APRIL 2019
Measuring our impact MRA Consulting’s Mike Ritchie on the sector’s role in meeting emissions targets.
FEATURES Veolia’s advanced hazardous waste technology Alex Fraser’s new glass recycling plant Victoria’s stockpiling dilemma European Commission’s waste strategy
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PUBLISHER
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Toli Papadopoulos toli.papadopoulos@primecreative.com.au
From the Editor
Another challenge for the sector AFTER A CHALLENGING YEAR IN 2018 for the waste and resource recovery sector, February of this year brought on other unexpected hurdles. The issuing of a notice to a major Melbourne recycling company by EPA Victoria saw more than 20 councils in two states locked out of their materials recovery facilities. EPA officers had inspected both sites and saw large stockpiles of combustible recyclable waste materials from kerbside collections stored without appropriate separation distances between stockpiles, buildings or the premises boundary. Some councils were forced to send their materials to landfill, while a few assured residents to hold off on taking their bins out for a fortnight. Others, such as Glen Eira City Council, were fortunate enough to have alternative arrangements in place. In the wake of the unexpected decision, the Victorian Waste Management Association raised concerns about the emergency planning provisions in place to deal with these kinds of events. Hume City Council was one council that expressed its disappointment in being given less than 24 hours to act and forced to landfill its waste. So what are the regulators doing about this? On page 18, we speak with Matt Genever, Sustainability Victoria’s (SV) Director Resource Recovery Group, about the agency’s plans to help support the market development of recyclate. While Matt says it’s too early to tell what effect this will have on market confidence, the Victorian Government is working on contingency plans that will include collective procurement to prevent events such as this from reoccurring. One of the main contributions SV will be making is to continue to advocate for increased procurement of recyclables. It is already building on this (pun intended) by looking at government spending around infrastructure and how more recycling organisations across plastics and glass could support this crucial market gap. One of the key drivers behind the stockpiling issue is the lack of end markets for recyclables. This raises another interesting question of whether Australia can build a robust remanufacturing sector. Mike Ritchie, Director of MRA Consulting, believes the growth of tertiary manufacturing is unlikely and that global markets will prevail, we just need to clean up our material. Find out more on page 14. While a number of challenges lie ahead for Australia’s resource recovery sector, it will no doubt remain resilient as it charges in to a sustainable future.
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COVER STORY
14
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT MRA’s Mike Ritchie speaks to Waste Management Review about the waste sector’s contribution to national emissions and its role in meeting Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRESS Veolia’s significant market position in the hazardous waste disposal sector has increased with new contract wins and technical advancement.
“THE CHALLENGE IS THAT IF WE CONTINUE TO EXPECT TO REDUCE CLIMATE CHANGE AT NO COST, WE WILL BE HAVING THE SAME DEBATE IN ANOTHER 10 YEARS. THE FACT IS THAT MOVING TO A LOWER EMISSIONS PATHWAY WILL COST MONEY, AND WE NEED GOVERNMENTS THAT ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO SAY THAT TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.” -Mike Ritchie, Managing Director of MRA Consulting Group
In this issue Features
SHOCK 18 MARKET RESPONSE
Waste Management Review looks at the emergency planning provisions in place to prevent stockpiling following a recent EPA notice in Melbourne.
30
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Alex Fraser has developed a world-first process to recycle more than 150,000 tonnes of glass fines being stockpiled or landfilled in Melbourne.
32
GREEN EYES
pplied Machinery’s Christian A McLean sees the recycling industry’s challenges as an opportunity to grow the secondary reprocessing market.
36 MAXIMUM UPTAKE
Scrap metal recycler Recycal upgraded its fleet in a bid to carry maximum payloads across its national collection service.
THE 38 FROM GROUND UP
West-Trans Group Managing Director Jim Whittle highlights the key to the company’s success.
40 THE FRONT RUNNER
The North West Recycling Centre looked to find an efficient solution to support its green waste recycling business.
50 CONSISTENT APPLICATION
Marcus Geisler, WA Waste Authority Chairman, provides an update on reforms contained in the new Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.
58 MAKING IT POSSIBLE
44 TAKING ACTION
Caterpillar’s Ayden Piri explains how the company’s unique solutions are solving its customers’ complex challenges across heavyduty waste applications.
THE 48 LEADING CONVERSATION
Visy’s requirements for high productivity movement of abrasive materials saw its equipment supplier turn to Kerfab for a solution.
APCO CEO Brooke Donnelly explains some of the key action points achieved and others that lie ahead to meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets.
Waste Management Review speaks to the European Commission’s Rozalina Petrova on how the EU plans to achieve its bold recycling targets.
60 OUTCOME DRIVEN Regulars
6 NEWS 52 P ROMOTIONAL FEATURES 65 LAST WORD www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 5
News
Metro Trains specifications include recycled materials Metro Trains Melbourne recently altered their specifications to include the use of recycled materials. The new specifications enable more than 900 tonnes of recycled glass sand to be used as bedding for the combined service route on the Kororoit Creek Road Level Crossing Removal Project. Kororoit Creek Road is part of the VicRoads Principal Freight Network thoroughfare in Victoria’s west, taking more than 22,000 cars to Laverton, Williams, Altona and beyond. The Level Crossing Removal Project along with the Western Program Alliance undertook a grade separation at Kororoit Creek Road (placing rail over road at Williamstown North), comprising McConnell Dowell, Arup, Mott McDonald and Metro Trains Melbourne. Alex Fraser’s recycled sand was used as bedding material for the combined services conduit housing the communications and power cables. Rebecca Hendy, Senior Sustainability Advisor for the Western Program Alliance said the decision to choose recycled product over virgin material was simple. “We found a recycled, low embodied energy material that could aptly replace virgin sand; with all 900 tonnes diverted from landfill and delivered at a lower cost. It was a simple decision,” she said. The Level Crossing Removal Project set a target for the Western Program Alliance to achieve an ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating – measured by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia’s rating tool – which rewards the use of recycled material. MTM Environment and Sustainability Manager Christian Beasley said Metro
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Trains Melbourne now encourages all projects installing new CSR or drainage to use recycled products. “We have access to a great new sustainable product we can use on all metropolitan railways (Metro Trains Melbourne network). Because it is a Metro Trains Melbourne specification, it can be applied without requiring approval on all metropolitan railways combined service routes and drainage bedding,” said Christian. Alex Fraser Sales Manager Jason Walsh said clear specifications were the key to increasing the use of sustainable, recycled products in new infrastructure. “We’ve seen that recycling works best when government agencies clearly endorse the use of recycled materials in specifications. This enables the people building our infrastructure to use green products that reduce their project’s carbon footprint. “The Kororoit Creek Road Level Crossing Removal Project is a great
example of what needs to happen to achieve a circular economy around rail infrastructure materials. Congratulations to the teams at the Level Crossing Removal Project the Western Program Alliance for this initiative, especially Rebecca and Christian who enabled a change that will bring about better outcomes for the community and environment,” Mr Walsh said. Over the years, Green Roads by Alex Fraser has diverted almost one million tonnes of glass from landfill to supply recycled glass sand (in asphalt, road base and pipe bedding) to a variety of Victorian road and infrastructure projects. The upcoming launch of Alex Fraser’s new state-of-the-art glass recycling plant will enable recycling of even the most problematic glass waste streams (like CSP) into clean, high-specification construction sand, working to put an end to landfill and stockpiling of glass in Victoria.
Metro Trains Melbourne’s new specifications enable more than 900 tonnes of recycled glass sand to be used as bedding.
News
QLD recycling and waste report highlights need for action A report released by the Queensland Government shows an increase in the amount of waste from interstate sources in the last financial year, while Queensland’s reported waste generation also exceeded 10 million tonnes for the first time. The Recycling and Waste in Queensland 2018 was released this week at the National Waste Recycling Industry Council quarterly meeting. The Recycling and Waste in Queensland report is prepared annually based on data supplied by local governments, the waste and resource recovery industry and recyclers across the state. The report shows that in 201718, 10.9 million tonnes of headline waste was reported with a 45 per cent recovery rate. Of this, 82 per cent of materials were recovered in Queensland. In addition, the report
shows a 37 per cent increase in waste from interstate sources. The overall recovery rate increased slightly from the previous financial year by 0.9 per cent. Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the report demonstrated the urgency needed to improve Queensland’s waste management. “This report provides a snapshot of how waste and recyclables were managed, recovered and disposed of in 2017/18 financial year,” Ms Enoch said. “Alarmingly, more than 1.2 million tonnes of waste was trucked over the border into Queensland in 2017-18. “If you lined up all of these trucks, the line would stretch from Brisbane to past Mackay. “The Palaszczuk Government is moving ahead with its comprehensive waste management strategy, which
Queensland’s environment minister sees room for improvement in the state’s recycling outcomes.
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is underpinned by a waste levy that is proposed to begin on July 1 this year. This will stop the trucks and create incentives to divert waste away from landfill while encouraging more recycling and resource recovery initiatives.” Ms Enoch said the Recycling and Waste in Queensland 2018 report also showed Queensland generated nearly 11 million tonnes of waste in 2017-18, which was an increase of 1.1 million tonnes compared to the previous year. “This represented an 11 per cent increase, which is concerning when you consider our population only grew by 1.6 per cent in the same time period,” she said. Ms Enoch said it was promising to see recycling rates increase, but there was still room for improvement. “In 2017-18, Queenslanders increased their recycling effort for household and business wastes by 580,000 tonnes, resulting in close to five million tonnes of materials being diverted from landfill. However, we still recycle only 45 per of the waste we generate, which needs to change.” Waste Recycling Industry Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer Rick Ralph said that the state’s waste and recycling industry is looking forward with confidence. “With government reforms to policy and regulation, industry can invest which will create new jobs by increasing the state’s resource recovery performance,” Mr Ralph said.
News
Mandatory product stewardship cost on consumers calculated
Mandatory product stewardship in some cases costs less than a morning coffee, according to new modelling.
A new analysis for the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) by independent consultancy firm Equilibrium has estimated the cost of mandatory product stewardship schemes on consumers. The analysis looked at mandatory product stewardship approaches for different products, and estimated the potential dollars per unit that a mandatory scheme would cost. Under the current Federal Government Product Stewardship Act 2011, schemes can be established for a variety of different products and materials to lower their lifecycle impacts, with a number of voluntary schemes in place. Mandatory schemes involve enabling regulations to be made that require some persons to take specific action on products, according to the analysis. This could include restricting the manufacture or import of products, prohibiting products from containing particular substances, labelling and packaging requirements and other requirements for reusing, recovering, treating or disposing of products.
10 / WMR / April 2019
For a mandatory e-waste scheme, the cost is estimated to be between $1.55 and $1.85 for an e-waste unit size equivalent product of 0.75 kilograms. For mattresses, the cost of a mattress unit (standard double size) would be between $14.50 to $16.50. A mandatory tyre scheme would cost about $3.50 to $4.00 equivalent passenger units. ACOR CEO Pete Shmigel said the Australian community has long supported recycling and overwhelmingly wants to be able to recycle more products and items. “This new data shows that we can do so affordably. “In all cases, the cost of recycling these items is likely to be lower than two per cent of their consumer price. “Therefore, cost concerns should not be a key barrier to action by our policymakers,” he said. Mr Shmigel said that recycling these items overseas is a well-established practice, including in much less developed countries, and it is difficult to understand why it is not in Australia too. “Indeed, the formal review of
Australia’s Product Stewardship Act has disappeared and is significantly overdue, the new National Waste Policy has a blank space for product stewardship, and there has been no news following ministers’ apparent discussion of product stewardship at the December 2018 meeting of environment ministers.” ACOR also believes the major political parties need to make commitments in the areas of recycling infrastructure investment, incentives for and procurement of recycled content products and community education. It has submitted industry analysis for consideration. Equilibrium Managing Director Nick Harford said that while they can be improved, the current co-regulated TV, computer and mobile phone product stewardship schemes are producing good results. He added that there has been no demonstrable consumer concern about their cost. “While the current schemes are not mandatory, and research estimates that mandatory schemes may have higher administration costs, the estimated cost per unit in relation to the total product cost is generally reasonable,” he said. The analysis of the potential impacts of mandatory schemes covered factors including, collection and transport, processing and recycling and compliance, monitoring, audit and reporting. It also looked at safety and environmental management, sales, administration, marketing, communications and education.
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NEWS
Celebrating excellence THIS YEAR’S WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS TO EXCHANGE IDEAS.
