THROW THESE ITEMS AWAY? WHAT A RUBBISH IDEA
THE Gold Coast council has strengthened its partnership with a not-for-profit charity to recycle items from city tips.
The city’s partnership with the Endeavour Foundation is removing about 30 tonnes a month from dumps and employs almost 100 people – at no cost to the council.
The council this month voted to continue the partnership, granting an e-waste removal contract to Sims Recycling Solutions on the condition the group works with the Endeavour Foundation.
Endeavour Foundation Gold Coast recycling manager Alyssa Gordon said the initiative did more than just prevent electronic waste from clogging tips.
“The funds we raise through our recycling operations are dedicated to helping local people with a disability,” she said.
Ms Gordon said 64 supported workers were employed to dismantle and recycle eWaste and a further 24 to run the city’s three tip shops.
“We get lots of lounges, dining suites and beds, as well as office furniture, building materials, bikes, books and surfboards, sewing machines, records and toys,” she said. “Everything, including – quite literally – the kitchen sink.”