Transformation
& Circularity

Circularity

the circular economy at eco barge

At Eco Barge, we’re converting our substantial stockpile of recyclable materials into practical and awareness-raising products and artworks. By turning waste into high-impact goods, we’re reducing the environmental footprint of end-of-life waste. Through strategic partnerships, we collaborate with others to minimise waste impact and develop new products from locally sourced marine debris. 

eco barge CIRCULARITY GOALS

Eliminate Waste and Pollution

Collect and process marine debris to prevent harm to our marine ecosystems and turn it into valuable resources. 

Circulate Products & Materials

Create long-lasting, repairable, and reusable products from marine debris, ensuring that materials are used to their fullest potential 

Regenerate Natural Systems

Drive long-term environmental and social progress by creating products that help fund our mission and actively contributing to keeping our seas clean. 

Blue Marine Debris Collected by Eco Barge and Shredded
Shruder Machine that shreds marine debris located at Eco Barge HQ

HOW TO RECYCLE MARINE DEBRIS

STEP 1: COLLECT
Eco Barge organises marine debris removal trips throughout the year, using our Eco Barge to collect bags of waste from beaches across the Whitsundays.
STEP 2: COUNT AND SORT
At the Ocean Trash Recycle Shack, we count and sort the debris we collect, gathering crucial data that informs our community and global researchers.
STEP 3: RECYCLE, TESTING & PREP
Before marine debris can be transformed into something new, it must be processed. Recycling events focus on:
✔ Sorting plastics by colour, type, size, and material.

✔ Testing plastics to determine specific type.

✔ Cleaning plastics to remove dirt and marine residue.
STEP 4: TRANSFORM
Now it’s time to break down all those plastics into usable materials! We start by feeding the washed and sorted plastic into a shredder, which cuts it into small, uniform pieces.
This will allow us to melt down the plastic into a solid material, recycling the marine debris into a newly formed plastic.
STEP 5: CREATE
Now that we have material to work with, we'll create brand new products from marine debris! This includes designing jewellery from the shred, to casting resin for unique furniture to reshaping melted plastic into pens. We're always working on something new at Eco HQ!

SUPPORTING OUR MISSION

The proceeds from these efforts help us support and sustain the mission of our not-for-profit organisation. You can purchase our products directly through our shop or find us at a local market.

Previous Collaborations

Our project has already seen fruitful partnerships with Coca-Cola South Pacific, Plastic Collective, WAW Handplanes, and various artists, all working together to repurpose the marine debris collected by Eco Barge. 

Join us as we continue to innovate and transform waste into opportunities for a sustainable future. Through these initiatives, Eco Barge is dedicated to contributing to the regeneration of natural systems and promoting sustainable practices in the Greater Whitsunday Region. 

Circular Economy Collaborations using Marine Debris to Create High Value Products

Queensland Circular Economy Program

Eco Barge was selected as one of six successful applicants for a grant under the Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) program, supported by the Resources Centre of Excellence and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. This initiative aims to drive industry-led research and innovation, helping us transition from the traditional take-make-waste model to a sustainable circular economy.

Resource Centre of Excellence Logo
Queensland Government Logo providing support from the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action Grant Program.

READY To make an impact?

Help keep our seas clean and join our volunteer program now! ​

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Let's keep our seas clean

HELP ECO BARGE FINISH THE YEAR STRONG

Before the end of the finanical year, make a donation to help Eco Barge make the upcoming year even more productive. 

All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

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