ACT's largest recycling program signs fast food outlet

The ACT Government has successfully signed up a major fast food outlet and producer of waste to the ACT's biggest recycling program, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, said today.

"McDonalds in Gungahlin is the first major fast food outlet in the ACT to receive its ACTSmart Business and Office accreditation, joining more than 300 Canberra organisations who have committed to reducing their waste to landfill by signing up to the program," Mr Corbell said.

"To secure an outlet like McDonalds, where around 95 per cent of waste generated is recyclable, is an important step for the ACT's waste recovery.

Initiatives such as recycling paper and plastic packaging have been implemented in the Gungahlin store, with food wastage being diverted to organic recycling, resulting in a decrease of waste to landfill from 85 per cent to 47 per cent.

"Staff regularly conduct waste audits, ensure recycling measures are in places including appropriate bins and signage and attend educational workshops. Employees at the Lake Ginninderra, Charnwood and Gold Creek stores are set to undertake the training, bringing them a step closure to achieving accreditation and becoming recognised as an exemplar in waste management," he said.

Mr Corbell said organisations who actively participated in business or office recycling initiatives had the potential to reduce waste sent to landfill by at least 50% with some organisations already having achieved much higher results.

"From the 67 accredited sites in the ACT, waste to landfill has been reduced by 11,488 cubic metres per annum. Mixed recycling and organics recycling in businesses has increased by 79% and 102% respectively under the program which supports businesses by auditing waste streams and other measures to facilitate waste recovery," he said.

"These results highlight just how strong action on waste management and sustainability is at the local level and I congratulate McDonalds for their commitment to the ACTSmart Business and Office program.

"I encourage more organisations to sign up to these important waste programs and work with the Government to meet its recovery targets to create a more sustainable city for future generations of Canberrans."