Inside Waste December - January 2019 by Prime Group

Official Publication of the

www.insidewaste.com.au

ISSUE 93 | DEC 2019/JAN 2020

INSIDE 24 WARR Awards 36 MWOO restrictions 38 Community engagement

Greater collaboration and resource recovery – what has been and what’s to come

PP: 100024538

ISSN 1837-5618

IT’S BEEN SAID by industry and government leaders – Australia’s waste industry is finally in the spotlight and it is getting the recognition it needs at a federal level. It has been a year of triumphs and challenges for the industry. And as Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) CEO Brooke Donnelly puts it, “Australia is working through one of the most significant transitions in our history, as we look to transform every aspect of our environmental and waste management system”. When Inside Waste spoke to Donnelly, among numerous other leaders in the waste space, she highlighted successes in the industry, but also called for everyone to continue to do more to improve waste management and resource recovery. “With a task this significant, we all need to take action and, frankly, all of us need to be a little better at what we do. “Will our actions stand the test of time? As the custodians of our country’s environmental future, we have a remarkable responsibility ahead of us. I hope we are all able to work together and find a way to be viewed as those who identified a problem, stepped up, sought solutions, took action

and led from the front.” As leaders reflect on the year that has been and look to the year that will be, Donnelly said that both parties are doing great work to bridge gaps that occurred in progress in 2019. “In 2020, it will be important to ensure that decisions relating to infrastructure are considered and planned in the strategic context of the circular economy and how the whole system operates, allowing for the interdependencies and leveraging resources. It will be important to continue to see both industry and government investing and supporting development in this space,” Donnelly said. As well as industry and government pushing through the challenges and implementing programs and policies that will grow the future of resource recovery in Australia, Western Australia’s Environment Minister Stephen Dawson pointed out that collectively, everyone need to step up their game. “As a society, we continue to generate too much waste, and in particular, waste that is avoidable or difficult to recycle. We continue to consume significant amounts of plastics, including single-

Minister Trevor Evans’ appointment to the waste portfolio has been well-received.

use plastics, which can be difficult to recycle and have serious environmental impacts when littered.” Dawson highlighted state and federal government steps that are underway to help reduce plastic consumption and increase resource recovery. “Waste and resource recovery (WARR) is now a significant priority for all Australian jurisdictions. Like never before, governments are working closely with the community and industry to address current recycling challenges. “In particular, I think a key achievement relates to packaging. In April 2018, environment ministers endorsed a target of 100 per cent of packaging being recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2025 or earlier. Governments are working closely with industry, through APCO to implement these commitments. This includes working with APCO on projects such as packaging design and labelling, to assist in meeting these targets. “I know the community expects greater action on waste, including packaging and plastics, and I think we are seeing some real change in this sector,” Dawson said. (Continued on page 18.)

A DIAMOND Z

PROVEN WORLDWIDE. BUILT DIAMOND Z TOUGH. With a Diamond Z you get higher productivity and minimal downtime. This commitment is what makes Diamond Z a trusted grinding expert in the USA and now, in-stock, in Australia too. We have a solution for every grinding need. HORSE POWER

580 – 1200

TYPE

Wheel / Track / Stationary

MACHINE RANGE

28,000 – 55,000kgs

POWER

Diesel and Electric

SALES | PARTS | SERVICE | PARTNERSHIP

FORGING AHEAD TOGETHER. ELB Equipment is the exclusive distributor of Diamond Z Products in Australia and New Zealand.

ELB Equipment is the exclusive distributor of Diamond Z and Komptech products in Australia and New Zealand.

TWO IN ONE:

THE METALFEX

NEW

NON-FERROUS AND FERROUS METAL SEPARATOR

Discharge conveyor non-ferrous metals

Feed area with intake conveyor Overbelt magnet

Discharge conveyor clean fraction Diesel generator

Non-ferrous separator

SHREDDERS | TROMMEL SCREENS | STAR SCREENS | WINDROW TURNERS Contact your ELB Equipment representative for more information.

Australia: 1300 ELB EQU New Zealand: 0800 4ELBNZ

elbquip.com.au

Editor’s Note //

Official Publication of the

Publisher Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

Out with the old, in with the new AS WE EMBARK ON a new year, most of us will have overeaten at one or two Christmas functions and received (or gifted ourselves) presents that we “needed to have”. Now we can throw away that old gym gear to make room for the new, lightweight gear; and we give away that last season smartphone for the latest version. The silly season is a timely reminder that consumption is OK – it brings joy and it is sometimes necessary when replacing worn-out items. But, it’s also a time to reflect on what we really need and what we could refrain from buying or acquiring. Just as we make room for new additions to our lives, the federal, local and state governments are also saying, “out with the old, in with the new”, as policies and regulations are given a spruce up to stay in touch with current demands. In late October, 2019, the federal government commenced a-once in-a-decade review of Australia’s environmental law. The independent

General Manager (Sydney) Terry Wogan terry.wogan@primecreative.com.au Group Managing Editor (Northern) Syed Shah syed.shah@primecreative.com.au

review is being undertaken to ensure that the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) remains fit for purpose and fit for the future within the context of our changing environment. Additionally, an inquiry into Australia’s waste management and recycling industries is targeting innovative solutions in the waste management and recycling arenas. This includes looking at industrial, commercial and domestic waste; waste in waterways and oceans; landfill reduction; and other related matters. These changes give new life to outdated polices and help the industry keep moving forward. It’s an exciting time for the industry that should be celebrated by reflecting on past achievements and future milestones that are in the making.

Editor Miri Schroeter miri.schroeter@primecreative.com.au Business Development Manager Beth Jarvis beth.jarvis@primecreative.com.au Design Production Manager Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au Design Blake Storey, Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty Client Success Manager Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au Head Office Prime Creative Pty Ltd 11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.insidewaste.com.au

Subscriptions +61 3 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Inside Waste is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher Articles All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format. Copyright Inside Waste is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Inside Waste is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Inside Waste are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

REVOLUTIONARY MOBILE EQUIPMENT FOR EVERY APPLICATION

TROMMEL SCREENS

WASTE HANDLERS

SLOW SPEED SHREDDER

HIGH SPEED SHREDDERS

MEDIUM SPEED SHREDDER

RECYCLING SCREENS

WINDROW TURNER

We supply Ecotec machinery to: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Papua New Guinea

Call today: 1800 777 300 or Email: sales@finlay.com.au 4

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

www.finlay.com.au

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Big oR SMall

THere iS A Turnkey proceSSing SoluTion for you Solid RecoveRed FuelS SRF (MSW) Plant

indooR c&d Recycling Plant

Solid RecoveRed FuelS SRF (c&i WaSte) Plant

c&d Recyling Plant

Solid RecoveRed FuelS SRF (Mixed WaSte) Plant

MBt PRe-PRoceSSing (MSW) Plant

• Streamline your operations with a turnkey plant • All types of waste, all sizes from 100 ton per day • High quality and excellent value

Make 2020 youR BeSt yeaR yet! FoR MoRe inFoRMation contact uS noW Freecall:1800 644 978 www.cssequipment.com.au Email: info@cssequipment.com.au

News //

Profile | Ron Wainberg What was your first job in the waste sector? My first waste role was back in the early 1990s with the NSW Waste Management Authority (the precursor the WSN before it was privatised). The authority’s role was to regulate and manage waste disposal in the Sydney region although this changed to just management of waste disposal following the formation of the EPA. What’s the favourite part of your role as a technical director at MRA Consulting Group? Apart from the huge variety of projects and challenges we face every day it is definitely working with the next generation of waste professional as they develop their skills and embark on their journey in this fascinating industry. How has waste management changed during your time in the industry? Waste is a complex field. Technologies have changed a lot in 30 years and we can do stuff much more efficiently today, but I’m not sure much has changed in the other aspects of waste management – the social, political etc. We seem to be debating the same issues. Resource recovery has vastly improved, and we could do a lot more, but we don’t. What are some achievements that you are most proud of? The best has been mentoring young professionals and seeing them take leadership roles, both in Australia and overseas. Also, working with small or remote communities to improve their management and understanding of waste. What’s next for you? After MRA, I’m probably just going to go fishing, unless something more exciting turns up!

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Second volume of Inside Waste Industry Report out THE INSIDE WASTE Industry Report 2017-2018 Volume Two is out now. Whether it’s a stateby-state comparison that you’re looking for, or a breakdown of volumes of recovered material such as metals and organics; the report has information for all. In the second volume, “Policy and Regulation”, we take a look at federal government targets and achievements, followed by a view of the industry by jurisdiction. NSW is the largest waste-producing state in Australia, generating 18.04 million tonnes in 201718. The state has long been distinguished from other states by its primary reliance on a high waste levy to promote resource recovery and divert waste from landfill. This has driven some infrastructure investment. Four of Australia’s seven AWT facilities to process mixed waste are in NSW, but the state remains a mid-tier performer

in terms of resource recovery. Victoria’s progress in the waste sector tells a different story. It has one of the highest rates of waste recovery in Australia, at 69 per cent in 2017-18, but it is facing a range of acute waste challenges, which led to a 2018 parliamentary inquiry into the state’s waste “crisis”. Additionally, the Victorian Auditor-General released a report critiquing the lack of action to minimise waste, invest in recovery infrastructure or adequately regulate the sector. Want to know more about one of these states and other jurisdictions? The second volume gives you an easy-to-follow insight into the industry. The report is the result of a unique collaboration between Prime Creative Media, Arcadis consulting group and the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR).

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// News

Inquiry into waste management and recycling industries commences AN INQUIRY INTO Australia’s waste management and recycling industries commenced by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources in late October. The inquiry will target innovative solutions in these sectors, including looking at industrial, commercial and domestic waste; waste in waterways and oceans; landfill reduction; and other related matters. The committee will focus

on opportunities presented by waste materials, including energy production, innovative recycling approaches and export opportunities, and to also consider current impediments to innovation. Individuals and organisations are invited to make submissions, which can be lodged online via the committee’s website or emailed directly to the committee secretariat. Submissions should be lodged by 31 January 2020.

Profile | SoilCyclers SoilCyclers turns unsuitable materials into topsoil, increases the compactibility of soil or remediates contaminated soils. When was the company founded and why? SoilCyclers was founded in February 2009. Founder Alison Price’s original intention was to create a job for her partner at the time (now husband), but after posting a YouTube video on their first website the phone kept ringing and the company kept growing. The company’s goal is to help construction, waste and mining companies reduce the use of virgin resources by transforming waste into reusable materials. What are the key services that SoilCyclers offers? The company’s focus is on mobile sieving, aerating and mixing soils. That might involve making topsoil out of unsuitable materials or waste, increasing the Californian Bearing Ratio (CBR) ratings of fill material, fixing contaminated soils so they can be reused onsite or reducing the amount of waste disposed of to landfill. SoilCyclers services clients across the construction, waste and mining industries and the company’s service is completely mobile. What are some of SoilCyclers plans and ambitions for the next 12-18 months? Price’s focus in 2019 has been on using SoilCyclers’ same mixing process to move into different markets. This year, the company has been appointed as a preferred mixing contractor for Rembind, a product developed in conjunction with CSIRO that permanently binds PFAS in soil. SoilCyclers can help landfill operators reduce the leachability of PFAS contaminated soils to a level that can be disposed of in landfill and in some jurisdictions the company can immobilise PFAS contaminated soils so they can be reused onsite as part of the project.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

News //

MWOO decision gains backlash WCRA executive director Tony Khoury said the NSW EPA’s decision will have a significant negative impact on business confidence.

THE NSW EPA HAS announced it does not intend to allow Mixed Waste Organic Outputs (MWOO) to be used as a soil amendment on agricultural, mining rehabilitation or forestry land. Announced on October 16, EPA chief environmental regulator Mark Gifford said there had been extensive scientific research undertaken, which showed human health and ecological risks were too high to allow MWOO to be used on agricultural land. “The research clearly shows that the potential risks outweigh the limited benefits of applying MWOO on agricultural land, given the levels of contamination left behind such as glass and plastics, as well as metals and chemicals,” Gifford said. The NSW government is consulting on a $6.5 million package for industry to consider new solutions to manage general household waste. This includes funding for AWT operators to undertake research and development into alternative products and end markets for household general waste, and to make the required changes to their facilities to produce products such as refuse derived fuel. While Gifford said these changes will help to create new “environmentally friendly solutions for household waste”, others in the industry disagree with the EPA’s decision to not allow MWOO on agricultural land. 8

Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association of NSW (WCRA) executive director Tony Khoury told Inside Waste that the NSW EPA’s decision will have a significant negative impact on business confidence across the NSW waste and recycling sector. “The decision will result in many tens of thousands of material being sent to landfill. “MWOO has been extensively and successfully used with EPA approval and NSW government support to enhance our nutrient deficient soils for the last 18 or so years. It is a beneficial product that improves the growing properties of soil,” Khoury said. In a statement, the NSW Ministry of Health advised that there were no adverse health effects as a result of past use of MWOO on agricultural land. The department stated that the health risk assessment identified certain circumstances where exposure to chemicals could occur at levels that are higher than referenced doses, but that these circumstances would be “unusual and short lived”. Khoury said the decision was made by the EPA with no meaningful consultation and with little regard for the impacts on the recycling sector. “The NSW EPA need to make all reports used in its MWOO decision making available to industry along with the names of the authors of all

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

such reports. Industry and each of the operators should be provided with an opportunity to review and comment on this material.” SUEZ Australia and New Zealand CEO Mark Venhoek told Inside Waste that SUEZ only became privy to the reports of scientific data, relied upon by the NSW EPA in making the MWOO decision, on Wednesday afternoon. “SUEZ will now analyse the EPA’s background documentation and studies used to support the decision. “During the consultation period, SUEZ will seek clarity from the EPA on the science behind the findings, as well as the proposed transition funding package to support industry,” Venhoek said. The company aims to continue to work constructively with the NSW EPA and its customers to find a solution to the current situation, he said. The $6.5 million package for industry and AWT operators is one step the EPA is taking to support finding a solution to manage general household waste, but Khoury said it is a “mere drop in the ocean” compared with any potential financial damages claims made by the affected AWT operators. “The NSW waste levy was set at a high level to encourage the diversion of waste from the bin with the red lid, from landfill to AWT processing. This decision to revoke the MWOO orders

and exemptions in essence wipes out the AWT sector. Why do we then need such a high NSW waste levy? “This decision by the EPA makes the waste levy an unnecessary tax on the waste management sector and adds to the cost of doing business in NSW. The NSW waste levy is out of step compared with QLD and Victoria and in fact has been subsidising the cost of long distance, interstate transport since 2012. WCRA will be calling for a total review of the NSW waste levy,” Khoury said. Part of the funding available is for new infrastructure for the AWT industry to introduce food organics and garden organics (FOGO) processing lines at their facilities. Gifford said it is just the first step in considering new and future uses for general household waste. “[There is] significant work underway to improve the management of waste in NSW through the development of a 20 Year Waste Strategy,” Gifford said. Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) CEO Pete Shmigel said if the NSW government implements the EPA’s decision, waste to landfill or incineration will increase by some 25 per cent, some 200 jobs may be lost, and council rates may go up. “It is hard to understand how an internationally proven product successfully used by local farmers and others for nearly 20 years – and which the NSW government has previously said has ‘no human health impact’ – can now be banned. “Compost products from all sources, including home-made compost in people’s backyards and bagged compost on the shelves at Bunnings, generally contain materials with impacts, as well as all their very beneficial aspects. The incidental impacts are managed through carefully developed rules and guidelines like Australian Standard 4454, which permits for trace levels of plastics and glass and other materials,” Shmigel said. He said the industry, along with its partners in councils, has been positively contributing to the NSW environment and economy for decades. “The minister has said he wants waste and resource recovery to be ‘self-sustaining, affordable and reliable’. The EPA position on MWOO will put all of recycling into disarray, increase taxpayer costs, and send material to landfill or incineration. That is a bad result for NSW,” Shmigel said. Public consultation closed on November 28. iw

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

PROVEN PRODUCTIVITY

2710D Horizontal Grinder 2710D Horizontal Grinder Portable & Efficient

5710D Horizontal Grinder 5710D Horizontal Grinder High Production with Consistent Sizing

6710D Horizontal Grinder 6710D Horizontal Grinder Largest Grinder with Highest Output

Engine Engine Length Length Weight Weight Feed Feed Opening Opening

Portable & Efficient

433 433 kW kW or or 570 570 kW kW 1612 1612 cm cm 30900 30900 kg kg 153 x 81 cm 153 x 81 cm

High Production with Consistent Sizing

Peterson Peterson is is represented represented by by Komatsu Komatsu Forest Forest in in Australia Australia and and New Zealand, providing industry-leading product support New Zealand, providing industry-leading product support and and expertise. expertise.

www.komatsuforest.com.au www.komatsuforest.com.au

722 722 kW kW 1800 1800 cm cm 42184 42184 kg kg 152 x 102 cm 152 x 102 cm

Largest Grinder with Highest Output

839 839 kW kW 1860 1860 cm cm 48987 48987 kg kg 168 x 127 cm 168 x 127 cm

Komatsu Komatsu Forest Forest Pty Pty Ltd. Ltd. 11/4 Avenue of Americas 11/4 Avenue of Americas Newington Newington NSW NSW 2127 2127 Australia Australia T: +61 2 9647 3600, E: info.au@komatsuforest.com T: +61 2 9647 3600, E: info.au@komatsuforest.com

News //

National pricing strategy for waste levies discussed

Victoria’s Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, attended the Waste Expo.

