Logan businesses embracing circular economy during Recycling Week

Sixteen local companies have already signed up for a pilot program called ASPIRE, that provides a platform to trade and donate waste that would otherwise be discarded.

Logan businesses with up to 100 employees can register and use the platform for free.

The 25th annual National Recycling Week is Monday, November 9 to Sunday, November 15.

This year’s theme is ‘Recovery – A future beyond the bin’.

The ASPIRE program, supported by Logan City Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, echoes that call to action.

It encourages local businesses to find ways to reuse or recycle material, treat waste as a potential resource and contribute to the ‘circular economy’.

Participating companies can buy, sell or donate waste to improve their own efficiencies, create new revenue streams and supply chains and reduce amounts going to landfill.

An example is coffee grinds and plasterboard offcuts, which often are dumped, can be used to make kitty litter.

Crestmead-based soft window furnishings manufacturer Vadain joined the ASPIRE program in September.

General Manager Tessa Schouten said the company, which employs more than 40 people, wanted to reduce its carbon footprint.

It hopes to find ways to reduce its general waste, such as fabric offcuts and cardboard and PVC centre tubes, from going to landfill.

“This is a great initiative and the best way to make it successful is to get as many companies as possible to join in,” Ms Schouten said.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Deputy Chairs, Councillor Karen Murphy and Councillor Miriam Stemp, visited the Vadain factory this week.

Both praised the company’s recycling efforts and determination to minimise the amount of their waste from going to landfill.

“Some of the fabric offcuts are beautiful material that I know could be made into so many handy products rather than being dumped,” Cr Murphy said.

“I know there are groups across Logan, and possibly other companies, that could benefit from using these offcuts,” Cr Murphy said.

Piles of metres-long PVC tubes from the inner roles of material caught Cr Stemp’s eye.

“If there is any way we can recycle and stop this material go into landfill I’m all for it,” Cr Stemp said.

“That’s the beauty of the ASPIRE program in helping one organisation find another that can use their waste.”

Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said the Logan community strongly supports recycling.

“Recycling and reusing not only helps improve our environment but can also save money at home and in the workplace,” Cr Raven said.

For more information and to register visit the ASPIRE page or contact LOED on 3412 4888.