Understanding Community Recycling Businesses and their Impacts

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 15/12/2011 - 09:26

Australia

Initial finding of survey
Early results from the online survey indicate that Community Recycling Enterprises (CREs) are primarily concerned with creating employment, and generating social and environmental benefits for the communities they serve. The preliminary survey results also suggest that CREs that run multiple business activities are more financially successful than those that focus on one business activity. To date, a relatively small number of CREs have completed the online survey. The results of this research will be as good as the information contributed by CREs. Community Recycling Network Australia and the research team look forward to receiving more contributions from CREs in order to ensure that the research is a strong representation of the activities and experiences of this important form of social enterprise.

Seeking community recycling enterprises (CREs)

Community Recycling Network Australia is currently working with Associate Professor Jo Barraket and her research team at Queensland University of Technology to undertake the first national study of Australian Community Recycling Enterprises. The purpose of this research is to understand the scope of the CRE sector in Australia and its economic, social and environmental impacts. This involves an online survey of all Australian CREs, which is currently open at http://survey.qut.edu.au/survey/172908/19f3/ and case studies of three models of CRE, which will be carried out in early 2012. The results will be used to inform the CRE sector about its own practices and to support policy advocacy for this sector.

What is a community recycling enterprise?
Community Recycling Enterprises (CRE) are grass roots initiatives that generate employment and social benefits in communities while reducing the impacts of waste on our environment. This form of social enterprise operates across Australia, although different local communities have created different models of CRE to suit their particular needs and opportunities. Although there is some understanding of the importance of CREs in Australia, little has been documented about their impacts and the different models that have been adapted to different circumstances.

For more information: http://www.communityrecycling.com.au/

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