April 2008

Recycling win for Bengalla

A Bengalla project that recycles gloves to reduce landfill and lower costs has won a national recycling competition.

"About 70 million industrial gloves are imported into Australia each year, with most ending up as landfill," Bengalla Environmental Specialist Sharon Green said.

"I developed a system for maintenance crews to collect used gloves and send them to a not for profit organisation to be washed, dried, checked for quality and repackaged, ready for use again.

"The system, which was successfully trialled in February, will lower the costs of purchasing new gloves and mean fewer gloves end up in landfill. It will also help support the Flagstaff Group, which provides meaningful employment opportunities to people with a disability."

General Manager Health, Safety and Environment Rory Gordon congratulated Sharon on her efforts, which saw Bengalla win a National Recycling Week competition run by recycling contractor, Thiess Services.

"By developing innovative, environmental solutions we are not only contributing towards a greener world, we are also boosting our economic sustainability and helping the community as whole," Rory said.