Waste becomes art at Cairncross Recycling Facility
Thursday, 24 April 2008
A new art acquisition in the waste education centre at Cairncross is proof that just about anything can be re-used rather than polluting our environment.
Local artist Dorothy Filshie, has crafted a champagne jug and basket from recycled champagne cork wires, which has been mounted on a plinth of crushed aluminum cans.
The recycled artwork is just one example of how the items that end up in the bin can be re-used, and how art can be a message-maker to provoke thought and discussion, educate and inspire.
"By working with wire items, which are normally discarded, I am giving them a new life as an art object, which may give interest and pleasure to the viewer," Dorothy explained.
"I have chosen to construct a jug because this is an important vessel for holding liquids. We all take for granted turning on a tap in our house and having water flow freely.
"Only a century ago water had to be collected and carted into the home. In many countries this is still the case.
"In recent times we have become aware of how precious water is and how we must conserve it. With care hopefully we won't have to go back to the jug and bucket days."
The Cairncross Materials Recovery Facility is equipped with an education facility that offers visitors a web-cam glimpse inside the recycling centre where technology and a hands-on approach ensures the 50-60 tonnes of glass, plastic, paper and steel emptied from Port Macquarie-Hastings bins daily, can be sorted and used again.
The facility also displays real examples of waste items that have been resourcefully re-used for other purposes - even the furniture in the centre has been made from recycled timber recovered from Port Macquarie's old Civic Centre.
"It is really important we all understand just what can and can't be recycled. By ensuring only the right recyclables go into the yellow bin, we can make a significant difference to the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfill and greatly minimise the impact we are having on our environment. It also reduces the level of contamination that enters our recycling process," Manager of Waste Services and Building, Bob Bailey said.
The worst contaminants of recyclable yellow bin material include plastic bags, soiled nappies, garden plastics, shoes, clothing and small household appliances and toys.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's ultimate goal is no waste to landfill by 2020.
"By engaging and educating householders, businesses, industry and schools we hope to achieve a changed attitude that views waste as a resource rather than a problem."
