Some people see challenges as roadblocks, others see them as opportunities. And although we’ve seen meaningful progress in the waste management and recycling industry over the last few decades, there definitely are still many challenges to overcome!
Getting to Zero Waste To Landfill (ZWTL) simply won’t happen if specialists in the waste management industry continue to work in silo’s – we need to team up to develop better solutions. By collaborating with others who are equally passionate about a sustainable future, we can find new ways to turn problematic waste streams into valuable resources.
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Challenge 1: Turning backing labels into research fundingLabels are everywhere, but their custom-made 3-layer composition makes them non-recyclable. Collaborating with an external service provider, a prominent producer responsibility organisation, we embarked on a 10-month trial to test and refine a process to separate these layers and dissolve the glue residue. This breakthrough has allowed them to recycle the wax paper and common mixed waste, which Twinsaver now uses to produce toilet paper. The rebates from Twinsaver fund further research, which is a win-win for everyone involved. |
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Challenge 2: Upcycling dirty polystyrene into sustainable constructionWe are all familiar with polystyrene as a great packaging material. Unfortunately, dirty polystyrene is non-recyclable. We have found a partner with a similar vision as ours – to turn the tide on the tonnes of polystyrene waste ending up in our oceans and landfills. By crushing, shredding, and mixing contaminated polystyrene with cement and sand, they produce lightweight yet strong concrete blocks that offer excellent insulation. Using polystyrene aggregates also cuts down on costs, and greatly reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing concrete. |
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Challenge 3: Keeping casino cards out of landfillBy casino regulations playing cards are used at only one table, and have to be replaced every four hours. This adds up to tonnes of cards going to landfill every month! And with a complex layering of cardboard, plastic and wax, these non-recyclable cards poses a significant challenge. After months of rigorous testing, however, WastePlan in collaboration with another waste reduction specialist has developed a process to separate these layers, dissolve the wax, and create recyclable streams for both cardboard and plastic. |
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Challenge 4: Transforming sugar bags into job creationOne of our food manufacturing clients buys tonnes of sugar every month, packaged in 25kg, 50kg, 70kg and 100kg bags made of plastic and cardboard. The mixed layers of these bags makes them strong, durable, and perfect for packaging sugar – but also non-recyclable. Recognising that the durability of these bags is a useful benefit, we approached Al Fresco, an NPO that provides work for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. Now, they repurpose two tonnes of sugar bags every month into trendy laptop and carry bags, while providing meaningful employment. |
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Challenge 5: Composting and recycling blue gel ice packsAll medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics rely heavily on blue gel ice packs for cooling, but these packs are often considered contaminated after use. Faced with 50 tonnes of these packs per month across the country, we contacted the manufacturer to discover that the blue gel is water-based and can be composted. By cutting open the packs, composting the gel, and recycling the PVC bags (similar to IV bags) we have found a sustainable solution for this significant waste stream. |
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Challenge 6: Repurposing rubber for playgrounds and sports fieldsRubber waste, from old tyres to deteriorated conveyor belts, presents an ongoing landfill challenge, not least because rubber releases methane gas when lying in the sun. Incinerating rubber for energy production also creates emissions, and is therefore less eco-friendly. Another solution is to collaborate with manufacturers to shred these rubber products, separating the rubber from metal threads, and colouring the crumbs. These crumbs are then used to create brightly coloured, hard-wearing, bouncy surfaces for kids’ playgrounds and sports fields. |
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to Zero Waste To Landfill (ZWTL). We strive for a future where every client achieves their environmental goals.
If you are looking for a specialist team that thrives on collaboration and innovative solutions, WastePlan is here for you. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future.
Tell us what your challenges are and let's see how we can get you to your ZWTL goal