Small business schemes help indigenous communities

Remote communities are cashing in on a recycling scheme that's rolling out across Australia. An Indigenous entrepreneur has developed technology to recycle some of the 67 million tonnes of waste Australia produces each year.

Ian Keirnan of Clean Up Australia deposits a plastic bottle into the new Envirobank reverse vending recycling machine Source: AAP

Indigenous business owner Narelle Anderson explains how her recycling machines not only cut waste but also provide a financial boon to remote communities and charities. 

They're called reverse vending machines because rather than put money in to pay for a product, you fill the machine with bottles and cans and get a financial reward in return.

While Envirobank is focused on recycling as a way of helping Indigenous Australia, the South Australian based business, Ochre Dawn puts its emphasis on art and supporting Indigenous artists by brokering deals for paintings and designs.

For more Japanese stories and articles, follow us on Facebook.