A road construction project that used recycled materials was one of six category winners honoured for their efforts for waste reduction, re-use and recycling in the 2015 Infinity Awards.
The Infinity Awards honoured 28 entrants from community groups, government, business and industry for their waste reduction efforts.
Gateway WA, a major road construction project requiring 5.9 million tonnes of materials, won the Business category. Through the use of recycled construction and demolition products, on-site rehabilitation and keeping transport costs to a minimum, the project has benchmarked use of recycled construction and demolition materials in civil construction projects.
The Local Government winner was the City of Karratha for its work in overcoming isolation issues to build the first best practice waste transfer station in the Pilbara. The site’s facilities include waste oil collection, co-mingled recycling and glass bottle recycling that produces a sand substitute use in road building.
Fremantle Ports was the State Government winner for its strategic response to waste management gaps in three diverse sites to ensure waste was managed correctly. Engagement with the workforce, development of a waste management guideline, and site briefings were effective processes that have inspired Fremantle Ports’ tenants to also implement recycling systems.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the awards helped influence behavioural change, a necessary step as the state works towards the objectives outlined in the Western Australian Waste Strategy: Creating the right environment.
“While the State’s performance has improved over recent years, recycling is still below targets and it is clear we can do better,” he said.
“They offer an opportunity for clever waste reduction and recycling projects to be shared with the wider community and then hopefully inspire others towards positive action.
The 2015 Infinity Award category winners full list is :
Waste Wise Schools winner – Hilton Primary School
Business winner – Gateway WA
Local Government winner – City of Karratha
Community winner – Food Rescue
State Government winner – Fremantle Ports
Waste Champion category – Rebecca Prince-Ruiz