Uncovering Recycling Service Mismanagement Ahead of National Recycling Week
At NPSG Australia, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we strive to ensure that waste management processes align with best practices and support our goal of contributing to responsible consumption and production.
Recently, one of our team members at a work site in Eastern Creek, NSW, uncovered a recycling incident, demonstrating how vigilance can lead to meaningful action. With National Recycling Week approaching (11-17 November), this discovery couldn’t be timelier.
The incident involved the improper handling of five 660L wheelie bins, which had been carefully ordered for waste segregation—two for general waste, two for cardboard recycling, and one for plastic recycling (LDPE). After the bins were filled, Jaiden Shaw, a dedicated member of the NPSG Australia team, arranged for a recycling company to empty them.
Unfortunately, when the collection truck arrived, the driver emptied all five bins into a single truck, effectively contaminating the recycling and consigning it to landfill. Recognising the issue, Jaiden promptly notified NPSG Australia management, who contacted the hire company responsible for the bins. The company, which had subcontracted the service to a third-party vendor, promised to investigate.
Despite these assurances, the same thing happened again during the next collection. This time, Jaiden took photos to document the issue. Upon presenting the evidence to the hire company, it was revealed that some drivers employed by the vendor had been working under an unauthorised agreement, mixing all waste types in general waste trucks. The vendor was unaware this practice had been occurring.
This problem, which appears to have been ongoing for months, was also observed at another site in Sydney, earlier this year. Thanks to Jaiden’s quick thinking and dedication, NPSG Australia has been able to raise awareness of this issue, giving the vendor the opportunity to correct the situation.
Photo: Bin containing general waste
Photo: Bin containing cardboard
As we look ahead to National Recycling Week, it’s essential to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices in all aspects of business. At NPSG Australia, sustainability is not just a concept; it's part of our operational DNA. Our efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on industry innovation, responsible consumption, and climate action. We are committed to taking practical steps every day to manage our business activities in an environmentally responsible way, positively impacting the ecosystems and communities we serve.
Jaiden’s actions highlight our team’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, and we are proud to be taking steps towards ensuring all our recycling processes meet the high standards we uphold.
Photo: First occurrence where all waste was emptied into the one truck