IN VICTORIA WHERE the landfill levy is significantly lower than in others jurisdictions, industry experts are pushing for a price hike. While people often want to drive prices down, a shift to a higher levy could be a much-needed step towards creating value for products in Victoria, according to Bingo Industries chief executive for Victoria, Geoff Hill. He, along with other speakers at this year’s Waste Expo in Melbourne, shared his views on improving resource recovery rates in Victoria. “The levy really is the driving force behind how you make decisions in this industry and it really sets the market structure up from that very simple starting point,” Hill said. “Put simply, the higher the landfill levy is the higher the cost to dispose of landfill, the greater the incentive to do something different – to recycle it, avoid it, to find a product for it. Anything but landfill.” Current landfill levy rates for municipal or industrial waste in metro and provincial Victoria are $65.90p/t, compared to a much greater rate of 10

$143.60p/t for metro areas in NSW, and a high of $155p/t in Queensland. There has long been a debate that the varying levy rates – or lack of levies in some states – encourage movement of waste between states. “Victoria has got the lowest rate effectively in Australia. That means, from one state to the other, waste can move. “Putting that aside, the industry signals aren’t sufficient compared to other states to invest more in this state. The levy needs to increase, and probably as others touched on be equal across other states,” Hill said. National Waste Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) CEO Rose Read also supports harmonising levy prices across states. “NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia all have levies. ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania don’t. “Levies do some great things. they make recycling and resource recovery industries commercial, because it’s worth investing the resources to sort and separate and produce input ready

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

materials, because it’s cheaper to do that than put it into landfill,” Read said. However, she also pointed out that inconsistencies in levies can cause levy avoidance. “Price differentials is a major concern and create some perverse outcomes. “If you have a think about the classic example in NSW, the levy was up at $140, up until the beginning of July; whereas in Queensland it was zero. We were seeing 1.5-2 million tonnes of material heading north to Queensland – material that could have potentially been recovered,” Read said. She wants the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to develop a national pricing schedule to see where the price differences are that drive “perverse outcomes”. “How can [the COAG] harmonise and look at consistency?” Read said it isn’t a matter of opting for levies that share the same price, rather, it’s about reducing the price gap that drives inappropriate

movement of materials and about optimising resource recovery. “We want to see the federal government plus the state governments work together to come up with a national pricing strategy. To also minimise some of the unnecessary movement of material across state. “We want them to introduce what we call the levy portability principle, so it applies in the area where you generate the waste and it stays there.” Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change in Victoria Lily D’Ambrosio, who opened the speaker sessions, said the Victorian government is committed to strengthening and growing the waste and resource recovery sector during the transition to an economy with less waste and better reuse and recycling. “My commitment to all of you as industry players is to be available and to listen and work with you as we manage the transition that all the community expects us to undertake,” D’Ambrosio said. iw

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// News

Littering tackled with new laws in ACT THE ACT GOVERNMENT is cracking down on littering and illegal dumping with new laws, which passed in the Legislative Assembly in late October. The laws will see the adoption of a better framework for addressing hoarding across the territory. The new laws include an increase to the fine for dropping a small item of litter like a ticket or a coffee cup. Offenders will now face a $150 fine, instead of $65, if caught doing the wrong thing. Fines can reach $500 for items such as cigarette or a syringe. Minister for City Services Chris Steel said the laws and give greater power to authorities to deal with individuals and businesses who choose to spoil the environment or put the community at risk with illegal dumping and littering. “The new laws are easier to enforce, with infringement notices able to be issued to the owners of vehicles involved in illegal dumping, similar to speeding fines,” Steel said. Steel said that cleaning up after illegal dumpers is a financial burden on ratepayers as the government

spends $3 million a year cleaning up other people’s unwanted items. Steel said the new fines, such as those implemented for littering cigarette butts, sends a strong message to the community about the impact of these items on the city. “Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter on the planet, and have a significant impact on the environment releasing toxic chemicals and microplastics. “With a hotter and drier climate, cigarettes present a real fire risk to our bush capital, with 13 per cent of grass fires in the ACT started by cigarettes,” Steel explained. Hoarding around the territory will also be able to be better managed under this legislation, with the introduction of a staged approach addressing litter on private land. “Hoarding can have serious safety risks to both to the occupants of the property with the hoarding issue and surrounding land. However, we also know that cases of extreme hoarding on private land are complex and sensitive, and often involve underlying

Littering now comes with a possible $500 fine in ACT.

mental health issues. “The laws allow the government to enter a site to clean-up and abate the hoarding of litter when all other actions have been unsuccessful. Appropriate processes must be followed, including following a mandatory code of practice and an application to the ACT Magistrates

Court,” Steel said. The new framework does not criminalise the complex mental health issue of hoarding and the government will work closely with mental health and community organisations and experts in dealing with individual matters and the development of a code of practice. iw

REVOLUTIONARY ROBOTIC WASTE SORTATION & RECYCLING SYSTEMS Precise | Tireless | Cost Effective

Waste Robotics automated waste sortation and recycling systems are revolutionising the waste materials recovery sector and making a significant contribution to sustainable development and enterprise profits. The easily configured system employs advanced multiple sensor streams, industrial robots, and world-leading artificial intelligence (Al) systems to automate the sorting and segregation of commodities in the following waste streams: 

Single-stream Materials Recovery Facilities 

Mixed-waste Processing Facilities 

Construction & Demolition Waste Sorting Facilities, and 

00 13 | te sta y r e ev in s ce offi Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Plastics Reclaimers, and others.

0 97 9 06

au m. o .c eco s r ive | d

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

News //

Green light for container return scheme in New Zealand A CONTAINER RETURN scheme (CRS) will soon be introduced in New Zealand, with Associate Minister for the Environment, Eugenie Sage, announcing that work is underway to create a fitfor-purpose scheme. Speaking at the WasteMINZ conference in Hamilton in late September, Sage said beverage containers would again become something of value and a CRS would see increased recycling and new opportunities for refilling. “The CRS project will help New Zealanders to make a difference in reducing waste. A CRS would require beverage containers – such as plastic PET bottles – to carry a refundable deposit, for example 10 to 20 cents (or more). The deposit is redeemed when the container is returned to a collection depot or other drop-off point.” Sage said through the investigation and design stage the government can learn from the best international models, while designing a scheme that meets New Zealand’s geographic and societal needs. An estimated two billion glass,

A container return scheme is likely to be introduced in New Zealand in the next few years.

plastic, aluminium, paperboard and other single use drink containers are consumed each year in New Zealand. “Overseas experience shows a refundable deposit puts the value back into recycling and results in a big increase in returned containers. A scheme could lift recovery and recycling rates for numbers of beverage containers in New Zealand from around 45 per cent – 58 per cent, to 80 per cent, or more,” Sage said. The Ministry for the Environment

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

received a joint Waste Minimisation Fund application for the design and development of a national CRS from the Auckland Council and Marlborough District Council. The project will be supported by Government funding of nearly $1 million ($966,000) from the Waste Minimisation Fund. The successful application will see the two councils work with the Ministry for the Environment and representatives from the beverage, packaging and recycling industries, councils, retailers,

charitable organisations, Māori, consumer representatives, and product stewardship groups. The project will see a comprehensive CRS proposal designed for New Zealand, which will be presented to the government by August 2020. In Australia, Victoria is the only state that hasn’t committed to a CRS. Despite an ongoing recycling crisis in the state, and pressure from local government, the Victorian government hasn’t announced any commitments. iw

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// News

Organics – a 10 million-tonne problem for Australia WITH ORGANICS representing on average, half of the waste that goes into household general waste bins, speakers at this year’s WasteQ Conference in Toowoomba, Queensland, urged local and state governments to increase their focus on diverting organics from landfill. The conference, hosted by Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR), delved into topics such as sustainable procurement, data in waste, energy from waste, and many more – including organics and food waste. MRA Consulting Group director Mike Ritchie said that with organics to landfill representing about 10 million tonnes, there is a need for significant change. “Fifty per cent of all waste to landfill in Australia is organics. It’s 3 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and the sector so far has reduced its emissions by 40 per cent since 2010. “So we are very good at getting greenhouse capture at our landfill; what we are not so good at is getting the organics out of the landfill and stopping the production of methane in the first place,” Ritchie said. He explained that an obvious solution would be to ban organics to landfill in Australia from both commercial operators and households – a step that many countries in Europe have taken. Ritchie said that as part of this, a three-bin food organics, garden organics (FOGO) system needs to be introduced. “We have the most degraded soils in the world. Clearly we need to have our organics out on farms as compost – not sitting in landfills generating methane.” As well as environmental benefits, Ritchie highlighted economic benefits. “It’s also cheap to recycle organics. They are one of the cheapest marginal cost recycling activities you can do. Organics is heavy, it’s very cost efficient to collect, and we should be doing it.” He explained that if Australia is aiming to recycle more materials, there should be a focus on materials that have a low marginal cost. “There’s a lot of organics in our waste bins – 53 per cent of an average domestic waste bin is organic material. So there’s a 50 per cent reduction in waste to landfill if you can get it all out.” Fight Food Waste CRC CEO Steven Lapidge cited a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Tackling the 1.6-BillionTon Food Loss and Waste Crisis report,

from 2018, to highlight the significant losses that come from food waste globally. The report estimated that 500 million tonnes of food waste is lost in production globally each year. Throughout the supply chain there are other significant losses – 350MT of produce is lost in handling and storage, 160MT is lost during processing and packaging, 200MT is lost in distribution and retail, and 340MT is lost in consumption on average each year. “We take the value of our GDP and we pretty much throw it away,” Lapidge said.

moment, it’s very much an unconscious behaviour and people just aren’t aware of it. Until we can change that behaviour, we are not going to see this trillion-dollar opportunity addressed.” Lapidge said that opportunities such as better education, improved supply chain infrastructure, and collaboration will help address food waste. “Supply chain deficiency is something that needs to be addressed right around the world, but particularly in the developing world.” Another issue that Lapidge highlighted was the fact that fruit and vegetables account for a large portion

a business change programme. We wanted to really identify how we can change these people’s behaviour to get the waste out of the general waste bin and into FOGO – and out of landfill,” Baltais said. She said that barriers to community engagement included education as people weren’t sure where the FOGO was going, as well as concerns over capacity. Questions and comments such as, “Is that all going to fit in my bin? It’s really smelly. I don’t want to leave it in my bin for a week” were common, Baltais explained.

Greater community engagement is needed to educate people on where their FOGO ends up.

“It takes a land area the size of China to grow that food that we then throw away. Food waste is now being identified as one of the key environmental issues around greenhouse gas emissions and it’s something that we can readily address. “BCG, believes food waste will get a lot worse before it gets better. Even though it’s top of mind. The issue there is that the growing middleclass in countries like China and India are also moving to a western diet and more western diets create more food waste. We are likely to see a dramatic increase in the food waste in the coming year as we have that adjustment,” Lapidge explained. He said that some of the problem lies within the fact that most people don’t even think about food waste. “Just as it is unacceptable to litter, and increasingly to smoke, it’s got to be unacceptable [to waste food] and it’s got to be front of mind. At the

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

of food waste, which doesn’t even make it to the consumer. “Generally, near 50 per cent of fruit and vegetable grown in this country never makes it into the mouth. About 25 per cent won’t even make it off the farm and then there are pretty substantial losses through the supply chain. If you get something like cauliflower, it’s about 75 per cent if you track it all the way through the supply chain.” When it does reach the consumer and it comes to disposing of food waste properly, EnviroCom senior consultant Alix Baltais said many councils struggle to get community to engage in FOGO programmes. “We visited Southern Grampians, Corangamite and Moyne Shire councils. They have fairly small populations, about 16,000 each, and a variable amount of things happening within their collections. “We were engaged to undertake

“It really did influence what people were doing and how often they were engaging. “There were FOGO systems and kerbside systems in use, but they weren’t being used as much as we would have liked. You need to have the physical ability to enable people to divert this waste.” Baltais explained that these councils needed to try to bridge the knowledge gap about where the material goes, which can partially be done with fact sheets and information that is clearly visible on bins. GHD service line leader for waste management in Australia Alison Colella explained that councils need to engage community as much as possible to make change happen. “We really need to bring the community on the journey with us. We cannot underestimate how powerful communities are in 2019,” Colella said. iw

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

News //

Wish for more certainty from government RUNNING KERBSIDE recycling outside of council, with external operators, is one way that Australia could improve its recycling system, according to Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) CEO Pete Shmigel. He was one of several industry leaders that spoke at the Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE), held in Sydney from October 30 to 31. Shmigel pointed out some achievements as well as challenges faced by the waste industry and Australia when it comes to resource recovery. “We have a choice to look at this glass half full or half empty. If you choose to look at it as glass half full at the moment and you look at the broader recycling systems, and not just the kerbside side of it, you find that construction and demolition (C&D) recycling is going through the roof, commercial and industrial (C&I) recycling is going through the roof. Let’s look at kerbside recycling in that boarder context. “[Additionally] your prime minister stood up in front of the United

Nations and talked about Australia’s recycling opportunity. When has that ever happened before? You have a remarkable level of political engagement in the recycling issue like never before – what an opportunity for us as stakeholders, and industry players, as local government as activists to make something good happen.” Despite, Shmigel’s positivity, he pointed out that when it comes to kerbside recycling it is clear that the system is underfunded. “The cost of collecting and sorting and processing most of those commodities through kerbside recycling is higher than the value of those commodities.” Shmigel said this leads to a funding gap, which is not sustainable. “If we keep on playing this game of shuffling the cost here, shuffling the cost there, as opposed to figuring out a way to meet that cost sustainably, our system won’t prosper going ahead. “What we really need to start grappling with is a very different way to manage this packaging recovery as

Trusted Advisors in Property, Environment, Planning, Waste & Local Government Law Experts in all areas of waste including: DAs and Land & Environment Court Appeals EPA Investigations & Prosecutions Waste Contracts Operational Issues & Waste Legislation Waste Transportation Asbestos Issues Contact one of our advisors now: 02 9929 3031 or waste@honeslawyers.com.au or find out more at: www.honeslawyers.com.au/what-we-do/waste/

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean wants greater inclusion of community and councils in waste discussions.

a whole. Why can’t kerbside recycling become contestable? Why can’t somebody besides councils manage these operations for us? For example, in Hong Kong, in the midst of the protests, I can get on an app in my flat and I can specify the recycling service that I want in my apartment. I can pay for it to the level I want to pay for it and I can specify what I want to see happen with that product.” He said that a “user pays, incentive based market mechanism” could be a good way forward for Australia. Cleanaway CEO and managing director Vik Bansal said industry is willing to invest in infrastructure to move resource recovery forward, but to do so, there needs to be a clear demand and market for products. “We’ve just got to be mindful of the fact that in Australia today we are doing sorting, not recycling. To do recycling, we’ve got to create the end markets. The biggest stake in that value chain is held by consumers. Bansal explained that if, for example, consumers said they would only buy shampoo bottles made from 80 per cent recycled plastic, then the packaging industry would need to deliver. “Money talks. If there’s no local demand for it, what do I do with it?” He said there needs to be a demand from consumers and a commitment from industries such as the packaging industry in order for investment to happen. “With the absence of that market, we have no opportunity to do that. The other issue is if we produce hypothetically, let’s say Cleanaway does a million tonnes of plastic every year; if there’s no local demand for it, what do I do with it? “There’s no use me spending half a million dollars sorting it out when I

know ultimately it’s still going to go to China,” Bansal said. He said that with the right policies in place and with certainty that there is a market for these materials, companies could plan and invest. “The fundamental issue in this, is there should be mandate from consumers or the government, which enforces the manufacturing industry to create that product with some level of recycled content. The demand has to come from somewhere.” Local Government NSW president Linda Scott is also in favour of greater leadership from government. “We think the waste levy should be hypothecated and it should be hypothecated to ensure that this problem can be solved. Of course across the nation not every state collects a waste levy and the waste levies are vastly different. But NSW by far collects the most and they collect more than 50 per cent of the nation’s waste levies and they turn the lowest percentage to the waste issue. “We’d like to see the waste levy returned to councils so they can procure and assist industry particularly where there’s industry gaps and this is particularly in regional NSW,” Scott said. Australian Food and Grocery Council CEO Tanya Barden called for more federal leadership. She said that the federal government needed to lead the country in implementing standards for recycled content. “Our sector is committed to circular economy. What we are trying to do is design packaging that reduces that amount of resources that have gone into packaging. “It just needs someone to lead and drive it and we are looking to the federal government for that, Barden said. One area that the federal government has committed to drive, is the banning of the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres. Announced in August at a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said some of these bans could happen as early as 2020. While this has gained positive reaction from the public and industry, Bansal said that there needed to be more thought put into ensuring this was a sustainable solution. He said that the manufacturing sector would have to invest millions of dollars, while technology isn’t ready – all while the waste industry is expected not to send waste overseas.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// News

“So what will we do? We can’t stockpile. It is this kind of disconnect which is killing us and making headline news; and frankly, making all of us, whether it’s a packaging company, government, planning authority, waste industry – it’s making Australia look like a goose in the newspapers. “Banning stuff going outside of this country without clear infrastructure at the backend – we are sitting on a recipe for disaster.” At AWRE, Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environment Management Trevor Evans said the federal government is committed to helping the waste industry and infrastructure grow. “It’s not a case of set and forget when it comes to polices from the federal government’s point of view. We want Australia to be positioned as the world leader when it comes to solutions and innovation in this space. “We will continue to monitor things as they develop and we will consider how else the federal government can support the transitions and changes that we want to see,” Evans said. Similarly, NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean promised greater

Minister Trevor Evans and Minister Sussan Ley shared their thoughts at AWRE.

commitment to the people of NSW. He indicated he has stepped up the game when it comes to improving strategy and communication with stakeholders. “The government is developing its 20-year waste strategy. The focus is on insuring we get more recycling, more re-use and more investment in

waste in NSW. We want to set out the framework that will encourage industry to invest in NSW. “We understand it’s a huge body of work and it can’t be done in isolation. When I became the minister earlier this year, the 20-year waste strategy was flagged and it was already

underway. I asked the department to put a halt on that strategy because I believed it needed to be more comprehensive. I’ve reset the agenda. That agenda will be developed in consultation with industry, local government and community – that’s the difference.” iw