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here are a multitude of stories of inspiration of women who have achieved success through invaluable leadership, innovation and commitment to their sectors. While the stories cannot be summed up in one night, this year’s Women in Industry Awards aims to showcase the best and brightest across a range of industry segments. The Women in Industry Awards recognise and reward the achievements of women working across the mining, engineering, manufacturing, road transport, logistics, infrastructure, rail, bulk handling and waste industries and aims to raise the profile of women within industry, as well as promote and encourage excellence. This year’s award offers an invaluable networking opportunity for industry leaders to exchange ideas and share their unique approaches to leadership. Women in Industry Events Manager Lauren Winterbottom said the gala event has over the years inspired attendees to forge new relationships with colleagues. She said there were also many unique lessons that can be shared by breaking down barriers between competing industries. “Women in Industry not only shares the stories of exceptional women, but is a great opportunity to identify some of the unique synergies across sectors such as manufacturing and waste management or logistics and road
Women in Industry will celebrate outstanding individuals across 10 categories.
transport,” Ms Winterbottom said. “As a gala event, it’s also an evening of fun and entertainment and an enjoyable dinner.” Ms Winterbottom said she was impressed with the calibre of the women put forward for awards this year. She added that the categories recognise achievements in a diverse range of areas, including in regional community development and those reaching new heights in their careers. “From highlighting individuals working actively to improve safety for their industry to demonstrating a commitment to develop female talent, the awards demonstrate the hard work and success that is often quietly happening in the background.” The 2018 edition of the Awards saw more than 200 participants come together in Sydney to celebrate
the success of female leaders within the industry. Women in Industry will take place on Thursday, 6 June, 2019 at The Park, Albert Park, Melbourne. The awards ceremony will celebrate outstanding individuals in 10 categories: • Social Leader of the Year • Rising Star of the Year • Business Development Manager of the Year • Industry Advocacy Award • Safety Advocacy Award • Mentor of the Year • Excellence in Manufacturing • Excellence in Mining • Excellence in Engineering • Excellence in Road Transport Tickets are on sales now for $185 + GST or $1,600 + GST for a table of 10. To secure your ticket, head to womeninindustry.com.au
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COVER STORY
Climate change impact MRA’S MIKE RITCHIE SPEAKS TO WASTE MANAGEMENT REVIEW ABOUT THE WASTE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL EMISSIONS AND ITS ROLE IN MEETING AUSTRALIA’S COMMITMENT TO THE PARIS AGREEMENT.
Mike Ritchie has been warning of the repercussions of ineffective action on climate change.
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n average day for Mike Ritchie, Managing Director of MRA Consulting Group, could range anywhere from providing a strategic direction for councils transitioning to combined food waste and garden organics (FOGO) collection, to carbon accounting, government advocacy or environmental approvals and planning. The goal for clients might be carbon abatement, cost reductions or exploring investment opportunities, but many have a basis in carbon and landfill policy. As a result of Mike’s extensive policy work in this space, the lack of effective action on climate change has been increasingly on his radar. In the company blog, The Tipping Point, Mike commented on a number of reports from global agencies warning
14 / WMR / April 2019
of the repercussions of ineffective government policy. First came the United Nations’ (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in October 2018 report by more than 90 scientists. It said global greenhouse gas emissions must reach zero by about 2050 in order to keep global warming at 1.5˚C. Then came another report a month later by the UN, which issued a warning that Australia is not on track to meet its Paris Agreement to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent by 2030 on 2005 levels. This global commitment aims to limit temperature increase to below 2˚C. If that wasn’t enough to stoke concerns of a crisis looming, the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) State of the Climate 2018 report observed
2018 was 1.14˚C warmer than the 1961-1990 average, as were most years from 1979 onwards. The National Greenhouse Gas Inventory also found emissions for the year to September 2018 were up 0.9 per cent, although the latest quarterly report shows a decrease. To put the issue into easily translatable terms, the onset of increased drought, flooding and bushfires in 2018 and its link with climate change is not lost on the BoM, CSIRO and emergency management authorities such as the Victorian Country Fire Authority. Nor are the economic repercussions. A CSIRO review of the Paris Climate Accord compliance report shows that a failure to meet the Paris commitment would cost Australia more than $100 billion a year. With a desire to leave the world in a better place for his children and succeeding generations, Mike remains utterly concerned with the sluggish pace of emissions reduction in Australia. “I think there’s been a virulent campaign to undermine the science of climate change which has put all societies and communities at greater risk than they should be,” Mike explains. “The challenge is that if we continue to expect to reduce climate change at no cost, we will be having the same debate in another 10 years. The fact is that moving to a lower emissions pathway will cost money, and we need
governments that are brave enough to say that to their communities.” He cites the Labor Government’s carbon tax as an example of how political decisions can be costly. Regrettably, he notes that the policy became a victim of political football at the 2013 election and was subsequently scrapped. According to Mike, a floating carbon price, as opposed to a flat tax, would have been and still is the cheapest and most efficient way of lowering carbon emissions. “We need to get to the point where we accept some short term pain in order to reduce Australia’s emissions. I accept the fact that we’re 1.3 per cent of the global emissions profile, but we’re also one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with one of the highest per capita emissions profiles.” Within his own area of expertise, Mike says the waste sector has an enormous contribution to make to the abatement task. THE WASTE SECTOR’S FOOTPRINT According to the National Inventory Report 2016 (published in April 2018), between 2005 and 2016, the waste sector reduced its emissions by 14.5 per cent. The report shows it contributed 2.2 per cent of Australia’s total net emissions with 12.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent generated and increased by 5 per cent between 2015-16. A 2007 report by Matthew Warnken estimates that the waste sector can abate 38 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum with improved performance in resource recovery, thereby lowering emissions across other high-polluting activities. Put into perspective, Australia generates about 576.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum. “The waste industry has historically reduced its emissions more than virtually all other sectors. It’s now emitting about 12 million tonnes per
The waste sector has reduced its emissions by almost 15 per cent over a decade.
annum, down from almost 16 million tonnes in 2000. That’s largely due to landfill gas capture and taking organics out of landfill.” While the Federal Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund may support further carbon abatement of waste activities, Mike envisions four activities would go a long way to significantly reducing the sector’s emissions profile. These are maximising recycling, avoiding putting organics into landfill, improving the gas capture of existing landfills and introducing waste-to-energy systems for residual waste streams. “Capturing the embodied energy of recyclables, ie paper, cardboard, glass, steel and aluminium, is key. Looking at it purely through a greenhouse gas lens, there is at least 11 million tonnes of abatement available just by capturing the leftover of those materials currently going to landfill,” Mike says. When it comes to food waste, government data shows that a tonne of organic waste breaking down anaerobically in landfill generates more than a tonne of CO2 equivalent. According to MRA, less than five per cent of Australian businesses separate and recycle their food and
organic waste as it costs three to six times more to collect an organics bin, than a garbage bin due to the lower geographic density of food generators in the economy. Mike says it’s why many American and European cities have either banned organics from landfills, as Germany did 15 years ago, or required dedicated collection services. Mike notes that uptake of FOGO collections has been slow, with some recent leadership in WA to drive mandatory FOGO across Perth and Peel regions. He says Melbourne has done well with collective procurement driven by the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group. However, while regional NSW has picked it up and driven FOGO hard, progress in metropolitan Sydney is lacking. Similarly, there has been little progress in Queensland. “What surprises MRA is that Sydney has not moved as quickly as we might have expected.” “Penrith is only one council out 40 in Sydney that has made the move achieving an incredible result of less than four per cent contamination,” he says. He adds that other councils around the country are doing even better, with
www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 15
COVER STORY
MRA Consulting hopes to focus on tackling major waste streams that make the most impact to reducing emissions.
Albury City achieving 0.4 per cent. With the community generally willing to engage in organics recovery, Mike says it is up to state and local governments to garner community support and get on with the task. And while organics holds potential to significantly reduce our emissions, Mike sees a missed opportunity across the waste sector to grow jobs and economic wealth as well. He says that it is fine for governments to set recycling and recovery targets but they must also ensure the market conditions permit companies to invest and make a reasonable return. “There are very few infrastructure plans in Australia to achieve the state waste targets, and that is a real problem, because we’re dependent on project proponents grinding their way through the planning process, which can often take four to five years. “The urgency, on the other hand, is staring us in the face, and there’s a complete mismatch between the kind of urgency that the UN and IPCC are talking about and the incredibly slow process of government.” He adds that modelling by the Australian Council of Recycling shows Sydney needs 36 additional pieces of infrastructure to hit its 2021 landfill diversion targets of 70 per cent municipal solid, 70 per cent commercial and industrial and 80
16 / WMR / April 2019
per cent construction and demolition waste. He says the same is true of most other states. Levy inconsistency also adds to the problem, with 1.2 million tonnes of waste carted from Sydney to Brisbane to avoid levies in NSW. “The NSW Government is missing out on $146 million in landfill revenue per annum that they could be using to fund local government initiatives and waste infrastructure. And since grants are usually matched by private sector investment, the amount available for infrastructure would be even higher.” “If we had that amount of going into infrastructure in the last four years, we’d have built all the infrastructure we need in Sydney and NSW.” Importantly, Mike says that landfills will still play a crucial role in Australia’s waste management future for residual waste, but must be well run with adequate leachate and gas capture systems. He adds that state and territory governments have a role to play in supporting local councils to close the thousands of unlicensed and unregulated smaller landfills. WEATHERING THE STORM Materials recovery facilities (MRFs) contribute to waste recovery at the front end and ultimately to emissions reduction as well. They have recently faced significant hurdles with China’s
ban on materials with greater than 0.5 per cent contaminants. “Government needs to support MRFs through a transition. MRFs will improve their processing and will try to get down to 0.5 per cent contamination but that will require upgrades,” Mike says. “I do think we will progressively onshore some of the secondary processing of these materials, particularly plastic. We will see capital grants and government intervention to make a clean plastic flake for a future pellet. “But I don’t believe we will necessarily grow tertiary manufacturing in Australia, I think it’s unlikely. “Liberal economics says that if I have an uncontaminated pellet, I’ll sell it to the highest bidder, wherever that is.” He adds that while other Asian nations might crack down on contamination, there is no evidence to support a long-term void in the global markets for recyclables. As for the bigger picture of fighting the scourge of climate change, Mike says that MRA will continue to do its bit. He says there are scores of companies in the waste sector trying to do the right thing, but by far the biggest missing link is strategic development, planning and government frameworks. “MRA will continue to push these issues to the public and to government. We would love it if companies and governments engaged more in these public policy discussions, because sometimes it feels like we are missing the big picture to chase the next minor waste stream. “I’m more than happy to sit down with any group of businesses, councils or state government and work through these priorities as we need a collective spotlight on the strategic issues. We need to focus on the major waste streams that make the most difference.”
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UP FRONT
Market shock response WASTE MANAGEMENT REVIEW LOOKS AT THE EMERGENCY PLANNING PROVISIONS IN PLACE TO PREVENT STOCKPILING FOLLOWING A RECENT EPA NOTICE IN MELBOURNE.
