The Department of Waste Management has launched a new large-scale Glass Crusher as it seeks to promote recycling Territory wide.

The department in conjunction with Green VI hosted a demonstration session with the members of the media at the Pockwood Pond waste facility to provide first-hand information on the crusher and enhance collaborations to promote recycling.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent Wheatley said he welcomed the partnership between his ministry and Green VI. Honourable Wheatley added, “Being here today further solidifies our commitment to changing the way we see and handle waste in the Territory.”

Deputy Director of Green VI Ms. Sarah Penney emphasised the importance of the collaboration to advance the initiative. 

Ms. Penny said, “From our origins of the We Recycle programme it has been a collaboration between our organisation and the Ministry of Health.  There has been a Memorandum of Understanding between us from day one to work together to find solutions to waste management issues and we continue to work together to do just that.”

Meanwhile, Director of Waste Management, Mr. Marcus Solomon reinforced his department’s commitment to strategically manage waste.  Mr. Solomon said, “This is part of strategic efforts to divert as much waste as we can from the landfill.  This crushed glass now being produced at the Pockwood Pond facility will be used to cover incoming waste to reduce the risk of fires. The glass will also be used at the site as the base for the improved access road.”

 The new Andela Glass Crusher can process 2000 pounds (one short ton) of glass waste per hour, using glass bottles and jars collected through the WE RECYCLE system.

The Department of Waste Management is committed to ensuring that the natural beauty of the Territory is enhanced by utilising state of the art waste management technology to ensure timely collection, disposal, and where possible, the recycling of waste.