Geelong-based recycler GT Recycling is set to expand its current facility and will soon have the capacity to process an additional 8000 tonnes of plastic every year.
Australian and Victorian Governments have announced a $3 million investment in the facility upgrade, topped up by owner GT Recycling's contribution of a further $1.7 million.
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 that Australia would have shipped overseas each year prior to the 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,” Minister 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.”
its plastic processing capacity
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio said this investment under Recycling Victoria represents Victoria’s ongoing work to build a sustainable and resilient economy and 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 world-leading technology to recover a range of plastics from discarded agricultural plastic including plant pots, shade cloths, and tarps,” said Minister D’Ambrosio.
Senator for Victoria 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.
“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,” said Senator Henderson.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the significant investment will 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 local jobs and contribute to a strong regional economy.”
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said she is proud of the work GT plastics is doing in the recycling sector and the funding will help position them as a leader in recycling innovation in Victoria.
“I am excited to see world-leading technology at work right here in Geelong, helping to reduce waste and prevent harmful plastics and other materials from ending up in our beautiful environment.”
The Morrison Government has committed $190 million to the Recycling Modernisation Fund, part of a wider billion-dollar transformation of Australia’s waste and recycling capacity that is expected to create 10,000 jobs over 10 years.
This contribution is part of the Victorian Government’s $515 million investment to transform the waste and recycling sector – including $380 million investment through Recycling Victoria to reduce waste and transform Victoria’s waste and recycling sector.
These funds are part of the Victorian Government’s $515 million investment to transform the waste and recycling sector, including $380 million towards Recycling Victoria Infrastructure Fund, helping to position Victoria as the national leader in recycling.