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esponding to incidents in the waste and resource recovery sector have over the past two years thrown up some challenges, with a number of high-profile fires and stockpiling events. Responding to incidents in the waste and resource recovery sector have over the past two years thrown up some challenges, with a number of highprofile fires and stockpiling events. Balancing out the need to protect the human health of the general public while providing economic and environmental security for the waste sector, agencies have had to make some difficult decisions. In February, a major recycling company in Melbourne was issued with notices from EPA Victoria. The
notices required it to stop accepting recyclable waste materials at sites in Maffra Street, Coolaroo and Gilbertson Road, Laverton North after allegedly failing to meet the requirements of the Waste Management Policy (Combustible Recyclable and Waste Materials). EPA officers recently inspected both sites and saw large stockpiles of combustible recyclable waste materials from kerbside collections stored without appropriate separation distances between stockpiles, buildings or the premises boundary. EPA CEO Dr Wilkinson said the waste stockpiles could pose a significant risk and challenge for firefighting agencies if ignited. She said that EPA has determined that these stockpiles were in breach of the
The Victorian Waste Management Association wants more collaboration and planning to provide councils with back-up support when facilities go down. 18 / WMR / April 2019
Waste Management Policy that has been in place since August 2017 following a major fire at the site. EPA also determined that the company had not taken reasonable steps to manage and store combustible recyclable waste materials at these facilities in a manner that minimises the risks of harm to human health and the environment from fire. She said that given the Waste Management Policy had been in place for almost 18 months, the company, and the recycling industry as a whole, had ample time to meet the requirements of the policy. As a result of the decision, more than 20 councils in two states were locked out of their materials recovery facilities. A number of councils, including
Port Phillip Council and Hume City Council, expressed frustration in online statements that they were forced to landfill recyclable waste. While some councils such as Glen Eira managed to arrange alternative recycling facilities, others were not in a position to do so. At the time of writing at the beginning March, the recycling service issued with the notice remained out of action. The Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) in a statement said it supports EPA action against high-risk, non-compliant operators, but further government action is needed and ongoing conversation with industry is essential. The VWMA said that what is of concern but has not yet been addressed is the contingency plan should the sector, and ultimately Victoria, not see the issues resolved promptly. “The sector also needs confidence that other key facilities do not pricegouge or exploit the situation,” the VWMA’s statement read. In the medium term, the VWMA is seeking answers to questions on why stockpiling is continuing across Victoria when there are mechanisms in place via government to support end markets. These include behaviour change programs and procurement standards to improve the standards of recyclate. It also asked about the role of the Victorian Government in supporting continued collection services to households and business during unavoidable interruptions to waste processing. The VWMA was also seeking answers to what systems and processes are in place to ensure the current scenario is not exploited by facilities still accepting recyclables for storage or processing. Matt Genever, Director of Resource Recovery at Sustainability Victoria (SV), tells Waste Management Review he has been working with agencies
such as EPA Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, SV and Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group on contingency planning. This includes examining of collaborative procurement options. “Some contingency efforts have managed to divert recyclables to other materials recovery facilities (MRFs) that have the capacity and capability to do that. Unfortunately, in the short term there has been some landfilling required and we would hope we would get to the end of that as quick as possible with other MRFs taking up the slack.” Matt says that the Victorian Government’s focus is on stabilising the current market shock and preserving community health and safety, highlighting this was why the EPA made the decision they did. While it’s too early to tell what effect this will have on the communities faith in recycling, Matt points to initial research conducted by SV after the initial China waste ban was established. The research showed that more than 80 per cent of Victorian’s believe that recycling is important. He adds that more community engagement will likely be undertaken into the long term as part of the $37 million Recycling Industry Strategic Plan – an initial response to National Sword. He says $3 million of this will be directed towards a statewide education campaign. “We’re going to have to go back to basics with how we think about the campaign in the face of what’s happened with SKM rather than going out to the community with a message that just isn’t right,” he says. He says there is no quick-fix solution to the problems facing kerbside recycling and it could take years to work through all of the market and community implications. Matt hopes the Victorian
Government’s planned circular economy policy will help position the community and business to understand the productive value of materials. He says SV’s focus will be on ensuring the industry has the infrastructure, end markets and secondary reprocessing capacity for the medium to long term. “If we’re talking about a long-term solution, I think we’d all recognise that a bit more contingency or ‘slack’ in the system is really important so that if one of these large facilities goes offline there is contingency to take that up.” Matt says the long-term solution is ultimately everybody understanding their role in the system, including households with better source separation and shared responsibilities across local government and MRF contracts. “What contracts local government and MRFs go into is largely up to them, but certainly we would be encouraging councils in their long-term arrangements to be thinking about how to operate with better transparency, clarity and understanding about what’s being collected, how it’s being treated and where it’s going.” Part of SV’s response is acknowledging governments have a role to play in supporting sustainable procurement. “When we talk about secondary reprocessing or remanufacturing it’s that idea of value adding. You can’t just collect the material, bale it in a mixed bale and hope that somebody will take it off your hands. We know that the market simply won’t allow it anymore.” “What we need is processes in place to turn things like mixed plastics into viable commodities like plastic pellets or flakes to be sold like any other commodity. It doesn’t matter whether that’s onshore or offshore, as long as it goes to end use.” In the short term, SV is driving sustainable procurement such as
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UP FRONT
its work in supporting testing and approvals on Integrated Recycling’s trial on a railway sleepers made entirely from recycled plastics. Likewise, the CityLink Tulla Widening saw Alex Fraser use more than 12 million glass bottles in their recycled roadbase. Peter Murphy, Managing Director of Alex Fraser, says sending recyclables to landfill is not just an environmental issue, but a commercial one for councils, who have the power to change things. “We work with municipalities who play an active role in the supply chain. These councils conduct good due diligence on how their recyclables are collected and processed. Most importantly, they’re active buyers of recycled materials from reputable suppliers, achieving better environmental outcomes and saving ratepayers substantial amounts of money,” he says In the medium to long term, SV is categorising government spending around infrastructure and state supply contracts on common purchases such as paper and printers to ascertain opportunities for recycled product. “Then it will be our role to work with relevant agencies and partners to support that,” Matt says. He says SV is looking at it from both demand and supply sides. “If government is going to start buying recycled products and materials in bulk, we need to make sure the supply side is there and the industry is able to scale up and provide good quality product at the volumes that might be required by government. “The market is already there for things like glass and we know we’ve got companies like Alex Fraser and Downer that can provide glass sand products for road applications immediately.” “But certainly plastics in particular will require a lag time between how government can drive demand but
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Minimum standards of procurement could drive more end markets for recycling.
making sure then the supply side is there to create the types of products that might be used on an infrastructure network.” He adds that the next tranche of funding will be coming out late March or early April to support infrastructure and market development investment. As for commodity prices, Matt says these have fluctuated based on changes in demand with nations such as India and Vietnam. What is of some concern, he says, is the recent drop in paper prices, while plastics have mostly remained in line with market trends since the China bans came into effect. He hopes that as councils move into new contracts and as new end markets open up, the pressure from the system will be alleviated. Mark Smith, Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) Executive Officer, says responding to issues surrounding the recent stockpiling event requires a multipronged approach from stakeholders across a range of industries, including manufacturing. However the appropriate industry engagement is not where it needs to be. “The solution to how we solve these challenges requires a visionary approach that brings in a range of other sectors to talk about their role and how they can contribute to a solution.”
He says that the VWMA has been discussing with state government department agencies the collective role of industry, local government, state agencies and households when emergencies such as this and others play out. “What’s this current crisis displays is the lacking of planning from the relevant organisations around what are our roles and what happens when different scenarios play out that would impact the waste and recycling sector? Mark says that state, territory and local governments need to look at setting minimum standards for procurement of recyclables in major purchases to support economies of scale. He notes that the reasons for stockpiling are complicated, including contamination in the waste stream that can be caused by poor household source separation or issues at the collection and sorting end, thereby lowering the commodity value. “What tends to happen is people oversimplify the problem and point fingers. We all have a part to play in fixing this, and our higher order priority for recycling should be clean material streams. We generally don’t have clean product stockpiled, and as a result no end market.”
FEATURED TOPIC – LIQUID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE
Veolia have been working to identify solutions for PFAS contamination.
Hazardous waste progress VEOLIA’S SIGNIFICANT MARKET POSITION IN THE HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL SECTOR HAS INCREASED WITH NEW CONTRACT WINS AND TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT.
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he treatment methods for hazardous and liquid wastes have advanced over the past decade. With clients demanding greater knowledge on how their hazardous waste is handled and the entrant of environmental scientists and engineers into the waste and resource recovery sector, new and innovative ideas are emerging to solve national and global challenges. Matt Ead is a Technical Projects Manager at Veolia Australia and New Zealand. Trained as a chemical engineer, he has been with the company for more than 10 years, including in the UK and Australia. He tells Waste Management Review that the hazardous waste disposal
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sector has evolved rapidly over the past decade. “In the past it was very much just about diluting hazardous waste or lowering the concentration so much that it could meet disposal criteria, but you can’t do that anymore,” Matt explains. “Clients want to know their waste is being treated responsibly. “This is what the emergence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has shown across sites with PFAS-contaminated groundwater. It is in minute concentrations, but is spreading far and wide through groundwater and surface water and is causing problems.” Veolia has had recent contract
success with clients within Victoria, including a major win with the Country Fire Authority. The project will see Veolia design, construct, operate and maintain Water Management Systems (WMS) to treat water to potable water quality and includes the treatment of any PFAS. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals, heavily used for household and industrial applications since the 1950s. Following their widespread detection in environmental samples, they are considered an emerging contaminant by the global regulatory body, the Stockholm Convention. Fortunately, Veolia have been working to identify solutions to PFAS contamination. As a global leader in
optimised resource management across waste, water and energy, Veolia is able to leverage its network of global hazardous waste expertise to drive local solutions, which also include contaminated soils. “In the case of PFAS water, we were able to use our knowledge from other parts of the business to apply a local solution,” Matt says. He adds that by collaborating with its experts across the water treatment sector, the company was able to treat significant quantities of PFAS water at its Brooklyn facility in Melbourne. The Brooklyn Industrial Services Hub has been operating since 1997 and is licensed by the Victorian EPA to received prescribed waste streams such as contaminated soils. It is home to the Brooklyn treatment plant, a licensed facility that receives around 40,000 tonnes per year of hazardous waste in all forms, including packaged waste, sludges, liquids and contaminated soils. The site serves a number of Victorian industrial sectors, encompassing metals manufacturing, automotive, petrochemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and quarantine waste. The facility’s advanced processing technologies comprise chemical stabilisation of contaminated soils, physico-chemical treatment of sludges and resource recovery such as decanting, crushing and recycling. Once materials arrive at the Brooklyn facility, they are sorted and consolidated into respective streams, according to EPA guidelines and disposal outlets. Dangerous goods must have segregation distances in line with WorkSafe legislation. “We have one of the broadest licenses for accepting hazardous waste in Victoria. Our cradle-to-grave approach ensures we know where the material will end up,” Matt says.
He says that Veolia’s chain of custody process ensures the more dangerous material goes to thermal destruction via third-party facilities. Using multimedia filtration to treat PFAS at the Brooklyn facility, Veolia was able to treat significant volumes of the material and undergo strict sampling and testing of the water before it could be authorised for compliance. “We’ve recently undergone a twoyear proof of performance with the EPA to treat PFAS-impacted water and it’s been included in our license. We are the first ones in Victoria to achieve that,” Matt says. “The results showed we reduced the PFAS down to low enough levels or be non-detectable in a lot of cases.” In 2015, Veolia boosted its hazardous waste treatment capacity to prevent up to 10,000 tonnes of residual hazardous waste per annum from going to landfill. With support from the Victorian EPA’s HazWaste fund, Veolia made a $15 million investment in an advanced Indirect Thermal Desorption Unit. The unit utilises heat to increase the volatility of contaminants to allow them to be separated from waste materials such as sludge or filter cake. The volatised contaminants are then collected for beneficial reuse,
or thermal destruction, based on the type of contamination. The outputs produced include liquid hydrocarbons for reuse, further treatment or disposal, water for reuse within the Veolia plant and inert material for reuse, further treatment or disposal. The thermal desorption process sees two dryers alongside one another heat the hazardous material under vacuum to over 300 degrees over an eighthour cycle. Hydrocarbons evaporated in this process are cooled, condensed and collected for beneficial reuse. A powder-like material emerges from the backend and is combined with water. It can then be used as landfill cover. Matt says they’ve been able to successfully reduce the volume of Category B solid waste that is sent to hazardous waste landfill from 10,000 tonnes a year to 600 tonnes per year. The material is now processed through the thermal desorption unit and is either reused or goes to a Category C or lower level landfill. Ultimately, the site’s operations and continuous improvement processes are designed to support Veolia’s mission to resource the world. “Our objective is to find a value in waste, while providing a safe solution for customers and wider community in the management of these difficult waste materials,” Matt says.
Veolia’s thermal desorption unit utilises heat to increase the volatility of contaminants to allow them to be separated.
