EMRC has research and surveyed attitudes and knowledge towards waste management issues in Perth’s Eastern Region. This began in 2001 and has resulted in the development of a Regional Waste Education Program, which is based on 4 key waste minimisation principles: Reduce – reduce the amount of waste generated in the region; Re-use – increase the re-use of unwanted materials (i.e. exchange, donate, buy or sell) in the region; Recycle – increase the amount of materials diverted from landfill through kerbside and other recycling systems; Recover – recover the resources from the waste that are leftover in a sustainable manner.

 

In March 2003, the EMRC formally launched it's waste education program and introduced the R-Gang to the wider community. Following the launch, life-sized versions of the R-Gang were  displayed at shopping centres and events in each Council area, and residents were encouraged to attend community forums, which were held between May and July. A website (www.rgang.org.au) and a program hotline were also established to assist the community with access to information.

 

Since that time, EMRC and the member Councils have recognised the value of delivering waste education in partnership. This new approach incorporates existing and new initiatives will add value to existing local Council waste education programs.

 

The Regional Waste Education Program uses a variety of tools to encourage awareness raising, participation, and behavioural change towards reducing our impact on the environment through waste avoidance and minimisation, and participating in decisions about the future of waste management in Perth’s Eastern Region.

 

The official website of the EMRC's waste education program is  www.rgang.org.au. More information on the program can be obtained by contacting the Waste Education Coordinator on 1800 855 955 or at mail@rgang.org.au.