Cash to expand recycling

DANDENONG South’s Waste Converters Recycling will use a $466,000 grant to expand its facility, creating 15 new jobs and doubling its capacity.
The cash, which came from the State Government’s Driving Investment for New Recycling fund, will help build a 2250 square metre building and a 5000 square metre concrete hardstand.
It will incorporate a 137,000 litre rainwater harvesting tank and a 20 kilowatt solar power system, to ensure the facility is carbon neutral.
“This new facility will allow us to significantly increase the output of the timber packaging recycling arm of the business,” director Ward Petherbridge said.
“With more of our facility under cover, we can also explore new opportunities to diversify the waste stream recycled at the site and increase the recycled products sold back into the market.”
Mr Petherbridge’s family has been running a waste business at the site for more than 30 years.
Waste Converters recovers used pallets and other waste and recycles the wood into new or repaired pallets, boxes, crates and landscaping mulches.
The plant will recycle 100,000 tonnes each year following the upgrade.
Most waste comes from the logistics, warehousing and manufacturing industries in the south east, from more than 2000 businesses including Viridian Glass and Holden.
Waste Converters was the only company in the region to secure Driving Investment for New Recycling funding. The company currently employs 45 people.