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FEATURED TOPIC – LIQUID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE
Customer collaboration FROM FULFILLING COMPLEX CONTRACTS TO DESIGNING PRODUCTS FOR TIGHT LOCATIONS, VORSTROM’S VACUUM TANKERS HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING MAJOR COLLECTION SERVICES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
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esigning, manufacturing and servicing a liquid vacuum truck requires precision in the gritty yet environmentally sensitive process of liquid waste collection. Vorstrom has been offering industrial vacuum, hydro excavation and liquid vacuum tankers to private and public waste management companies and local governments for more than nine years. The long standing family business goes back three generations and in excess of 70 years. Daryl Wiggins, Vorstrom Vacuum Equipment CEO has a passion for vacuum trucks that vacuum and air-convey liquid and solid materials, that saw him grow and develop the
Vorstrom range of tankers to a new level. He had a goal to make an impact in the vacuum truck industry by focusing on efficiencies and customer service, while continuing to prioritise Australian manufactured products under strict quality control. “We’ve created 25 different vacuum models over an eight-year period by studying customer applications and problems, and developing a unit to suit these requirements,” Darryl explains. “It’s not just about selling the product, but supporting customers with efficiencies, industry experience and time constraints.” He adds that a range of other factors go into a Vorstrom customer
Vorstrom’s goal was to make an impact in the vacuum truck industry with a focus on efficiencies, customer service and Australian manufacturing.
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collaboration, including how far the material is being transported, the consistency of product and the competitiveness of the market the customer works in. The vehicles must also be compliant with Work Health and Safety requirements, Australian Design Rules and relevant EPA or Department of Environment approvals. Nathan Radley, General Manager Integrated Services at REMONDIS, joined REMONDIS after it acquired Thiess Waste Management. After REMONDIS also acquired Waste Trans in 2017, the company added a fleet of 17 liquid waste collection vehicles to its Queensland operations. When REMONDIS took on the south-east Queensland business, it looked to upgrade its fleet and move towards specified products. Nathan had worked with Vorstrom before and envisioned they would reliably support a number of major contracts in the region. This includes moving sewage, septic and grease trap from a variety of locations such as schools, ambulance and police stations. “When we picked up the contract, most of our fleet were semi tankers. As the vehicles were quite large, we needed a couple of smaller rigid vehicles for the fleet,” Nathan says. Vorstrom provided the company with a R560-14000 liquid waste vacuum and MiniVac vacuum pump for low clearance applications, which proved crucial for a number of tight access sites it was operating in in
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Brisbane. The speedy service was particularly notable for Nathan, placing the order in August last year and arriving within six to eight weeks. “We needed a short vehicle to support 14,000 litres quickly and only had four weeks until the contract started.” Nathan says that the company processes around 50 to 60,000 tonnes per annum of liquid waste in its Queensland operation. He says that most organisations O NST R UCES WAST E FO MON TY C R ED LU use rigid 6x4 trucks comprising about 10 to 12,000 DU litres, but REMONDIS needed the 14,000 litre in an 8x4 configuration for extra payload. “The shorter vehicle with the larger payload is an unusual combo, but it was important we had a better turning circle for tight spaces such as schools not designed to fit a vacuum tanker.” Nathan says the MiniVac is also designed to get into car parks and underground spaces, and it was quite an achievement for Vorstrom to deliver such a small, lowclearance vehicle with a 4000-litre payload. Nathan says the R560-14,000 and MiniVac also contain a relatively quieter pumps in comparison to older units. The heavy-duty machine is also versatile, he adds and can handle viscous or some sludgy materials. The R560-14000 model is ideal for liquid waste, including septic and sewer, sludge, slurry and grease trap waste. Low maintenance operations combined with high quality, off-the-shelf components support performance at eme accuracy, speed and consistency ofbarrel cut, capacity, combined with very low operating a low cost of ownership. A 14,000-litre ew HLF laser system is the perfect way to take your low business to the next level. complete hydraulic operate the vacuum acy,Yawei speed andfiber consistency oftocut, combined with very operating pump and tipping ram, are just a few of the machine’s HLF fiber laser is the perfect way to take your business to the next level. stand-out llar, the new HLFfeatures. is in a league of its own, opening up possibilities for companies Paul Cuskelly’s 20 years of experience working for production,Heavy e laser cutting sector; start-ups through to full 3-shiftduty, reliable, cost effective recycling w HLF is in a league offrom its own, opening up possibilities for companies a variety of major waste companies put him in good s. solutions ting sector; from start-ups through to full production, 3-shift stead to join liquid waste company Enwaste about Australia’s favourite solution for all kinds of waste/ 18 months ago. ty German built Precitec auto-focus cutting head, IPG laser source, Siemens materials reduction applications The business began investing in Vorstrom vacuum troller and a fabricated, stress-relieved fully annealed frame it really is a cut above built Precitec auto-focus cutting head, IPG laser source, Siemens trucks three-and-a half years ago with the acquisition of Extensive range available: a fabricated, stress-relieved fully annealed frame it really is a cut above a TRD940-11000 equipped with a hydraulically driven • Vision Series Shredders 940CFM vacuum pump and 11,000 litre capacity tank. • Gran-Calibur Series Granulators Paul says that Enwaste moves in the vicinity of 70,000 • Complete recycling lines; tyres, e-waste, cable, rmation: litres a day of liquid waste. With the need to minimise plastic washing & drying. loading times and improve efficiency, the company 8066 turned to Vorstrom for a solution. “The Vorstrom appliedmachinery.com.au machines load products in half the time of the previous pliedmachinery.com.au hinery.com.au equipment, which is a significant saving in time and Connect with us socially ery.com.au cost.” Connect withwith us socially Paul says that after-sales support is strong, any problems sorted promptly and backed up with a 22/12/16 9:27 am 12-month workmanship warranty. 22/12/16 9:27 am
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FEATURED TOPIC – LIQUID WASTE AND HAZARDOUS WASTE
Galvanised into action THE ACIDIC WASTE FROM GALVANISING HAS TRADITIONALLY GONE TO LANDFILL, BUT A RESEARCH TEAM IN NEW ZEALAND HAS IDENTIFIED A SOLUTION CLOSE TO COMMERCIALISATION.
The new process will be used in the early stages of galvanising.
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he history of galvanising began about 300 years ago, when an alchemist immersed clean iron into molten zinc and discovered a shimmering silver coating had developed in the iron. What initially started out as testing and cleaning in parts of the globe, over time evolved into a construction industry standard process - applying zinc to steel and iron to prevent rust. By 1742, a chemist named Melouin presented the French Royal Academy with a research paper detailing how a zinc coating could be obtained on iron by dipping it in molten zinc, according to the Galvanizers Association. The discovery drew significant interest and by 1836 in Sorel, France, the term “galvanising” was coined after it was patented.
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While historical accounts remain sketchy, the more-than-100-year lifespan of zinc-coated products means that many of these materials will now be reaching their end of life. The galvanising industry produces very acidic waste containing iron and zinc due to the cleaning of steel prior to zinc coating. According to Blue Environment’s Hazardous Waste in Australia report, Victoria produced the largest quantities of acid wastes in 2014-15 at 59 per cent, followed by Queensland with 35 per cent. The report shows one of the main sources of this waste are galvanisers. Australians generated 51,002 tonnes of acids in 2014-15. But researchers from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand have found a solution to protect the environment
from the subsequent toxic acid waste. Associate Professor of Engineering Dr Aaron Marshall and Chemical and Process Engineering Master’s student Jonathan Ring developed an almost zero-waste solution to treat the acid. Currently the galvanising process consists of neutralising the acid with carbonates (limestone) or alkaline chemicals, before being shipped off to landfill as sludge. The inventive process, which recently won funding in the university’s annual Innovation Jumpstart contest, enables 100 kilograms of zinc and 150 kilograms of iron per tonne of waste acid to be removed and recycled, instead of landfilled. Due to intellectual property, the researchers are not able to reveal the exact process of how it works. Aaron says that sending zinc to landfills is highly problematic. “The problem with sending zinc to a landfill is that zinc is considered a toxic metal, which means steps need to be taken to prevent it leaching out,” he says. “The other problem is that we’re going to run out of zinc eventually. At the current zinc usage rate, there’s only about 100 more years left of zinc, so if we keep throwing all the waste zinc away, it’s going to lead to some major environmental problems. “Currently many places need to regalvanise steel. Before they do this, they dissolve off the old galvanising
coating with the acid. This basically means they end up sending a lot of zinc to landfill. “As the world’s zinc resources are depleting quite rapidly, using our process to recover this zinc from the waste will mean that the zinc resources will last a longer time.” The research separated the zinc and iron from the acid and tested the leftover solution’s ability to be discharged safely within the environment. Additional testing was conducted to further treat the salty leftover solution. Aaron says the ultimate goal is to produce a solution which will leave no waste within the galvanising process. The new process will be used in the early stages of galvanising, with the outcome still delivering protective zinc coating to steel and iron. Although the technology has several
stages, companies can still benefit by stopping at stage one. “Stage one of our process makes enough change to their system that’s economic or has environmental benefits, and as we add each stage, the overall process becomes cleaner and cleaner, but more technically challenging,” Aaron says. Once fully commercialised, the solution will be able to annually recover up to $350,000 worth of discarded zinc from New Zealand’s galvanising industry and could lower disposal costs. However it’s still early days for commercialisation and more research is needed before production can commence. Key issues the technology is facing include selecting the right process equipment and testing the process at a galvanising plant to ensure that the equipment is fit for purpose.
Aaron says that the barriers to entry are breaking into an old and established industry, but fortunately as the disposal costs are high in many countries, companies have a real driver for implementing new waste processing technology. As most galvanising factories have limited budgets to try new technology, the research team have taken this into consideration and avoided expensive and complex technology to ensure it is commercially viable. “We’ve costed it and we think it’ll be beneficial, and the payback will be sufficient for the galvanising process,” he says. For next steps, Aaron says that securing more funds will be vital. Looking towards the future, a pilot plant is expected to be at a New Zealand galvanising factory by this year, but no deadline has been set yet.
COUNCIL IN FOCUS
Modern region COOLAMON SHIRE COUNCIL’S EXECUTIVE MANAGER PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COLBY FARMER EXPLAINS HOW THE COUNCIL’S FOOD AND GARDEN ORGANICS COLLECTION IS DRIVING DIVERSION IN THE REGION. Q. What are some of the challenges surrounding collection and recycling in the shire? A. Coolamon Shire is one of the richest agricultural and pastoral districts in the Riverina and is renowned for its production of wheat, canola, barley, oats and other cereal crops, as well as hay and chaff. Wool, lamb and beef are also important products from the area. The challenges include a distance between towns and villages, contamination of waste streams and providing value for money to residents who pay the waste levy for services. Engaging collection contractors who provide value for money, is another challenge, but we try to give predominance to services originating in major rural areas. Q. Which bin system do you use and why? A. Council uses a three-bin system in its two major towns being Coolamon and Ganmain. The system utilises a 140-litre household bin, 240-litre
recycling and 240-litre food and garden organics bin. The remaining villages are serviced by a two-bin system that incorporates a 40-litre household bin and 240-litre recycling system. Q. What has been working particularly well over recent years for the council in terms of waste management/recycling services? A. The introduction of a food organics and garden organics service in Coolamon and Ganmain has worked really well, with the respective communities really taking ownership and participating in the service. There has been a marked reduction in disposal of recycling materials that go into landfill cells due to the introduction of recycling bins, ongoing education campaigns and the implementation of the NSW Container Deposit Scheme. The introduction of the Community Recycling Sheds in partnership with the NSW EPA has worked really well in separating and disposing of materials
Introducing community recycling sheds has worked well for the council.
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off-site in an environmentally friendly/ sustainable manner. Q. What qualities do you look for in a successful tender? A. For a successful tender our fundamentals are to look for quality and service delivery, their waste education services, reporting commitments, communication, waste diversion initiatives and regulatory compliance. Of course, value for money also plays an essential role. Q. How do you see waste management evolving in regional NSW and how do you keep pace with change? A. Waste management and resource recovery in particular, has been a major challenge for many councils in the region. Many councils are geographically large, sparsely populated, and rural/ remote in nature. The low volumes of waste generated in rural townships and large travel distances have hindered the aggregation of waste materials for recycling and the rationalising of landfill operations. Waste management in rural areas will continue to evolve and keep pace with change by continuing to explore improvements in recycling and resource recovery rates and reducing contamination and waste to landfill. Achieving cost savings, delivering education campaigns to improve waste management behaviour and achieving higher environmental standards will also prove to be important.
WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – RECYCLING
Alex Fraser’s new glass recycling plant is capable of separating contaminants such as metal, paper and plastic from recyclable glass fines.
The road to recovery ALEX FRASER HAS DEVELOPED A WORLD-FIRST PROCESS TO RECYCLE MORE THAN 150,000 TONNES OF GLASS FINES BEING STOCKPILED OR LANDFILLED IN MELBOURNE EVERY YEAR.
