SOLTYS BREWSTER’s Post

E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream on the planet. It’s a wicked problem and raises many questions about corporate responsibility.   So we asked ourselves: what are Australia’s largest companies doing to address the e-waste crisis?   To find out, we analysed the latest sustainability reports from the #ASX Top 200 and discovered that while most are committed to broader #ESG goals, e-waste consistently falls by the wayside.   And the cost of inaction is huge. Ongoing environmental degradation, increasing commodity prices as mining becomes increasingly problematic, and a widening gap between public expectations and company performance.   A lack-of transparency from organisations on their e-waste adds fuel to the fire. Many businesses don’t know where their e-waste goes for disposal, some don’t treat it with the same urgency as paper and cardboard recycling, while others don’t bother disclosing the amount of e-waste they produce.   You can download the complete report here: https://lnkd.in/gPPbvAK2

"Some people think of recycling as a monolithic activity. But we look at recycling as taking down a fraction of the waste stream that really lends itself to the full life cycle of recycling." Triumvirate Environmental's CEO, John McQuillan, took a deep dive into our organization's role and position within the environmental space and what to expect from Triumvirate in the future. 💻 Click to read the full article. https://okt.to/rtvo81

A couple months ago an article published in Science highlighted the success that Massachusetts has had with its commercial #foodwastedisposalban. But they didn't get the full story on how and why. This article in today's Boston Globe does--it showcases the critical role the MassDEP sponsored #RecyclingWorks program plays in compliance. RecyclingWorks was the first, and remains the most robust, statewide technical assistance program to help businesses comply with waste disposal bans. https://lnkd.in/erdc3Nri

South Australian councils are showcasing how achievable it is for compostable packaging to be included in green FOGO kerbside bins. In fact, a recent report shows that, overall, compostable packaging has had a marginal impact on South Australia’s current organics recovery systems. This is a finding that addresses many state’s concerns. At Compost Connect, we’re done waiting. We want to see other state EPAs and councils follow suit and accept compostable packaging in kerbside FOGO bins – ultimately, this packaging acts as a vehicle to curb food waste. Sign the petition and join the movement – Compost for Climate https://lnkd.in/d43y5s_i #CompostforClimate #CompostConnect #Composting #CompostingisCool

Big news for e-waste enthusiasts and environmental advocates. The federal government is stepping up its efforts to make battery recycling easier and more accessible for everyone. 🔋 This move aims to reduce e-waste and promote responsible recycling practices. Read more about how this could impact our environment and the e-waste recycling industry: https://hubs.ly/Q02JVByq0 #BatteryRecycling #EWaste #SustainableFuture #EnvironmentalImpact #redwoodindustries

Will Virginia’s impending ban on polystyrene foam food containers do more environmental harm than good? Without a robust recycling infrastructure – which will take years and public-private investment to build – more expensive alternatives to polystyrene are likely to end up in landfills where they will not easily biodegrade and release methane gas and potentially PFAS into our environment. There’s a better way… manufacturers of innovative recycling technology want to help move Virginia towards a more sustainable, zero-waste future by creating a closed-loop system for the very material Virginia is about to ban. Watch and follow the link below to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gFvrbtTR

Today is International E-waste Day! Proper e-waste management can reduce CO2 emissions by 93 billion kilograms every year. As technology advances, so does the volume of discarded electronics, which can have a significant impact on the environment if not handled responsibly. By correctly segregating and disposing of e-waste, we can prevent harmful chemicals from polluting ecosystems and reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing new devices. Dispose any old electronics properly to protect the planet.

How do we solve the problem of waste?? 🗑️ The amount of waste we create is out of control. When it comes to tyres, we dump two Harbour Bridge’s worth into the Australian environment each year. ISF Adjunct Professor John Gertsakis featured in this 2ser Think Sustainability podcast on the waste problem and what can be done. John Gertsakis says, “We can’t recycle our way out of the waste challenge, we need to be looking at prevention.” “In manufactured goods, up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage.” ♻️ Prevention is better than cure in this space. Listen to the full podcast here: https://ow.ly/EPqZ50TUYzX #ThinkSustainability #Waste #CircularEconomy

According to the latest UN’s General E-Waste Monitor, in 2022, 62 billion kg of e-waste were generated globally. This means 1.55 million trucks filled with e-waste lined up along the Earth's equator. The quantity of e-waste is expected to rise to 82 billion kg by 2030. Currently, the amount of e-waste is growing five times faster than formal recycling collection rates since 2010. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝘂𝗴, 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲! Find your closest recycling location ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gbmHm5e #EWasteDay WEEE Forum KMK Metals Recycling Ltd. Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications The Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA)

We are supporting Scotland's drive to be net zero by 2045 by helping companies like Brewster Brothers make huge contributions to the construction industry. Last year Brewster Brothers invested in their second CDE waste recycling plant, which has enabled them to divert over 1.7 million tonnes of waste from landfill across two sites, saving 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in the process. Commenting on the investment, Brewster Brothers Managing Director, Scott Brewster explains, “With this second plant, we are able to service 44% of the Scottish construction market, while keeping our own carbon footprint to a minimum. All of which has been possible through our strong relationship with CDE.” Read the case study ➡️ https://loom.ly/67ooZgY #WasteRecycling #CircularEconomy #EngineeredforBrewsterBrothers #NetZero #ZeroWaste