Invercargill Fire and Ambulance Centre
Staff at the Invercargill Fire and
Ambulance Centre use recycling
containers located in the kitchen on
a daily basis.
The Invercargill Fire and Ambulance Centre set up a comprehensive waste minimisation system in 2004 to help
reduce their waste disposal costs and this halved the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.
Materials that are recycled include paper, glass, cardboard, plastic bottles, cans and toner cartridges.
Where possible, unwanted materials are reused or passed on, such as old hoses which are often given to
contractors who can reuse them.
The station has also taken a look at areas where energy savings can be made. This led to an overhaul of the
boiler, which was found to be operating inefficiently. A number of other actions have been identified for
future projects, such as installing energy-saving light bulbs and movement sensing light switches.
Senior Station Officer Neil Ladbrook, who was instrumental in establishing the waste minimisation programme,
says the initiative had to be fiscally neutral (savings made had to pay for any costs). The system did pay for
itself within one year and any savings are now money in the bank. These savings allowed the project to be extended
to the Kingswell Fire Station, which commenced recycling in 2006.
A further benefit has been that the recycling ethos at the station has motivated staff to start recycling at home
as well.
Neil's advice to others embarking on a sustainable waste management programme includes:
- Analysis is an important first step that helps you identify where you can do the most good with the resources you have.
- Keep the system as simple as possible, start small then build as necessary. Make it manageable.
- Involve staff in early decisions so they take ownership.
- Recycling containers need to be robust, of high quality, practical and serviceable.
- Signs for recycling need to be obvious and effective – do it once and do it right.
- Stay proactive and keep progressing.
- Be patient and keep staff education ongoing.
- Be proud that you're benefiting the environment!
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