Public Place Recycling Trial launched at First Fleet Park

 Overview

Coca-Cola Amatil in partnership with Visy and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority launched a Public Place Recycling trial at Sydney’s First Fleet Park on the 22nd of December 2004.  The five-month trial involved the placement of 20 temporary recycling bins that were partnered with general waste bins across the First Fleet Park precinct, at Sydney’s Circular Quay.  The objective of the trial was to demonstrate the viability of establishing recycling facilities in a high pedestrian area.  One of the challenges of First Fleet Park was the large numbers of tourists        Warwick White, MD Coca-Cola Amatil
visiting the park, which provided                Australia places the first PET bottle in the
communication challenges due to language   recycling station.
and lack of knowledge about Australia's
recycling system. 

Results

The trial at First Fleet Park commenced in February 2005 and ran for five months.  Over this time a number of audits were undertaken which concluded that the recovery levels were good with a 76% diversion rate by weight, however the contamination rates were quite high at 48% by weight.  The audit report concluded that the contamination rates would be likely to improve with an improved signage system, such as the one CCA has been trialling at Thredbo and Taronga Zoo. 

Offical Launch of the trial

The trial was officially launched on the 22nd of December 2004.

The Executive Director of the NSW Department of Environment and Conservations Sustainability Department, Tim Rogers officially unveiled the bin and commended the work of everyone involved.

“I’d like to congratulate the parties and their leadership who spoke at the launch
said the government organisation was keen to work with other partners to improve the environmental outcome of the Authorities precincts.                         

“This is a fantastic combination of private and public sector interests, Coca-Cola Amatil, Visy and the NSW government, through the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.  From our perspective as a place management and tourism authority we welcome an initiative like this that will enhance the precinct”.

Next Steps

A report will be presented to Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority outlining the results of the audits and recommendations on how a permanent program could be improved through clearer signage.  In the short-term Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority plan to leave the temporary bins in place, until a permanent solution is found.

To view the joint media release from CCA, Visy and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority please go to media releases.