Statewide recognition for waste management

Hedland’s recycling and litter prevention initiatives have earned local environmentalists a place on the shortlist for a State-wide award in waste management.

Care For Hedland will join leading environmental groups at a gala dinner in Perth on November 6 after securing their nomination for the Community category final in the 2015 WA Waste Authority Infinity Waste Awards.

Chairwoman Kelly Howlett is also a finalist in the Waste Champion category.

She said Care For Hedland had now earned its third straight nomination for the annual awards.

“This demonstrates the significant work that is being undertaken, and that each year as a community group … (we deliver) great on-ground results,” she said.

Ms Howlett said the group impressed judges this year with its wide range of community initiatives.

These included the trial of nets preventing litter blowing out of the open trays of moving utes, the installation of anti-litter signage in community parks and the launch of a fridge magnet listing recycling and waste disposal options in town.

The community group also ran litter clean-ups in South Hedland districts and along roadsides, partnered with the Hedland Arts Council to organise the annual recycled art competition and took part in the Clean Up Australia Day, Great Northern Clean Up and Beach Clean Up.

Ms Howlett said around 350 volunteers each year took part in Care For Hedland’s waste management initiatives and cleaned-up or recycled more than 2370kg of waste.