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o you know what you’re driving on? This is the question Alex Fraser poses to consumers as part of Green Roads, a campaign that demonstrates the benefits of building greener roads with recycled materials. Reducing waste to landfill, infrastructure costs, glass waste, truck traffic and natural resources extraction, the company illustrates that a smarter way of construction exists. While Green Roads is a relatively new brand, Alex Fraser has been supplying green construction material to infrastructure companies for decades. The company is continuing to partner with developers and governments to reduce their carbon footprint and overall costs. Its work with councils, assets owners, contractors and regulators has over time seen an increased uptake of recyclables across more than 250 major infrastructure projects throughout
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Melbourne and Brisbane. One of its main areas of expertise is developing recycled glass sand that can be used in VicRoads-approved roadbase and asphalt. More than 150,000 tonnes of glass fines generated in Melbourne each year are unable to be recycled using traditional methods as its particles are too small to colour sort. Alex Fraser has been recycling this material for close to a decade now. However, a more problematic glass waste stream known as CSP has also been accumulating. CSP contains other materials like ceramics, stone porcelain, as well as metals, plastics and paper. Peter Murphy, Alex Fraser Managing Director, says these burgeoning stockpiles compelled Alex Fraser to forge a more sustainable way forward. “Over the last six years we’ve travelled the world researching plant designs, scoping the technology and
testing the components needed to design an innovative glass recycling plant, capable of producing a high quality construction sand from even the most difficult glass waste streams,” he says. Last year, the company built its first fixed glass recycling plant capable of separating contaminants such as metal, paper and plastics from recyclable glass fines. The custom-designed facility features a range of technologies to separate impurities from glass, as well as selfcleaning screens. Conveyors link the glass recycling facility to the company’s main recycling plant, enabling the glass sand to be blended into other products according to carefully calibrated mix designs. This link substantially reduces diesel consumption. The new facility is Victoria’s first licensed glass recycling plant under the state’s new EPA regulations. Now in full production, it is capable of recycling up
to 150,000 tonnes a year, equating to four million bottles per day. The recycled sand is currently blended into roadbase, or used on its own in pipe bedding, filter/ drainage and a range of other uses in infrastructure works. A recent example of glass sand application was Victoria’s Kororoit Creek Road Level Crossing Removal Project, a thoroughfare to the state’s west. A grade separation at Kororoit Creek Road was undertaken by the Level Crossing Removal Project. Alex Fraser’s recycled sand was used as bedding material for the combined services conduit housing the communications and power cables. The sustainable sand is consistently tested to ensure it remains within specifications. While the material is being put to good use, Peter expects that recycled glass sand will be used in more concrete and higher value applications in the near future. Across its five recycling sites in Victoria and Queensland, Alex Fraser recycles concrete, brick, asphalt, rock, glass, industrial sands and ballast – annually diverting up to 4.5 million tonnes from landfill. This large-scale capacity makes it one of Australia’s largest providers of sustainable construction materials.
Peter says the company’s scale sets it apart, in addition to offering a reliable, high-quality product that meets government specifications. “We love to innovate but we pride ourselves on reliability. We have proved we can ably supply high volumes of consistent, quality materials to major projects. “Our network of sites across Victoria and Queensland means we can service the market anywhere around those metropolitan areas. Some local governments have been using our products for 20 to 30 years,” he says. Alex Fraser accepts recyclable construction waste materials from demolitions, as well as glass fines from major recyclers and local government agencies. They apply strict rules on materials they accept, taking only concrete, brick, asphalt and rock at the gate. The company adheres to stringent quality and safety standards, not accepting any cement sheeting or asbestos. Mixed loads are inspected carefully to ensure no unsafe materials are allowed. Peter says that while there is potential for more glass recycling plants in the company’s future, in the short term the plant will produce enough glass sand to supply to its asphalt plants in Laverton and
Dandenong and recycling plants in Epping, Clarinda and Dandenong. The launch of the glass recycling plant aligns with the commissioning of Alex Fraser’s new High Recycled Technology asphalt plant in Laverton, uniquely designed to blend large quantities of recycled glass, asphalt and plastics into sustainable asphalt mixes. “Our new plants substantially increases our capacity to service our long-standing customers with greener products. Instead of trucking sand to our asphalt plants from outlying areas, we use quality, recycled sand produced within the metropolitan area, saving thousands of truck movements and tonnes of carbon,” he says. Looking to the future, Peter is confident the company’s long history of growth will continue on an upward trajectory, along with the end markets’ appetite for sustainable alternatives. “With 140 years of operation, 50 million tonnes recycled and hundreds of green roads behind us, the future looks bright. “As long as our communities are recycling, and keeping pressure on the people building our infrastructure to do it sustainably, we have an important role to play in building greener roads that ensure a thriving circular economy,” he says.
In the short term, the new plant will produce enough glass sand for Alex Fraser to supply to its asphalt and recycling plants in other suburbs.
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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – RECYCLING
Green eyes APPLIED MACHINERY’S CHRISTIAN MCLEAN SEES THE RECYCLING INDUSTRY’S CHALLENGES AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW THE SECONDARY REPROCESSING MARKET.
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ndustry reactions to China’s National Sword policy have been mixed, with some concerns about the economic viability of the international recycling trade. Others, such as Christian McLean, Applied Machinery’s new Recycling Division Consulting General Manager, see China’s policy as an opportunity. Christian believes the industry can capitalise on these new requirements by investing in equipment capable of generating cleaner value-added materials, building up the secondary reprocessing market in the process. When China began imposing restrictions on the importation of recycled materials and only accepting goods with a contamination rate of 0.5 per cent or less, Australian recyclers were forced to reassess their processing capabilities. Christian’s more than 17 years’ experience in the environmental, and waste and recycling sectors has seen him develop a passion for sustained operational cost improvements that provide positive environmental outcomes. This inspired Christian to view the China situation through “green eyes”, seeing the policy as a chance to create a circular economy in Australia. “China has decided to protect its environment and improve its living standards, which is fantastic and creates a great opportunity for Australia to start developing new systems and waste processing infrastructure,” Christian says. Christian started his own atypical waste management business earlier
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Christian McLean is helping Applied Machinery to enhance its capabilities in plastic processing.
this year called WastePro, which also has a consultancy arm. From there, he formed a collaborative partnership with Applied Machinery, a leading Australian supplier of equipment for the recycling, sheet metal, engineering and plastics industries. Applied Machinery then brought him on to support unprecedented demand in NSW and Queensland for its recycling solutions. Christian will help with general management, process design and project implementation within Applied Machinery’s recycling division due to his extensive knowledge in plastic processing, recycling and manufacturing. He plans to use his expertise to guide customers in making informed decisions, not only with their machinery purchases but also assisting them to plan for production agility and lean design thinking to maximise future productivity. “We want to provide affordable, high-value equipment solutions to our customers which enable them to capitalise on current and future market growth, while also being mindful of their responsibilities and regulatory obligations as waste processors,”
Christian says. Together, WastePro and Applied Machinery hope to support the secondary Australian reprocessing market to achieve the rapid improvements needed to re-enable the international trade of recyclable resources and value-added products. “We don’t want people buying gold-plated equipment that is poorly utilised, we want it to be fit for purpose and value for money. Recycling is not a simple process. The more detailed thought you can put into it up front before committing capital, the better, but now is definitely the time to commit,” Christian says. “The support we offer after installation and commissioning and the network connections we provide for supply and offtake of material means we add a lot of value to the customer. We’re not just selling them equipment and saying goodbye.” Christian hopes his work with Applied Machinery will lead to a wide scale implementation of affordable, high-value equipment across a broad cross-section of the sector. “The tyranny of distance, reliability of available tonnes and the variable
price of the finished recyclate are marginal to make a strong business case for most of the high-end European or Japanese equipment. “Reliable, value-for-money gear to get things rolling is what is needed, but most important is to receive government support where available, and get things happening now,” Christian says. Tackling the issues raised by China is key to Christian’s new position, one he believes requires a triple bottom line approach, a principal he developed at WastePro and brings to Applied Machinery. According to Christian, the three bottom lines are profitability, the planet and its people. He will be working with Applied Machinery to help Australian businesses achieve all three.
Profitability he says is an obvious one. People need to be making money. The planet is more complex, referring to the need to acknowledge the rapid consumption of limited resources and think about the circular economy. He says this will require regenerating those resources into renewables and using less of them in the first place. The third principal, the people, refers to Christian’s belief that business and environmental outcomes need to incorporate community participation. “We try to encourage industry to utilise local community organisations and small businesses. “If there’s a local operator running a recycling service, why not give the work to them? If social enterprise or disability services business can assist add value to the recyclables, let’s engage them to help,” Christian says.
He believes that the integration of all three bottom lines will help enable growth in the industry while addressing issues surrounding longterm enterprise sustainability. Another way Christian thinks the Australian industry can grow is to invest waste levy capital directly into recycling projects. He says that while waste levies are an effective way to pressure industry to consider alternative options to landfill, the money needs to be directly reinvested in reduction and recycling projects so all options can be explored. While a lot of hurdles were created when China tightened its contamination restrictions, Christian sees a bright future ahead for the burgeoning Australian waste and recycling industry. “This is the single greatest opportunity Australia has had to boost the sector – ever.”
WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – RECYCLING
Advanced screening ASTEC AUSTRALIA’S ADAM GORDON HIGHLIGHTS THE BENEFITS OF HIGH-FREQUENCY SCREENING FOR GLASS RECYCLING.
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quipment supplier Astec Australia’s passion for innovation has seen it position itself at the forefront of offering advanced technologies for materials recovery facilities and recyclers. Adam Gordon, National Account Manager – Aggregate and Mining has been outlining the productivity benefits of high-frequency screening for glass recycling over conventional screens.
brought to Australia in November 2016 to demonstrate their ability to screen very fine and difficult material. “The demonstrations showed they could handle far more throughput compared to a conventional screen and keep running, whereas a conventional screen had to stop every two hours to unblock it. “With the mass of particles being smaller, in order get separation of the particles for a smaller sized
Astec’s various plants offer waste operators the ability to remove deleterious materials.
Astec’s various plants offers waste operators the ability to remove deleterious materials such as straws and labels through screening processed waste glass back into sand for reuse at significantly higher tonnages than what is currently available. “Most conventional screens will only screen efficiently down to a four-millimetre particle, but as soon as the plasticity or moisture content increases, those screens become grossly inefficient and your tonnage drops,” Adam explains. These high-frequency plants were
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fraction you need that high frequency to separate them above the surface tension between the particles,” Adam explains. The operating principles of highfrequency screening works on the basic processes of stratification – as larger size particles rise to the top of the vibrating material bed and smaller sized particles sift through voids to the bottom. It also works on the probability of separation as particles that reach apertures are rejected if larger than the opening or passed through if smaller.
To maximise fines efficiency, Adam says it’s important that the right amount of frequency is induced to the bed of material causing stratification to take place. The angle should also match or pass the angle of repose of the material being screened, according to Adam. He says the screening action can be adjusted to suit the material, with up to seven different exciters per deck that can be fine-tuned for speed and stroke to suit the mass directly above. Adam says that many believe that in order to give the material the opportunity to pass through the opening, one must decrease the screen angle, but this is not true. “By decreasing the angle, an excessive bed of material will build up on the screen, thus preventing stratification from occurring. “With stratification and separation in mind, it becomes obvious that to more efficiently screen your product, one must increase the angle of the screen.” Individually adjustable hydraulic motors enable revolutions per minute (RPM) and stroke adjustments, thus allowing stratification to take place. Adam explains that conversely, there is only one stroke and RPM in conventional screens. Some models available include the Tracked Astec FT2618VM High Frequency Screen, which is driven by 11 variable speed hydraulic vibrators running at up to 4200 RPM. Overall, Adam is buoyed by the results and encourages operators to see the evidence for themselves.
SAVE THE DATE
1 ST - 3 R D A P R I L 2 02 0
ME L B O U R N E CO N V E N T I O N & EXHIBITION CENTRE
WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TRANSPORT
Maximum uptake SCRAP METAL RECYCLER RECYCAL UPGRADED ITS FLEET IN A BID TO CARRY MAXIMUM PAYLOADS ACROSS ITS NATIONAL COLLECTION SERVICE.
