The Steel Can Recycling Council (SCRC) will wind up and hand over recycling education directly to can manufacturers and local government as a result of recent changes in the local steel industry, including the withdrawal of BlueScope Steel from local manufacture of tinplate for packaging, the increasing pressure from packaging imports and the increased awareness among consumers of the availability of steel can recycling.
Over the past 11 years the SCRC, through its promotional initiative Cansmart, has worked with a wide range of stakeholders including all levels of government, recycling contractors, can manufacturers, marketers, retailers and the Australian public to encourage and promote steel can recycling.
As a result of these partnerships and the Council’s direct investment of over $2.5 million, 94% of Australians now have access to steel can recycling services with existing secure and healthy markets and infrastructure to underpin the collection and recycling of post consumer steel packaging.
SCRC chairman Joe Stefano said “whilst it’s a sad day for those of who have been involved in steel can recycling over the years, the effectiveness and vibrancy of the campaign has built a wide awareness and effectively a nationwide access to steel can recycling.
“People no longer need to be reminded to recycle.
“Eleven years ago ‘the environment’ was not even an issue for most householders yet now household recycling is a basic household task.
“It is a timely moment for the organisation to be changing shape and we know that manufacturers and local government will continue to carry the mantle.”
A website will continue to provide information to the industry and consumers about steel can recycling and can be found at www.cansmart.org
For further information, contact Lisa Kinahan at lisa@tmte.com.au