Volunteers find most rubbish is recyclable

Media Release - 1 March 2009

Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO said volunteers have again demonstrated extraordinary spirit to take action to help their communities and the environment.

Organisers this afternoon estimate volunteer participation increased by 15 per cent when compared with 2008, with an estimated 630,000 volunteers across the country taking part in the day.

“Australians have again today demonstrated what it means to be Australian – when things get tough, we pitch in and help each other. We volunteer our time because we care about our country and our mates.”

Mr Kiernan said reports from volunteers of increased amounts of plastic pollution at the country’s 6910 registered Clean Up sites demonstrates the urgent need for a national action plan for recycling.

“Too many years have now passed when the growing problem of recyclable rubbish such as plastic bottles has been talked about but no further action has happened.

“There is a clear need for, and support for, a national refund scheme for drink bottles and cans and also national action to halt the destruction plastic bags cause in the natural environment.”

88 per cent of Australians support the introduction of a 10-cent bottle refund scheme.

Clean Up Australia Day state results [n.b. estimates only]

QLD: 1167 sites, 81,400 volunteers, 1400 tonnes of rubbish
NSW: 2926 sites, 281,300 volunteers, 3500 tonnes of rubbish
VIC: 1309 sites, 122,100 volunteers, 1600 tonnes of rubbish
SA: 557 sites, 66,800 volunteers, 670 tonnes of rubbish
WA: 486 sites, 39,400 volunteers, 580 tonnes of rubbish
TAS: 280 sites, 21,000 volunteers, 340 tonnes of rubbish
ACT: 110 sites, 8,000 volunteers, 135 tonnes of rubbish
NT: 74 sites, 6,200 volunteers, 90 tonnes of rubbish

*Pool Vision: Betacam vision of rubbish problem areas and Clean Up Australia Day volunteers will be available from 2.30pm from Ch 9 in Sydney. News quality photographs are also available on request.

For further information contact Alana Mew, 0423 377 567