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n the sprawling Victorian Hume Highway, an illuminated green truck transports scrap metal from Albury back to the city. Family-owned and operated scrap metal recycler Recycal travels the country ensuring waste and recyclables reach an environmentally sustainable destination. Jason Zorzut, Operations Manager at Recycal, says the business has grown exponentially over the past decade. “We started off with a ute and a trailer and our business got to a point where it had to expand and replace the old fleet of vehicles due to reliability issues and downtime,” he says. Jason says that as general manufacturing has changed rapidly over the past five years, Recycal diversified across a range of industry segments, including ferrous and non-ferrous metal, and this led it to reevaluate its existing fleet. Recycal’s statewide operations, spanning major operations across Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Launceston and Hobart, meant it needed a national supplier to support its continued growth. Gough Palfinger Australia’s national service network, reliability and strong service provision saw Recycal turn to the company for an entire fleet of cranes and hookloaders, with the relationship commencing in 2014. Recycal has since invested in a diverse fleet ranging from smaller trucks with tailgate lifters to 10-axle hookloaders with trailer combinations. With a variety of assets on their way,
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Palfinger’s national service network was a key reason why Recycal chose to partner with them.
Recycal’s fleet will this year feature more than 20 Scania vehicles fitted with Palfinger equipment. One of the most recent purchases was Recyal’s investment in five Scania 8x4s mounted with Palfinger T22A hookloaders. Jason says that the lightweight design of the hookloader means Recyal is able to mount larger cranes with greater lifting capacity and longer reach. The telescopic arm of the T22A supports the use of a variety of containers with varying lengths. “Truck and crane business are very similar in many ways. However, we feel the Palfinger equipment gives us a competitive edge. The double articulation of the T22A hookloader provides full versatility to swap truck bodies and do anything,” Jason says. As a universally applicable machine, the 5975-millimetre-long T22A Palfinger hookloaders are the most
popular models in the line-up and the ideal size for a range of 8×4 trucks. Jason says that each year, the company has ordered up to three additional trucks with the Palfinger units attached, adding that the decision is supported by a strong relationship with Gough Palfinger. He says that in Victoria alone, Recycal collects around 100 containers per day. “Our Palfinger cranes load up to 2.5 tonnes, while the average hookloader collects up 10 tonnes,” Jason says. The T22A Hookloader is capable of collecting containers as large as 36 cubic metres with a weight of close to 13 tonnes. According to Stuart Cameron, Key Accounts Manager for Victoria, SA and Tasmania at Gough Palfinger Australia, the company’s statewide service partners ensures minimal downtime for Recyal. Through Gough Transport
Solutions, the company provides scheduled servicing, preventative maintenance and repairs onsite. “Our national network of service partners provides customers with peace of mind that any repairs and breakdowns will be sorted promptly,” Stuart says. He says that Palfinger’s specialised service begins with the company performing stability calculations to ensure the vehicle has the best available lifting capacity to suit the vehicle. The units are then fitted at Palfinger’s Melbourne office before delivery. Stuart says the telescoping and articulating arm provides capacity for Recycal’s heavy scrap loads. “A truck on the road in Victoria is allowed to lift around 15 tonnes at a maximum. The 22-tonne is a lightweight hooklift, so it provides a
better lifting capacity,” he says. “We are continually working on providing a high quality of service and maintenance for our customers. Knowing the ins and outs of the fleet makes it easy for us to fix any problems as soon as possible.” Recycal’s fleet also includes a number of Palfinger cranes, including one Scania 8x4 with a front mounted Palfinger PK9001-EH-V and three Scania 6x3s equipped with a rear mounted Palfinger PK9001-EH-B loader crane. Jason says that occupational health and safety is critical for Recycal and its multinational customers that require equipment to be certified for use on site. “Having new Palfinger late model cranes with the latest safety features gives us a commercial edge and peace of mind,” he says. He says that all in all, reliability
has been the biggest advantage of the technology, with safety features protecting the gear from wear and tear. The crane units comprise a wireless remote control for added safety and user friendliness. Jason says this enables the operator to have full visibility to observe any potential hazards whether it be power lines, surrounding infrastructure or other vehicles. A remote display shows the cranes load capacity in percentage terms to allow the driver to ascertain how much the crane unit can stretch. On the hook units, sensors and locking mechanisms support driver safety. Jason says that after-sales support is strong and remains confident of the ability to turn to Palfinger’s national service centre should anything go wrong.
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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TRANSPORT
From the ground up WEST-TRANS GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR JIM WHITTLE HIGHLIGHTS THE KEY TO THE COMPANY’S SUCCESS AS IT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF BUSINESS.
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he evolution of West-Trans began 25 years ago when Jim Whittle, an engineer by trade, and his father saw the value in acquiring a small business. Having worked in the lifting industry and experienced in manufacturing, Jim would over time became a transport expert. In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, West-Trans redirected its focus into hooklift and skip loader manufacturing. Its business growth was further accelerated when it picked up the distribution rights for HMF Vehicle Loading Cranes in 2009. What started out predominantly as a tipper business progressively transformed into a niche manufacturing hooklift and skip loader company and one of the only businesses of its kind in Australia. Over the years,
it diversified its business by branching into importing and selling related products such as hydraulic oil tanks and tarping systems. Starting with an office and factory in Mulgrave, NSW, the business expanded over the decade that followed. Growing demand led to Jim opening up first in Victoria, then adding a sales office in Queensland, before completing the map with a service workshop and sales office in Perth. Since then he has added another factory building at the Mulgrave complex, and a third factory nearby. Now celebrating 25 years, the company employs more than 70 staff with skills covering design, fabrication, engineering, fitting and technical support, all tailored to meet its customers needs.
West-Trans’ Jim Whittle attributes the success of West-Trans to having the right employees who are experts in their areas.
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With his two sisters employed at the company and his son now in an entry level position in the business, Jim says that West-Trans prides itself on being a family business. Jim says he attributes success to having the right employees who are experts in their areas, which translates into strong backup support that keeps customers returning. “Being able to still manufacture in Australia is something we are particularly proud of. “We spent a lot of time early in the piece working directly with our customers. We looked at the design and the existing bins and offered a standard product tailored to local needs, and that’s how we expanded across the Australian market,” he says. “It’s slightly different to what we compete against from the European market. We are designed more for Australian conditions.” Customising elements such as deck length, tie down points, hand rails, hook or chain unloading systems, West-Trans works with a range of small, medium and large enterprises to continually develop its products to meet the ever-increasing demand for quality and reliability in the waste collection industry. The company offers a range of hooklifts, skip loaders and tarping systems, in standard and custom builds and colours under the West-Trans brand. As a response to an increased demand for safety, and to ensure it is supplying the latest products, West-Trans has evolved into offering more tarping and
large tipping trailers. “The tarping systems we use are lighter and alleviate the need for drivers to jump on the back of the machine for load covering,” Jim says. In relation to their local manufacturing, he says there are more automated processes coming onstream. “A welding robot is something we are looking at for later this year,” he says. He adds that this and areas such as jigs will help manufacturing meet the growing demand for volume growth and quality. A variety of locally designed and manufactured products are on offer, ranging from three to 15-tonne skip loaders, and hooklifts from six to 28 tonnes. Jim says that minimising the weight of equipment to carry higher payloads remains an ongoing priority. The wide range of hooklifts are
Accurate bin weights mean accurate invoices Increase profits by matching bin revenue to dumping costs and eliminate overload fines.
supplied with telescopic jibs, with some models available with an articulated jib and handcrafted to meet customer requirements of both quality and durability. Skip loaders are offered standard with telescopic arms, or custom-made with bi-fold or straight arm variants, taking the specific requirements of local operators into account. According to West-Trans, the HL20a is the hooklift of choice for all of the major scrap and waste contractors nationally. The company notes they build everything in house, and use only quality locally sourced components that are easily serviceable anywhere in Australia. Working with his younger son who is studying at trade school, Jim hopes he too can carry the family business into the third generation, building Australia’s toughest hooklifts and skip loaders.
Ready 3860 17670
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For more information: visit loadritescales.com/waste or call +61 2 9531 6732
Accurate invoicing with Trimble LOADRITE scales
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load covering systems for scrap metal and other waste and recyclables carriers. Since launching, the take-up of the tarpaulin systems in the Australian market is growing steadily. WestTrans has continually been refining its service offering. Products such as the HyCover and Mini HyCovers use air rather than hydraulics to extend the tower, and a high-duty cycle electric motor to extend and retract the heavy-duty tarp. The products operate in unison with a hooklift or skip loader. The efforts result in a system that weighs just under 200 kilograms, which is half the weight of the traditional hydraulically actuated tarps currently being used in Australia, at roughly 70 per cent of the cost. Other systems such as the DoubleCover can also be used for more heavy duty applications such as
WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – ORGANICS
The Peterson 2710D is designed for high production operations.
The front runner THE NORTH WEST RECYCLING CENTRE LOOKED TO FIND AN EFFICIENT SOLUTION TO SUPPORT ITS GREEN WASTE RECYCLING BUSINESS OPERATING IN THE FAST-PACED SYDNEY BASIN.
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bout 48 kilometres north-west of Sydney lies the suburb of Riverstone. Settled in 1803 as part of a government stock farm, Riverstone is one of the oldest towns in Australia. It’s also the location of the North West Recycling Centre, a business specialising in recovering green waste material for recycling into high value organic products. The company’s mission, to provide its customers with a smarter alternative to waste management and reduce their costs, has remained front and centre since Director David Murphy started operations in 1996. Together with his other business C.J Murphy Tree Recycling Services, David says the organisations have since evolved from a small to multimillion dollar operation. It now offers a total solution to vegetation management, including commercial land clearing, right through to green waste and EPAapproved composting across various sites within the Sydney basin, including in Schofields and Leppington. The
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company has also worked on various large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Northern Road upgrade and spends significant time travelling on arterial roads. With efficient green waste shredding being a priority, David says the company needed an efficient, economical and mobile machine to support its customers. Once green waste is collected at the North West Recycling collection centre, the organic matter begins a 10-12 week process where it is recycled and converted into compost, organic soil conditioner and mulch products. David says it was particularly important to find a machine that could significantly reduce the size of C.J. Murphy’s green waste as the Sydney suburbs the company operates in are high density. “It’s very important for us to be within Roads and Maritime Services limits on kerbside views and weights,” David explains. To support these requirements, David turned to Komatsu, a company
that was able to meet his needs above and beyond the competition. Komatsu recommended the 2710D Horizontal Grinder, a portable an efficient grinder that could reduce contamination at a high throughput. “We looked at a lot of machines on the market and product support and maximum downtime were our biggest considerations,” David says. “Reducing downtime was key for us as our clients are on tight schedules and any time lost can be costly.” The North West Recycling Centre tailors its solutions to customers for better collection efficiency and ecofriendly working, aiming to save them on transportation, labour, tipping and environmental costs. The company accepts all green waste materials, including tree stumps, logs and branches shrubs, glass clippings, noxious materials and other green wastes. David says that the heavy duty and mobile machine is also able to handle a variety of materials with its large feed opening. The 2710D Horizontal
Grinder uses a three-stage grinding process to improve material fracturing and result in a more consistent product. Weighing in at 30,900 kilograms, it is the lightest of the grinder series. An impact release system comprises air bags that provide uniform grinding and protection from contaminated feedstocks. Urethrane cushions and shear pins help protect the mill from catastrophic damage should contaminants in the feedstock cause an impact. Combined with a powerful Caterpillar C18 engine, the 2710D is designed for high-production operations and frequent moves between jobs. David says the engine has a higher amount of torque than the previous model. The 2710D includes a large grate area that enables it to produce materials to exact specifications. A quick change
multiple grade system allows users to customise grate configurations with ease for a wide range of finished materials. Grates can also be removed through an easy access door on the side wall. For operators working on hilly or rocky terrain, triple grouser wide tracks enable better handling and maximise productivity. With the company processing up to 1000 tonnes of green waste a day, every hour not spent processing is a potential dollar lost. “At the end of the day, it all comes down to efficiency and outgoing and running costs versus processing gains. It’s a pretty efficient machine compared to others out there on the market,” David says. He says that Komatsu’s product support team was of great assistance, as
they are able to support the company with basic welding and repairs as well as a full service of CAT engines. Komatsu offers 12 months, 2000 hours warranty as standard on genuine parts supplied and fitted by the company for service and repairs. In addition, Komatsu Australia’s Condition Monitoring Services can be utilised to maximise equipment uptime with in-depth analysis, testing and evaluation. This allows operators to identify any potential warning signs and issues to prevent early component failures. “Komatsu is very easy to contact for backup service and has been great to deal with,” David says. He says that he is so pleased with the machines that he is already looking at a third to support the growth of the business.
