Mark Waldron, Operations and Sales Manager at Bettergrow, emphasizes the company’s innovative recycling approach at the Ravensworth site. “Bettergrow utilizes recycled green waste from Newcastle City Council to produce compost. We blend this with our solids for mine rehabilitation and agricultural purposes in pasture land,” he explained. Sustainability forms the cornerstone of Bettergrow’s operations, as they breath new life back into the AGL mine site. The importance of compost utilisation in this process is underscored by a recent study by the Australian Recycling Organics Association (AORA) which shows how compost leads to soil enrichment by replenishing nutrients and organic matter, aids in improved water retention, prevents erosion, reduces methane emissions through carbon sequestration whilst also diverting organic waste from landfill.

To enhance their recycling capabilities at the Ravensworth site, Bettergrow has partnered with FOCUS enviro, an Australian company specializing in the supply of advanced waste processing equipment. The company provides bespoke solutions and top-tier equipment to support the waste and organic industries in Australia and New Zealand. Their services include operational training, technical support, with a large inventory of parts and consumables on hand to ensure maximum uptime for their customers’ operations.

Bettergrow has invested in several pieces of advanced equipment from FOCUS enviro, including three EDGE Innovate TRT622 track trommels. These trommels are equipped with 40mm, 20mm, and 12mm screen media, which have significantly improved the efficiency and cleanliness of the final product created. An EDGE MC1400 wind shifter, another crucial piece of equipment, effectively separates plastic contaminants from the upcoming waste timber. Bettergrow have recently added a water bath from European manufacturers WIMA with the purpose of improving the separation of rock from the incoming timber waste stream.