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Reducing our waste

Cooleman Court has been named Canberra’s Biggest Recycler at the 10th annual Actsmart Business Sustainability Awards. The awards recognise businesses across Canberra for their commitment to a sustainable future.

The Coolo Recycling Warriors program at Cooleman Court was introduced to encourage retailers to actively find ways to recycle and reduce their carbon footprint and be part of the solution. The program has seen recycling rates at the centre increase from 44 per cent in July 2017 to 88 per cent in February 2019, which equates to over 660 tonnes of waste being diverted from landfill.

Other best practice resource recovery initiatives at the centre include:

• six waste streams, including mixed recycling, paper, cardboard, food organics, used cooking oil and landfill
• the implementation of uniquely tailored bins for disposable coffee cups and aluminium cans
• a dedicated Customer Experience Manager who manages tenant engagement and education, with a focus on improving source separation and resource recovery outcomes
• a tailor-made waste management plan to ensure all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities
• monthly reviews

Cooleman Court and Actsmart will continue to work with retailers to identify and action further areas for improvement. Currently under investigation are new recycling streams for items such as mobile phones, plastics, toner cartridges and reading glasses which will allow customers at Cooleman Court to participate in the program too.

Cooleman Court also partners with OzHarvest, where all proceeds collected from recycling cans and bottles are donated to OzHarvest to contribute to their 2 million meals a year for the local community in need.

Focus Area

 Natural Resources