Media Release
9th November 2020
WSROC and Bunnings partner on responsible recycling
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) and nine western Sydney councils have partnered with Bunnings stores in the region to address the growing concern of problem wastes and promote available avenues for disposal and recycling.
The ‘Problem Waste? No Problem!’ campaign helps residents responsibly handle problem waste items by providing up to date, accessible information on services provided by Community Recycling Centres (CRCs).and Mobile Community Recycling Services.
WSROC President Barry Calvert said, “I am excited that nine Western Sydney councils are participating in this WSROC campaign, collaborating with our local Bunnings stores on addressing how to manage problem waste. Coinciding with National Recycling Week, this project aligns with all our councils’ efforts to increase the quality and quantity of recycling in the region.
“Items such as unused paints, car batteries, household batteries, smoke detectors, light globes and oils accumulate in every household. While we know most people want to recycle responsibly and safely, it is also the case that many people do not know how to dispose of problematic DIY and hardware, or what services are locally available.
“Sorting problem waste items and taking them to a Community Recycling Centre not only reduces contamination of everyday waste. It also helps to improve recycling rates and saves water, energy, and preserves other valuable natural resources.
“For example, items such as lead acid batteries are sent to recyclers where the lead, acid and plastic are recovered, while undamaged gas bottles are retested, restamped and entered into the hire industry.
“Responsible waste management is something everyone needs to know about. The ‘Problem Waste? No Problem!’ campaign is a key step in helping the community to better manage problem waste, at no cost,” he said.
WSROC has developed signage and information for the campaign which is funded by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority. During the campaign, which will run until the end of the year, Western Sydney Bunnings stores will display information cards at the paint counter and general registers, showing different types of problem waste items with information on where shoppers can go to correctly dispose of them.
Western Sydney ‘Problem Waste? No Problem!’ campaign is implemented by WSROC and will initially run during November and December, in every Bunnings store in the region.
For more information go to www.cleanout.com.au or contact your local council.
Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) are permanent drop-off facilities and mobile services for common household wastes that cannot be collected through council kerbside waste and recycling services. They operate year-round for our community to drop off household quantities of problem wastes, free of charge. There are four CRCs in the region, located at Penrith, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains and Liverpool.
The Mobile Community Recycling Service is only available to residents of Cumberland City Council, Blacktown City Council and City of Parramatta Council. The service aims to provide an easy and convenient way for residents to recycle or safely dispose of household problem wastes.
Media contact: Kate O’Connell or Kelly Gee, e: media@wsroc.com.au, t: 02 9671 4333
WSROC Bunnings Recycling