WE MOVE YOUR WORLD TIPPING

HANDLING

LIFTING

COMPACTING

H Y VA PA C I F I C

HSR SOUTHERN CROSS

72 GLENWOOD DRIVE, THORNTON NSW 2322

35 HOLBECHE RD, ARNDELL PARK NSW 2148

(02) 4966 3777 WWW.HYVA.COM

1300 HYVA LIFT (1300 4982 5438) WWW.HSRSX.COM.AU

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

www.hyva.com

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

news news

From the CEO’s desk From the CEO’s desk

Environment Ministers will meet for the second time this year onMinisters 7 December, following the second first Environment will meet for the 2018 Meeting of Environment Ministers (MEM) time this year on 7 December, following theinfirst April, which was in a response to the import 2018 Meeting of part Environment Ministers (MEM) in restrictions driven China’s National Sword April, which was inbypart a response to the import Policy and the driven effects this had across restrictions by policy China’shas National Sword thePolicy Australian and resource recovery (WARR) and waste the effects this policy has had across industry. Key decisions from the April MEM the Australian wastederived and resource recovery (WARR) include: industry. Key decisions derived from the April MEM include: • Reducing waste generation, endorsing a target of 100% of Australian packaging being recyclable, • Reducing waste generation, endorsing a target compostable reusable packaging by 2025, and developing of 100% oforAustralian being recyclable, targets for recycled content in packaging. compostable or reusable by 2025, and developing • Increasing Australia’s capacity. targets for recycled domestic content inrecycling packaging. • Increasing theAustralia’s demand for recycledrecycling products. • Increasing domestic capacity. • Exploring opportunities tofor advance waste-to-energy and waste-to-biofuels. • Increasing the demand recycled products. • Updating the 2009 Waste toStrategy year end, which include circular • Exploring opportunities advanceby waste-to-energy andwill waste-to-biofuels. economy principles. • Updating the 2009 Waste Strategy by year end, which will include circular economy principles. It is time to take stock and examine what has been achieved since these decisions were (7) months may not seem like a long time, however It isannounced. time to takeNow, stockseven and examine what has been achieved since these decisions in that time we have seen close (Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam) and were announced. Now,further seven markets (7) months may not seem like a long time, however if you are time an operator continued financial stress, seven (7) months couldand in that we have under seen further markets close (Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam) make or break if you are anyou. operator under continued financial stress, seven (7) months could make or break you. Following the April MEM, we have had three (3) states step in with varying degrees of financial assistance for industry operators). should Following the April MEM, we have had(councils three (3)and states step inThis with varying be expected almost allfor states (except Queensland and Tasmania) degrees ofconsidering financial assistance industry (councils and operators). Thishave should access to significant waste levy income each year. On the eastern seaboard, Victoria be expected considering almost all states (except Queensland and Tasmania) have hasaccess approximately $600 million in waste levy reserves in the Sustainability Fund to significant waste levy income each year. On the eastern seaboard, Victoria THIS TIME LAST YEAR, I sat at my desk (a rare occurrence) reflecting on what andhas NSW raises more since than million per annum the waste levy. ThereFund is approximately $600$700 million in2018 waste levy reserves in the Sustainability has been achieved the first Meeting offrom Environment Ministers certainly no ofwhich fundsthan that can bemillion reinvested into essential industry. and NSW raises more $700 per annum from the waste levy. There is (MEM) in lack April, tried in part to address the our impacts of China’s National certainly no lack of funds that cancolumn, be reinvested into our essential industry. Sword policy. When I wrote that environment ministers were due to Funding helpsinbut as we 2018 know,and thenow, money goes much just longer with meet again December I write this acolumn daysway before Government support and leadership, as well as appropriate policy levers. Funding helps as for we2019. know, the money goes a much longer way with the first and onlybut MEM Government support leadership, as wellsince as appropriate levers. How much has beenand achieved or changed then? Havepolicy we moved VICTORIA forward at all? In some ways, we have. For instance, we have for the first time Victoria arguablyhistory, been the andministers earnest in supporting VICTORIA in ourhas industry’s twomost moreactive federal with a role in the our industry portfolio post-China, with two (2) relief packages announced to support the recycling Victoria has arguably been the most active and earnest in supporting the industry – Australia’s very first Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction, Trevor Evans, industry, valued at a total of million. Victorian Government hasthe alsoat gone post-China, with twoAngus (2)$37 relief packages announced to to support recycling and Energy Minister, Taylor. ButThe things still appear be moving above beyond all states by announcing it would take a leadership industry, valued at others a total of $37 million. The Victorian Government has alsorole gone snailand speed (assuming snails have speed?). in creating market demand recycled products. above and beyond all others states by announcing would take a leadership role Our essential waste andforresource recovery sector it continues to be in the in creating market demand for arecycled media spotlight, which can be boon orproducts. a bane but one thing it’s done is SOUTH AUSTRALIA put our sector firmly in the line of sight of our Prime Minister. In fact, the Government announced a $12.4 millioncommitment support package comprising $2 million of SOUTH AUSTRALIA Prime Minister has made a personal to tackle the challenges additional expenditure, $5 million additional funding for a loan scheme, together Government announced a $12.4 million support package comprising million of we’re facing, announcing at the August 2019 COAG meeting a ban on $2 waste with targeted funding from the Green Industries SA budget. The Government has additional expenditure, $5 million additional funding for a loan scheme, together exports. The issue however, is that while industry supports the ban, given alsowith offered grants for recycling infrastructure. targeted funding from to the Greendomestic Industries SA budget. The Government has the opportunity it presents create demand for post-consumer also offered for recycling recyclate, thegrants announcement wasinfrastructure. possibly made to subdue negative media NEW SOUTH and appearWALES to be addressing plastic pollution as seen in the Prime Minister At NEW first glance, New Wales’ eye-watering recycling support SOUTH WALES heading off to meetSouth with our Pacific neighbours,$47 andmillion it appears that there may package was heralded as the spark of hope industry needed. However, on closer At first glance, New South Wales’ eye-watering $47 million recycling support have been little consideration of the elements that are needed for the ban to inspection, the that was funded vianeeded. the Waste Less, Recycle package wasbulk heralded aspackage the wrong!). spark of hope industry However, on closer succeed (happy toofbethis proven More initiative and12 therefore waste levy, notreleased new,via making it very inspection, the bulk of thisthe package that washas funded the Waste Less, Recycle Over the last months, each jurisdiction a multitude –difficult and for More stakeholders, including local government, to utilise the funds as they were initiative and therefore the waste levy, was not new, making it very difficult we do mean a massive number – of policies, regulations, and strategies for already committed toincluding other activities. Some of theto NSW for stakeholders, local government, utiliseproposed the fundsbywhich asthe they were consultation, with the stated intent of building acriteria circular economy, EPAalready also made it challenging industry to apply tocriteria theseYet grants. On by the plus committed toto, other activities. Some of the proposed NSW WMRR has responded as for well as inquiry after inquiry. “business asthe side, efforts are being made by the Government tothese stimulate EPA also it(take, challenging for NSW industry to apply to Onupon thefor plus usual” – amade linear make, dispose) economy appears to begrants. the demand path recycled content the intergovernmental agency to working groups that for side, arethrough being made bythis the stated NSW Government stimulate demand whichefforts Australia remains despite intent. have been established, though tangible increase inagency demand or facilities havethat recycled content intergovernmental groups WMRR has spentthrough the last the 12nomonths closely engaging withworking federal and state developed… Yet. have been established, though no tangible increase in demand or facilities have government officers and environment ministers. If you go to our website developed… Yet. (www.wmrr.asn.au), you’ll see that we’ve been providing detailed advice QUEENSLAND to governments by way of policy submissions, letters, workshops, forums, Unlike its neighbours, Queensland did not provide any financial support to QUEENSLAND Unlike its neighbours, Queensland not provide 16 INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 did /JANUARY 2020 any financial support to

industry however the Queensland Government has embarked on the development of aindustry wasteindustry management bymore. ahas waste to increase however the strategy Queensland Government embarked onlevy the development briefings, reference groupunderpinned meetings, and Ourdisposal messages have recycling and recovery and create new jobs. The State will re-introduce aincrease $70/ a waste management strategy underpinned by a waste levy to beenofconsistent but one thing is increasingly becoming clear,disposal government may tonne landfill levy in March 2019. There are also strong attempts to use policy recycling and recovery and new jobs. Thea State will re-introduce a $70/ be struggling to understand how create to genuinely create circular economy in levers (levy discounts exemptions) to incentivise use attempts of recycled tonne landfill levy and in March 2019. There are also the strong tomaterial use policy Australia! and make it cost competitive material. However, has been in done to levers (levy discounts andatwith exemptions) to 2018 incentivise thelittle use of recycled material Areas that were discussed the virgin December MEM that would assist establish new markets and Government has not taken the lead in the procurement and make it cost competitive with virgin material. However, little has been done to creating a level playing field and a national approach to resource recovery of recycled material. There are grants available for resource recovery operations establish new markets and Government has not taken the lead in the procurement upon which a circular economy can be built, such as harmonisation, in Queensland although no monies have been allocated assist in be 2018. This is of recycled There are available for resource recovery operations investment, andmaterial. infrastructure, havegrants not been progressed attoall. Let’s clear as Queensland rolled out its Container Refund Scheme on 1circles November, Queensland although no monies have been allocated to assist in 2018.– This is –troubling weincan’t have eight states and territories going around in their own which will impact the cost and models of theScheme State’s MRFs – as we troubling as Queensland rolled outrevenue its Container Refund on 1 November, we need onelikely national circular economy! have seen most recently in NSW. which will the cost andthe revenue of thehas State’s MRFs – as we This is all thelikely moreimpact concerning given federalmodels government indicated have seentomost recentlythe in export NSW. bans from mid-2020, without any real its intention commence WESTERN AUSTRALIA plans or funding to address local demand for post-consumer recyclate or grow The Western Australian Government setWMRR up a Waste Taskforce direct response to WESTERN AUSTRALIA domestic capacity for remanufacturing. is continuing toinwork hard to the China National Sword. As part of this announcement, the State Government The Western Australian Government set up a Waste Taskforce in direct response to shift our government’s mindset from linear to circular. urged all local councils to begin the utilisation of a three system -the red for thewhat China Asand partwhat of this announcement, State Government So, is aNational circular Sword. economy is industry’s role(3)-bin in the it? To date, general yellow for recyclables and green organic waste - over the coming urgedwaste, allAustralia local councils to begin utilisation of a three (3)-bin system - red for emphasis in has been on thethe waste andforresource recovery industry years to reduce contamination. While this taskforce is a step in the right waste, yellow foritrecyclables and greenthe for organic waste overdirection, the coming and general local government when comes to managing materials that- society weyears are yet seeitany tangible fromthis it orthat anyhave funding industry. Incost October, totoreduce While taskforce is a for step in thethe right direction, disposes of, and iscontamination. these tworesults stakeholders been bearing the WA Waste Authority released its draft Waste Strategy to 2030, which comprises we are yet to see any tangible results from it or any funding for industry. In October, of, and providing the services required to manage “waste”. a Acomprehensive and detailed roadmap towards the shared vision of the Wasteeconomy Authority released draft Waste Strategy to 2030, which comprises trueWA circular however, isitsone that focuses onState’s material design, becoming a sustainable, low-waste, circular economy. a comprehensive and detailed roadmap towards the State’s shared vision of avoidance of the creation of waste, and ensuring that polluters/generators are becoming a sustainable, low-waste, circular economy. both responsible for some of the cost of managing their materials at end-ofCOMMONWEALTH life and reusing post-consumer recyclate in product design. This switch in Following in April, Australia now has a new Federal Environment COMMONWEALTH thinking is the key MEM in transitioning to a circular economy. The absence of thisMinister, Melissa Price, who in October reiterated to media MEM’s commitment to the explore Following MEM in April, Australia now has a new Federal Environment Minister, paradigm shiftthe is holding Australia back from successfully transitioning in waste to energy as part of the solution to the impacts of China’s National Sword, Price, who in October reiterated media MEM’s commitment to explore wayMelissa we are seeing European and other OECD to countries. which isittroubling (EfW is not a solution to recycling). Commonwealth has waste to as part of the solution toto the impacts of China’s Sword, While is energy frustrating, WMRR will continue beat the The drum to the National same also backed the Australian Recycling Label and endorsed the National Packaging which is troubling (EfW is not a solution to recycling). The Commonwealth has tune – we need, as a start, mandated product stewardship schemes, let’s start Targets developed by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), also backed the Australian Recycling Label and endorsed the National Packaging with packaging as the first cab off the rank. After all, majority of the materials which to date, failed toexport incorporate industry feedback thethat development Targets Australian Covenant Organisation that willhas be developed captured inby thethe ban arePackaging packaging and we in know the (APCO), of which these targets. To the Commonwealth’s credit, there has targets been significant has to packaging date, failed to incorporate industry feedback in the development current voluntary scheme and its unenforceable 2025 have coordination in reviewing National Waste Policy, with the of of thesefortargets. To will thethe Commonwealth’s credit, there hasDepartment been significant not worked years and continue to be ineffective… Because the scheme Environment bringing together industry players and States during the review coordination in reviewing the National Policy, with the Department of is voluntary! Moreover, does anyone else thinkWaste it is absolutely ridiculous that process. Environment players and Statesinduring these targets havebringing been settogether for 2025 industry but the ban will commence 2020? the Howreview doesprocess. that work? The will to now before Environment Ministers on 7for December. The Weupdated will also Policy continue callgofor policies that will drive demand postCommonwealth can play a key role – one that goes beyond the development of The updated Policy will now go before Environment Ministers on 7 December. consumer recyclate (including mandatory government procurement of capital theThe National Waste Policy. is supportive of thegoes Federal Government maximising Commonwealth canWMAA play aprojects key role that – oneinclude that beyond the development of the equipment and infrastructure recycled content), funding theNational levers has, including taxation and importation powers, to maintain a strong, Waste Policy. WMAA is supportive models thatit result in polluter-pays, levers suchofasthe taxFederal breaksGovernment on recycled maximising sustainable resource recovery the levers it has,and including taxation andindustry. importation powers, to maintain a strong, products, andwaste enforceable targets with penalties if we miss the mark. We have sustainable waste and resource recovery a number of companies in Australia that workindustry. in England and Europe where AHEAD OF part MEMof2 business as usual, we can do this! this is now There may beMEM movement across Australia, with some states doing better than AHEAD OF 2 The onus must be moved to the generators of products, including packaging, others, but the consensus is, progress is still taking way too long. It is evident that There may be movement across Australia, with some states doing better than otherwise how will we achieve real change (and create those jobs we all know there are funds available in almost all States to assist with developing secondary others, but the consensus is, progress is still taking way too long. It is evident that are out there), when there is no policy or financial imperative to do so? It manufacturing infrastructure, however the only way that this will really happen is there are funds available in almost all States to assist with developing secondary really is time for federal and state governments to acknowledge that being at if there is government leadership around mandating recycled content in Australia manufacturing infrastructure, however the only way this will really happen is the end of the supply chain, the WARR industry cannot bethat held responsible for now, notdemand later. if there is government leadership around mandating recycled content in Australia creating and use of post-consumer recyclate alone. not can later.and should have been captured in the National Waste Policy Allnow, of this Voluntary like the aUsed Packaging NEPM, under APCO is auspiced, Action Plan,schemes which remains missed opportunity with no which funding strategy or are not working. We have 1.6million tonnes of packaging waste in Australia, which Voluntary schemes like the Used Packaging NEPM, under which APCO is auspiced, robust targets (and lots of deferred implementation to come!). needs to be used as an input back into packaging. Barriers to using recycled content are not working. We have 1.6million tonnes of packaging waste in Australia, which Progress this year has not been what I had aspired for, so I write this in civil infrastructure must be identified and removed, and Government must lead needs to be used as an input back into packaging. Barriers to using recycled content thinking maybe 2020 will be the year of funding and implementation as in this field and prefer recycled material. A tax on Let’s virginhope material in civil infrastructure must be identified and removed, and Government must lead obviously neither the banand norpurchase our essential industry is going away. should also be imposed as it is overseas. mustthe show strong leadership this inthe this field and prefer and purchase material. A tax on virginon material that planets finally align and we get MEM torecycled create even more awesome issue. Ministers have, April, dealt directly andleadership councils that should also be imposed itin is overseas. MEM with mustoperators show strong on this sector that we know wesince can as be 2020! are underMinisters stress we aApril, chance tothank create jobs investment incouncils Australia have, since dealt directly with operators I issue. would like to and take thishave opportunity to you alland for the hardand work that that at a time when manufacturing is declining. Ministers have the opportunity to be under stress we have jobsaand you are do in making ourand sector such aa chance success,toitcreate has been veryinvestment challengingin Australia leaders of today, not procrastinators – leaders of tomorrow and we are urging at a time when manufacturing is declining. Ministers have the opportunity year for most! I hope that you have a fantastic Christmas with your loved ones to be them to act not just in December.– leaders of tomorrow and we are urging leaders ofand today, nottalk procrastinators and happy new year. them to act and not just talk in December. Gayle GayleSloan Sloan, chief executive officer, WMRR Chief Executive Gayle Sloan Officer Chief Executive Officer Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

2017-2018

INSIDE WASTE INDUSTRY REPORT

POLICY AND REGULATION

REPORT OVERVIEW

What are state governments doing to support Australia’s waste and resource recovery (WARR) industry? What role is the Federal government playing? How do the waste sectors in each state compare? Get these insights and more from our latest industry report: POLICY AND REGULATION

For the ﬁrst time in Australia’s Federal election history, waste management is a priority issue among politicians, with policy dedicated to waste and the appointment of an Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environment Management. The waste sector has seen a reinvigoration of engagement between key waste groups and the Federal government, and a very public focus on WARR goals in the aftermath of the introdution of the China National Sword Policy.

The second volume of the Inside Waste Industry Report, Policy and Regulation, will look at waste management frameworks and policies on a state-by-state basis and at a Federal level. The Policy and Regulation is part two of four volumes of the report. Volume one, Volumes and Values, and volume two are available to purchase now.

Available for purchase at www.insidewaste.com.au/index.php/inside-waste-industry-report For more information visit our website www.insidewaste.com.au or contact Miri Schroeter at miri.schroeter@primecreative.com.au

Year in Review //

Significant achievements 2019 By Miri Schroeter IT IS OFTEN THE case that mainstream media outlets will look to the shortfalls within the industry. And while these stories have their rightful space in the spotlight as a means to challenge the sector, there have been many notable achievements in 2019. When asked what Australia’s greatest achievement in the WARR sector was for 2019, ACT Minister for Recycling and Waste Reduction Chris Steel pointed to another jurisdiction that had committed to changes that could greatly improve waste reduction. “Kudos to another jurisdiction. South Australia’s announcement to ban certain single-use plastic has set a benchmark for other states and territories to act.” SA has commitment to banning single-use plastic items such as plastic straws, cutlery, and stirrers by 2020. Steel, who was appointed to the ACT waste portfolio in August 2019, made mention of similar actions that the territory is taking. “The ACT government will be announcing our next steps on phasingout single use plastics following community consultation, which showed

a high level of support for government intervention.” Additionally, Steel said that the development of the ACT government’s long-term ACT Strategic Waste Infrastructure Plan is vital in moving forward with infrastructure growth in the territory. “This critical piece of infrastructure work will analyse options and develop a long-term strategy to ensure there is the appropriate level and placement of waste infrastructure and to both maximise the diversion of organics from landfill and increase resource recovery opportunities,” Steel said. Northern Territory Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Eva Lawler said the endorsement of the National Waste Policy, Less Waste, More Resources, in December 2018 represented a significant turning point in Australia. “Developing the National Waste Policy Action Plan in 2019 has built on this achievement. It outlines clear targets, actions and timelines for reducing waste and generating Australia’s reuse and recycling of waste,” Lawler said. Tasmania’s Minister for the Environment, Parks and Heritage Peter Gutwein agreed that the National Waste

Western Australia’s Roads to Reuse program supports the supply of recycled C&D products.

Policy Action Plan, which will drive the implementation of Australia’s National Waste Policy, was one of Australia’s greatest achievements. “Inherent in the policy and action plan is the Council of Australian Governments (COAG’s) decision to introduce bans on the overseas exportation of waste. “This is an acknowledgement that we as a nation can deal with our own waste and within appropriate timeframes develop new and innovative resource recovery industries as we progress towards a circular economy,” Gutwein said.

Donnelly said that the greatest achievements by the WARR sector had been the new focus on building a circular economy, along with the appointment of Trevor Evans as Australia’s first Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management. “The acceptance of the circular economic approach has driven the shifting perception of waste as a resource and something that has a value and should be managed accordingly. This change in mindset will be fundamental to our success in the transition to a

JAN

2019 APR

2019

MAY

2019

MAR

2019

AUSTRALIA’S

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN

WASTE REDUCTION AND

SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

AUSTRALIA AND THE OTHER

GOVERNMENT RELEASES

RECYCLING (WASTE LEVY)

CONSULTATION

PARTIES TO THE BASEL

WASTE INDUSTRY

DISCUSSION PAPER ON

AND OTHER LEGISLATION

COMMENCES IN ACT

CONVENTION APPROVE

STEPS TO BANNING CERTAIN

AMENDMENT BILL 2018

SINGLE-USE PRODUCTS IN

APPROVED IN QUEENSLAND

MOVEMENT FROM 2019-2020

THE STATE

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RELEASES ISSUES PAPER ON STEPS TO REDUCING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

AN AMENDMENT THAT CLASSIFIES SOME PLASTIC AS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS TREVOR EVANS IS APPOINTED ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR WASTE REDUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – A FIRST FOR THE COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Year in Review

circular economy. “The appointment of Minister Evans has provided the drive and energy that is necessary for government to lead in this key area,” Donnelly said. National Waste Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) CEO Rose Read also commended the appointment of Evans as well as the federal government’s commitment to invest an additional $100 million into recycling infrastructure and $20m into product stewardship nationally. However, she said that unfortunately none of these funds had been distributed due to the delay in finalising the National Waste Policy Action Plan and Product Stewardship Review. From an operational perspective, Read said that the opening of the Cleanaway ResourceCo recovered fuel facility in Wetherill Park, NSW, the commencement of construction of the first energy from waste (EfW) plant in Perth, and the approval of the Australian Paper/SUEZ EfW project in Victoria were great achievements. “These are three important projects enabling the recovery of energy from unrecyclable materials – something Australia is way behind on.”

