Scrap Metal Gets a Second Life with One Stop Recycling

Flinders Council is taking action on scrap metal with a new initiative that turns waste into opportunity. The One Stop Recycling Project will run throughout August at the Whitemark Waste Facility, targeting longstanding stockpiles of scrap metal for processing and off island recycling.

Years of accumulation have led to large volumes of scrap metal including derelict vehicles, white goods, and mixed materials taking up valuable space at the facility. With environmental responsibility at the forefront, Council has engaged a specialist contractor to safely and efficiently recover, segregate, and prepare this material for transport to certified recycling facilities on mainland Tasmania.

What’s Happening?

Specialised equipment is being brought to the island, including a semi trailer mounted baler, a 23 tonne excavator with a grab and electromagnet, and cutting gear for processing heavy gauge metals. These machines will work together to sort, compact, and prepare metal for safe transport and recovery.

Expected Outcomes

• Over 200 tonnes of metal expected to be removed and recycled
  • White goods safely degassed by licensed professionals
  • Heavy gauge steel gas cut and transported off island
  • Non metal materials separated and moved to the tip face
  • The site left clean and safe, with materials processed and removed

What’s Next?

As part of the Flinders Island Waste Management Strategy 2024 to 2028, this project showcases Council’s commitment to environmental stewardship and practical waste solutions. A long term metal recovery system is also being considered, potentially a bin swap system where full bins can be shipped off island and replaced, using local transport where possible.