"Winning the Star Award was a big accomplishment for me. I would also say that applying for and winning a grant from the EPA alongside my manager Theresa Troup was a big achievement."
"Winning the Star Award was a big accomplishment for me. I would also say that applying for and winning a grant from the EPA alongside my manager Theresa Troup was a big achievement."
Sustainability is a guiding principle for many Cleanaway employees.
For Col Watson, however, it is a calling.
Col was recently named Winner for Sustainability in Cleanaway’s Star Awards, which recognise and reward our most dedicated team members helping to make a sustainable future possible.
Pictured: Col Watson, Winner of the 2021 Star Award for Sustainability
Maximum effort to minimise waste
Col is a Resource Recovery Officer at Cleanaway’s Centre for Sustainability, where she works with her customers to find opportunities to turn waste bound for landfill into valuable resources that can be recycled or reused.
According to her, education is an indispensable part of the equation.
“We help our customers understand how they can improve their waste practices and how recycling can assist them in achieving their sustainability goals.”
“We also help them see how this can also be a financial advantage, with the landfill levy so high.”
Relishing the challenge
Her past work in the health sector makes Col especially keen on helping her healthcare customers divert their waste from landfill.
It is a challenge this former nurse has firsthand experience with.
“Coming from the sector, I have a great understanding of the vast amounts and types of waste that is generated and how little is recycled.”
“While there are great opportunities for landfill diversion, it’s challenging to implement as most hospitals have little room to install extra bins for source separation.”
Reaching for the stars
Col continues to push the limits of sustainability through her work and research.
Apart from winning the 2021 Star Award for Sustainability, she counts an EPA grant to further a sustainability project as one of her favourite accomplishments.
“Winning the Star Award was a big accomplishment for me. I would also say that applying for and winning a grant from the EPA alongside my manager Theresa Troup was a big achievement.”
“I have not previously applied for a grant, so it was exciting to be selected by the EPA to receive funding towards our project.”
Contact us to learn more about how we’re making a sustainable future possible for communities and businesses across Australia.