Cleanaway, one of Australia’s leading waste and recycling companies, operates large-scale conveyor systems across its many facilities around the country. These systems are the beating heart of modern waste operations, ensuring efficient, safe transport and separation of mixed materials. But the unpredictable nature of waste streams – ranging from sharp metals to sticky organics – puts these conveyors and the maintenance crews that support them to the test, day in and day out.
Challenge: Outdated Equipment Hindering Efficiency
At the Cleanaway site in Eastern Creek, NSW, ageing bolt-on tips and cushions were in use – technology that demanded heavy manual handling, time-consuming maintenance, and was prone to carryback build-up and blade blockages.
In a sector where operational efficiency is tightly linked to sustainability performance, the site team was looking for a smarter way to keep conveyors clean, compliant, and reliable.
Solution: Modern Belt Cleaner Upgrade and Support
In partnership with Cleanaway sub-contractor Mining Elements & Co, MATO Australia was brought in to improve belt cleaner performance at this specific Cleanaway location. The team began transitioning from legacy bolt-on systems to MATO’s MDP primary and MUS secondary belt cleaners – technology originally proven in demanding mining environments.
With over 30 years of experience supporting underground mines and heavy industry, MATO’s team brought both robust product design and deep knowledge of how to implement reliable, low-maintenance solutions at scale.
Given the number of conveyors across the Eastern Creek site, even small efficiency gains on a single line have the potential to create significant operational and environmental benefits.
Key Improvements
- Faster Maintenance Cycles: Modular slide-on/slide-off blades allow in-situ servicing without removing the whole unit
- Reduced Manual Handling: Modular components remove the need to lift heavy, complete cleaners
- Improved Material Control: Tighter blade fit prevents debris build-up, improving system hygiene and uptime
- Longer Blade Life: Smarter blade design reduces wear and tear from unknown contaminants
- Data-Led Maintenance: Weekly reports help track performance and prioritise improvement areas across the site
Impact: A Cleaner, Leaner, and Greener Operation
Since the upgrade, the Eastern Creek site has seen a noticeable uplift in belt cleaner performance and conveyor efficiency. Areas are now “noticeably cleaner,” with reduced clean-up tasks and faster maintenance turnarounds.
These improvements also contribute directly to Cleanaway’s sustainability goals:
- Less Waste: Reduced part failures and lower carryback volumes
- Safer Workplaces: Lighter equipment and simplified servicing support Cleanaway’s safety-first approach
“We’re now doing double the number of conveyors compared to when we started,” said Aiden Gilbert, Sales/Service Technician at MATO Australia. “The team at Eastern Creek has gone from telling us what they need, to asking what we recommend, because they’ve seen the difference that good service and better technology can make.”
Looking Ahead
Based on the success at Eastern Creek, Cleanaway has begun rolling out MATO systems more broadly across the site, prioritising high-wear and underperforming lines. This site is now leading the way in testing and implementing a smarter belt cleaning solution
About Cleanaway
Cleanaway is Australia’s leading total waste management, industrial, and environmental services company – working to make a sustainable future possible through smarter, more efficient waste solutions.
See our belt cleaner range: https://www.mato.com.au/belt-maintenance-mato/belt-cleaners.html
This article also appeared in Australian Bulk Handling Review.
