Australia Post, in association with environmental group Planet Ark, has continued to offer its customers an easy way to recycle Christmas cards and printer cartridges – and divert hundreds of tonnes of waste from landfill. In 2005/06 we collected more than 79 tonnes of cards and more than 106 tonnes of cartridges – a 23 per cent increase over the previous calendar year. The cards are recycled into cardboard packaging or toilet tissue, while the components of the cartridges are removed for reuse or recycling.

Through a new partnership with Landcare Australia, we are also funding two Landcare Australia grants programs to help create more sustainable and healthier communities. Community groups can receive financial assistance up to $3,300 to help them tackle land degradation issues in their local areas through the Australia Post/Landcare Community Development Grants Program. In 2005/06, we provided 55 of these grants. Approximately 80 eligible schools and youth groups each year will also receive funding of up to $500 under the Australia Post/Junior Landcare Biodiversity Grants program. The grants will support initiatives such as action on erosion, water quality or weed issues; and improving habitat for native animals by planting native vegetation, removing weeds or installing nest boxes.