Serco's innovations in the justice sector support International Day of Zero Waste 2025

In celebration of the International Day of Zero Waste 2025, Serco is proud to highlight its innovative efforts in the justice sector, particularly at Acacia Prison and Clarence Correctional Centre. This year's theme, "Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles," aligns perfectly with Serco's ongoing initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce waste.

At Acacia Prison, the industry team have been at the forefront of zero waste efforts. Prisoners employed in this area have been creatively repurposing small excess scraps to make beds for dogs and cats in need. They are also using timber offcuts and old pallets destined for disposal to construct possum houses equipped with their own possum pouches to keep rescue animals warm and safe made from scrap fabrics.

In the textile and leather workshops, offcuts and materials have been saved from landfill and creatively repurposed to make bags to support those impacted by homelessness and give them back some dignity as they traverse this difficult time in their lives. The bags which have been designed by prisoners all who have experienced homelessness or know someone who has, are designed only from waste material available within the prison. Vinyl and workwear fabric are used for the body of the bag with straps, zips, and buckles coming from leftover materials from other production lines. Recently the team have started incorporating repurposed gym mats, making the bags even more durable and waterproof. The bag features hidden pockets for cash or personal documents, along with side holders that can fit two large 2-litre water bottles, and at the bottom there's a detachable swag with a built-in pillow for added comfort.

These efforts have resulted in significant contributions to various community organisations:

• RSPCA WA: 49 animal beds to ensure animals have comfort while waiting for adoption.
• Native Animal Rescue: 17 possum boxes, 50 possum pouches, and a mural to help rehabilitate and shelter wildlife.
• Epic Dog Program: 11 large dog beds for dogs in training and care.
• Youth Cattle Handling Camp: 10 cat beds, and 10 dog beds to support young people and animals at the camp.
• Shire of Mundaring: 24 homeless backpacks, providing essential supplies to those experiencing homelessness.

At Clarence Correctional Centre (CLA), an innovative initiative led to the cleaning and repair of old, damaged prisoner clothing, allowing it to be reissued. This proactive solution has significantly reduced the need for new clothing purchases, resulting in items not being sent to landfill and being given a new lease of life.

The initiative was extended to staff uniforms, where second-hand items in good condition are inspected, dry cleaned, and offered to staff as extra uniforms.

Since its inception in late 2024, Serco have received 179 requests for second-hand staff uniforms. This has resulted in over 250 clothing items being re-issued, items that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.

This initiative also has the potential to reduce the need for staff to order large quantities of new uniforms, saving on excess textile manufacturing and the CLA team are now working with Serco’s uniform partners to explore recycling options for items that cannot be re-issued.

All linen, bedding and mattresses within the centre are also repaired where possible or recycled to create new items. Sheets and bedding are remade into pillowcases, pillowcases are cut down to become cleaning cloths and mattresses are made into pillows. Not only teaching prisoners new skills and the importance of reusing items, this initiative and forward thinking means very little at the centre is ever thrown away therefore avoiding contributing to unnecessary landfill.

Serco's commitment to zero waste and sustainability not only supports the environment but also provides valuable skills and opportunities for prisoners, contributing to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.