Dirty containers, green bottles, tops on or off, takeaway coffee cups, styrofoam recycled in Moss Vale but not Goulburn? 

Most people are confused. If it is not clear people take the easy way out and toss it in the bin that 'feels right'!

This is probably where contamination happens. I was shocked to discover that green bottles are not recyclable.

I talked with a local wine producer to find out if green bottles improve a good red. The answer was "no – it is simply convention.” 

Residents of Goulburn Mulwaree need to know where to recycle and have confidence that our efforts are not betrayed.

There are locations around town for batteries, mobile phones, soft plastics, bottles and cans but you have to stumble on most of them to know.

We need a one-stop-shop and hopefully council’s proposed upgrade to the waste facility will provide this. 

As a social enterprise, Endeavour Industries should be applauded. But after 30 years, it is a good time for an improved business model beyond collect, sort and sell.

There is a regional industry opportunity for re-purposing our waste for use in road base, building products and outdoor furniture to  name a few.  

If we are serious about reducing waste to landfill then we need more from Federal, State and Local Governments, including more effective education campaigns, stronger regulation on the supply chain and incentives for innovation. 

We can all play a part in reducing waste but for serious change we need political leadership for the public good.

There is great potential for new industries if we place a value on waste and align it to public and environmental health outcomes.

The recycling business model can become more than just packaging waste to flog it off overseas. 

China has probably done Australia a favour. It’s time to clean up, reduce our contamination load and develop more closed loops for repurposing.

Then we will see a boost to regional training and employment, along with expanded opportunities for people with disabilities. We will all be clear about the part we play in cleaning up Australia.