Ongoing challenges When Inside Waste asked Read what Australia’s greatest failure has been, she said both federal and state governments’ inability to respond

quickly with clear policy decisions and legislative reforms to set a clear pathway forward on the future of waste management and resource recovery in Australia. “Greater priority needs to be placed on WARR by the heads of federal and state governments not just the environment departments. It is unfortunate that not until Australian governments experience significant disasters do they sit up and pay attention. For too long, waste management and resource recovery has been a third order priority for state and federal governments, where necessary reforms have moved at a glacial pace, or placed in the too hard basket such as future landfill requirements, energy recovery from waste and extended producer responsibilty. “However, in the last 10 months, we are now experiencing much more engaged governments that seem to realise the need for systemic change. We are seeing greater collaboration across agencies and state boundaries, alignment of policy actions and strategies, stronger national leadership, better understanding of the sector, realisation that waste generators like manufacturers and retailers must step up and contribute to the solution as well as governments, especially in procuring recovered materials for manufacturing, construction and agriculture,” Read said.

Assistant minister Trevor Evans and NWRIC CEO Rose Read attend the Alex Fraser Group’s recycling plant in Melbourne in June 2019.

Like many in the waste industry, Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association of NSW (WCRA) executive director Tony Khoury also wants to see greater national leadership. “In my view, if we are to progress the issues surrounding the circular economy, we will require national leadership, intervention, co-ordination and possibly a raft of federal regulatory reforms. “We desperately need national harmonised waste management laws and regulations. The then Prime Minister, John Howard, achieved national harmonisation of the Modern Award system in 2010. Since 2012, we have had national harmonised workplace health and safety laws. And the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

has delivered national laws on fatigue management and chain of responsibility for heavy vehicles. “The waste management sector needs a similar set of reforms and we need national leadership to champion this matter. It is a ridiculous situation that we have six state and two territory governments with differing waste management laws, regulations, targets, definitions, objectives, etc.” Following the successful implementation of these steps, Khoury said that Australia needs federal legislation on waste levy portability. “Under this plan, the value of the waste levy would travel with the waste when it is transported across jurisdictions (and if a higher waste levy was payable at the receiving jurisdiction, the higher levy

AUG

2019

JUN

2019

JUN

2020 JUL

2020

NOV

2019

TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT

MINISTERS AT THE

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAG

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

VICTORIA’S AMENDED

ANNOUNCES COMMITMENT

COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN

BAN BEGINS IN VICTORIA

CONTAINER DEPOSIT

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

TO ROLL OUT CONTAINER

GOVERNMENTS (COAG)

SCHEME, CONTAINERS

AMENDMENT ACT 2017 (THE

DEPOSIT SCHEME BY 2020

ANNOUNCE COMMITMENT

FOR CHANGE, TO COMMENCE

NEW ACT) IS INTENDED TO

TO IMPLEMENTING TIMELINE

COME INTO FORCE

TO BAN EXPORTS OF CERTAIN RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Year in Review //

would apply).” The federal government-led ban on exporting certain waste products overseas was also contentious topic. One that was brought up several times when Inside Waste asked environment ministers and industry leaders what they see as the greatest challenge faced in the waste sector. Steel said that in order to combat what he emphasised as the “greatest challenge”, funding from the federal government must be on the table to develop the waste industry and markets for these resources. “Without it, Australia could be setting ourselves up for more market failure. With funding we can create new markets for these materials and new jobs and that’s a great opportunity. “Governments need to prepare by working with industry and undertaking detailed waste infrastructure planning,” Steel said. Donnelly said that in every challenge there is an opportunity – and there will be a great many challenges in not only 2020, but also in the following years. She commended the acceptance by governments and industry of taking a short-and long-term circular economic approach in thinking of waste management and resource recovery. “The transition to the circular economy is a long-term commitment that cannot happen overnight. Like any developing system, it will have some wins and some issues that we will need to rethink. It will be important to ensure that we are making strategic and considered decisions, not just responding to short-term impacts and potentially delivering perverse outcomes in a rush to address sectoral issues, rather than systemic ones. “Collective problems require collective solutions and I think the most important action we can take is to continue to focus on working together to do better and support the shift to the circular economy,” Donnelly said. A list of 11 challenges that Read highlighted, included the need for government legislative reforms and investment that will encourage greater use of glass, rubber and plastics into construction and manufacturing; and greater government and community acceptance that energy recovery from non-recyclable waste is an important and acceptable element of a sophisticated waste management and resource recovery system. To overcome these challenges Read said that industry needs to demonstrate to government the regulatory business case for recovered materials into roads, packaging and soils; and work more closely with local government, construction, manufacturing and agricultural sectors to close the 20

loop on supply chains and ensure we can produce materials to agreed specifications. In order to increase the number of viable markets to support reuse in Australia, Read suggested a mandate on the use of locally recovered glass, rubber and plastics in roads and packaging. “Plus, streamline state and local government planning approval processes for priority infrastructure and the industry will invest,” she said. Khoury said that the most difficult or disappointing failure in the WARR sector in 2019 was the NSW EPA’s revocation of the Resource Recovery Orders that has banned the land application of Mixed Waste Organic Outputs (MWOO). The NSW EPA announced, in October, that it does not intend to allow MWOO to be used as a soil amendment on agricultural, mining rehabilitation or forestry land. Upon announcing the EPA’s position on the matter, EPA chief environmental regulator Mark Gifford said there had been extensive scientific research undertaken, which showed human health and ecological risks were too high to allow MWOO to be used on agricultural land. “The research clearly shows that the potential risks outweigh the limited benefits of applying MWOO on agricultural land, given the levels of contamination left behind such as glass and plastics, as well as metals and chemicals,” he said. However, industry leaders such as Khoury viewed the issue differently. “Many across the waste management sector, myself included, have struggled to comprehend this decision,” he said. “It is a decision that has placed the resource recovery sector into disarray and it will result in added costs being passed onto ratepayers, many thousands of tonnes sent to landfill and a loss of business confidence. In the short-term, the EPA and the NSW government have implemented assistance measures such as waste levy relief, subsidised MWOO tipping costs to landfill and consultation sessions with the affected operators and local government. However, some very important issues remain unaddressed such as assistance to the affected operators for loss of profits, accelerated capital write-offs, loss of green-credit entitlements, the issue of investor confidence and the significant impact of this decision on NSW’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery targets,” Khoury said. There continued to be a plethora of varied responses by minsters and industry leaders. Queensland’s Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said that Australians need to encourage infrastructure investment in new and

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

expanded processing capacities. Meanwhile, Lawler said that one of the greatest challenges that the NT faces is servicing regional and remote communities, so their waste is appropriately collected and processed. “The territory, like much of Australia, is a very large landmass with a high proportion of people living in our major cities where infrastructure exists to deal with waste. “We address this in our Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) Review and recognise how important access to the scheme is for our remote Territorians,” Lawler said. Twenty-one recommendations were made to improve the CDS in an

continue to increase,” Lawler said. Meanwhile, the ACT government finalised the roll-out of green waste bins across the territory – turning garden clippings into valuable compost products and providing residents with a convenient service. From July 2020, the ACT government will roll out an annual bulky waste collection service to Canberra residents and there are plans for a household food and garden organics service for residents, which could potentially keep around one-third of red bin content out of landfill. In WA, Dawson highlighted the state government’s commitment to reduce plastics and increase plastics recycling. “In 2018, we banned the supply of

Organic materials are collected in Western Australia to manufacture high-quality compost products.

Evaluation of the Operation of the NT CDS report. Goals for the territory include increasing accessibility to the scheme in regional and remote areas and broadening the scheme to include currently exempt containers such as wine bottles and milk cartons. The NT government will support 17 in full, two in principle and two others will be subject to further consideration.

State achievements State achievements were vast and varied in 2019. Lawler pointed out that the early establishment of a CDS in 2012 had helped its recent success. “In the 2018-19 financial year, 84 per cent of all regulated containers sold in the territory were reused, recycled or otherwise appropriately disposed of, which is the highest on record. “The CDS is a great way to fundraise towards a worthy cause. As more collection depots and supporting infrastructure is rolled out across the NT, we believe the rates of return will

lightweight plastic bags, and Premier Mark McGowan instructed state government agencies to stop buying avoidable single-use plastic items including straws, cups and plastic cutlery. “In April this year, we released an issues paper titled Let’s not draw the short straw, to guide the next steps in the state’s war on plastic waste. Around 9,500 submissions have been received and will inform opportunities for further reform,” Dawson said. He also made note of the launch of WA’s CDS program, which will commence in June 2020. “[It] will be a great positive step for WA. Containers for Change will reduce litter and landfill, increase recycling, create jobs and provide opportunities for social enterprise and benefits for community organisations. “More than 170 full-time or flexible refund points will be open for business on June 2 next year, with 229 refund points to open by the end of the scheme’s first year. Containers for

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Year in Review

Change will also help create 500 jobs across the state, with a key objective of the scheme to support employment of people with disability and the longterm unemployed,” Dawson said. Read commended all jurisdictions for the “big wins” they had in 2019. “I believe the gold medal should go to Queensland for reintroducing the landfill levy and CDS. But much work needs to be done to ensure it delivers for the community, business and industry. NSW should get a silver for its hugely successful CDS and finalising its Circular Economy Policy. [And] WA a Bronze for its Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy. “SA of course is leading the way in tackling problematic and single use plastics. The ACT and Tasmania should get a special mention for their proposed action plans and strategies including implementing/committing to implement a CDS. “Finally, Victoria, as much as it thinks it’s a leader in resource recovery the evidence on the ground says otherwise, they have lots to sort out, but seem to be heading in the right direction now,” Read said. Victoria’s Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio explained that the state’s focus is to develop markets and products that use recycled material. “Without a market, we can’t address the challenges that have resulted from China no longer accepting recycling. “The management of waste and recycling is a complex problem, not just here in Victoria, but across the globe – there’s no silver bullet that will fix it. “We know that Victorians are passionate about recycling and we’re working hard to address the challenges in the sector – including developing an overhaul of kerbside recycling and a Circular Economy Policy, which will be released later this year,” D’Ambrosio said. The policy will identify new ways for Victorian businesses and communities to use materials more efficiently and avoid waste in all stages of making, using and disposing of the products and infrastructure people rely on every day. Councils across Victoria faced issues when they were forced to send recyclable material to landfill in mid2019. The councils where challenged with finding alternative recycling solutions after SKM Recycling went into receivership – affecting 33 Melbourne councils it held contracts with. Since then, the Victorian government has given receiver KordaMentha a $10m loan to help clean-up SKM Recycling sites and Cleanaway Waste Management has agreed to purchase SKM Recycling facilities and to employ SKM’s former staff in Victoria to get the sites up

NT Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Eva Lawler with Dr Ken Johnson.

and running. Gutwein said that issues faced by the resource recovery industry, such as the collapse of SKM recycling, were an example of immediate challenges that needed to be overcome. “This was a reminder of the pressures on the waste and recycling sector and the need to transition to a circular economy through development new and innovative technologies and market solutions to our waste,” Gutwein said. He said that within Tasmania, one of the greatest achievements was the development and release of the draft Waste Action Plan, which provides a contemporary waste management and resource recovery framework for Tasmania that includes a commitment to introduce a waste levy in 2021 and CDS program in 2022. “Finalisation of the plan and implementation of the initiatives in the plan will help over time to divert waste from landfill and boost the resource recovery sector in Tasmania as we transition to a circular economy.” The commencement of the waste levy in Queensland garnered some ticks of approval across industry leaders. Khoury highlighted it as Australia’s greatest achievement in the industry in 2019. “While this waste levy will be a positive for resource recovery in Queensland, it has also removed some of the economic incentive for the transport of waste from NSW to South East Queensland. Having said that, the Queensland waste levy has not totally stopped the long distance, interstate transport of waste, it has merely slowed it down,” Khoury said. Enoch acknowledged that Queensland was the leader in waste management. The Queensland government released the Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan in November, which Enoch said spells out the next way forward. It includes a proposal to ban some single-use items like straws and cutlery following consultation with the community. “With the introduction of the waste disposal levy and our $100m Resource

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Recovery Industry Development Program, Queensland is well positioned to attract new processing capacity to Queensland. “As a government, we are looking closely at drivers to uptake of recycled content and market development, including research and development. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to develop fit-for-purpose strategies, policies and programs,” Enoch explained. Energy and Environment Minister for NSW, Matt Kean, said the NSW government is tackling waste and recycling on many fronts with campaigns, funding and setting regulations and providing leadership among the states. “We are on the cusp of exciting change, with so much opportunity to develop new ways to use our waste as resources and to work with community to reduce our waste and increase our recycling. There are many terrific programs run by the NSW government working towards this end,” Kean said. The total amount of litter generated in NSW continues to fall since it peaked in 2011, with recycling rates of almost two thirds helping reduce the number of littered items by 48 per cent. This is due to programs such as the Don’t be a Tosser litter campaign and

the state’s CDS program, Return and Earn. Kean said that these programs have fundamentally changed people’s behaviour and thinking around litter. In SA, collaboration is well and truly trending. In September, nine South Australian councils committed to buying products made from recycled materials to support a circular economy. This will help to create a market for materials included in the export ban, which has now got a set timeline. The commitment by these SA councils was confirmed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which the councils are promising to prioritise the purchase of recycled-content products through the procurement process, and tracking and reporting recycled-content purchasing by weight. The participating councils include Adelaide Hills Council, City of Burnside, City of Charles Sturt, Mount Barker District Council, Rural City of Murray Bridge, City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters, City of Onkaparinga, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, and City of Prospect.

Changing the waste landscape overnight Inside Waste asked each minister and industry leader what they would

WA Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said that resource recovery is now a priority for all Australian jurisdictions.

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Year in Review //

improve overnight if they could. If these wishes were granted there would be less plastic floating around, more data shared among industry and greater domestic markets. Steel said he would want to see a market established overnight to effectively process and use mixed plastics to manufacture into other high quality products. “While all jurisdictions need to deliver actions under the National Waste Policy, we need new federal government funding on the table to develop the waste industry and establish markets for waste resources.” Donnelly wants to see open source sharing of data and a collective industry commitment towards agreed standards.

From the Commonwealth The federal government has long been criticised for giving little thought and attention to the waste industry. But with the appointment of Evans to the waste portfolio and with Prime Minister Scott Morrison taking greater notice of the WARR, many in the industry acknowledged that the federal government has stepped up its game. Ley has also given more attention to the industry – visiting waste facilities in October and meeting with industry leaders. She said the biggest achievement for the sector in 2019 is getting waste firmly on the national agenda for the first time. “The Prime Minister and premiers have sent a clear message, the environment ministers have set the agenda, industry is on board and engaged and there is now a real opportunity and a real challenge for everyone. Clearly, I want to see us stop exporting problem waste and in doing so reduce the pressure on our environment. “I think the lessons of the year are that we need to adapt to changing circumstances overseas and think more about the value that we can create and the jobs we can grow here. It is a case of taking advantage of the opportunities that are there for industry and the country.” Ley said that keeping the momentum of people working together will by the greatest challenge in the sector next year. “We have through consultation with industry and through the Meeting of Environment Ministers (MEM) set some really strong targets and what we need now is for everyone to commit to the next stage,” Ley said. On November 8, environment ministers agreed that a ban on the export of 22

“This will help drive alignment in product design and resource recovery capabilities and enable all stakeholders in the packaging ecosystem, from manufacturers through to resource recovery, to have a clear and unambiguous understanding of their role and contribution,” she said. Dawson would like to significantly reduce waste, and in particular, avoid unnecessary waste such as single-use plastics as avoidance is a key objective in the state’s waste strategy. “In terms of immediate actions, it is important to support markets for recycled materials. The state government is a significant purchaser of goods, and can help develop recycling markets by purchasing recycled content products,” Dawson said.

Practising what they preach

certain materials from Australia to overseas markets will commence in 2020. The ban on exports will be completed by the following dates: • All waste glass by July 2020; • Mixed waste plastics by July 2021; •A ll whole tyres including baled tyres by December 2021; and •R emaining waste products, including mixed paper and cardboard, by no later than 30 June 2022. While there has been concern from the industry that there are insufficient markets in Australia to cope with export bans, Ley said that through her talks with the industry, she is getting a clear message that challenges in the industry can be overcome. “Industry needs some clear policy direction and the certainty to invest and that is what we will look to achieve. “We are investing in technology and we are working with states and territories and with industry.” Evans said that the biggest thing holding back confidence in investment by the sector is the lack of demand for recycled content. “It was very pleasing to see the agreement of environment ministers to having ambitious targets for recycled content in infrastructure projects; to identify specific projects that could use significant amounts of recycled materials; and for the federal government to take a lead on creating standards for use across all jurisdictions in infrastructure projects. “The Australian government has also committed to significantly increase the amount of products that it buys made from recycled materials, further developing a sustainable industry,” Evans said. Ley wants to see Australia stop exporting problem waste and demonstrate the value of recycling. “The objective is to start seeing it as an

opportunity and to capture its value for our economy. We have set a sensible time frame and hopefully we can all work together to deliver that timetable and the jobs that can come with it,” she said. Evans explained that industry needs to be given as much incentive to invest as possible, which is why the sustainable procurement targets agreed by environment ministers in November is an important step. Evans recognised that the industry and government face challenges moving forward. “There isn’t yet a harmonised approach to the waste levies that have been introduced around Australia, which creates arbitrage issues, and revenues raised have not been faithfully reinvested into the facilities and infrastructure needed for the sector. “Restoring the public’s faith in the importance and value of recycling after recent events have made many Australians question its effectiveness and felt disempowered regarding recycling. We need to turbo-charge investment in the sector’s capacity, and re-empower consumers so that they know recycling is an effective and powerful way of helping the environment, as well as raising awareness of the Australasian Recycling Label,” Evans said. Despite ongoing challenges, the waste and resource recovery industry has experienced many highs in 2019, with achievements evident across the sector. As Evans highlighted, the federal government “for the first time is actively taking a national leadership role on waste and recycling and has a comprehensive suite of initiatives and funding to deliver on those reforms”. This is an improvement from previous years where the sector has garnered less federal support.

