Glass recycling project takes top Waste NoT Award
18 June 2025
A pioneering community cooperative from Killiecrankie, Flinders Island, has been recognised as the overall winner at the 2025 Waste NoT Awards for its innovative project transforming glass waste into useful aggregate for concrete, drainage, driveways, gardens, and paths.
The WRAPS (Waste Reducing Activities by Producing Solutions) Association’s Flinders Island Northern Glass Crushers project has processed more than 42,000 bottles and jars since November 2021, diverting approximately 14.5 tonnes of glass from the Whitemark Landfill and significantly reducing transport costs.
The Waste NoT Awards, an initiative of Circular North, celebrate individuals, schools, businesses, and communities across northern Tasmania who are taking practical action to reduce waste, recover resources, and foster a circular economy.
Circular North Steering Committee Chair John Marik said the awards were a valuable opportunity to highlight the ingenuity and determination of people who are making real change in their communities.
Winners and runners up at the Waste NoT Awards 2025 award ceremony
Each category winner received a trophy crafted by Think Big Printing with recycled materials
“The Northern Glass Crushers project is a fantastic example of how local action can turn a problem into an opportunity by reducing waste, saving money, and creating something useful for everyone on the island,” Mr Marik said.
“For remote communities like those in the Furneaux group, finding practical solutions for waste isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential. By repurposing glass locally, the WRAPS team is helping to protect the environment and support a sustainable future for Flinders Island. Their work sets an example for other communities looking to take charge of their own waste challenges.”
A total of $3,500 in prizes was awarded and each category winner received a trophy crafted by Think Big Printing with recycled materials. The other category winners were:
- Primary school: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School - Worming up to Sustainability
- Secondary / tertiary school: University of Tasmania - Closing the Loop for Holistic Circularity
- Small / medium organisations: The Redress Hub
- Not-for-profit/community groups: WRAPS Association - Flinders Island Northern Glass Crushers
- Local government: City of Launceston - Launceston Repair Cafe
Circular North is supported by the Tasmanian Government, through the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board.