A privately run recycling facility in Western Australia's Midwest has closed due to rising lease costs. Geraldton, a city of 40,000, lacks kerbside recycling. Mike Barker started Geraldton & Midwest E-waste seven years ago, overwhelmed by the need to repurpose waste. The closure has set back the town's recycling efforts.
Barker, who was struggling with depression, was inspired by a discarded bed frame. His company recycled plastics, glass, and electronics, and produced new items from recycled materials. The facility provided local volunteer opportunities.
Barker was proud of the environmental impact, but struggled financially. He noted the thousands of tons of diverted waste and expanded services. The closure created a gap in the Midwest, and he expressed disappointment in the lack of local government action.
The deputy mayor acknowledged the community's sadness and suggested residents research options. Cost is the main barrier to kerbside recycling, with only one bin provided per household. The lack of recycling highlights a disparity between cities and the country.
A state government spokesperson stated that a "one-size-fits-all" approach isn't possible in all regional areas. They suggested community drop-off facilities and mentioned a focus on improving regional waste outcomes in the Waste Avoidance Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.
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