Welcome

Welcome to the April edition of the EPSA newsletter.

Firstly, we are pleased to announce members, we have lodged the annual Australian Packaging Covenant report your behalf.

In addition we have been working closely with Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG) to identify a sustainable future for EPS recycling Victoria and will begin placing updates on our 'Members Only' section in due time.

The board are attending EPSA's annual strategic planning meeting in May, if you have anything you would like us to consider as your association, please send through to admin@epsa.org.au.

We have an exciting year ahead and look forward to working closely with you all throughout.

Becher Townshend
Executive Director

EPS fish packaging innovation

Spanish researchers have successfully developed a high quality, non-odour recycled material from EPS boxes previously used to package fresh fish.

To find out more, click here.

CSIRO guideline on fire savety of external walls

The CSIRO has published a fire safety guideline for external walls which is available for download on their website.

Visit the CSIRO website here.

EPS now being recycled into surfboards

California's Sustainable Surf company hosts polystyrene collection events and recycles polystyrene products to create high performance 'Ecoboards'

Visit the Sustainable Surf website here.

Would you like to become an associate member of EPSA?

Do you recycle EPS? Then you are eligible to become an associate member and participate in furthering the aims of EPSA.

For more information email admin@epsa.org.au.

Waste Expo 2016

This October, Victoria's Waste Expo is on again. Being held at the Melbourne Convention Center on the 4th, 5th and 6th October.

For more information, click here.

Occupational Health and Safety Compliance and Enforcement review

The Minister for Finance has established the Occupational Health and Safety Compliance and Enforcement Review (OHS Review) to review WorkSafe's compliance and enforcement activities; its provision of OHS compliance information; and promotion of OHS awareness, education and training. The review will make recommendations on appropriate reforms to improve health and safety outcomes for Victorian workers.

Margaret Donnan, one of EPSA's Independent Board members is one of the three independent panelists appointed by the Minister.

A Discussion Paper will be released for public comment in June/July.

For more information click here.

Growth in plastics recovery rises

An article released by the European Recycling Portal has shown impressive growth in the recovery of plastics for recycling in the UK.

To read the full article, click here.

Rebates for SME waste service providers

The New South Wales EPA has announced a government funding opportunity available to recycling collectors and processors servicing small to medium sized (SME) businesses that are currently available as part of the Bin Trim Rebate Program.

The Bin Trim Rebates program funds up to 50% of the cost of small-scale reuse and recycling equipment that will be used to divert waste generated by SMEs from landfill.

To find out more, click here.

Hawaiian recycler awarded

Pacific Allied Products of Oahu, Hawaii, has been presented with the EPS Industry Alliance's 2016 Excellence in EPS Recycling Award.

Pacific Allied Products has greatly increased the recycling production of EPS in Hawaii, now recycling 775,000 pounds of foam per year into valuable roofing and construction products.

To find out more, click here.