SKM closure: Knox Council forced to send some recyclables to landfill

Some recyclables have been sent to landfill as Knox Council tries to find another service provider in the wake of SKM’s closure. It is urging all parties to work together to find a solution to the issues affecting the recycling sector.

SKM Recycling has been told to cease operations.

Knox has been hit hard by Victoria’s recycling crisis, forced to send some recyclables to landfill as it tries to find another provider.

Knox Mayor Jake Keogh said council’s contract for the processing of recyclable materials was with SKM Recycling, which had ceased accepting recyclable materials from July 26.

Cr Keogh said the council was continuing its efforts to secure a temporary arrangement with an alternative recycling service provider but, in the interim, some recyclable materials had been diverted to landfill.

The council said this was a regrettable outcome for council as well as the community, and called upon all interested parties, including the State Government, to continue to work together as a matter of urgency in finding a sustainable solution to the systemic issues impacting the recycling sector.

Cr Keogh said council, through the Put Your Rubbish To Work initiative, provided a range of advice, information and handy tips on recycling, and reducing waste.

“We will continue to keep our community updated on these issues, and provide support to help reduce waste and recycle effectively to pave the way for a sustainable waste and recycling sector,” Cr Keogh said.

“It is also important to note that, local government cannot resolve the recycling issue on its own, and that firm and decisive leadership is needed at all levels of government, in finding a sustainable solution to the systemic issues impacting the sector.”

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Homeowners can also recycle car batteries, undamaged televisions, computers and computer equipment at the Knox Transfer Station and Recycling centre.

Yarra Ranges Council has not been affected by the closure of SKM.

It uses Visy for its recycling collection and processing, and was confident that recyclables collected in area would continue to be processed.

Maroondah Council was also unaffected by SKM’s closure, as it uses Polytrade Recycling for its collections.