Cadia launches Return and Earn program

Cadia Valley Operations has continued its focus on a more sustainable future by introducing Return and Earn bins to site.

Cadia has teamed up with the site waste contractor, Remondis, and the successful NSW Government Return and Earn Program to install dedicated Return and Earn bins at more than 30 locations across site to capture all eligible bottles and cans for recycling and cash return.

Cadia General Manager, Peter Sharpe, has thrown his support behind the program, which was initiated by the workforce wanting to do their bit for a more sustainable mine site.

“The workforce is becoming more and more conscious of the company’s focus on sustainability. This program was suggested by the workforce and, with the assistance of our on-site waste contractor, is already showing its potential,” Peter said.

“Cadia uses more than 100,000 bottles across the site each year – if all bottles are collected in the Return and Earn bins, the site will collect more than $10,000 for charity – not to mention the waste and recycle benefits of these bottles going to the right location, rather than general landfill.”

Cadia will choose a new local charity to focus on every 6 months – starting with CanAssist Blayney – and will donate all proceeds from the Program back to the worthy charity.

This program is part of Newcrest’s ambition to reduce its environmental footprint and introduce more sustainable practices across its sites.

 In November 2018 Cadia eliminated its single use paper cups and issued keep cups for all personnel. This initiative will eliminate more than 480,000 plastic cups going to landfill and save more than $70,000 per annum.

“We want to be an industry and community leader in sustainability – this is just the beginning of our drive for more sustainable practices across the site,” Peter said.