Recycling plant to get bigger and better

A MOOLAP recycler is using $3 million from the Victorian and federal governments to upgrade and expand its facility with world-leading technology.

GT Recycling will also put in $1.7 million towards the works, which will allow it to process an extra 8,000 tonnes of plastic for sale within the Australian market every year.

The new technology includes shredding, washing, polymer separation and extrusion equipment for plastic types including LDPE film and PP flexible packaging.

Federal Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the expanded Geelong facility will help to process and extract value from the almost 188,000 tonnes of plastic waste Australia would have shipped overseas each year before the federal government’s ban on exporting waste.

“We have placed waste firmly on the national agenda through our Recycling Modernisation Fund and through our historic export bans on waste plastic, tyres, glass and tyres,” Ms Ley said.

“Our export ban on mixed plastic waste started in July this year, with the ban on unprocessed single polymer plastics starting in July 2022.

“That is why it is vital that we have the technology and infrastructure in place to manage and process plastic waste onshore.

“GT Recycling is making a significant investment to increase its plastic processing capacity which means more jobs for Victorians, more reasons to recycle and a better outcome for the environment.”

Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio said this investment under Recycling Victoria represented the state’s ongoing commitment to build a sustainable and resilient circular economy and fundamentally reduce waste, boost jobs, and establish a recycling system Victorians can rely on.
“This is a significant investment that will increase Victoria’s regional recycling capacity, enabling GT Recycling to install technology to recover a range of plastics from discarded agricultural plastic including plant pots, shade cloths, and tarps.

“Investment in this project will not only help Victoria become a greener state – by processing plastics locally, we’ll also create nine jobs and contribute to a strong regional economy.”

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said one of the central aims of the Recycling Modernisation Fund is to ensure that our waste and recycling industries are using the latest clean, green technologies, with a benefit GT Plastics can expand the local workforce to almost 40 people.

“Getting the most advanced, clean and innovative technologies in place is critical to making sure Australia is a world-leader in recycling and in ensuring our waste is part of a truly circular economy, and Geelong is leading the race.”

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the significant investment would be a game-changer for Geelong’s recycling industry, increasing its capacity will boost jobs in the region and inspire sustainable business practices.

“Investment in this project will not only help Victoria become a greener state – by processing plastics locally, we’ll also create nine local jobs and contribute to a strong regional economy.”