Jamie Stubbs has got a message for Bundaberg recyclers: look after your environment but also the workers at the Material Recovery Facility )MRF).
Jamie is part of the sorting team at Impact Community Services.
“We get heaps of loads during the day and we sort all the rubbish,” he said.
“Trucks come in, empty the bins and we sort it all out to get the stuff we need. We put stuff in the press and push it up into the bales and when we've got enough, we can sell it.
“We have a really good team here. We all work together and help each other out.”
Jamie has done many different jobs at the MRF in his 10 years there. He thoroughly enjoys his work and is thankful that it has made him into an independent young man.
Jamie's already bought his very own bought Holden car, of which he is very proud.
“I worked every day and saved my money,” he said.
Jamie is one of 23 supported employees who are fulfilling their purpose and making a valuable contribution by sorting recyclable products from Bundaberg’s yellow-top bins.
“We sort the green PET, clear PET, tin cans, aluminium cans,” he said.
But there are a few things he doesn't like to see on the line, and some that are downright dangerous.
“Maybe people don't know that the recycled stuff is hand-sorted, so we see needles and nappies and plastic bags and food stuff,” Jamie said.
“The food is messy but the needles can hurt us. Stop putting those things in the recycling bin! Make it better for everyone – not just the environment but the people who work here.”
Impact helped make Jamie self-sufficient
When he started his job at the MRF he didn't have a car, but Impact helped him get his licence, and he's been able to buy his ute and can now drive himself to work.
“It felt good to get that car,” he said.
It also allows him to catch up with co-workers, go out to tea or a party, “anything fun.”
Jamie is very grateful he came to Impact, who gave him a job at MRF when he didn't know if he'd ever get one.
He has made lots of friends, and some friendships have lasted as long as the ten years he's been working here.
“It makes you feel good to work, and to work with friends,” Jamie said.
The MRF is owned by Bundaberg Regional Council but managed by Impact Community Services.
All the waste from council's yellow-top bins is sorted at the facility on University Drive.
Impact employs 23 workers with disabilities under the Australian Government's Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) for the task.
- Other news: Weekender magazine takes closer look at frogs
