Aluminium drinks can collection

We're always looking for new recycling opportunities. Last year, Salamander Bay Recycling purchased a number of purpose-built galvanised steel drinks can collection cages from a local steel fabrication business.

Here's an image of one here:

For the last 6 months the 12 cages have been placed with 8 of Port Stephens' privately-owned caravan and holiday parks.

The park's patrons have really adopted the idea of recycling drinks cans and we are pleased to advise that through their continued efforts we have collected in excess of 1.5 tonnes of aluminium drinks cans since the program commenced in July of 2011.

Second-hand aluminium is a valuable and under-recovered resource. By applying the correct logistical approach, the benefits, both to the business and the environment, can be rewarding. And due to the fact that we are a not-for-profit community organisation which invests heavily in the local community, the knock-on effect is felt by many.

The cages, which are highly visible, are placed at strategic locations in each caravan park. For example, they are positioned close to amenities and waste collection points where people can easily access them.

When the cages are getting close to being full, the caravan park staff call us and we visit the site to service the cages, and the whole process of refilling the cages by holiday-makers starts again.

On returning to the Centre with the collected cans, they are then emptied into a much larger storage cage. When filled, this large cage is then transported via flatbed truck to the OneSteel recycling plant in Newcastle where it too is emptied and then returned to the Centre for the whole process to recommence.

Here's a shot of the large half-filled can cage:


So as you can see, it is a cycle within a cycle (or put simply: Re-cycle).

A lot of our customers, staff and volunteers collect their own drinks cans and when their bag or bucket is full, they bring it in with them and add it to the collection.

Why don't you join us? It's a good feeling knowing that you're doing your bit to help with resource recovery and conservation. And you'll be helping the community by doing so.

Here's a list of the Caravan Parks who help us with this recycling endeavour:

Middle Rock Caravan Park, Anna Bay: http://www.middlerock.com.au/
One Mile Beach Holiday Park, Anna Bay: http://www.onemilebeach.com.au/
Birubi Beach Holiday Park, Anna Bay: http://birubibeachcaravanpark.officialsitepreview.info/showpage.asp?id=1
The Retreat, Anna Bay: http://www.theretreatportstephens.com.au/
Bays Holiday Park, Anna Bay: http://www.baysholidaypark.com/
Salamander Bay Village Caravan Park, Soldiers Point: http://www.caravan-camping.com.au/caravan-parks/10,80,173
Colonial Ridge Retreat, Soldiers Point: http://www.colonialridge.com.au/site/location
Big 4 Hoilday Park, Soldiers Point: http://soldiers-point-holiday-park.nsw.big4.com.au/

Please note that we only recycle aluminium drinks cans (beer cans, soft drinks cans etc).

Steel food cans and bottles are not accepted.

American Civil War Replica Rifle built from scrap parts

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Lance Bartlett, from Corlette, is a man with a passion.

A former Carpenter to trade, his retirement years have allowed him the time to develop his skills as a model-maker.

His previous designs have ranged in scope and scale but his most recent creations are something quite spectacular indeed.

Using obsolete materials, some of which have been purchased from Salamander Bay Recycling, Lance has crafted a beautiful replica Springfield Model 1861 Rifle Musket and a handsome pistol the originals of which were both used in the American Civil war (1861-1865).

Here's a photo of Lance's replica Springfield rifle:

And here's a photo of an original:


I'm sure you will agree that the similarities are quite remarkable.

According to Wikipedia:

"The Springfield Model 1861 was a Minié-type rifled musket shoulder arm used by the United States Army and Marine Corps during the American Civil War. Commonly referred to as the "Springfield" (after its original place of production, (Springfield, Massachusetts), it was the most widely used U.S. Army weapon during the Civil War, favored for its range, accuracy, and reliability".

The craftsmanship exhibited by Lance is incredible and a credit to his ability to bring out the best in what were previously discarded materials.

The items he used to build the models are as follows:

• Block of Australian Cedar cut to make the butt and barrel
• 10mm aluminium plate for the strike hammer
• An old broom handle for the barrel
• Copper nails
• Copper pipe for the trigger guard
• An old aluminium beer sign for the side plates
• Brass straps and brass nuts, bolts and screws for fastening

Lance explains the materials he used in this short video:




Great effort Lance, we look forward to seeing more of your creations in future.

You don't need to have the skill of a Lance Bartlett to make a difference. Pop on in to Salamander Bay Recycling and "rifle" through the thousands of items we have in stock so that your next project really hits the target...

Just like Lance did.

Bottled sun light...

Salamander Bay Recycling has found a new use for old 1.5 litre plastic lemonade bottles. No, not as drink bottles but as energy-free light globes which capture the sun light.

The soft drinks bottles are filled with clean water, 1 cap of bleach is added and the lid is protected from UV damage by being covered with a black camera spool canister.

The bottle is then inserted into purposely-cut holes in the roof, the edges of which are sealed with clear sealant to prevent rainwater access into the building.

Several bottles have been inserted so-far and the result, even on overcast days, has proven to be very.positive.

The trial has removed the need for the installation of electrical lighting in that building, and will further reduce the Centre’s electricity costs.

The idea was first developed by an ingenious engineer in a Brazilian favela(slum).

Follow this link to view a video of the Brazilian installation (fascinating/inspirational stuff):

http://m.wimp.com/lightbulb/

You might find it useful to install your own in a garden shed or garage.

Good luck...