L110H
DESIGNED FOR PRODUCTIVITY
YOUR PARTNERS IN
Volvo D8J Engine Net Power 190 kW
WASTE HANDLING
Breakout Force 157.7 kN
11,420 kg Tipping load at full turn Bucket Capacity 3.4 m3
Volvo’s L110H has been designed for protection of both man and machine - with a filter system in a class of its own, the air in a Volvo cab is always clean; dust and dirt won’t get into the operator’s lungs or the engine, transmission, axles, hydraulics and fuel tank. The certified ROPS/FOPS cab features ergonomically placed controls, a superior climate control system, all round visibility and low internal noise levels.
18,560 kg Operating Weight MEET THE TEAM:
As focus continues to shift to intensive recycling not just waste handling, Volvo is ready.
L120H
19,420 kg / 203 kW
L150H 24,090 kg / 220 kW
L180H
27,060 kg / 245 kW
L220H 31,190 kg / 273 kW
BIG ENOUGH TO TRUST SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE www.cjd.com.au | 1300 139 804 | enquiries@cjd.com.au Facebook.com/cjdequipment
WANT TO PUT ONE TO THE TEST? CALL 1300 139 804 FOR A FREE DEMONSTRATION & QUOTE
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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – LANDFILL MANAGEMENT
Efficient technology POSITION PARTNERS HIGHLIGHTS THE MULTIPLE PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY BENEFITS OF ITS CARLSON LANDFILLGRADE MACHINE GUIDANCE SYSTEM.
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n the modern age of landfilling, operators seek the best and most efficient solutions to maximise their bottom line. Optimising the amount of soil for daily cover, managing vertical space and leachate and gaining access to quality and accurate data are just some of the ways operators are
daily cover. The machine aims to help operators gain the best value from each cubic metre of airspace, aided by alternative daily cover and waste compaction. The Carlson system can be installed on a wide range of landfill plants and has a demonstrated track record with Australian waste facilities.
Position Partners’ Carlson LandfillGrade machine helps operators with avoidance zones for gas wells and hazardous material placement.
improving their sites. Covering all of these areas is Position Partners’ Carlson LandfillGrade machine guidance system, which also helps operators with avoidance zones for gas wells and hazardous material placement. The Carlson LandfillGrade machine guidance system aims to optimise the amount of soil used for
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ENHANCE VERTICAL SPACE Through optimised compaction and increased density, the machine assists landfill site operators to maximise the void space of their landfill site. According to Andrew Granger, National Manager – Mining, Solar and Landfill at Position Partners, the machine’s in-cab system means that machine operators don’t have
to guess when they’re at optimum compaction. This means that operators aren’t continuing to pass over an area after full compaction has been reached, saving on time, machine wear and fuel costs. IMPROVING SAFETY The Carlson LandfillGrade system increases safety on site through improved operator situation awareness and Fixed Hazard Collision Warning technology. Improved operator situation awareness is achieved through the constant and accurate display of the machine’s position relative to fixed infrastructure or hazards. The Fixed Hazard Collision Warning technology provides audible and visual alarms when the machine gets too close to predefined hazards such as buildings. Carlson LandfillGrade from Position Partners also aids leachate management through accurate and simplified slope designs to control water run-off and minimise leachate for disposal or treatment. The technology eliminates the need for staff to gain access to machines to upload and download data with wireless data exchange. REAL-TIME DATA With the machine, landfill site operators get access to the Carlson Command control, monitoring and data management system. The system transmits data between the machines and the office.
Carlson Command gives operators the ability to gain real-time data on waste compaction and airspace utilisation. The Carlson system also provides instant feedback to compactor operators so that they could operate to design and know when optimal waste compaction has been achieved. “Ultimately, data is supposed to make your life easier, not harder, so it’s important to get it working just the way it needs to so that it enables productivity, not hinders it,” Andrew says. Service and support are important parts of the Position Partners offering, along with capability and price. Andrew says that customers have access to the local team of product specialists who can discuss how the system would be of benefit and
optimise it to unique site requirements. He says that once the technology is implemented, users will have access to Position Partners technical experts (either by phone or email) via Tokara Link remote diagnostics and telematics. “Feedback from our customers has always highlighted the importance of timely and efficient support,” Andrew says. “We’ve prioritised this with the development of Tokara, which enables our technicians to solve most problems without even visiting the site – the time and cost savings are huge.” According to Position Partners, Tokara is designed to help operators get the most from a landfill machine guidance with fast, comprehensive support when they need it. The
service enables Position Partners’ technicians to connect directly to operator machines via a small telemetry link to offer faster, hasslefree remote support. “Position Partners technicians are experts in their field and with the remote service capabilities enabled with Tokara Link, the team can assist customers quickly without visiting the machine in person, saving you time and keeping you within your budgets,” Andrew says. He says that Tokara has been developed in Australia, using local skills and programmers. Andrew adds that it has been based around customer requirements, and extensively tested with contractors and end-users throughout the country to ensure it works in the harsh environment of landfilling.
WANT TO MANAGE YOUR SITE MORE EFFECTIVELY?
Optimise compaction and increase productivity with Carlson machine guidance. Backed by industry expertise & nationwide support at Position Partners.
1300 867 266 • positionpartners.com.au
APCO COLUMN
Evidence-based progress APCO CEO BROOKE DONNELLY EXPLAINS SOME OF THE KEY ACTION POINTS ACHIEVED BY STAKEHOLDERS AND OTHERS THAT LIE AHEAD TO MEET THE 2025 NATIONAL PACKAGING TARGETS.
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’m pleased to report that APCO has kicked off 2019 on a high, with several members of our team and extended network recognised for excellence in their respective fields. At the start of the year, APCO board member Keith Chessell received a World Packaging Organisation Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 52 years of service to the packaging, food and beverage industries. Selected by a panel of international judges, the award acknowledges excellence in all aspects of packaging science, including technology, design and application. Keith was the only Australian to receive the prestigious honour and will join fellow recipients Shahid Sheikh OBE (United Kingdom) and Gillian Loubser (South Africa) at the WorldStar Award Ceremony in Prague in May. Meanwhile in December, Dr Helen Lewis was recognised for her ongoing work in the fields of sustainability and product stewardship with the Waste Management Association of Australia 2018 Women in the Environment Award. Helen is a close partner of the APCO team. She has worked actively to develop the innovative packaging sustainability framework and tool that enables APCO members to benchmark their performance in meeting packaging sustainability targets. Helen
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will also lead a range of APCO projects in 2019, including further detailed research into packaging consumption and recycling to establish baselines for the 2025 National Packaging Targets and developing targeted design resources to improve packaging recyclability. A huge congratulations to Keith and Helen. These two high-profile accolades are testament to the quality of the APCO network, a community that is growing all the time. Last month we also had the pleasure of working with the team at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) for the launch of our 2018 Material Flow Analysis report. Developed by
Dr Nick Florin and Ben Madden, the project was an evidence-based body of work that outlines the journey of Australia’s packaging waste from bin to landfill or reprocessing. It also identified significant data and infrastructure challenges in the system and modelled five potential solutions for the future. A critical first step in achieving the 2025 National Packaging Targets, the report highlighted a compelling need to improve packaging recovery and recycling rates across all material streams. It also spotlighted several significant data and infrastructure gaps that need to be addressed before the targets can be achieved. Bringing
Shannon Smyth, Helen Lewis, Ben Madden, Nick Florin, Sam Anderson, Brooke Donnelly and Karl Shanley enjoyed an industry breakfast.
together data from government, industry and academic sources, expert interviews and peer review, and thorough mathematical modelling, it was a substantial piece work and a huge credit to the ISF research team. Our working groups are another area where APCO has benefited from the power of its networks. Throughout 2018 we facilitated a series of five, year-long industry working groups that were attended by more than 80 industry members from across the value chain and government. With diverse participants ranging from ecofriendly packaging company Biopak to glass recyclers O-I, MRA Consulting and representatives from all tiers of government, the groups met throughout the year to explore a range of solutions to problematic packaging types. These include glass, polymer
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coated paperboard, soft plastics, biodegradable and compostable packaging and expanded polystyrene. The working groups also produced a comprehensive list of recommended projects which have been refined into the APCO 2019 Project Plan – a schedule that will be overseen by our four new independently facilitated 2019 working groups. These groups will be focused on National Packaging Target implementation, design, systems and education and materials circularity. So how does all of this work come together? This year APCO will also be launching another critical piece of the puzzle, with the Collective Action Group (CAG), a team of leading industry and government representatives which will oversee the strategic delivery of the targets. Made up of a team of 12 third-party
experts representing the packaging value chain, the CAG will oversee the design of a systemic model for how Australia can transition to an advanced sustainable packaging ecosystem. It will be led by an independent chair, skilled in the facilitation of industry directed change models and coregulatory programs. I’m delighted to announce that Dr Anne Astin will be joining the CAG in the role of Chair, bringing her extensive industry expertise across the food supply value chain from production to consumption, along with government and academic research, regulation and policy. Looking to the year ahead, 2019 is already shaping up to be an active time as we bring together the foundational phase of the 2025 National Packaging Targets to life.
SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS
Logistics in reverse REVERSE LOGISTICS COMPANY CHEP AUSTRALIA OUTLINES ITS ACHIEVEMENTS TO HELP BUILD A CIRCULAR ECONOMY ACROSS THE SUPPLY CHAIN.
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ast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies play an essential role in the waste diversion process. KPMG’s FMCG and retail chain study identified food labelling and food waste as key issues for the industry. It noted that with population growth, less arable land and changing growing conditions, the focus on minimising food waste is increasing. As part of reducing supply chain waste, the logistics sector can make a contribution with Internet of Things, blockchain and other innovative packaging technologies extending
it partner with logistics companies to manage, maintain, transport and supply platforms for its customers. From pallets to containers, bins and store displays, the company supports the build, handling and transport of more efficient and sustainable product loads. According to Brambles 2018 Sustainability Review, the company perpetuates the share and reuse of more than 610 million reuable pallets, crates and containers. The model requires plastic pallets, crates and containers to be washed for reuse. Its wood and plastic aims to achieve zero product waste.
CHEP Australia won an APCO Award in 2018 for its efforts in sustainable packaging.
product shelf life. Rather than focusing on the linear model of take, make, dispose, global supply chain company CHEP Australia is enabling retailers, manufacturers and transporters to move goods around sustainably. With more than 1000 employees in Australia and New Zealand and in excess of 13,000 under its parent company Brambles, CHEP’s model sees
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CHEP Australia’s achievements locally saw it win an award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Packaging Operations at the 2018 Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Awards. The company primarily serves customers in the FMCG, fresh produce, beverage, retail and general manufacturing industries. With a circular economy focus, the company’s
strategy comprises providing a product as a service, recovering and reusing, product life extension, a sharing platform and circular supply chains. Some of the ways it provides a product as a service is offering the benefits of pallets, crates and containers without the purchasing and disposal burdens of ownership. It also designs its products for durability and avoids single-use alternatives. Through extensive sharing networks, the company is able to amplify its product value. In line with the APCO target of 100 per cent recyclable, reusable or compostable material, Brambles is also introducing fully renewable, recyclable or biodegradable materials to reduce costs and increase predictability and control. Lachlan Feggans, Director, Sustainability, Asia Pacific, Brambles Limited, says the company is helping FMCG’s and other retailers hit their sustainability targets. APCO members report on their sustainable performance using the organisation’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines. “When CHEP approaches a customer, we have to do it in a systematic way, because it’s difficult for us to target one part of the supply chain as our products are shared,” he says. “The interesting thing about the Australian market is that retailers seem to have a lot of clout. If they can benefit from more sustainable packaging options than they tend to help the rest of the supply chain adopt that process over time.” He notes that there are different
processes around the globe. “In the US, it’s growers that dictate packaging and the suppliers receive it. The unusual situation in the Australian market is that suppliers have been using a lot of single-use packaging. That relationship is strong and therefore they send that to retailers.” He says that CHEP’s use of reusable plastic containers can reduce food waste by up to four per cent compared to single-use products, including by cooling down a product more efficiently in the cold chain. According to the Brambles 2018 Sustainability Review, replacing singleuse products with alternative processes has saved its customers 1.4 million tonnes of waste, 4719 tonnes of food waste and 2.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Customers can also make their supply chain carbon neutral by purchasing carbon offset
credits. Almost 100 per cent of its wood material is also from certified sourced and it is aspiring for 100 per cent Chain of Custody certification by 2020. The report indicates that barriers to circular systems can be a lack of product standardisation and traceability, but fortunately companies that adopt the model end up benefiting. Lachlan says that CHEP conducts an environmental impact analysis on carbon emissions and solid waste savings from its circular activities, allowing them to present the evidence to shareholders and management. As a reverse logistics company, CHEP is able to monitor where its customers are in time and improve the efficiency of supply chains as a result. “CHEP is in a unique logistics category. We don’t own any trucks but what we see from other logistics
partners is the opportunity to move towards more efficient packaging on those trucks,” he says. Lachlan works with logistics supply chain providers to leverage data and ascertain whether trucks are full or empty. He says the critical element for businesses going forward is to ensure they conduct lifecycle assessments with third party organisations to ensure their processes are scrutinised. The challenges going forward, he says, will be to get the message out there to stakeholders of a circular economy. “The key point for us is that when you recycle any material, at least 10 per cent is lost. Recycling slows down the linear economy. Our way through a circular economy is to look at a new way of producing and consuming goods.”