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

It’s all well and good to have wishes to improve the industry, but realistically it takes time, planning and collaboration. One area that could realistically be changed overnight is a person’s behaviour and attitude towards resource recovery and waste minimisation. As Dawson put it, “every small action from each of us adds up to a great outcome for the environment”. He concentrates on reducing single-use plastics at home and when he is out and about. “I always carry my water bottle with me everywhere and I always remember to take my reusable bags to the shops. I think they’re great habits to have.” Lawler said that given her portfolio,

she is very conscious of the impacts waste can have on the beautiful territory environment. “That is why I am always looking at ways I can do more, whether it is using my reusable coffee cup at the local café, ensuring I have my reusable shopping bags and reducing single use plastics at home.” Donnelly said she is looking for alternative solutions to traditional, less environmentally friendly party decorations. “I am getting married in 2020 and I will be ensuring that, like most things in my work and my life, we focus on re-useable and recyclable options. However, with a no balloons or confetti rule, I’ll be on the hunt for some creative alternatives.” Gutwein’s household took part in Plastic Free July initiatives and focussed on substituting plastics products for items such as beeswax wraps. “We try to minimise our overall emissions by sensibly managing our energy use and purchases.” Read’s advice was to, “avoid, avoid, avoid waste in the first place”. “Less plastic, more reuse, avoid takeaways, carbon offset flights. Plant more trees at home.” At a personal level, Khoury has a stock of reusable shopping bags in the boot of his car that he reaches for when he goes shopping. “I also live in a multi-unit dwelling complex where the residents all divert eligible CDS containers into tubs and we cash the vouchers to fund our social club activities,” he explained. “In terms of my role at WCRA, I get a massive buzz out of delivering WARR training to workers across the industry. By assisting them with their education and development, it will lead to better industry wide WARR outcomes. A specific goal in 2020 would be for WCRA to assist the C&D recycling members to convince the NSW EPA to agree on a sensible and workable procedure that allowed a facility to deal with an unexpected find of asbestos (without shutting the site down).” Australia’s Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said, “like most people, I want to be confident it is making a difference”. As Australia’s first minister responsible for waste reduction, Trevor Evans has focussed on making improvements at the office and at home. “I’ve started composting at home, and my electorate office in Brisbane now uses recycled paper for all of our printed materials. I’m also working to try and get better waste separation practices implemented at Parliament House in Canberra next year,” Evans said. iw

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

RE.GROUP CONGRATULATES ALL THE WARR AWARD FINALISTS Re.Group is an Australian company focused on providing high quality solutions for recycling and resource recoveryâ&#x20AC;Ś we hate waste, and believe resource recovery infrastructure is a critical requirement for modern society. Return-It provides a modern approach to the delivery of container refund schemes, with a focus on creating real social benefits through partnership with charities, social enterprise and community groups. RDT Engineering has delivered more than 60 waste and recycling projects across Australia and around the world, it specialises in delivering innovative solutions to enable best-practice recycling not only in major centres, but in regional communities as well.

www.returnit.com.au

www.re-group.com

www.rdtaust.com

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

WARR Awards //

WARR Awards winners 2019 By Miri Schroeter CONGRATULATIONS TO all nominees, finalists and winners of the Waste and Resource Recovery (WARR)

Awards 2019, which recognise organisations and individuals who are going to great lengths to improve and grow the industry. Brought to you by the Waste Management

and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) and Inside Waste magazine, winners of the WARR Awards were announced at a gala dinner and awards evening at

the Maritime Museum in Sydney on November 14. Inside Waste found out more about each winner, the projects they have been working on, their challenges and greatest triumphs.

Re.Group Outstanding WARR Project: Rural/Regional – East Arnhem Regional Council East Arnhem Regional Council provides core local government services to nine remote communities within East Arnhem Land – Milingimbi, Ramingining, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Yirrkala, Gunyangara, Umbakumba, Angurugu and Milyakburra. These communites are spread across a region of about 33,359km2, making it one of the most remote local government areas in Australia. Ninety-three per cent of the residents in the East Arnhem region are Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander. East Arnhem Regional Council waste and environmental manager Emma Clay said that the residents earn on average less than half of the national and state average per week, yet the cost of living in East Arnhem communities is among the highest in the Northern Territory. “With low income, high cost of living and overcrowded housing, understandably waste and recycling isn’t high on the priority list for East Arnhem residents. Litter is an ongoing issue around housing and on the streets evidenced by a 2018 Litter Hot Spot Audit recording a whopping 2,098 pieces of litter in a

Community Engagement Success of the Year – City of Melville The City of Melville council invested heavily over the last 18 months in the way it engaged and educated residents on all things waste. From rap waste videos, to gaming apps and interactive information sessions, the council changed the way it communicated to the public. Rather than offering the standard 3-bin FOGO service, the council made adjustments and provided free, larger recycling bins and offered free general waste bin audits to those struggling with capacity issues. Additionally, a Christmas waste campaign in 2018 showcased the council’s waste team who dressed up as “Sustainable Santa” and “Excited Elf”. The $400 campaign encouraged residents to drop off an additional 3.5 tonnes of recycling and help divert this from landfill, as historically over the 24

East Arnhem Regional Council ensured that remote communities had access to the CDS program.

single 10m by 10m area.” Clay and her team had to look at how the East Arnhem Regional Council could provide its residents with the same waste management opportunities as mainstream Australia while overcoming barriers associated with residents living in extremely isolated locations. “How can we change ingrained littering behaviours and positively engage these remote communities? Specifically, how can we ensure that the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) refunds that all Australians are entitled to can be accessed by those who need it the most?” East Arnhem Regional Council staff recognised that the NT CDS was an opportunity to address the litter issue in conjunction with achieving both social and economic benefit

holiday period the extra recycling ended up in the park bins or in general waste bins. The campaign also created a 50 per cent reduction in calls from people asking when to put their bins out. It reached almost 100,000 people and engaged more than 27,000 people. City of Melville manager for resource recovery and waste Paul Molony said there were a number of lessons learned from a few major projects in the past and one of the main areas for improvement was community engagement. “The FOGO trial in October 2017 showed that we needed to move away from a corporate big stick approach and create a grass roots, ground up approach to engage the community for a greater buy-in and successful behavioural change program.” Molony explained that time and effort were the main challenges. “Finding the time and maintaining

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

across its communities. The council engaged the local barge operator, Sea Swift, in a sponsorship arrangement where it was agreed that all recyclable containers would be back-loaded to the recycler in Darwin, free of charge. The council then received funding to install recycling cages across its communities and to develop a television commercial to promote the use of the scheme. In late 2016, the cages were rolled out. They were being emptied by local staff and the 10-cent refunds started trickling in to community accounts. Once a significant value of funds was received, the community could decide how best to spend the funds. However, the trickling refunds were just that – a trickle, Clay explained. “A quick glance through any community street revealed

many CDS eligible items were still being littered – and our inaugural Litter Hotspot Audits in 2018 backed this up – with over 30 per cent of littered waste being CDS eligible items in some areas. East Arnhem Regional Council residents were aware that their relatives in Darwin could get the 10-cent refund back themselves and when asked if they thought if East Arnhem residents would prefer to get the 10-cent refund back themselves, the response was an overwhelming ‘yes’,” Clay said. Following the feedback, in June 2019, East Arnhem Regional Council decided to trial the first ever “Cash for Containers” depot in Galiwin’ku, using the ‘Mobile Depot’ from Darwin, Envirobank. With less than two weeks of advertising and with the depot operating for just five hours, Galiwin’ku recycled 12,817 containers. This injected more than $1,200 into this remote, island economy with a population of just over 2000 people. “The streets were lined with kids, adults and grandparents with their bright yellow clean-up bags, picking up the valuable waste. Based on this success, the council pursued approval from the NT EPA to become the NT’s only Local Government CDS Mobile Depot,” Clay said.

The team at the City of Melville council have been working on improving their FOGO service.

some sanity amid a 10-week bin rollout to run a community information session after hours was a struggle right up until it started, but then it felt more like a night out than a chore. “With the full FOGO rollout we expected a lot more negativity, but we were blown away by the positive reaction and acceptance from the community. Plus, it was great to meet

and speak with so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable residents wanting to do the right thing which made us feel proud to be a part of this great city,” Molony said. Another proud moment that Molony mentioned was hearing the collection drivers being thanked by many members of the community for the new bins and for doing a great job.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

We can sort it out Proven track record n

22 Years

350 Clients

900 Projects

We do more than look in bins n n

Consultation Contracts

APY Lands SA Government

n n

Data Education

Grants Operations

n n

Strategy Tenders

Torres Strait and Cape York TSIRC, TSC and NPARC

Grooyte Eylandt BHP Billiton

Strategy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Waste Priority and Implementation Plan

Regional waste management Feasibility Study

Operational review

Hamilton Island Hamilton Island

Torres Strait

Broome Broome Council

Operational Review

Training - Councillors and staff Groote Eylandt

Monkey Mia to Exmouth Gascoyne Development Board

Cairns

Derby

Queensland LGAQ

Broome

Qld Indigenous waste strategy

Strategic Waste Plan

Exmouth

Lord Howe Island Lord Howe Island Board

Monkey Mia

Rottnest Island Rottnest Island Authority

Strategy, Implementation, Review

Strategy and Implementation

Dubbo

Lord Howe Island

Rottnest Island

CANBERRA

Perth Perth Zoo

2001, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2015 & 2019

Adelaide SA Government

Organics Options Study

Research â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kerbside Recycling Compaction Study

Tumut Visy

South Australia Outback Communities Authority Waste Review for Unincorporated Areas

for EfW facility

Victoria Dept. Environment, Water, Land and Planning Improving kerbside recycling

National, Australian Packaging Covenant Alternative packaging collection systems

SSROC Regional waste audits - 1999,

King Island Waste & resource management strategy 2019 - 2029

Call our expert team today 02 9907 0994 Email: admin@aprince.com.au Website: www.aprince.com.au DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

WARR Awards //

TOMRA Operational Excellence – Cleanaway Waste Management Cleanaway Waste Management stands out for its notable safety record and high operational performance on its hydrocarbons sites across its refinery network. The Cleanaway Hydrocarbons team use lead indicators to promote safety and drive compliance. This includes safety walks, hazard IDs and Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) monitoring. A best practice example of Cleanaway Hydrocarbon’s strong safety focus is the team’s emphasis on shutdown safety. They have refreshed pre-shut safety focus – including new training, work instructions and processes around isolations with lock out/tag out. Daily shutdown updates have significantly increased the visibility of work completed and safety awareness. Every team member holds themselves and each other accountable for zero harm safety outcomes consistent with the company’s “home safe” value. The team also monitor injury free day records and celebrate achievements within the workplace. For every 100 injury free days achieved, the refinery sites celebrate the milestone by donating to a recognised charity and an on-site lunch for the employees. Charities to date include, Starlight Foundation, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and Sunshine Coast Animal Rescue.

Cleanaway Hydrocarbons general manager Blake Senior said the Hydrocarbons team is a diverse and experienced workforce. “Our strength as a business is a result of that diversity. Our ‘Cleanaway Way’ is our framework for embedding a clear, defined mission and values statement into our business. “The Hydrocarbons team have operationalised the ‘why’ behind our mission – making a sustainable future possible through the closed loop recycling of used oil to produce re-refined base oils. Our employees constantly demonstrate their commitment to the “home safe” value through the way they go about their work, and regularly communicate about the continuous improvement initiatives that allow them to achieve ongoing performance,” Senior said. These initiatives are often driven from a focus on continuous improvement and the exploration of alternatives, that may provide a difference and benefit into the way the business is operated. “It’s the fostering of these initiatives that regularly pays dividends, either through improvements in safety systems, developing a more engaged workforce, or quality or productivity

gains,” Senior explained. With the manufacture of base oils from recycled oils still in its infancy in Australia, Senior said that the team had faced its share of challenges. “Being the only hydrotreater of recycled oil in Australia can sometimes be seen as a double-edged sword. Our Hydrocarbons team is leading the way forward in technology development, which is beneficial for Cleanaway and our customers alike, however there is always the necessity to identify future industry trends to remain one step ahead, and when you are the only one doing something, there are always others that want to join in. “Due to a combination of the significant downturn in Australian manufacturing and the unique highly technical aspects of our refineries, an additional challenge is finding local suppliers with expertise that is transferable to our specific operational requirements. It has forced us to develop in-house expertise through R&D and pilot projects. During the implementation of these initiatives/ projects, there is always that pressure of maintaining production levels during that time and ensuring the project is completed without incident, on time and on budget,” Senior said.

The numerous challenges faced by the Hydrocarbons team doesn’t get their spirits down. Senior said that he gets to work with an outstanding group of people that are relentless in their drive for excellence. “It’s motivating to be a part of it, and it makes you strive for your best also. It is with this attitude that it is possible to have reconfigured an existing operating philosophy into something different to achieve more stable operation with the benefit of providing improved uptime through a reduction in the number and duration of reactive and planned maintenance shutdowns per annum. “The net impact of the relentless focus on operational excellence is clearly quantifiable and auditable across safety, productivity, quality and financial metrics.” Senior acknowledged that he is fortunate to be a part of the dynamic Hydrocarbons team. “The success of our business and the effective execution of projects is achieved by the combined team united by the philosophy of mutual accountability, who each play a pivotal role to continuously deliver safety, compliance and engineering excellence.”

“It was very important to us that people joining Cleanaway as well as all of our existing employees still felt connected to the values they had come from. We looked at the value sets across the three organisations and identified where values were shared or similar, and then gave all staff the opportunity to vote on the values set and the language. “This was a challenging process, but when we relaunched our ‘Cleanaway Way’ to the business and saw the way people connected with the united mission, vision and values, we knew it was worthwhile.” Birgersson works closely with business units, HR operations and

people leaders to gain a deep insight into some of the initiatives being driven at a local level. “We have a strong working cadence and operating rhythm, which ensures we do not fail to deliver on our day to day activities while we are stretching into project work. And then at the other end, I work with our executive committee to drive and advocate for some of the fantastic programs we’ve been able to deliver. It’s in this role as a champion, particularly for our Diversity and Inclusion strategy, that I’ve been able to progress change through greater awareness, and at times courage, at every level of the organisation,” she said.

WARR Workplace of the Year – Cleanaway Waste Management The “Cleanaway Way” mission, vision and values toolkit gives the organisation a framework for embedding a strong culture for the changing workforce, which supports teams to drive continuous improvement and high-performance behaviours. Some of the initiatives Cleanaway has taken include implementing a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Policy through a D&I strategy and working group, supporting gender inclusion, and progressing their Reconciliation Action Plan into its second phase. The company’s D&I Policy and the supporting processes are aimed at creating a culture where its employees understand that each individual is unique and that embracing diversity makes Cleanaway more flexible, productive, creative and competitive. In order to support women in the waste industry, Cleanaway continues to focus on increasing female representation at senior levels, with a particular emphasis on promoting from within. 26

Cleanaway Waste Management won two awards on the night.

Recently, Cleanaway completed its introduction to reconciliation through its “Reflect” Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and launched its second RAP, “Innovate”. The RAP is a reflection of the company’s commitment to building understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, including a focus on education, employment and community health and safety. Cleanaway executive general manager for human resources Johanna Birgersson said that the company spent a lot of time focussing on how to welcome 1,500 team members into its business as part of the recent integration of Toxfree and Daniels Health.

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

FOR THE

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Now available

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

// WARR Awards

The Integrated Recycling team were recognised for their Duratrack sleepers.

Bingo Innovation Award – Integrated Recycling In 2014, Integrated Recycling was looking for new opportunities to grow its range of recycled plastic products, particularly in the area of load support products. At the same time, Public Transport Victoria (PTV) was looking for suitable alternatives to the dwindling supply and quality of available timber sleepers through the creation of a recycled plastic railway sleeper. PTV funded the Institute of Railway Technology

at Monash University (Monash IRT) to develop guidelines for the design of plastic railway sleepers for the Tourist and Heritage Railways in Victoria, and to conduct the laboratory testing. Integrated Recycling took up the challenge and through many trials and tests in the factory, in the laboratory and in the field, the company created what has now become the Duratrack recycled plastic railway sleeper. Duratrack sleepers became the first Australian made recycled plastic railway sleeper to meet the guidelines in 2017.

In a big step forward Duratrack sleepers were approved for mainline use in 2018. They have now been installed for trials. Integrated Recycling general manager Stephen Webster said there were many challenges faced in developing the sleeper. One key challenge was the lack of an Australian Standard for alternative sleepers, Webster explained. “Without an Australian Standard for alternative sleepers, there was no reference framework for rail engineers to assess their performance in a rail environment.” Integrated Recycling overcame this by: • Using the test results obtained by Monash IRT when testing to the QR specifications as if it were an Australian Standard against which MTM and V/Line could assess the performance of the Duratrack sleeper; • Obtaining support through the collaborative nature of the Accredited Rail Operators (ARO) to share data; and • Gaining help through the report prepared by Emeritus Professor Rhys Jones of Monash University

Arcadis Outstanding Facility Award – TOMRA Collection Solutions TOMRA Collection Solutions has been recognised for its container deposit scheme depot in the Northern Territory. The collection depot in Coconut Grove offered a labour-intensive manual counting recycling solution that accepted beverage containers and issued a 10-cent per container cash refund in return. In late 2018, a decision was made to upgrade this depot and rebrand it to become a modern TOMRA Recycling Centre, which offered fully automated container recognition and sorting via TOMRA’s world’s leading reverse vending machines. As the company embarked on this upgrade, it became rapidly apparent that this was going to be a challenging project. As a live site, daily operations would need to continue right through the construction period, there were residential properties adjoining the rear boundary, and the overall building footprint was smaller than desired and smaller than required. The company also faced challenges with the remoteness of Darwin to TOMRA’s warehousing and technical experts on the East Coast. These challenges were addressed and

The team at TOMRA won the outstanding facility award.

resolved in the following ways: 1. Maintaining operations during construction: This was achieved by investing in shade structures and temporarily moving some operational functions into the car park of the centre. To support this, a 40ft shipping container in the car park was decommissioned and removed from site, providing the extra space required. Safety systems were implemented to ensure the safety of staff and customers alike. In addition, extra staff were rostered for a 4-week period to ensure continuity of service.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

2. Restrictive development application conditions due to adjoining residential properties: One of the main planning concerns of the site focussed on noise mitigation. The site is located in an industrial zoned area, but it backs onto residential houses at the rear. With residents’ outdoor area being as close as 6 metres to TOMRA’s operations, noise emanation was a key focus. During the design for the project, a large “cool room” was devised to encase the entire working area of the facility. The “cool room” was designed to soundproof the bulk

analysing the test results and concluding that the Duratrack sleeper was a viable alternative. Another challenge that Webster highlighted was the need to establish the credibility of performance of a recycled plastic sleeper in a safety conscious environment, like rail. Despite its difficulties, the Duratrack sleeper has successfully shown that Australian technology can produce a viable recycled plastic railway sleeper, Webster said. “Duratrack sleepers are both an innovation and a disruption. Its success will disrupt current industrial pathways for traditional ‘business as usual materials’, but its innovation is that the sleeper does not disrupt normal handling and use. “The commercial development of the Duratrack sleeper will act as a driver of the circular economy,” Webster said. He also pointed out the collaborative working relationship of Integrated Recycling, the Institute of Railway Technology at Monash University, Strategic Connections Group and the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria as a major highlight in achieving the desired outcome for the project.

of the noise created at the site and contain it within the building. 3. Space constraints: TOMRA modified the facility design to fit it within a smaller than desired space – so multiple iterations of layouts for the new look Recycling Centre were developed, to accommodate 3-6 reverse vending machines, up to two bulk sorting machines and the essential front of house for self-service customers. 4. Distance and logistical challenges: Considerable planning was undertaken to ensure equipment shipped from overseas and into Sydney arrived at the correct time during the construction period and aligned to the arrival of TOMRA installation teams from Queensland and from Sydney. 5. Changing ingrained consumer behaviour: Early notification of the change, promoting the upgrade and communicating the benefits of this modernisation were all promoted on site. A key to the successful change was keeping the existing cash refunds in place despite being in conflict with TOMRA’s preferred operating methodology in other states. Throughout the launch week, experienced TOMRA staff from other states were on hand to educate customers.

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

The story of your past performance and future opportunities is written in data, waiting to be revealed. The art of data is evolving. Analysis and modelling remain at its core, but new tools and techniques allow a much richer story to be told – and visualised.

