Port community members roll up their sleeves for the environment
Newcastle businesses cleaned-up more than 1.64 tonnes of litter from around the port on a single day. The second annual Port Litter Pick on 3 May saw everything from cigarette butts, plastic bags and soft drink cans through to old tyres, scrap metal and an ironing board cleaned up and properly discarded.
The Port of Newcastle initiative attracted 87 people from 13 port-related businesses, including Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), Port Authority NSW, Cargill Australia, Linx Cargo Care, Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, Kooragang Bulk Facilities/ Tomago Aluminum, Impact Fertiliser, Sims Group Australia, Port of Newcastle, Koppers, Newcastle Stevedores, Custom Transportable Buildings and Newcastle Yacht Club.
The ARTC team took home the ‘Litter Legends’ trophy, having collected 400 kilograms of rubbish from the rail corridor, the largest haul from all participating teams.
2019 Litter Legends: ARTC’s Greg Cavanagh, Duncan Cowie, Clint Patterson, James Dillon, Ewen Henderson, Jamie Schoer 
Port of Newcastle’s Carol Cleary, Dianne Nepia and Larissa Banney collected rubbish from the Port’s northern breakwall near Stockton.
Port of Newcastle environment adviser Jackie Spiteri said the Port Litter Pick was an important annual event that formed a part of the Port’s overall environmental management and sustainability program.
“It is a collaborative effort that is only possible due to the enthusiasm and service of the many port business that have a mutual commitment to protecting our environment and the overall health of the Port,” Ms Spiteri said.
“We set a new record this year, easily eclipsing the 300 kg collected last year. It is concerning that there is such a large amount of rubbish needlessly being dumped on and around Newcastle Harbour and port land. It is a reminder to everyone in the community to take responsibility for their own rubbish and dispose of it safely and responsibility.”
All rubbish was collected using biodegradable bags and gloves and will be sorted for proper disposable and recycling where possible
