Time to

           think again

• 1.  “Australia has heaps of land to bury waste, so we don't need to worry about recycling”

Not true!  Landfill sites close to populated areas are quickly filling up, and the need to build more landfill sites further out of town is expensive, not to mention the hugely increased cost of transporting waste to those regional sites. Recycling is essential economically, and environmentally.

• 2. “Most waste is not recyclable, only certain plastics and carboard/paper"

Not true!  The majority of commercial and industrial waste is recyclable, however the key is not only educating people on what is and what isn’t, but cost effectively getting the recyclable material to a point where it can be recycled.

Many waste companies are now setting up MRF’s (materials recycling facilities) which is great because they can pick up recyclable materials that others aren’t aware can be recycled. The real trick with recycling though is to separate the waste at source, and to reduce the cost of transporting it, via compacting.  

• 3.  “Packaging and consumerism is the biggest cause of waste, we need to reduce packaging"

Not true!  Contrary to common opinion, research in the United States shows that well packaged goods reduce the amount of goods that are damaged, which in turn reduces the amount of waste going to landfill. Although consumerism is to blame somewhat, it is unavoidable in modern society and it is now about dealing with the issues proactively. 

• 4.  “Without government pushing for recycling and people being forced to recycle, it wouldn't happen at all”

Not true!  Many people individually recognize the impact that a little extra effort on their part can have on the environment. The industry is quickly learning the benefits of separation, compaction, and diversion from landfill leading to huge potential cost savings.
History shows that recycling in its earliest form has been happening for centuries, under the guise of scavenging: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
 
There is a move towards initiating voluntary programs for recycling, rather than reacting to regulatory changes, which create a negative connotation to the whole concept of sustainability. Don’t put recycling in the ‘too hard basket’! 

• 5. “Compaction and separation of waste is too labor & equipment intensive, it's cheaper to landfill the waste”

Not true!   At first glance, separation and compaction of waste at source looks possibly more costly.  But take into account the following:

1)   If waste is separated and compacted at source, the cost of doing so is minimal, because the waste is separated where it is generated. Far cheaper than sending it to a landfill site, where people are scouring the rubbish face.

2)   The labor content is absorbed into the daily operational costs of the place of business.

3)   The reduction in volume of waste significantly cuts the cost of transport and creates a commodity at the point where the waste is generated.

4)   The burden is reduced at every part of the supply chain, thus reducing costs, increasing the value of commodities, and therefore creating a sustainable future for recycling.

5)   Landfill levies are increasing every year, increasing the cost for businesses and making recycling a priority.