We Want Your Scrap Steel

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A significant amount of scrap steel is processed by Salamander Bay Recycling each year.

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We accumulate approximately 60 tonnes of scrap steel each quarter from the local area but we are always on the lookout for more.

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The scrap steel we collect is crushed on site and transported to the OneSteel recycling facility in Newcastle, where it is further refined and then sent on to various steel facilities which are located both here in Australia and further afield in countries such as China.

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Examples of the steel items we recycle are many and varied. For instance, we scrap household goods such as old computers and obsolete whitegoods; we process old bikes that are beyond repair and we even recycle scrapped cars.

So if you've got an old item gathering dust (or indeed rust) in an obscure corner of your home or property; remember that we are here to help, and can take it off your hands.

We'll even come out and pick it up from you, and of course it's all FREE OF CHARGE (that is if you live on the Port Stephens Peninsula).

Check out the video below; it'll give you some idea of the processes involved:

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Salamander Bay Recycling: Helping our local community

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Salamander Bay Recycling is a proud member of the Port Stephens' business community.

We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation run by the community, for the community.

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A list of local Government, charitable and benevolent organisations we have worked with over the last few months is listed below; they have been the recipients of cash donations, furniture, equipment and project supplies which are then distributed via that organisation to where it is most needed.
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But that is only part of the story... .

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There have also been numerous individuals and families who have also benefited from our assistance across the same period. .

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Those individuals will remain anonymous; but remember the next time you pop into see us (to pick up a guaranteed bargain), the money you spend with us and the second-hand items you donate also get "recycled".

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It gets recycled back into the community, to help some of the less-fortunate people around us make a better life for themselves and their families... so as a result, we think that you're pretty "awesome" for giving us the opportunity to do so.

Organisations that Salamander Bay Recycling has assisted since June 2010:

http://www.birubipointslsc.org.au/ Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club

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http://www.sppspc.weebly.com/ Soldiers Point Public School P&C

http://www.hunterkoala.com/ Hunter Koala Preservation Society

http://www.vinnies.org.au/ St Vincent De Paul, Nelson Bay branch

TLC Early Learning Centre, Raymond Terrace

http://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/ Hunter New England Health

Soldiers Point Lions Club

Tomaree Education Centre

http://www.nyasl.org/ Newcastle Youth Accommodation Services Ltd

http://www.familyinsight.org.au/ Family Insight

http://www.mobilemuster.com.au/

http://www.lifestylesolutions.org.au/ Lifestyle Solutions Port Stephens

Gan Gan Family Centre, Anna Bay

Port Stephens Graffiti Action Team Inc

The Yacaaba Women's Refuge, Nelson Bay

TAFE Hunter Institute

http://www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au/

The Probus Club of Fingal Bay

Waratah and Mayfield RSL sub-branch

Tomaree Links to the Community

Occupational Therapy Dept, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle

Tilligerry Habitat Association Inc

PCYC, Nelson Bay

The (Weekday Trading) Times They Are a-Changin'

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What's the time "Bob"?
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Bob Dylan's impassioned lyrical protest in the 1964 release of "The Times They Are a-Changin' " is world-renowned; however, a little-known fact about the song is that he actually started writing it as an advertisement for the proposed changes to the weekday trading times of Salamander Bay Recycling.

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The original song title of "The Weekday Trading Times of Salamander Bay Recycling Are a-Changin'" was altered late 1963 and the lyrics reworked in a flagrant attempt by Dylan to financially capitalise on the civil rights movement in '60s America.

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We may have been disappointed that Dylan reneged on his agreement to write a radio advert for Salamander Bay Recycling but we have not let this deter us from our ultimate goal: to open longer hours for your convenience.

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So, come gather round people wherever you roam; after 46 (long) years of failed Supreme Court legal battles and personal recriminations, we are proud to advise that the Centre's weekday trade has been extended by 2 hours, to a new and very shiny 5.00pm finish.

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Please heed the call: "The Weekday Trading Times of Salamander Bay Recycling (really) Are a-Changin'".

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Thanks for nothin' "Bob"... (or as you are known around these parts: Robert Allen Zimmerman).

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(New and shiny) Trading Hours:

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Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

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Saturday: 9.00am - 2.00pm

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Sunday: 9.00am - 2.30pm

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Recycling the Sun - Salamander Bay Recycling Goes Solar

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We at Salamander Bay Recycling decided to investigate the benefits of solar electric power as a renewable energy solution for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the ubiquitous promotional campaigns in local, state and national media, encouraging businesses and individuals to participate in solar programs, are all-pervasive and unavoidable.

Also and because we are in the "recycling" industry, the concept of integrating solar-power into the business has been at the back of our minds for quite some time.

The financial incentives offered by the State and Federal Governments, as well as the relatively short pay-back period of the project were also determining factors in the decision-making process.

