Media Release 12 July 2006

New Generation of Recyclers to Tackle Victoria's Waste Problems

Geelong primary students will be the first in Victoria to take part in a new environmental initiative launched jointly today by Clean Up Australia, Alcoa Foundation and Barwon Regional Waste Management Group aimed at helping manage waste in schools.

Victoria needs a new generation of recyclers if it is to win the battle against waste and Clean Up Australia is focusing on school children as part of a project to protect the environment year-round.

Supported by the Alcoa Foundation, Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO today launched the Triple Bin Challenge at Tate Street Primary School in Geelong with localstate Member Ian Trezise.

"The Triple Bin Challenge is an important new approach as it builds on what we do with the annual Clean Up Schools Day and teaches kids how to manage the rubbish around them year-round. Teaching children that there is value in rubbish is the challenge but it can be done and the Triple Bin Challenge makes recycling cool" said Mr Kiernan.

Alcoa Environment Health and Safety Eastern Operations Manager Gerard Kennedy said the Alcoa Foundation was proud to be supporting this initiative which was first piloted by Alcoa's Anglesea site and the Anglesea Primary School.

"It is extremely pleasing to see that Anglesea Primary School has experienced a 50 percent reduction in waste and waste management costs as a result of the Triple Bin Challenge," Mr Kennedy said.

"The Triple Bin Challenge is a great stepping stone for schools to enter the Victorian Government's Waste Wise program" said Mr Rob Binnie, Chair of Barwon Regional Waste Management Group, Clean Up Australia's delivery partner for the program in the Geelong region.

Tate St Primary students today took part in a teams 'rubbish relay' to see which team could sort and recycle school playground rubbish the fastest. This followed a talk with Ian Kiernan at a school assembly.

The targeted schools in the region fall under four local government areas: City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire Council, Surfcoast Shire Council and Borough of Queenscliff.

Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in the quality of life in Alcoa communities worldwide. With more than $410 million invested since our inception in 1952, Alcoa Foundation has positioned itself as a source of positive community change and enhancement.

Out of that legacy has emerged a set of strengths and competencies that reflect community aspirations and needs around the world. In 2005, Alcoa Foundation made over $22 million in grants around the world.

Further information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656

Background to the Triple Bin Challenge

The Triple Bin Challenge teaches children to sort rubbish at its source by giving them
colour-coded bins to prompt them to recycle. Clean Up Australia has partnered the Alcoa Foundation and Barwon Regional Waste Management Group, and aims to sign up 20 schools in the Geelong area.

Key to the Challenge is the Triple Bin Schools Guide, which contains information and
activity sheets to help implement practical ideas and classroom activities such as waste audits, which will increase recycling and composting awareness and reduce waste to landfill.

Clean Up Australia Day

"School grounds were the third most polluted sites on Clean Up Australia Day last year
and plastics, such as bottles and food bags, the most common type of rubbish found," Mr Kiernan said.

"Much of the initial success of Clean Up Australia Day was due to the enthusiasm of
school-age children to learn about recycling and reusing rubbish and that this in turn
influenced parents and families.

"The fact that Clean Up Australia Day is still here and still collects thousands of tonnes
of waste demonstrates that we still have a way to go before we can say we are on top of the problem it poses for the environment. Children still are key to solving this challenge."