North Geelong Resource Recovery Centre & Transfer Station

It's great to have a facility such as this one. I've deposited a lot of stuff over the years, mostly free of charge. The staff from GDP are sometimes interesting, but the place is generally run very well

Notwithstanding that the City of Greater Geelong’s Geelong Resource Recovery Centre is managed and operated by GDP (Geelong Disabled Persons) Industries - staff need greater training in communicating with residents, and would do well to understand the expectations of residents who seek to recycle.

I had a collection of polystyrene.which I specifically brought in from Drysdale; I was told by a staff member that a small amount of dust on one piece would contaminate the recycling, and that I would need to put *all* of my collection into the general waste disposal. My protestations were ignored and I was left frustrated, disappointed, disgruntled and saddened.

The GDP website states polystyrene can take up to 500 years to decompose when covered in landfill and deprived of oxygen and sunlight essential for decomposition. It makes its way into the environment and polluting our waterways and oceans thanks to its light weight and float-ability, It will break down into non-biodegradable pieces and be ingested by marine animals and wildlife. Polystyrene is almost impossible to contain affecting our day to day lives and tourism and other industries.

The United Nations estimates that every 1.5 square km of ocean contains 46,000 of floating polystyrene and plastics.

Polystyrene deposited at the Geelong Resource Recovery Centre is processed at GDP’s specialised resource recovery depot.

"We will shred and bag your polystyrene for resale and re-manufacturing such as mixing with cement to make lightweight concrete pavers. "

"Do the right thing, don’t dump, Recycle! "

I cannot believe the charge of $22.50 for the disposal of four dining chairs. With these extortionate charges I struggle to understand how the recycling industry is in such a mess. Maybe if our councillors concentrated on what they are supposed to do rather than promoting their political agendas we would have an efficient waste disposal system that was cost effective and encouraged ratepayers to use it. As for me I will not be using the recycling centre again.