So the financial aspect, allied with the concept of capturing energy directly from the Sun; significantly reducing the business's energy expenditure and subsequent "carbon footprint" were highly-regarded, positive outcomes from the exercise.

Media Release 4.08.2010:

Not-for-profit organisation Salamander Bay Recycling is working even harder than usual to combat climate change by installing an 8.8kW solar power system. The community group will now be reducing its carbon footprint even further by harnessing the sun’s light to create electricity.

“You could say we are ‘recycling the sun'" said Gerard McClafferty, General Manager, Salamander Bay Recycling.

Salamander Bay Recycling helps to reduce landfill by thousands of tonnes each year whilst diverting valuable materials back to the community through the on-site retail shop.

Hundreds of tonnes of scrap metal are recycled annually and even lead/acid batteries are safely recycled to avoid acid discharge into the environment.

This new 48 panel solar power installation will save almost 12 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions being pumped into the atmosphere annually.

“Salamander Bay Recycling is committed to the ethos of recycling; solar power is another external expression of our ongoing commitment to improving the community and helps, in a small way, to protect our fragile environment” said Mr McClafferty.

SolarSwitch, who has installed for high profile clients including Sydney City Council and Kennards Hire, has been chosen to complete the installation.

SolarSwitch pride itself on installing quality equipment from reputable manufacturers whose warranties are held in Australia.

“We are very excited to be installing a system for such a fantastic organisation who carry out this important work that gives so much back to the local community and the planet” said Adam Tesoriero Director of SolarSwitch.

Investing in solar electricity has now become an extremely attractive investment option for homeowners, community organisations and businesses alike thanks to the new solar electricity rebate and the gross feed-in-tariff introduced in NSW in January this year.

The new solar electricity rebate, known as the “Solar Credits Scheme” is now open to everyone including community organisations and businesses, unlike the old Solar Homes and Communities Plan.

On top of this, the new solar buy back scheme or "gross feed-in-tariff" means anyone with a solar electricity system gets credited at least 60c per kilowatt hour for all the electricity their system generates. That’s almost four times the current retail rate.

SolarSwitch is one of the largest solar electricity installers in NSW and has worked with home owners, local government and businesses installing around 15% of the state’s systems last financial year.

For more information on installing solar electricity contact SolarSwitch on:

(02) 8985 9945 or 1300 880 969 or visit http://www.solarswitch.com.au/.

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SATURDAY TRADE IS HERE...!!!

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Due to public demand; we at Salamander Bay Recycling have answered the call.
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Saturday trading officially starts 26th June 2010.
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Open from 9.00am to 2.00pm*, we hope that our increased trading hours make a difference to your weekend activities and encourage you to make a visit.
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We have thousands of pre-loved items on sale. From re-conditioned computers to pre-loved furniture and everything else in between, Salamander Bay Recycling has it all, and at incredibly low prices.
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So grab the kids and pop on in to pick up a bargain, you'll be amazed at what you can find at Salamander Bay Recycling.
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Click on the audio file (below) to listen to our Bay FM Radio promotion:
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*SATURDAY TRADE IS RETAIL ONLY, NO DROP-OFF FACILITY IS AVAILABLE.

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Trashion Show 2010: Video montage

The inaugural Salamander Bay Recycling Trashion Show went ahead without too many costume malfunctions on Mother's Day (Sunday 9th of May).
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The level of imagination incorporated by the designers, as well as the quality of each outfit was very high indeed.
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In total, 15 designers contributed 23 outfits; some were modelled by the designers themselves and others were worn by very professional-looking amateur models.
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The competition's categories were Glamour, Street Sass and Millinery.
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Thanks go to Lyn Vatner of the Yacaaba Centre, Rebecca Cavanagh from Salamander Bay Recycling and Metta Henderson for their judging prowess.
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Many thanks to the Henderson family; in particular Metta and her husband Frank for their significant contribution in helping to organise the event.
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And of course, where would a Trashion Show be without it's (Alley) catwalk stars? Thank you to all entrants, we could not have done it without you.
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Via gold-coin donations and takings from the sausage-sizzle sales, we managed to raise over $200 for the Nelson Bay Yacaaba Centre's Women's Refuge. Salamander Bay Recycling doubled the amount, so in the end Nelson Bay Yacaaba Centre will be the recipient of a cheque for $413.00.
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Photographs of the day have been compiled in a music video montage. Feel free to click on the attachment below, sit back and watch a very successful day's proceedings unfold.
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The Trashion Show will be back in 2011; bigger and better than this first version... so spread the word and look out for entry details coming up in the new year.
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Trashion Show 2010

Planning for the inaugural Mother's Day Wearable Art Competition is well underway. This year's recycled materials fashion event is another unique challenge which Salamander Bay Recycling has developed for local community participation.

