Plans lodged for a new recycling centre at ageing servo in Adelaide’s northeast

Keen recyclers in the Hills won’t have far to travel to drop bottles off anymore, with a collection depot planned for an ageing service station.

Keen recyclers in the Adelaide Hills will have a new drop-off centre under new plans for a new recycling centre at an ageing service station.

E Pishas and Sons Pty Ltd has lodged plans with Tea Tree Gully Council for a bottle and container centre at 1272 North East Rd – the site of an existing service station – which would service Houghton, Inglewood, Paracombe, Cuddlee Creek, Gumeracha, Birdwood and Kersbrook.

The recycling service would revamp an existing service station. Picture: E Pishas and Sons.

However, it would only accept cans, bottles and milk and juice cartons, employ up to six people and operate from 8am to 5pm, six days a week.

In the company’s submission, the Statewide Recycling Depot stated the service would “fill a gap” within Adelaide’s collection depot network.

“There are currently no collection depot services for members of the public to redeem their containers or donate containers, namely regions such as Inglewood, Houghton, Gumeracha, Birdwood and other Adelaide Hills areas,” it stated.

It also said the company’s scheme, for residents to support charities by donating 10 centres from every bottle and can, was “the first proposal of this type ... in SA”.

Company spokesman Emmanouel Pishas said the site’s location would encourage more recycling with three pumps to be removed for the revamp.

“It’s for the future of our children and grandchildren,” Mr Pishas said.

“And it will be a lot better than having a derelict, run-down, empty site for years to come.

“There are a lot of empty shops and sites left derelict on all of Adelaide major roads as online sales are booming.”

“I’m a man of my word, the full 10 cents from each container will go directly to charity.”

Meanwhile, the applicant said the proposal would provide a “social, economic or environmental benefit to the current or future community” and responds to a clear demand..

“My research shows there are no recycling depots (in the area),” the application stated.

“It will be a much needed facility to support the Hills townships.

The company said its proximity to St Agnes Shopping Centre and Westfield in Tea Tree Gully would make recycling easy for commuters and consumers.

“Effectively by passing our site and on their way to the shopping complex will encourage them to drop off their recycling to our site,” it stated.

Other depots in the northeast include Greenwith Grove Recyclers in Golden Grove, Hampshire Recyclers in Holden Hill and Modbury and Para Hills Bottle Depot in Modbury North.

“Our location will also assist residents without a vehicle as we are located on a major bus route,” the application stated.