oversized tyres, vital for operations in the mining sector, contribute to significant environmental concerns. However, a new facility in Western Australia aims to redefine how mining companies manage this waste. With a focus…
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Can Australia’s New Soft Plastics Scheme Solve Recycling Issues?
Introduction to the Soft Plastics Dilemma in Australia For years, Australians have been grappling with the problem of soft plastic waste. Following the unexpected collapse of the REDcycle program nearly three years ago, consumers have found themselves without a reliable means to recycle soft plastics. The environmental implications of this crisis cannot be overstated, as…
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Can the New Soft Plastics Scheme Solve Australia’s Recycling Problem?
The Soft Plastics Dilemma in Australia Australia has faced significant challenges in recycling soft plastics, particularly since the collapse of the REDcycle program almost three years ago. REDcycle was a notable initiative that allowed consumers to return soft plastics at local supermarkets, ensuring these materials were recycled. However, the sudden halt of this program left…
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The EU’s Initiative Against Food Waste and Fast Fashion
Introduction The European Union (EU) is taking significant steps to tackle two pressing issues: food waste and fast fashion. With lawmakers approving a comprehensive text aimed at reducing waste, the EU is pushing for sustainable practices that carry important implications for the environment and society. Food Waste Crisis in Europe On average, every European citizen…