The challenge is simple; come up with inspiring designs using trash and other discarded items and blend them together to create wearable outfits; hence the phrase "Trashion".

Entry is FREE, however any event donations received on the day (9th May 2010) will go to the benefit of Nelson Bay's Yacaaba Centre Women's Refuge.

Rebecca and Metta, both members of the organising committee, prepare for the Trashion Show

The entire community is invited to participate in the event, and your chance of winning some fantastic prizes is only a few steps away.

Click on the "Google Docs" link below, to download the Official Entry Form/Terms and Conditions:
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http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B-sfvtjxGo-nMjZlMzA0NjctNTc1Yi00NTM2LWIwNDYtN2RhMDFiOWM1MjU1&hl=en
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Otherwise, pop into Salamander Bay Recycling and pick up the Entry Form/Terms and Conditions from our reception area.
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Don't delay; all submissions must be in by 30th April 2010.

Special thanks must go to Salamander Bay Shopping Centre, Nelson Bay Cinema Complex and Port Stephens Council for providing prizes for the event.

For further information on these organisations, check out the relevant links below:

http://www.salamandershopping.com.au/

http://www.nelsonbaycinemacomplex.com.au/

http://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/

For more information on the services provided by the Yacaaba Centre click on the link (below) to their information page:

http://portstephens.local-e.nsw.gov.au/communityorgs/16244.html

Example (above) of the Official Entry Form/Terms and Conditions

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Nelson Bay Cinema video promo January/February 2010

Take a look at the Salamander Bay Recycling advert, which ran onscreen in Nelson Bay Cinema Complex throughout the months of January and February 2010.

For up to date movie listings in the Port Stephens area, follow the link to Nelson Bay Cinema Complex's web site:

http://www.nelsonbaycinemacomplex.com.au/

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Indi Ward: Winner of PROJECT PHOENIX

As part of the new retail shed's official launch celebrations, we had been running a relatively low-key competition whereby we asked the general public to participate in our Sculpture and 3D signage competition "PROJECT PHOENIX".

http://salamanderrecycle.blogspot.com/2009/07/competition-time.html

The interest from the public was n't overwhelming, but those who took the time to enter the competition provided us with some inspiring designs to contemplate.

But there can be only one winner, and that award went to 16-year-old Indi Ward.

Indi, aided and abetted by his inspirational mother Kerry-Anne, built the masterpeice out of materials purchased from Salamander Bay Recycling.
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He used an old ironing board, a couple of saw blades and various abstract bits and peices to create his 3D sign for our fishing section.

Indi (pictured below) was presented with the winning cheque of $200 for his contribution by the Chairman of Salamander Bay Recycling; Mr. Alan Cloke at the official launch event held on the 1st of February 2010.

Indi Ward's 3D "Fishing" sign dominates the space above the Centre's "Fishing" section. If you look closely enough, you can see the word "Fishing" crafted onto the side of the Sail fish.

Indi used cutlery, tools and various bits of wire to create the letters on the sign.

Well done Indi... but we have a couple of sections that still require signage (if you have the time)...
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Salamander Bay Recycling: Official Launch Event

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Many hours of hard work went into the organisation of the Centre's official launch, which went ahead without a hitch, at an exclusive, on site event on Monday 1st February 2010.
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Credit must go to Board members, staff and volunteers who have assisted over the last few weeks in preparing for the big night.
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The new shed sparkled and the rest of the recycle yard looked very impressive, as we received over 70 local dignitaries and community members (pictured below) to the launch. .

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In the presence of Mr. Alan Cloke (above left), Chairman of Salamander Bay Recycling; the Mayor of Port Stephens, Councillor Bruce Mackenzie cuts the ribbon to officially launch the Centre's new retail shed.
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Frog-themed origami invites (pictured below), were mailed out to the respective attendees, with the general consensus being that the unusual design was a quirky and effective way to raise awareness of the Centre and help strengthen its position within the Port Stephens community.


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Instructions on how to create your own hopping, origami frog can be found by clicking on the JPG (below), or by following the attached link:

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http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-origami-jumpin-frog-703288/

Australia Day 2010

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Public Holidays are always a good way to recharge one's batteries, but there was no rest for the wicked on Australia Day 2010.

Sweltering heat, high humidity and loud music were some of the challenges encountered on the big day.

On Tuesday 26th of January 2010, representatives from Salamander Bay Recycling and the Salamander Bay branch of the "Men's Shed" movement, participated in the Port Stephens celebrations which marked Australia Day 2010.


Held at Fly Point Park in Nelson Bay; the Rotary Club of Nelson Bay kindly provided us with a covered display area (to minimise the impact of the scorching sun).

The stall, which enabled us to promote the material manufactured by the Men's Shed, also acted as a base for the distribution of promotional flyers from Salamander Bay Recycling.


Jeff and Robbie (above) from The Shed keep an eye on the stall

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