Media release, June 7 2007

Bellbrae Primary School wins Triple Bin Challenge after reducing waste by 20%

Bellbrae Primary School has been named the winner of the Triple Bin Challenge, a program that encourages students to recycle rubbish.

The result of a partnership between the Alcoa Foundation, Clean Up Australia and the Barwon Regional Waste Management Group, the Triple Bin Challenge was introduced to 20 schools in the Geelong region last year to help manage waste.

Bellbrae Primary School was awarded the top honour for its outstanding efforts in reducing waste consumption by 20%, reducing litter by 59% and introducing a recycling collection at the school.

Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO, who presented the award, said Bellbrae Primary School had also implemented educational activities such as displaying posters across the school, displaying rubbish collected on Clean Up Australia Day, promoting lunches being packaged in reusable containers and also making note pads out of single sided used paper.

“Bellbrae Primary School students have done a fantastic job – they’re very deserving winners,” Mr Kiernan said.

“We need a new generation of recyclers if we are to win the battle against waste and judging by Bellbrae’s effort we’re in good hands,” he said.

Alcoa’s Victorian Environment Manager Gerard Kennedy congratulated Bellbrae Primary School on implementing a range of initiatives which led to excellent outcomes in waste reduction.

“Alcoa is pleased to be supporting the Triple Bin Challenge as part of its commitment in helping to improve the environment not only at its Alcoa Point Henry and Alcoa Anglesea sites but also within the communities in which it operates,” Mr Kennedy said.

Bellbrae Primary School Principal Mr Stephen McDonald said the students at the school were now very aware of the new recycling program including teachers and parents.

“We have regarded the Triple Bin Challenge as a great success in getting us up and running with the sustainable concept and we hope it will take us further to becoming a sustainable school in the future,” Mr McDonald said.

Alcoa Foundation is a separately constituted not-for-profit U.S. corporate foundation with assets of approximately US$534 million. Alcoa Foundation’s mission is to actively invest in the quality of life in Alcoa communities worldwide. Throughout its 55 year history, Alcoa Foundation has been a source of positive community change and enhancement, with nearly US$437 million invested globally since 1952.

Media contacts:

Joanne Forssman - Alcoa Point Henry, 5245 1065
Clean Up Australia - Sally Miles, 02 9552 6177
Barwon Regional Waste Management Group – Amy O’Brien, 5277 9656