Dynamic Small Business Network
Small Business Articles

 

 

   
 

Waste Not with Envirobank

As the only single woman to wholly own a waste management business in Australia, Narelle Anderson has developed a reputation as an innovative industry leader.  Since buying a fledgling waste management company in 2000, Narelle has built CBD Enviro Services into a highly successful business with a reputation for unique waste minimisation initiatives.

The latest of these is Envirobank, which Narelle describes as a modern day cash for cans recycling scheme, designed to give people an incentive to recycle.

How Envirobank Works

People register with Envirobank through its website (www.envirobank.com.au).

Envirobank utilises Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) to identify, sort, collect and process used beverage containers for recycling.  RVMs are vending machines that allow consumers to deposit used beverage containers in exchange for incentives or, in some states, cash.

Registered users take their glass, plastics and aluminium containers to an Envirobank collection point, deposit their containers and swipe their card. THE RVM then sorts, crushes, compresses or shreds the deposit, whilst reading the container’s barcode to determine which type of material it is. The machine calculates the amount of recyclables and issues a receipt. 

Users then log on to the Envirobank website to check their balance and use the credits.  They can chose to make a contribution directly to a charity or get a shopping docket for the soon to be opened Envirobank store, which will feature a wide range of discounts, gift certificates and products.

The first collection point has recently been installed at Macro in Crows Nest and other sites will be operating mid June 2007.   Narelle is also currently looking for more store locations.  Machines can come fitted with a modem that monitors the success of the machine and can publish recycling statistics, thus informing a retailer of additional store traffic and the impact of their environmental footprint.

 

The Future

Narelle says, “The basic premise is that consumers get the “feel good factor” by doing something for the environment in an easy and efficient way.  I believe Envirobank will be a leader in the new movement towards a more sustainable way of life and better future for Australia.”

For further information about sponsorship, charity and collection location opportunities, Narelle can be contacted on 9666 8099 or nanderson@envirobank.com.au

 


View More Case Studies

Want to browse for other articles?



© Copyright DSBN 2008 Copyright Notice