How can scrap metal help people and the environment?

In today’s world, organisations have an incredibly important role in being environmentally responsible. The St Vincent de Paul Society understands this and has a strong focus on sustainability and recycling.

While we know the importance of recycling to save energy, keep production costs down, reduce landfill and protect the environment, what many of us don’t know is that innovative designed programs can not only help our environment but support the community.

A project between Vinnies and Sims Metal Management is turning scrap metal into vital funds for people living with severe and enduring mental illness but is also helping to protect our planet and our resources.

If your organisation has metal you don’t require such as structural steel, metal offcuts, copper, aluminium, lead batteries or any other type of metal, simply contact Sims Metal Management on (08) 9236 3900 or simsmetal.trading@simsmm.com 

Sims Metal Management can provide suitable bins to deposit the metal and these bins are then serviced as required. Upon collection Sims will recycle the metal and forward the proceeds to Vinnies. All collections are subject to transport viability. Arrangements can also be made to pick up bulk metal which is too large for the bins.

Producing steel from recycled materials compared with virgin material saves 75% of the energy needed while reusing steel creates four to five times less carbon emission than producing new steel. For every ton of steel recycled, it saves around 1,100kg of iron ore, 450kg of coal and 55kg of limestone.

Vinnies mental health service is a recovery focused model, led by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Support workers tailor care to the individual and focus on building life skills and reconnecting people with family and the broader community.

The service is most unique and is the only three tiered integrated mental health service in Western Australia. This means it works with the men and women accessing the service to transition from supported care, to shared accommodation, and then eventually to independent living. 95% of all referrals to the Vinnies mental health service come from acute hospital admission and without this support, most people would likely end up living on the streets.

To find out more about the Vinnies mental health service call 08 6323 7500 or email partnerships@svdpwa.org.au.