Waste Supply Chain Investigation

SCONE FORSTER MUSWELLBROOK

PACIFIC PALMS BULAHDELAH

SINGLETON

BROKE CESSNOCK

NEWCASTLE

CENTRAL COAST GOSFORD

HGOW

KATOOMBA

PICTON

HELENSBURGH

WOLLONGONG

BOWRAL

INGLESIDE

20NORTH km ROCKS

NORTH RYDE RYDE

ROSEHILL 15 km

WHY

KILLARA

EPPING

DURAL HORNSBY

MARSDEN PARK

MONA VALE

ST DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION IVES OXFORD PURPOSES ONLY FALLS PYMBLE DEE

CASTLE HILL

ROUSE HILL

NOWRA

BROOK

LEGEND

Intermodal terminal

MONA VALE

Heavy rail

MANLY

LANE COVE

Major Road Intermodal terminal buffer

MOSMAN

NARRABEEN

CASTLE HILL

QUAKERS HILL

ULLADULLA

FIVE DOCK

EPPING

BLACKTOWN

MACQUARIE PARK

5 km PANANIA PICNIC POINT

PROSPECT

Clyde

BEXLEY RYDE

OATLEY

MENAI

TAREN POINT

LIDCOMBE

FAIRFIELD

BARDEN

AUBURN RIDGE

ASHFIELD

icipal Solid (Tonnes, 2056)

2,000 - 3,000 3,000 - 5,000 5,000 >

000

LIVERPOOL

MANLY

BOTANY BAY 15 km

KURNELL SYDNEY

10 km SURRY HILLS

For more information, contact Dominic Schliebs at dominic.schliebs@arcadis.com

QLD

DATA SOURCES: LPI (2017), NWMD (2015)

5 km BANKSTOWN PUNCHBOWL

NSW

REVESBY HURSTVILLE DATA SOURCES:

1,500

LPI, 2017 TfNSW, 2017 KOGARAH WARR, 2015

LEPPINGTON

Arcadis’ waste advisory, GIS and environment teams work with you to bring the story in your waste data to life, helping to define bespoke solutions to complex waste, recycling and circular economy issues.

! (existing) A

WETHERILL PARK

KEMPS CREEK

MASCOT

20 km

CHATSWOOD

PARRAMATTA

50 km

ROSE BAY

10 km

BROOKVALE

MOUNT DRUITT

BATEMANS BAY

2,000

MOUNT COLAH

DURAL

KANGAROO VALLEY

KU-RING-GAI CHASE

GALSTON

KENTHURST

Benchmark waste generation and recycling rates Forecast future waste – and map it by suburb Visualise systems through materials flow analysis Model traffic routes and travel times to optimise waste facility networks • Dynamic simulation of litter flows through the ! A estuarine environment

BROOKLYN

BERRILEE

BEROWRA

te Supply Chain Investigation BERRY

ENHAM

GLENORIE

• • • •

MENAI

! A ! A

MAROUBRA

Sydney

Botany LITTLE (existing) BAY

ARCADIS AUSTRALIA PACIFIC PTY LTD ABN 76 104 485 289 Level 5, 141 Walker St | North Sydney NSW 2060 P: +61 (0) 2 8907 9000 | F: +61 (0) 2 8907 9001

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Projected Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) (Tonnes, 2056) INGLEBURN

Banksmeadow (existing)

VIC

ACT

ARCADIS AUSTRALIA PACIFIC PTY LTD ABN 76 104 485 289 Level 5, 141 Walker St | North Sydney NSW 2060 P: +61 (0) 2 8907 9000 | F: +61 (0) 2 8907 9001

Date: 14/07/2017 Path: \\HC-AUS-NS-FS-01\jobs\GIS_Data\GIS_Arcadis\Jobs\170601_TfNSW_Waste\A_Current\B_Maps\TfNSW_014_PROJ_MSW_TotalWaste2056_A4P_r1v1.mxd

QLD

// WARR Awards

Young Professional of the Year – Laura Yum Golder civil and environmental engineer Laura Yum’s interest in the waste industry began in Germany as a university exchange student where she was confronted with the task of sorting her rubbish into seven different bins. “This was a far cry from the red, yellow and green bins in Sydney at the time. It was at this point that it dawned on me the importance of the waste industry for healthy communities and the environment,” Yum said. She said that working at Golder fostered her interest in the waste industry – giving her the opportunity to align her interest with her work. “This has manifested not only in the projects on which I have worked, but also the support and encouragement I have had to contribute to charitable organisations outside of work, such as my volunteer work at Ozharvest.” At Golder, Yum has been involved in design, planning, regulatory compliance, delivery, construction, and project monitoring. The major waste projects she has worked on throughout Australia and abroad include landfills, contaminated sites and waste treatment facilities.

APC Woman of Waste – Alison Price Alison Price founded SoilCyclers in 2009 with no private investment and no industry experience. Over the past 10 years, the company has grown steadily to become one of the largest soil recycling businesses in southeast Queensland. Price said that her focus has been carving out a specialised industry niche and an outstanding reputation as experts in the field. “One of the biggest challenges has been that we’re a bit ahead of our time. Soil amelioration is still thought of as something akin to the ‘dark arts’ and the use of soil science in the construction, waste and mining industries has been very limited up until recently. “After 10 years we are finally starting to see our first real competitors so I’m confident we have started a trend that is here to stay,” Price said. By aerating as well as mixing stockpiled materials in the one process, SoilCyclers is able to use aspects of the fields of soil chemistry and soil biology – a rare combination that is at the forefront of the soil science field and achieves phenomenal results for the company’s clients.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with (and learned from) many private and government thought-leaders in the waste industry, across a range of disciplines.” Earlier this year, Golder’s Sydney office established a Sustainability Committee to champion green initiatives and promote environmental awareness. Yum volunteered and was elected as Chair of the Sustainability Committee. “In my role as chair, I have enjoyed seeing the Sustainability Committee grow and achieve tangible outcomes. “I am most proud of the Sustainability Committee’s work in implementing waste minimisation initiatives in the office, such as plastic cup recycling and food organics, garden organics (FOGO) waste collection. We are also working on a number of other initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint,” Yum said. “Sustainability is a passion of mine and I am proud to be playing a part in encouraging both my colleagues and industry as a whole to improve waste management processes and sustainability practices.” As a design manager for landfill closure works on the WestConnex New M5 project in New South Wales,

Yum said there were many challenges, but this didn’t stop her tackling the project. “The project is truly unique, as it involves construction of a four-level road interchange that connects to new road tunnels, at the site of a former landfill. The stand-out challenge was the management of the complex design interface with other components of the project at the site – in particular, the ‘spaghetti junction’ of roads and ramps that crisscross the landfill. There was significant potential for clashes between landfill closure infrastructure

A challenge, and benefit, Price has faced is the fact that her entire operation is mobile, with no fixed facility. “Our mobile crews are licensed through the Department of Environment, but we face additional complexities compared to the rest of the waste and recycling industry operating from fixed sites as we require mobile processing machinery and setup of environmental and safety controls on multiple sites each year. “Despite this, each one of our three crews is capable of recycling around 1000m3 per day, similar numbers to

what is achieved by many, far more expensive, fixed plant operations.” Price said that on top of this, juggling long hours, lots of travel, a growing business and raising a family can be a struggle. “It takes a certain amount of resilience and a thick skin to choose a career in this industry. “Thankfully we have a team of amazing people and a local family support network so I’ve had lots of help,” she said. Although the job comes with its challenges, Price said she enjoys it and is glad she embarked on this career.

Alison Price (right) with sponsor Anne Prince.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

and road/tunnel services, so frequent review of 3D models was required to ensure the design was buildable and achieved the design objectives. “With the assistance and support of my team at Golder and all stakeholders, I overcame the challenge through careful planning and clear communication. In managing stakeholder expectations and working collaboratively, I was able to ensure that the landfill closure works were delivered to achieve the project objectives in an effective manner,” Yum explained. Laura Yum (right) receives her award from Inside Waste publisher Christine Clancy.

“From our very first project with BMD in 2009, we have focussed on reducing the amount of material that gets disposed of to landfill and turning waste into reusable or even saleable materials for our clients. “My job involves saving clients money by doing the right thing for the environment. It’s an incredibly rewarding role both personally and professionally.” In helping her get to the stage she is at with her business now, Price developed strong relationships in the industry by participating in associations, and in 2018 she was elected as vice chair of the national board for the National Association of Women in Construction. Price is also a board member of the Waste Recycling Industry Association of Queensland and an environment committee member for the Civil Contractors Federation Queensland. Price said that if someone had said to her eleven years ago that the little business she started would turn into her full-time income and also employ people with families and mortgages, she would never have believed them. “I love the team I’ve built and the passion they have for what we do and I’m particularly inspired watching the career progression of some of the young women I’ve employed.”

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

WARR Awards //

WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan (right) presents the Waverley Council team with their award.

Outstanding WARR Project: Metro – Waverley Council Waverley Council’s Recycling Improvement Program for Multi-Unit Dwellings (MUDs) stemmed from a need to minimise contamination rates in kerbside recycling streams. More than 80 per cent of Waverley’s population resides in MUDs, which have traditionally posed waste management challenges for local governments with higher density properties typically experiencing higher than average contamination of recycling streams. Waverley Council staff identified that these higher levels of contamination can be attributed to a lack of ownership over shared bin systems; difficulties with residents accessing bin rooms; inadequate ability for required additional capacity due

to older properties being designed with inadequate capacity; and often transient populations and high-resident turnover. The council designed a Recycling Improvement Project to help people living in MUDs improve their recycling efforts with the help of appropriate infrastructure, bin allocation and educational resources and tools. The Waverley Council team wanted to reduce contamination rates in their kerbside bins to allow for improved product quality delivered to MRFs and to increase the likelihood of those materials being recovered and made into new products. Waverley Council sustainable waste manager Beth Kasumovic said Waverley is quite transient, particularly over summer where visitors stay in an

apartment for a short period. “This has led to numerous waste management challenges with higher than average contamination of recycling streams. “To address this issue, Waverley Council developed a Recycling Improvement Program aimed at providing improved waste infrastructure, targeted education and engagement with property managers to make it easy for residents in higherdensity living to recycle correctly and thereby reduce contamination in the recycling streams,” Kasumovic said. She collated waste and recycling data over time to observe trends and identified that numerous buildings had consistently high contamination in their recycling streams. Following this, Kasumovic engaged with strata managers in a working group to get a better sense of some of the barriers to proper waste management at their buildings. Through the research and feedback from internal and external stakeholders she developed the project plan for the Recycling Improvement Program and oversaw the delivery of the project. The program helped raise awareness among residents about the importance of their efforts towards separating their waste and recycling properly. It helped them do so by ensuring each building had the correct number of

bins in good condition, that where easy to access and had appropriate signage – among other actions. The project was rolled out in five stages – data gathering, relationship building, resource development, on-site recycling improvement program delivery, and assessment and recommendations. There was a 51 per cent reduction in contamination in yellow bins, which house containers, since the implementation of the project. The council also saw a 47 per cent reduction in contamination in blue bins, which are used for paper and cardboard collection. The project has been so successful in reducing contamination in the recycling bins that the council plans to continue to implement the program to all MUDs containing in excess of 20 units in the Waverley local government area. Waverley Council staff have identified that through infrastructure improvements and effective education and engagement programs it is possible to increase recycling rates by 32 per cent. Kasumovic explained that not only has the council fulfilled the objective of substantially reducing contamination in the recyclable streams, it has also provided a variety of other benefits, including strengthened relationships with residents, cleaners and property managers.

private industry experience across NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia. “I fell into the industry (along with everyone else) after applying for a waste officer job near the Gold Coast so I could surf. Twenty years on, I believe it’s the best industry in the world. We are a blend of big projects, strategic decisions, operational nous, and a reputation for getting stuff done,” Faulkner said. “I am most proud of marrying my wife and raising my family in the midst of navigating the testing world of waste and resource recovery. My

greatest professional experience is a tie between spending seven years getting a greenfield landfill and recycling park approved in the green heartland of Tweed Shire Council, smack bang 15 minutes in either direction to Gold Coast international airport and Byron Bay; and working side by side with my current wonderful team in switching on a new MRF the same week China Sword hit – and riding the wave ever since.” Faulkner said that the greatest thing he has learned in his career is to listen more, speak less, continuously learn, and give everyone a shared purpose to work towards. “Reward loyalty, invest in people, interact authentically, and surround yourself with genuinely good people who are bloody good at what they do. “My single piece of advice for others starting out in their career is to look at the leader(s) within an organisation, and join those who have a sincere passion for what they are doing and demonstrate great care for their team. These two traits will inevitably lead to shared success, and just happen to be impossible to fake.”

Doug Dean Leader of the Year – Adam Faulkner Adam Faulkner, CEO of the Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority (NAWMA), is the winner of the Doug Dean Leader of the Year award. NAWMA, which provides local waste management and resource recovery services, switched on its MRF the same time as China announced its National Sword Policy. At the time, Faulkner was new to the role of CEO and he had the foresight to enact a plan that would not only provide NAWMA with a point of difference, but also ensure the financial viability and reputational credibility of the organisation. He began a transformational business plan and crafted a strategy that drove NAWMA to pivot hard away from the export market, and keep our sorted recyclables onshore. With the assistance of his senior management team, Faulkner led the board and constituent councils to publicly declare that 100 per cent of recyclables would be processed in Australia by 2020. In addition, councils in NAWMA’s jurisdiction would purchase

Adam Faulkner (right) has helped NAWMA grow to what it is today.

a minimum of 50 per cent back through sustainable procurement. NAWMA provides collection, processing, and disposal operations to about 30 per cent of South Australia. Owned by the City of Salisbury, City of Playford, and Town of Gawler, NAWMA is fast becoming an icon of best practice across the nation, and has a building international profile. Faulkner has overseen the negotiation and market development for fibre and plastics in particular, and has transformed the way NAWMA conducts its recycling operations. He has more than 20 years public and

Inside Waste would like to thank all of the sponsors of this year’s awards for their support:

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Rethink

waste With solutions designed for your operational priorities. Providing integrated waste management services for all aspects of the waste lifecycle is Veoliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core focus. In doing so, we contribute to the long-term sustainability and viability of the industries and communities we serve. Are you ready to Rethink Sustainability? veolia.com/anz

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Export bans //

Waste glass export ban to commence by July 2020 By Inside Waste A BAN ON EXPORTING waste glass will be implemented by July 2020, with mixed waste plastic to follow by July 2021 and remaining waste product bans coming into play by mid-2022. The timetable was proposed at a Meeting of Environment Ministers (MEM) held in Adelaide on November 8. The ninth meeting of Australia’s environment ministers put forward the progressive phase out of problem waste exports, while also committing to ambitious waste reduction targets for all states and territories under a New National Waste Action plan. The federal, state and territory ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working together to deliver practical environmental outcomes that address the range of challenges facing our environment. The ministers agreed that the phase out should be completed by the following dates: • All waste glass by July 2020; •M ixed waste plastics by July 2021; •A ll whole tyres including baled tyres by December 2021; and •R emaining waste products, including mixed paper and 34

cardboard, by no later than 30 June 2022. A joint statement from the environment ministers after the meeting explained that the timetable reflects the unique challenges of each jurisdiction, and the preparedness of some jurisdictions to complete the phase out ahead of schedule. The ministers will further test the timetable with industry and local government, while also developing response strategies and undertaking independent market analysis. The decision follows the August 2019 Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) charging environment ministers with the development of a time-table for banning the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres. All jurisdictions acknowledged that resourcing, from the federal government, states and territories, and industry will be required to effectively implement the ban. In early 2020, ministers will provide further advice on final timetables, definitions and response strategies to first ministers for their confirmation. In a statement, Waste Management and Resource Recovery of Association

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

of Australia (WMRR) CEO Gayle Sloan said that WMRR supports the ministers’ decision to roll out the export bans in a phased approach and to test this timetable with industry and local government while developing response strategies and undertaking independent market analysis. “We also welcome the announcement of increased national leadership by the federal government. “The intention here is absolutely correct and strongly supported, although the devil will be in the details for this to be a success. There is still a real and imminent risk that the ban will do nothing more than mandate landfilling as there continues to be a significant lack of focus and funding for remanufacturing and procurement of post-consumer recyclate, particularly for packaging,” she said. Further discussions at MEM included an agreement by environment ministers to a new National Waste Policy Action Plan that will drive the implementation of Australia’s National Waste Policy. It includes a target to achieve an 80 per cent recovery rate of material across all waste streams, as well as

significant increases to government procurement of recycled materials. The ministers also agreed on a target to halve the amount of organic waste sent to landfill. Sloan said that while WMRR acknowledges that ministers have also agreed to a new National Waste Policy Action Plan, the association continues to question how Australia can meet this new norm without developing stronger, enforceable requirements around, and commitments to, market development, investment in postconsumer recyclate, and ensuring manufacturers of products are made responsible for their materials at end-of-life. “Add to this the requirement that Australia must now develop significant reprocessing manufacturing facilities for paper and plastic within the next 18 months (when this has not materialised in the last 18 months since China), without commensurate certainty around demand, let alone the challenges of planning approvals, and we still have a very difficult path to travel,” Sloan explained. Australian Packaging Covenant

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Export bans

Waste glass exports will be banned in Australia by July 2020.

Organisation (APCO) CEO Brooke Donnelly said applauded the federal and state environment ministers for agreeing on the National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019, which she highlighted as a positive step forward

for Australia’s waste management and resource recovery system. “APCO was involved closely during the consultation and evolution of this approach and is proud to be identified as a key delivery partner for a range of actions moving forward. In particular, we look forward to working with Planet Ark to develop and launch the Circular Economy Hub online platform and marketplace. “We acknowledge the support of ministers as we strive to be more ambitious, and in particular work with industry and key stakeholders to develop a revised target for the use of recycled content in all packaging. In practical terms, today’s announcement reinforces the collective efforts of the entire supply chain, including APCO’s members, to deliver a truly sustainable packaging system for Australia, as we continue the transition to a circular economy,” Donnelly said. All ministers committed to identifying any significant procurement opportunities over coming months such as major road projects that could use significant amounts of recycled material, with the federal government agreeing to take a lead. The federal government will prioritise work with states and territories and relevant industry and standards bodies to develop engineering specifications and standards to support the use of recycled materials in building, construction and infrastructure development, for use across all jurisdictions. The government will then report back on progress at the

next MEM. A cross-sector reference group involving government, nongovernment organisations, industry groups and business representatives will also be established to review progress on the Action Plan’s implementation. To support the delivery of strategies within the Action Plan, ministers also agreed to encourage major battery manufacturers to participate in a new Battery Stewardship Scheme to improve the rate of battery recycling. Additionally, container deposit schemes (CDS) will be harmonised. Ministers for those states and territories with a CDS agreed to expand and harmonise the scope and alignment of schemes and product labelling for beverage manufacturers. Ministers agreed to write to APCO to set out their expectations with respect to new packaging targets. Greater access to data is also on the cards with ministers agreeing to work together to digitally transform environmental assessment systems – providing greater access to shared environmental data, less duplication and greater transparency. Frustrations with current inaccessibility to both proponents and environmental groups has been identified as a key area to address within the review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which is currently taking place. While WMRR was optimistic about many of the outcomes of MEM, Sloan said it is “disappointing that despite the writing being on the wall, ministers did not explicitly recognise the significance and necessity of a mandated product stewardship

The export of mixed waste plastics will be banned by July 2021.

scheme for packaging”. She said that current voluntary schemes have not worked. WMRR also called for government procurement to have mandated targets so that the industry can invest with certainty knowing that this demand will remain in place long term. “As this plan is being developed, WMRR urges ministers to consider how to ensure these targets will be enforced and what systemic changes need to be made to allow all jurisdictions to meet them. Otherwise, these targets are at best meaningless and at worst, will lead to perverse outcomes such as increased landfilling,” Sloan said. As well as waste management and resource recovery issues, the environment ministers discussed climate change, costal erosion and the protection of heritage sites among other environmental issues. iw

Exports of waste tyres, including baled tyres, will be in place by December 2021.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

MWOO ban //

MWOO to MSUE – challenging government decisions Contributed by Gavin Shapiro THE ONGOING SAGA regarding the banning on reuse of mixed waste organic outputs (MWOO) for agricultural purposes in NSW is a reminder that – shock horror – the state government is not perfect, can sometimes make mistakes, and can make decisions that bring serious negative impacts. So, when government authorities make decisions that we consider wrong, unjust, or unfair, what can we do? Well luckily, our legal system has a range of ways we can challenge these decisions.

