Geelong business boosts plastic recycling economy

PLASTIC recycling in Victoria has been given a big boost with the expansion of a major Geelong recycling facility.

Multimillion-dollar upgrades to GT Recyling’s base at Point Henry will boost capacity to sort and process plastics from the industrial and agricultural sectors.

The implementation of a second processing line at the facility will result in the ability to process an additional 8000 tonnes of plastic annually, including 3000 tonnes of soft plastics.

It will also reduce the need for virgin materials and divert waste from landfill, turning household and industry items into new products that can be used by business.

GT Recycling director Doug McLean said the future was bright for recycling and waste management.

“We are extremely proud and privileged to be playing a significant role in finding solutions for hard to recycle plastics not only in the Geelong region, but throughout Victoria,” Mr McLean said.

“It ensures valuable resources are not lost to landfill, while ensuring that GT Recycling is supporting a cleaner, greener Geelong and Victoria, creating jobs and contributing to a strong regional economy.”

The $5.7 million upgrade was supported by $3 million from the Australian and Victorian governments.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker welcomed the expansion of the facility.

“This investment in GT Recycling is an investment in jobs for our region, innovative manufacturing, and importantly, less plastics into landfill and our oceans,” Ms Coker said.

Geelong MP Chris Couzens said the project was an exciting one for Geelong, creating more local jobs and advancing Victoria’s soft plastics recycling capabilities.

“GT Recycling is a great example of the important work our local businesses and community are doing to protect our precious environment while driving progress towards Victoria’s target of diverting 80 per cent of all material away from landfill by 2030.”