A coffee cup recycling programme was launched today at Howard Smith Wharves by the Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans MP, highlighting the importance of industry-led initiatives to reduce waste and improve recycling.
“Simply Cups is Australia’s largest cup recycling program, and it is wonderful to have this innovative recycling program now operating here at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane, across all of its various hospitality outlets,” Mr Evans said.
Howard Smith Wharves has invested heavily in equipment to recover recyclables at its site – including rapid food waste composters, glass crushers, cardboard balers, soft plastic recycling and now coffee cup recyclables.
“I was delighted to see first-hand the innovative partnership HSW has with Closed Loop to better manage waste from the site,” Mr Evans said. “Up to 400kg a day of food waste is being processed in this way, with plans to double that capacity soon when more restaurants open. This is a fantastic example of industry taking practical environmental action on recycling”.
The Australian Government is leading substantial investment in recycling and efforts to move towards a more circular economy.
“The Morrison Government is determined to increase recycling rates and reduce waste,” said Mr Evans. “We will be working closely with industry, communities and state, territory and local governments to achieve needed changes and to focus on practical, meaningful actions that protect the environment and build our domestic recycling industry.
“At the heart of the Government’s strategy is the Australian Recycling Investment Plan, a package of initiatives totalling $167 million designed to grow and strengthen Australia’s domestic recycling industry, and to support industry and community initiatives to lift recycling rates in Australia. We will continue action to halve food waste by 2030.
“More recycling is not just good for our environment, it’s also good for the economy and means new opportunities for innovative local industries and more jobs”.