Merit appeals – a fresh decision The first way to challenge government decisions is through a ‘merit appeal’. This special type of appeal is usually to the Land and Environment Court, in which the court makes its own, fresh decision on merits – i.e. what the court thinks best in the circumstances, rather than on strict legal principles. Merit appeals are only available for certain types of decisions. These are things like development applications, environment protection licences, and certain orders and notices like

management orders for contaminated land, or prevention notices. Merit appeals have a few large advantages over other appeals. Firstly, the court simply makes its own decision based on what it thinks best. This makes for an easier, quicker and cheaper appeal compared to other cases, and gives you an impartial referee (the court) that focusses on the real issues. Secondly, many authorities don’t want a bad precedent of going against them, which can provide leverage. This can often lead the authority giving significantly more ground during negotiations once the case has been commenced. This has worked on many occasions to achieve more favourable outcomes on approving DA’s, varying orders, licences, and other instruments. However, you need to watch the clock carefully. Some of these merit appeals are only available within 21 or 28 days of the authority making its decision – wait any longer, and the appeal right is gone.

Administrative law challenges The next way to challenge government authorities is an administrative law challenge – known as “judicial review”.

This is a legal appeal – that is, the authority made a legal error(s) in its decision-making process. This is more limited than a merit appeal, and therefore more difficult. However, if there is no merit appeal right available, this can be the only way of challenging such a decision. There are a range of administrative law grounds that can be used to challenge decisions. The most commonly used grounds are: • lack of power to take the action; • failing to properly follow the relevant legislation in the administrative process; • failure to accord procedural fairness; and • unreasonableness. The first and second type are often connected. I’ll illustrate both with a case I recently ran, Maund v Shoalhaven City Council [2019] NSWLEC 89. This was a challenge to a conviction for failing to comply with a clean up notice on the basis that the notice was not validly issued per the legislation. In short, legislation allows authorities to issue clean up notices for a “pollution incident”. However, the council issued the notice for an alleged waste offence – not a “pollution incident”. By failing

to properly follow the legislation, it lacked the power to issue the notice, and the notice was overturned. Procedural fairness is essentially the requirement to allow someone a fair opportunity to first seek to understand and address an authority’s decision before it is made, if that person may be negatively impacted by a decision. For example, if a party isn’t first given an opportunity to comment on a draft order before it is issued on them (except in emergencies), then it may be overturned for a denial of procedural fairness. Finally, unreasonableness is a challenge on the basis that the decision made by the authority lacks any evident and intelligible justification. This is a high bar, and only a small proportion of “unreasonableness” challenges succeed – but can be an option of last resort.

Civil actions – suing government bodies Finally, we come to actually suing the authority for damages – i.e. money. This is the first thing most people think of in terms of litigation – actions like suing for negligence, nuisance, trespass, and breach of contract. This is not an easy road. Government authorities have a range of protections under legislation, which significantly limit our ability to sue them for damages – but it is not impossible. What is needed is to demonstrate a lack of good faith – for example, a council that was repeatedly notified of a serious issue, but still failed to act, for no good reason.

Tell ‘em they’re dreamin’

The NSW EPA is banning the reuse of MWOO for agricultural purposes.

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

People love to complain about the decisions of government authorities, and the MWOO saga reminds us that they are not perfect. However, it is also a timely reminder some 20 years after Darryl Kerrigan in The Castle, that no one is above the law in Australia – even the government. iw Gavin Shapiro is a partner at Hones Lawyers. He specialises in the waste industry, including waste contracts, waste legislation, EPA investigations and prosecutions, and operational issues. Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Robotics

Recycling robotics are an indispensable asset Contributed by Mark O’Leary WHEN DEVELOPING countries such as China opened the floodgates to receiving waste recyclables after it became a member of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), there was no need to separate the seven categories of plastics. It was easier and more economical for Australian companies to bundle it up and export it to China for ‘recycling.’ In 2017, Australia’s exports of domestic waste to China amounted to over 600,000 tonnes. These business practices have changed, of course, since China enacted regulations that demanded the supply of only clean, separated plastics – and then only the ones that had a secondary market in China. Through its National Sword policy, China imposed strict controls on the imports of waste commodities. The policy bans various plastic, paper and solid waste. It also sets stringent standards on the limit of contamination in scrap plastic, zorba and other metals allowed in a shipment – increasing from 90-95 per cent purity to 99.5 per cent. To address these requirements and also change current practices, Inside Waste reported in its April/May 2019 edition that “the local recycling industry, which employs more than 50,000 Australians and generates up to $15 billion in value, is rapidly aiming to advance the recycling investments in response to the impacts of restrictions across Asia – including implementing high-tech infrastructure

Some systems can differentiate between items that appear to be made of the same material.

to improve sorting and processing to produce high quality recovered waste from households, businesses and construction sites.” Since then, the Federal government has pledged $20 million to boost the capabilities of Australia’s recycling industry. There are currently 193 material recovery facilities in Australia. Most of these employ manual handsorting/screening processes; nine are semi-automated, and nine centres are fully automated. Evidently, the ability of Australia’s waste recycling sector to generate recyclables with the lowest contamination and highest purity levels is manifestly inadequate to sort Australia’s annual recycling output. The nine more modern facilities in Australia employ optical sorting Robotics waste sortation helps sort materials efficiently.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

systems that dispense with the need for manual and mechanical sorting. These advanced sensor-based sorting technologies have enabled organisations with these capabilities to continue to trade products with China and gain real competitive advantage – as well as attracting higher revenues from customers who value cleaner products. Sensor-based, artificial-intelligence (AI) powered robotics sorting technologies are changing the waste recycling and resource recovery sector and contributing to sustainable development and enterprise profits by enabling management at MRFs to overcome significant operational challenges that include labour costs, employee reliability and availability, sorting quality and efficiency, and risk of contaminated waste commodities. These systems employ advanced multiple sensor streams, industrial robots, and machine learning and artificial intelligence (Al) systems to automate the sorting and segregation of recyclable commodities in the following waste streams: single-stream materials recovery facilities; mixedwaste processing facilities; construction and demolition waste sorting facilities, and plastics reclaimers and others. As the Australasian Authorised Systems Integrator for Canadian company Waste Robotics, Diverseco understands the many benefits of sensor-based robotics sorting systems that have been specifically designed for use by the recycling and resource recovery sector.

Diverseco CEO Brenton Cunningham said that Waste Robotics integrates waste handling processes, computer vision, deep learning algorithms and robotic technologies to enable smaller, more precise, safer and more profitable waste recycling facilities. To be effective, robotics recycling and sortation systems need to be equipped with advanced vision and scanning system that continuously monitors the waste stream. The multidimensional data is then processed by the AI system, which identifies the desired materials to be selected from the waste stream in real-time. This data is then processed by robot controllers that direct the robotic arms to precisely pick the items using a range of different robot grippers. “Waste Robotics systems can differentiate between items that appear to be made of the same material, such as PETE, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP and PS plastics. It can also be used to sort natural wood, particle board, painted wood, tainted wood, inert materials such as bricks, rocks and concrete, zinc and copper, aluminium cans and more. It can also differentiate between items that are stacked on the conveyor line,” Cunningham said. In addition to reducing operational costs and Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) risks by replacing human pickers in recycling centres, the vision-guided robotics systems increase the pick rate and quality of recovered waste that will re-enter production processes as secondary raw materials. iw

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Community engagement //

Reaping benefits from regional recycling Contributed by Stuart Garbutt EVERY NOW AND AGAIN, we lucky members of the waste and resource recovery sector get to work on “one of those great projects” that reminds us, what we do matters. For the RDT Engineering team, the Cherbourg Material Recovery Facility project is a prime example. It’s not the biggest MRF. It doesn’t use the most sophisticated technology. But it has literally changed lives, and it’s proven yet again the potential for smarter waste management to deliver positive outcomes across the triple bottom line. To quote from Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council’s website, “the history of Cherbourg is one of Aboriginal people being forcibly removed and brought from all over Queensland and Northern New South Wales to a newly formed government reserve”. It’s a tough history, with ongoing impacts. In 2015, the unemployment rate in Cherbourg sat around 15 per cent – more than twice the state or national average. In the March 2019 quarter, the unemployment rate was 10.5 per cent, still much worse than national benchmarks, but trending in the right direction. That positive trend is no accident, it’s the result of a concerted effort of many dedicated people to create new opportunities. As the economic and community development manager, Sean Nicholson is one of the driving forces in the community. Another is Andrew Beckett, who was paid two days a week and volunteered the other three days to help pull together a recycling project to provide new employment options in town. Four other committed workers, Damo, Tucker, Andrew, and Raymond volunteered their time and energy, critical to the MRF project succeeding. Cherbourg have an agreement with

The Cherbourg MRF is helping build the local community.

Cleanaway to process recyclables from Gympie Regional Council. But back in 2016, with a very manual system in place, they could only handle one walking floor per month, compared with one-to-two trucks a day of commingled material that was available if they could process it. Inspiration for the team came via a visit to the 5t/hr Gatton MRF, which RDT Engineering designed and built in 2009. Operated by Anuha Services, a not-for-profit that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities, the Gatton MRF is located in Queensland’s Lockyear Valley Regional Council, and helped crystalise for Cherbourg the positive local outcomes that could be achieved with the right partners to deliver the right recycling infrastructure. Keen to follow suit, the Queensland government’s Building our Regions funds provided an opportunity for Cherbourg to upgrade its recycling efforts, and RDT worked with the team to develop a bespoke MRF concept that suited the specific community. While Cherbourg couldn’t afford to

deliver everything they wanted from that first grant, it gave them the leg up to get this important project rolling. RDT delivered Stage 1 works in 2017, consisting of an infeed conveyor, pre-sort station, and an expansion to the shed. An additional $499,000 funding became available via Building Our Regions R2S, allowing Stage 2 to be completed late in 2018. This included installation of a ballistics separator, to separate fibre products from fines and containers. Now well progressed on the MRF development, Cherbourg was able to capitalise on the introduction of Queensland’s container refund scheme (CRS) on November 1, 2018, providing regional processing services and establishing a thriving return depot. Stage 3 was completed in October 2019. Funded via $999,297 from Building Our Regions 04, it included a container sort line, cages, automatic bale feed line, automated separators and a densifier. This project is a great story of private industry, state government and local government working together to improve lives, community and the environment.

Life changing

The Cherbourg MRF is building a local recycling industry.

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Today the Cherbourg MRF and recycling centre provides meaningful employment for 26 people, making it a major employer in a town of 1,600 residents. The facility plays an important role in the success of the Queensland CRS, as well as enabling kerbside recycling in Gympie Regional Council and beyond.

Not only has the project created new jobs, it’s created new training and development pathways into other employment opportunities. As well as the dignity and pride that comes with a real job delivering real benefits for the community, people at the MRF are getting tickets for forklifts and front-end-loaders that are transferable to other career options if they choose; administrative staff are gaining experience with the large paper trail a recycling business generates that can open doors to other work options. The Cherbourg MRF is building a local recycling industry and delivering all the environmental benefits that come with that. It’s also playing a real role helping build the local community, which is what has made it a memorable project that everyone in the team (RDT, and council) is proud to be part of. While there are some confronting challenges in the community, the MRF project has made a tangible positive impact. There’s more work to do – future projects are expected to include a baler upgrade, and a glass plant to manage fines – but the community is already reaping the dividends of having pushed deeper into recycling. There is no lack of passion or drive in Cherbourg to do more, and really no excuse for any other community to whinge that local recycling is too hard when communities like Cherbourg are clearly demonstrating the wider benefits that local recycling can deliver local communities. iw Stuart Garbutt founded RDT, and is a director of engineering with Re.Group.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Food waste

A problem shared, is a problem halved: Tackling Australia’s food waste by 2030 Contributed by Ronni Kahn WHEN I STARTED OzHarvest 15 years ago, no one outside of the waste industry was talking about food waste. Now everyone is talking about it, but I’m still frustrated at the lack of action to tackle this problem at a national level, let alone halve it! Based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 (UN SDGs), the target is very clear – to halve food waste by 2030. The action required to achieve this goal is certainly complex, but the clock is ticking and we need to pick up the pace. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) the first step should involve setting targets, measuring how much food is being wasted now, and then making a plan. There is no doubt that major change needs to happen to reduce food waste in Australia, but we have at least put our foot in the right direction with the creation of a National Food Waste Strategy in 2017. Thanks to the new Food Waste Baseline Report, we now know that Australia wastes 7.3 million tonnes of food each year at a staggering cost of $20 billion to the economy, and is divided into thirds between farms, industry and households. The reasons for wastage along the supply chain are vast and complex and make solving this problem no easy task. The bottom line is that wasting food wastes everything. Precious resources such as water, land, energy and fuel used in food production, packaging and distribution, all go to waste for no purpose. Not to mention the greenhouse gases that are needlessly emitted at every point of the supply chain, making food waste a major contributor to climate change. Scientists from Project Drawdown have identified reducing food waste as the third most effective way to reverse climate change. Clearly this is not just nice to have; it’s essential. So why isn’t more being done to tackle Australia’s food waste crisis? Many countries have already taken

great strides towards reducing food waste. I was recently invited to attend South Korea’s Food Film Festival and was blown away to find out that their food recycling rate is at 95 per cent! This is achieved through strict government policy charging people for their food waste by weight. In 2016, France became the first country to pass a law against food waste, mandating supermarkets and restaurants of a certain size to donate all unsold food rather than send it to landfill. Whilst I’m not sure that either policies are the answer for Australia, they have both gone some way to prompt progress and help make reducing food waste the norm in both countries. The business world has a major role to play and I was buoyed by the fact that two-thirds of the world’s 50 largest food companies have set a food waste reduction target and introduced programs to accelerate action – for example, Ikea has been doing this to reduce the food waste from its in-store restaurants in half. There are many Australian companies already doing great work in this space,

but bold action and leadership from our major food businesses will make a huge difference and speed us towards the 2030 goal. At a national level we need genuine commitment and solid funding from our government to drive the food waste agenda. We need to align public policy, private sector action, and farmer-to-consumer behaviour, but above all we need to recognise this as a shared goal that requires change at all levels of society. OzHarvest is already pushing forward with innovation to tackle this issue, such as our new Food App that connects food donors directly with local charities in areas where our vans can’t reach. And through ForPurposeCo, our for-profit, for purpose innovation arm, we are pioneering new technology to help reduce food waste. From orange juice vending machines that use wonky fruit, to Winnow technology helping hotels and restaurants to measure their food waste and new biotechnology solutions to help food last longer. Cutting back on household food waste is the single most powerful

way that citizens can address climate change. Making small changes at home is a quick and easy win, from looking at what you have at home before you go shopping, only buying what you need, storing food correctly and cooking up what you’ve got! A review of food labels to make “use by” and “best before” dates less confusing would also have a major impact on reducing household food waste. Earlier this year, UK supermarket giant Tesco scrapped best before dates on a range of fresh fruit and vegetable products after a survey revealed it was a major cause of food waste. Along with consumer education and nation-wide implementation of organic waste recycling, food waste from homes could easily be cut in half. I certainly do not have all the answers, but one thing I’m convinced about is that no one likes the idea of wasting food. I truly believe that to ensure Australia can achieve our goal of halving food waste we must share the responsibility amongst us all. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved! iw

Ronni Kahn at the OzHarvest Market making rescued food available to everyone.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Equipment //

Terminator shreds anything from paper to refrigerator A powerful cooling system for the engine and hydraulics can be found in this shredding machine.

The Terminator has a large feed hopper that can process bulky waste.

By Inside Waste WHEN SHREDDING material, there are many factors to consider – fuel efficiency, operator and staff safety, variations to the material that can be shredded, throughput and many more. A low speed, high torque singleshaft shredder that can be used on all types of waste can help alleviate some of the stress of trying to save on costs, while ensuring a job is done well. National sales manager for Komptech at ELB Equipment Craig Cosgrove said fuel efficiency, production rates and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) are top priorities for businesses in the waste industry at present.

“Obviously noise control and the safety of the operators are important factors. Everyone comes to work expecting to go home in the same condition they arrived,” Cosgrove said. Noise reduction, and ease of use and control of a machine are just some of the key criteria companies look for when purchasing equipment such as shredders, Cosgrove explained. “What’s also changed in recent times, is that there is now even higher demand and expectation for quick access to spare parts and after sale services. “Up time is everything on equipment like shredders – a breakdown is one of the worst things that can happen,” Cosgrove said.

Special features:

• Electric drive for high efficiency and minimal maintenance (Terminator direct); • About 20-35 per cent lower specific consumption than comparable hydraulic systems (Terminator direct); • Low space requirements with the drive system fitting snugly in the machine (Terminator direct); • The same functionality and contrary resistance as hydraulic versions (Terminator direct); • Exact material fit through intelligent control with two drum speeds (Terminator direct); • Hydraulic drive for high shredding power and stepless throughput control (Terminator hydraulic); • Separate installation with hydraulic drive, which protects the drive unit and saves in-line installation space (Terminator hydraulic); and • Numerous options are available for setup, material intake/output, drive and controls (Terminator hydraulic).

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

As a supplier of Komptech machines, ELB Equipment sells the Terminator Universal shredder, which Cosgrove said meets buyers’ current expectations. The single-shaft shredder can be used on all types of waste with applications ranging from coarse break-up, to defined shredding through variations in the drum and counter comb system. It can be used to shred waste wood, mixed construction waste, household waste, residual waste, bulky waste, commercial waste and tougher materials such as tyres, refrigerators and textile waste. The Terminator has a large feed hopper that is naturally a great advantage for processing bulky waste. Programmable reverse cycles keep throughput high and with the

shredding gap open, it can coarsely break up even the toughest materials. The Terminator has armoured teeth and the adjustable shredding gap makes it possible to match the degree of shredding to the downstream processing steps. While it can shred heavy duty materials, operating costs are kept low with an optional electromechanical drive and easily replaceable wear parts. Cosgrove said customers are increasingly placing importance on spare parts and after sale services to ensure equipment can run as long as possible. “People want to see improvements in the equipment. They want to see new developments and technology pushing forward in the gear that they are buying.

