COUNCIL THANKS GLEN INDUSTRIES FOR 32-YEAR SERVICE

Published on 06 December 2024

The end of the long partnership between Glen Innes Severn Council and Glen Industries witnessed by the long-term contract expiring in June of this year, represents an important change for local recycling efforts, particularly in light of emerging cost efficiencies and sustainable recycling methods in Australia. With financial support from Council, Glen Industries continued processing materials for a period of time, completing their final load of kerbside recycling last week.

Glen Industries has provided essential recycling services through the Rodgers Road Materials Recycling Facility (MRF). However, the facility's ageing infrastructure, compounded by the enormous cost of building a new facility in a small-scale setting, has underscored the need for a more viable solution. The escalating expenses have necessitated a transition to modern, efficient, recycling practices.

In response, Council has taken proactive steps to redesign its recycling strategy. By continuing to partner with JR Richards for kerbside collection and transporting the material to Re.Group’s Chinderah facility, Council will benefit from advancements in sorting technology. The utilising of technology such as optical sorting systems represents a significant improvement over manual labour, yielding superior recovery rates and waste diversion outcomes. This not only reduces costs associated with labour-intensive sorting but also minimises contamination, enhancing the overall quality of recyclables processed.

General Manager Bernard Smith said, “Council's commitment to environmentally sustainable practices remains steadfast, this transition is in line with what is occurring across Australia where large cost-efficient facilities are used for the sorting of recyclables in order to optimise recycling outcomes and maximise resource recovery.”

While the end of the Glen Innes Severn Council and Glen Industries’ 32-year partnership marks the close of an era, it also opens the door to innovative, cost-effective recycling methods that align with modern sustainability goals. The community can look forward to a more resilient and efficient recycling framework that supports the broader vision of a sustainable future.

Council extends its gratitude to Glen Industries for their long-standing service and commitment to delivering reliable recycling outcomes over the decades.