A Decade Working in the Waste Industry…

I’m a mature woman (it’s not necessary to tell you how mature ?), who has been working in the waste industry for the past 10 years. My earlier careers were in secondary school teaching and market research for financial institutions and tourism organisations. I must say I felt somewhat uncertain when making the decision to accept a position in this industry as I knew so little about it, and as embarrassing as it is to admit, back then rubbish and what happened to it was really not something to which I gave much thought. Thankfully, the opportunity arose; I was ready for a change; and here I still am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of being involved in a dynamic industry within which the viewpoints and practices of stakeholders are of such importance to the sustainability of our environment and the wellbeing of future generations.

My use of the term ‘stakeholders’ is broad and includes all those who influence what happens within the industry, i.e. legislators, government agencies, corporations, business owners, management, community interest groups; as well as those who are directly or indirectly affected by industry practice, which in reality includes everyone on the planet.

Before being interviewed for the position at Perth Bin Hire, I thought this type of company was simply about hiring out skip bins, collecting rubbish, dumping rubbish all of which had to be done profitably, efficiently, responsibly, ethically and safely of course, but I had no idea about the absolute need to be progressive, innovative, creative, committed to exploring and implementing advances in technology, and t demonstrate a willingness to adopt practices which best fulfil the goal of sustainability.

I am really happy and proud that over the past ten years I have indeed witnessed real progress at Perth Bin Hire, in the waste industry as a whole, and in the community. In fact it almost doesn’t seem appropriate to just refer to the industry as the waste industry because , whether it be a smaller family owned skip hire business or a multi-national waste management company these days to succeed they really must incorporate the principles of minimising waste to landfill, recycling and best environmental practice. I guess it really is about waste management – minimisation, resource recovery, recycling, reuse, waste to energy and the list goes on.

Government, state and local, have played their part in encouraging investment, innovation and best environmental practice with new policies, legislation, taxation reform, education programs etc , but the group that has impressed me the most is the community, including businesses and the public. PEOPLE CARE. They care about the environment and the future of the planet. They care what happens to their rubbish. They ask questions, support businesses that implement best practice and are happy to sort household and workplace rubbish for the purpose of facilitating recycling and minimizing waste to landfill.

The numbers of Gen Y adults and younger people who are demonstrating real appreciation of and commitment to environmental sustainability are growing all the time. The level of commitment among many is quite extraordinary. This is reflected in the fact that there are a number of young lifestyle bloggers who focus on the subject of striving towards zero waste. When I became aware of these bloggers I thought to myself “noble cause but really?????” Then I read the blogs. Wow – what an eye opener. Do yourself a favour and be impressed and inspired by looking at the following websites:

• treadingmyownpath.com
• rogueginger.com
• trashisfortossers.com