The Terminator’s single-shaft shredder can be used on most types of waste.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Equipment

cooling system for the engine and hydraulics, and load-dependent speed control. For ease of operator use, the Terminator has a simplistic operating console, monitoring by an on-board computer, and a reversing program to adapt to material and for drum

“Komptech prides itself on being an innovator and pioneer. We are trying to do the best that we can in research and development (R&D) and be at the forefront of our game,” Cosgrove said. The Terminator features a modern Caterpillar diesel engine, a powerful

self-cleaning. Komptech also uses Connect – an on-board telematics system that enables owners/operators remote monitoring of the machine. The hydraulic drum drive with loaddependent speed control develops

Specifications for Terminator 3400

3400S

5000

5000S

6000S

Diesel Engine

CAT C9 T4F/StageIV or T3/StageIIIA

CAT C13 T4F/StageV or T3/StageIIIA

Power (KW/HP)

242/330

242/330 Drum drive on both sides

328/446 (T4F) 354/480 (T3)

328/446 (T4F) 354/480 (T3) Drum drive on both sides

447/608 (T4F) 429/583 (T3) Drum drive on both sides

Transport length Track (mm)

6940

Transport width Track (mm)

2855

Transport height Track (mm)

3265

100

Engine

Dimensions

Throughput Dependent on material (t/h)

Digital ways to a cleaner world

the maximum shredding force, while preventing stoppages. The drum can reverse at any time to pull free and get unstuck. If an unshreddable contrary gets into the shredding chamber, the overload protection feature prevents tooth or machine breakage. Control electronics constantly monitor the operating status and intervene to protect the machine if there is a fault. Maintenance on the machine can be performed from outside and fold-out platforms provide safe footing to access the various parts of the machine. An overbelt magnet is mounted in a specially designed, steplessly adjustable holder that gives parallel positioning of the magnet over the discharge conveyor regardless of the conveyor slope. This gives the best possible separation performance in all working positions. Cosgrove said feedback on the Terminator has been positive. “Customers that have purchased the equipment have been very pleased with the results.” iw More information on the various mobile and stationary units can be sourced from ELB Equipment.

An AMCS company

Intelligent Optimisation Enterprise Management Mobile Workforce

Vehicle Technology

Digital Engagement

Analytics

AMCS Platform software & technology for the waste, recycling & resource industries amcsgroup.com wastedge.com

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Equipment news //

The Tana Shark can shred railway sleepers, shingles and ragger wire.

Added technology helps keep track of shredder’s movements Features of the Tana Shark: • A patented swing frame construction protects the gearbox, which increases reliability and maximises uptime of the machine; • the adjustable rotor to screen clearance can be narrowed down to one millimetre. The optimal clearance depends on the material and the mesh size of the screen; • the rotor configuration and knife design results in a half cutting effect that allows the Tana Shark to crush practically any solid waste fraction; and • the opening sidewall provides easy and safe access to clean and remove nonshreddable objects from the rotor shaft.

Features of Tana ProTrack: • 3D real time view to machine operation with production summaries enable efficient production management and optimisation; • equipment utilisation and operation cost management using facts provided by ProTrack, for example fuel consumption, utilisation splits and summaries; • diagnostics and equipment health monitoring including warnings and alarms, service logs and service reminders; and • proTrack allows Tana back-line experts to perform remote fault finding and parameter optimisation. GCM Enviro is an exclusive distributor of Tana products. 42

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

By Inside Waste MANY WASTE MATERIALS require a tailored, task-specific recycling processes. Furthermore, many waste operators require a machine that can be used to pre-shred material, for secondary shredding, for small particle size shredding in one pass and for in-line systems. This is where the Tana Shark can help. The machine is well suited to shred a variety of materials, such as solid recovered fuel, plastics, MSW, railway sleepers, shingles, ragger wire and other special materials. Rather than being designed for a specific purpose, which used to be the case for many shredders, the Tana Shark is designed to cater to a plethora of materials. This avoids narrowing the field of tasks and applications. The technology used to support the shredder also contributes to ease of use.

The Tana Shark has inbuilt smart features called Tana ProTrack. It enables internet access and a real-time view to the machine for authorised personnel. The Tana ProTrack improves accuracy of trouble-shooting and minimises downtime. In a best case scenario, upcoming failures can be prevented by reacting to the early symptoms and data. The machine can be tracked remotely, which allows greater control of its operation. Tana vice president for marketing and customer experience Mirja YliErkkilä said Tana ProTrack also allows the owner or operator to follow productivity of the machine per treated material. “It helps in keeping the machine uptime on a maximal level because it offers the possibility for preventative maintenance as well as maintenance planning. When technical support is needed, more accurate and quicker troubleshooting can be done. “Through the real-time view, machine functions and productivity/ output of each material can be tracked. “Once the owner is familiar with the tool they can make certain adjustments in machine settings and instruct the operator of the loading machine to load the shredder in a different way to improve the output,” Yli-Erkkilä said. “This is possible because the

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Equipment news

machine is equipped with conveyor scale measuring the output and advanced control system with different operating programs optimised for certain material and particle size, which can be adjusted in given limits.” Tana ProTrack collects all machine data and also the process data. Upcoming scheduled maintenances, fuel consumption and working hours can be downloaded. It’s also possible to track the work shifts and the efficiencies of the operators of the machine, if this function is enabled. “It also creates a solid basis for developing added value services to customers to which Tana as a manufacturer is heavily focussed,” Yli-Erkkilä said. In an industry where digitalisation hasn’t been adopted as quickly as in other industries, Yli-Erkkilä said the Tana ProTrack can offer companies an easy-to-use tool they will benefit from daily. “The world is becoming more digitalised every day. The waste sector has not been among the first ones to adopt it – at least not when it comes to mobile machines.

“Through the real-time view, machine functions and productivity/ output of each material can be tracked. Once the owner is familiar with the tool they can make certain adjustments in machine settings and instruct the operator of the loading machine to load the shredder in a different way to improve the output.” What Tana ProTrack is at present, is just the first step towards the future where mobile machines are connected to each other and the whole process can be adjusted

simultaneously instead of adjusting each machine separately. “The ultimate goal is to help the waste sector inform driven decisionmaking and business development,”

Yli-Erkkilä said. The Tana Shark shredder, with the added feature of the Tana ProTrack, opens up multiple possibilities for many waste operators needing a reliable machine, Yli-Erkkilä said. “It has versatility in terms of both the range of materials it can handle and the particle size of the output. It is a robust structure, high torque, smart control system with remote access and smooth adjustability of the machine are the elements of it.” iw

Tana Shark waste shredders are versatile and reliable.

We Are Closing the Cycle: Your Expert Partner for Thermal and Biological Energy-from-Waste Plants

Our solutions are based on efficient and environmentally sound in-house technology, and cover the entire life cycle of an Energy-from-Waste facility. Our proven technologies have been part of more than 700 plants worldwide. As a global leader in energy from waste we are proud to be able to say: We deliver. Check our references.

Waste is our Energy www.hz-inova.com

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Young Professionals //

Thriving through community engagement By Inside Waste AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL management and law graduate, Chris Dart didn’t imagine he would be immersed in the world of waste. But after joining EnviroCom Australia in 2016 as a graduate, Dart found a passion for the industry that he hadn’t known was there. During his studies, Dart said a career in the waste industry hadn’t crossed his mind – partially because it was rarely discussed. “I learned about waste more so in my law degree than my environmental degree. I didn’t even know waste education was a thing before I started at EnviroCom. It would be great to provide more education in the context of sustainability at university. It is a little bit underrepresented,” Dart said. As a graduate, he was primarily involved in delivery of community waste education as well as waste auditing. After moving to Orange in January 2017 to establish a new

office of EnviroCom, Dart became increasingly responsible for design, evaluation and project management of these services to a range of local government clients in the central west of NSW. Some of the projects Dart has been involved in include waste segregation assessments and reporting; waste education strategy design; business waste engagement programs; community workshops; web or social media based behaviour change engagement; and multi-unit dwelling resident engagement programs. As with the challenges that many councils face, Dart said it can be difficult to engage with the public on waste education, but it is a rewarding aspect of the role. “Despite the fact that it seems simple on the face of it, we know that waste is quite complicated. This also makes ongoing education difficult. “But there is a mix. There are people that don’t want to engage in this material and then others that want to seek it out,” Dart said.

Chris Dart works on various projects, including waste segregation assessments and reporting.

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Chris Dart enjoys finding ways for councils to connect with communities.

He explained that people need to be faced with the challenges and opportunities that resource recovery and recycling pose, but just like he once was, they are often unaware of many aspects of the industry. “They have got to see and be exposed to it. We try to engage people in particular ways. “On the surface, people don’t think there’s much to it. I find it very multi-faceted – whether it’s proving effective infrastructure, to the behavioural component of it, there are so many factors in making it work. We really have to approach it from multiple angles.” One of the aspects of Dart’s role that he enjoys is finding innovative ways, in conjunction with councils, to engage with the community. “We run an ongoing food waste campaign where we try to get people to make a pledge to put more food in the green bin rather than the red bin. Social impact is important. We try to give back to the pledge group with email engagement and we invite them to events. That has been pretty effective with the groups. “The community interest is a driver for me. It’s great that people are interested and want to hear what we have to say,” Dart said. As well as motivating and encouraging the public through constant engagement, Dart encourages councils to be consistent with their messaging in order to

“We are finding that if you can be consistent with the messaging it’s very valuable. It’s a good way forward for councils implementing new programs.” get the desired point across to the community. “We are finding that if you can be consistent with the messaging it’s very valuable. It’s a good way forward for councils implementing new programs.” In the near future, Dart expects that councils will have a stronger focus on waste management and resource recovery as the industry gains traction with consumers. “I’m expecting to see particularly local governments become more ambitious with their waste targets over time. After they’ve, for example, implemented kerbside streams, where do they go next? “I’m just really excited to see as time moves forward, how we reduce the amount of waste in Australia. I look forward to being involved in that with a more circular economy approach. I’m also looking forward to seeing how Australia implements effective recycling domestically. “How we set up and support these processes will be interesting to see.” iw

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

M&K Waste Screens

M&K Double Drum Air Density Separator

Product: M&K manufactures a range of mobile & static Waste Screens, both Single Deck and 2 Deck, used for the screening of difficult, sticky or wet materials, to an infinite variety of sizes. Applications: suited for wet, moist, dry and mixed materials e.g. recycling and skip waste fines material, general waste, municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste, trommel fines, compost, aggregates, waste wood, etc. Advantages: Compact and modular construction non blinding screening mats – less contamination dynamic wear resistant screening mats allow an efficient material flow mats are screwless mounted (fast changeover) The high acceleration on the screening mats ensures a self-cleaning effect Infinite adjustment of the vibrating parameters to match changing product characteristics/ qualities Low operating and maintenance costs Contact: For more info go to (02) 4365 4247 or www.focusenviro.com.au

Product: This product separates waste into three fractions – light fraction, mid heavy fraction and heavy fraction. The technology provides an alternative to manual sorting. Applications: C&D, C&I or MSW environments. Advantages: • Proven reliability • Precision settings to suit application • Separated and Improved materials in the processing cycle • Increased production • 99 per cent separation efficiency depending on the material • Protects other equipment in processing cycle • Low maintenance • Low operational costs • Low dust emission due to controlled and recirculated air flow • Reduced labour costs Contact: www.focusenviro.com.au or (02) 4365 4247

FOCUS Enviro

// Product Profile

O3M Vision Sensor

Application: Retro-fit to the rear of Trucks or Trailers running a pneumatic brake system. Features: • Increased safety during reversing • Detects small and moving objects behind the vehicle • Automatically stops the vehicle at a pre-set distance • Increases security and reduces repair costs and downtime • Improves driver comfort Options/Extras: Multiple sensor options, including flush mounted sensors Contact: www.wabco-auto.com or 1300 492 226

ifm

Wabco

WABCO TailGUARD

Product: This three-dimensional vision sensor for rear, forward and side detection improves the overall functionality and safety around mobile machinery and plant. Features: ifm’s O3M vision sensor was specifically designed for outdoor use with high shock, vibration and environmental resistance especially with difficult ambient light situations such as sun-light or materials with different reflective characteristics which do not influence the repeatability of the measured data. Installed on construction and agricultural machines, loaders, mining machinery, AGV, municipal machines and vehicles, the sensor can be used as a warning or interact with the control system to apply the brakes. Reliable automatic 3D object detection can, for example, be used as collision warning and avoidance. Contact: www.ifm.com/au or 1300 365 088

Inductive Conductivity Sensor Product: Heavy trailer braking system Application: Trailer EBS-E braking system is an electronically controlled braking system with load-dependent braking pressure control, automatic anti-locking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (RSS). Features: • Multi-Volt – is compatible with both 12V and 24V trucks • ABS – avoid locking wheels to maintain directional control under braking • Load sensing – monitoring of trailer load state • Roll stability support – automatically brakes the trailer to reduce the risk of rollover • Operating Data Recorder (ODR) – records and reports all trips and trailer related events including speed, axle load, driving time distance, RSS events Options/Extras: GPS tracking, trailer display (SmartBoard), tilt alert warning Contact: www.wabco-auto.com or 1300 492 226

ifm

Wabco

WABCO Trailer EBS-E

Track Picking Station TPS120

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

FOCUS Enviro

ifm

Level Measuring Sensors Application: Continuous level monitoring with just one sensor Features: The KQ10 series of level measuring sensors can “see” through all non-metallic walls in pipes and vessels to detect granulates or liquids without contact. Therefore, no maintenance is required. Process values of 0-100 per cent can continuously be transferred via IO-Link over the entire length of 250 mm without dead band. Twenty LEDs display the real level inside the vessel directly at the sensor. If several KQ10 units are combined, the detection zone can be increased accordingly. Benefits: No stress caused by the medium thanks to non-contact detection. Three-point level positions in one sensor if IO-Link is not in use. Deposits can be detected and signalled to improve the quality of the process. Contact: www.ifm.com/au or 1300 365 088

Application: Most industries have water or fluid circuits within their plant or operation. Food manufacturing, water/waste water processes, cooling towers and condensers, bore water, agriculture feed lots. Water quality is critical where salinity or chemical additives need constant monitoring. Benefits: Product validation is possible at all times with quick and reliable differentiation between media and additives. As an example, if a cooling tower has increased salinity, the buildup (scaling) will affect the efficiency and effectiveness. The LDL conductivity sensor will detect this variation in salinity and send an alert or stop the system to ensure effective and safe operation before damage is done. The connection with just one M12 connector is sufficient to provide lossfree data transfer of the conductivity and medium temperature values by IO-Link. Contact: www.ifm.com/au or 1300 365 088

Product: The Track Picking Station TPS120 with an inbuilt air density separator and magnet is the ultimate recycling machine. Benefits include quick setup, easy on-site movement, recovery of up to seven products, improved productivity and improved safety. Applications: • Diesel electric • Aggregates recycling • Track mobility • Biomass/waste wood processing • User friendly control panel • Composting/green waste • Dual power • C&D and C&I waste Contact: www.focusenviro.com.au • Landfill mining or (02) 4365 4247 • Asbestos contamination/soil remediation Features: • Integrated feeder • Integrated air separator • 1200mm wide picking belt • Cabin made of steel • 1200mm discharge conveyor • Magnet DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Wasted Space //

Trouble is brewing AT THE OFFICE, WE are lucky enough to have a snazzy double head coffee machine, accompanied by toasted beans with a hint of orange blossom aroma balanced by subtle dark chocolate notes – well that’s what the packet says anyway. It’s a real treat for us wastesiders to come in every morning and be greeted to a brew that is made exactly how we would like it – provided it’s made by someone in the office with the skills to create a silky latte rather than a bubbly mess. Naturally, we set aside the used coffee grounds, for staff to take home to feed to their plants. This has become increasingly popular with the Woolworths Discovery Garden selection taking up space on our window sills as we eagerly await the sprouting of the tomato seeds and the blooms of the viola plant. To our dismay, a newbie wastesider was carelessly throwing the grounds into the general waste bin. We realised when our reuse star, Wastesider “A”, was searching through the bin for a lost lunchbox lid, when he realised his hand was being exfoliated in the process. To his shock, his hand was covered in coffee grounds. And although he had soft, smooth skin as a result, it left us concerned that a valuable resource was

being biffed in the wrong bin. Now we don’t like to point fingers, but as avid recyclers and composters, we knew the old wastesider crew wasn’t responsible for the mess, so it had to be the newbie – which was confirmed upon interrogation. Wastesider “B” promptly apologised and told us that she didn’t know what to do with the coffee grounds. So just as she does at home with her vegetable scraps, they end up in the red bin. This made us realise that even in our organisation where we work so closely with the waste sector, there are still gaps in people’s knowledge. Education, education, education – that’s what we hear we need from all levels of government. Yet here is a newcomer who had missed out on vital information. Since the coffee grind debacle, Wastesider “A” has taken it upon himself to give everyone in the office a digital flyer that highlights the dos and don’ts of recycling and reducing waste at our workplace. It’s one way to make sure we are all on top of it while ensuring that no-one misses out on opportunities to make the most of resources such as coffee grounds. It’s also a useful way to educate new staff and hopefully help the entire office improve their behaviour

towards resource recovery, which they can then take into their personal environment too. Luckily, Wastesider “B” wasn’t scarred by the interrogation process, which in actual fact was a subtler, indirect, “hey everyone, just a friendly reminder that coffee grounds go in this bin and can be taken home by anyone that needs them”. So with that, the great coffee saga of 2019 came to a close with Wastesider

“A” developing a fondness for exfoliating his now very soft hands, and with Wastesider “B” enjoying the benefits of healthier basil and parsley thanks to the grounds she has been taking home. We’re also happy to say that Wastesider “A” and Wastesider “B” enjoy sitting together in the office discussing new recycling initiatives in the office over a latte. iw

May 4-8, 2020 IFAT Messe München, Germany IFAT is a leading trade fair for environmental technologies that showcases pioneering technologies, innovations, strategies and solutions tailored to meet the requirements of the market in question. In 2018, the expo featured 3,305 exhibitors from 58 countries and regions. There were more than 142,000 visitors who visited the expo, which spanned 260,000sqm of exhibition space.

August 26-27, 2020 Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour AWRE is a vital meeting point for the region’s waste and recycling industries. It features exhibitors that showcase vehicles, bins, food and organics waste, software and technologies, machinery and equipment, e-waste, food packaging and more. The expo also features extensive speaker sessions.

October 21-22, 2020 Waste Expo Australia Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Waste Expo is one of the largest gatherings of waste management and resource professionals in Australia. The free-to-attend business-to-business conference is hosted alongside an extensive exhibition hall. In 2020, it will feature more than 120 brands and three conference stages that showcase more than 35 hours of free-to-attend content.

DIARY 2020 May 5-7, 2020 Coffs Harbour Waste Conference Opal Cove Resort The Coffs Harbour Waste Conference attracts about 650 delegates both nationally and internationally. The conference is targeted at anyone who works in or has an interest in waste management issues, and is particularly relevant to local government. Attendees will hear from leading waste management professionals on the latest developments in the industry.

INSIDEWASTE DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Big OR SMALL

ThErE is a TurnkEy proCEssing soluTion for you

• Complete consultation and custom design for your waste stream • Turnkey solutions from 50 tonne / day to more than 3000 tonne /day • Experience, World Class Quality, Excellent Value

MAke 2020 yOuR BeSt yeAR yet! FOR MORe inFORMAtiOn COntACt uS nOW Freecall:1800 644 978 www.cssequipment.com.au Email: info@cssequipment.com.au