SHIFTING THE FUTURE 600 Cranes Australasia Pty Ltd is now introducing Marrel hooklift to the Australian market. Class leading tare weight and heavy duty performance ensures Marrel is the class leading product for all hooklift applications. Complete installation utilising our own workshops and skilled technicians guarantees quality from product to complete fitment to your cab chassis. Nationwide after sales service and back up from
600 Cranes maintenance workshops with highly trained experts in hooklift and loader cranes service and repair. Marrel hooklift compliments our range of materials handling equipment including Fassi truck loader cranes and the Jekko crawler range. The complete range from 600 Cranes.
Contact the 600 team for more information.
VICTORIA +61 (03) 8727 2000 headoffice@600cranes.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES +61 (02) 9616 1600 sydney@600cranes.com.au QUEENSLAND +61 (07) 3480 2400 brisbane@600cranes.com.au SOUTH AUSTRALIA +61 (08) 8250 1511 adelaide@600cranes.com.au WESTERN AUSTRALIA +61 (08) 9413 4300 perth@600cranes.com.au
EVENTS – WASTE 2019
Leading the conversation WASTE MANAGEMENT REVIEW SPEAKS TO THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S ROZALINA PETROVA ON HOW THE EU PLANS TO ACHIEVE ITS BOLD RECYCLING TARGETS.
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he European Union’s (EU) directives on circular economy and resource recovery have had a significant influence on waste management policy discussion in Australia. Under the EU’s Directive passed in 2018 to reduce the burden of singleuse plastics on the environment, EU-wide market restrictions will be applied to plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, all products made of oxo-degradable plastic, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers and other single-use plastic products. The restrictions cover products where sustainable alternatives are available. The widespread reform has now seen the SA Government looking at similar measures on single-use plastic, followed by the ACT. The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia regularly cites the EU as an example of the leadership possible to achieve a circular economy. The EU’s 2018 Circular Economy sets ambitious recycling targets increasing progressively to 65 per cent of municipal waste by 2035 and 70 per cent of packaging waste by 2030. A binding target of a maximum of 10 per cent of by 2035 applies to municipal waste landfilling. When put into the context that the EU Commission is responsible for implementing legislation representing
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28 member states and a population of about 513 million, these aren’t small numbers. Rozalina Petrova, Policy Officer for Waste at the Directorate General for Environment of the European Commission, joined the commission in 2010 to work on a roadmap document for a resource efficient Europe. She tells Waste Management Review that this outlined the path to increase resource productivity and decouple economic growth from resource use. “It also defined the EU framework for various policies to work together and build on each other. The EU Circular Economy agenda on which I subsequently worked stemmed from the resource efficiency strategy, and gave a new impetus for policy development in the environmental area,” Rozalina explains. “In 2015, I took up the challenge to be part of negotiating the new EU waste legislation, which set one of the most ambitions set of recycling targets in the world.” She says that reaching the EU’s targets will mean there will be a need to improve separate collection and waste recycling in each country, region and municipality in the EU. “It also means improving the markets for secondary raw materials and boosting investments in waste prevention and recycling,” she says.
While economics can often be a barrier to accelerating environmental reform, Rozalina says that economics are at the core of policies aimed at sustainable development. “We have estimated that achieving 65 per cent recycling of municipal waste in the EU would require up to 30 billion euro of investments by 2035,” she says. She says that the “polluter pays principle” applied in the EU is essential to ensure sustainable financing of the waste management system. “Making producers responsible for the waste of their products is an effective way to implement this principle. Producers in the EU have such responsibility for a number of streams – end-of-life vehicles, batteries, now also packaging and fishing gear,” she says. “Pull measures for secondary raw materials are also important. Recently EU legislators agreed on 30 per cent recycled content in beverage bottles.” Rozalina’s lessons for Australia are that EU legislation demonstrated how bold, far-reaching and future oriented policy initiatives can make policy makers at national, supranational and local levels, industry and civil society all work together to find solutions for a better future. The EU has also set a target for all plastics to be recyclable by 2030 and
Rozalina says the EU has to ensure that the design of plastic products facilitates high quality recycling. “Plastic waste has to be separately collected, properly sorted and recycled to produce high-quality secondary materials. There should be no tradeoff between choosing for a recycled plastics product and selecting for quality,” she says. She notes that a true circular economy is about keeping our resources in the economy for as long as possible. “As citizens, we can choose products that are designed to be durable, repairable, reusable, refillable or upgradable.” Rozalina will present a keynote address on day two of Waste 2019, a leading conference for the waste sector in Australia and a household name. Attracting more than 630 delegates
nationally and internationally, the conference targets anyone who works in or has an interest in waste. The three-day conference at the Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour will feature presentations from government agencies such as EPA NSW, QLD Department of Environment and Science and Sustainability Victoria. Major waste companies Cleanaway and Bingo Industries and an array of local government representatives will also feature, as speakers discuss a variety of topics ranging from food waste to waste-to-energy, behavioural change and more. Technical tours and pre-conference workshops will also form part of the Waste 2019 event, along with networking events with experts in the field and the annual theme dinner. Rozalina hopes the conference will give her the opportunity to get
WASTE HANDLING & RECYCLING SOLUTIONS.
acquainted in detail with the recycling market in Australia, learn from the way Australian business and policy makers have dealt with its challenges, share the EU experience and discuss the trends that will shape the future of the circular economy. “I am particularly interested in improving the design, collection, sorting and recycling chain in order to deliver truly circular materials that we can re-inject in the economy for use in high added value applications, in innovation in waste management and recycling technologies, and in involving the citizens to participate in the move to a zero waste society,” she says. Waste 2019 takes place at the Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour from 14-16 May. To register your interest for Waste 2019, visit www. coffswasteconference.com.au
1300 278 322 • astecaustralia.com.au
CONCRETE RECYCLING. ASPHALT RECYCLING. GLASS RECYCLING BULK MATERIAL HANDLING. ATTACHMENTS.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Consistent application MARCUS GEISLER, WA WASTE AUTHORITY CHAIRMAN, PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON REFORMS CONTAINED IN THE NEW WASTE AVOIDANCE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY STRATEGY 2030.
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fter revamping its waste strategy in draft mode to 2030 at the end of 2018, the WA Government at the beginning of this year released its updated Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030. The strategy is supported by an action plan that includes a commitment to use more than 25,000 tonnes of recycled construction and demolition waste as road base under the Roads to Reuse program. It also includes a strategic review of WA’s waste and recycling infrastructure by 2020 to guide future development. A cornerstone of the waste strategy is a new target that will ensure all Perth and Peel households will have a third kerbside bin for food organics and garden organics (FOGO) by 2025. Other headline strategies are to review the scope and application of the waste levy, with a future schedule that contains a five-year horizon. Statewide communications will need to support waste education. Data collection and reporting systems will also be updated. With shared responsibilities across government, the business sector and community, the new strategy highlights the challenges that lie ahead. The action plan shows that WA generated 6.2 million tonnes of waste in 2014-15, a reduction of five per cent on the previous year. Waste to landfill is down 20 per cent at 3.61 million tonnes, though the strategy aims to ensure material recovery increases by 75 per cent by 2030. Marcus Geisler, WA Waste Authority
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Marcus Geisler says a new target has been included in the amended waste stategy for energy to be recovered only from residual waste.
Chairman, tells Waste Management Review a new target has been included for 2020, which is that from this date, energy is recovered only from residual waste. He says that a schedule of future waste levy rates will also be established as part of the strategy for the scope and application of the levy’s review, adding that it must meet the objectives of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030. Local governments will also be required to implement their waste plans to align with the strategy, with better practice guidelines to be developed by the Waste Authority. He says that waste plans are not considered a one-size-fits-all approach and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is developing guidance and templates to allow for consistency and flexibility. “Waste plans will summarise a local government’s current services, performance, policy and
contractual commitments and provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of existing waste programs and initiatives. They will also provide an evidence base to inform decision-making.” Marcus says that feedback from materials recovery facilities and councils has been supportive and positive, with local governments recognising the benefits of consistency, but funding is a perceived issue. He says that eight metropolitan local governments have committed to, or are already delivering, a three-bin FOGO kerbside service, with some 40 per cent of households in the Perth metro. Additionally, four metropolitan local governments and four regional local governments committed to, or are already delivering, a FOGO service. “By ‘committed’ we mean that the local government will be implementing the system in the next 12 months,” he says. He sees the most potential in organic waste to increase recovery, with a recovery rate of up to 65 per cent possible, as demonstrated by the cities of Bunbury and Melville that have already adopted FOGO. “I can reveal that the cities of Fremantle and Melville and towns of Bassendean and East Fremantle will be implementing FOGO systems in 2019.” In terms of mandatory data reporting, the DWER is currently working on amendments to the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Regulations 2008.
This will require annual reporting to the Waste Authority and recordkeeping of waste and recycling data by local governments, waste recyclers and licensees of major regional landfills. Consultation was undertaken on the proposed amendments in 2016 and the regulations are expected to be gazetted in 2019. The DWER intends to consult on the draft methods that will underpin reporting prior to enforcement of mandatory reporting. And as far as the Roads to Reuse program goes, Marcus says it remains in pilot phase. “It is during the pilot that Main Roads Western Australia intends to use 25,000 tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) products in road construction.” He says that the 25,000 tonnes of C&D material is a relatively small
quantity when compared to total C&D waste generated in Western Australia. “It is intended for the pilot to establish a regime for the widespread use of recycled C&D products that would see significantly larger quantities of recycled C&D material used. The achievement of this will also be supported by a testing and auditing regime to provide confidence about the material.” The objective of the pilot program is to test the extent to which producers can supply C&D products, assess the effectiveness of the independent audit process to verify producers processes and products and test purchasers’ confidence. “Subject to ongoing DWER independent audit testing and following a successful pilot, Main Roads Western Australia is planning to use over 100,000 tonnes of crushed
recycled concrete on selected projects in 2019, and over 200,000 tonnes in 2020, with access to Roads to Reuse program funding as appropriate,” Marcus says. “Many look to Main Roads as a leader. If they use recycled material, others will be more confident in using it too, including local government, in potentially high volumes.” Marcus says that the auditing arrangements and product specifications that support the Roads to Reuse pilot and program is also anticipated to improve the quality of C&D waste that is generated and sent for recycling. “The Waste Authority hopes that this will create an enabling environment for generators of recycled C&D products to participate more fully and more responsibly in making these available to the market.”
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE – HOOKLIFTS AND SKIP LOADERS
Hooklift milestone MARREL IS CELEBRATING ITS 100TH BIRTHDAY BY INTRODUCING A NEW AMPLIROLL HOOKLIFT TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET THAT HAS A LIFTING CAPACITY OF 26 TONNES AND IS AVAILABLE IN TWO CONFIGURATIONS.
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s original equipment manufacturer Marrel approaches its 100th birthday, Australian distributor 600 Cranes reflects on the company’s history. Founded in 1919, Marrel established its reputation by introducing the market’s first tipper body with jib and cable before developing the Ampliroll hooklift in 1969. Since then, the company has continued to grow and innovate, becoming a global leader in industrial vehicle mounted equipment. According to Lee Morley, National Sales Manager at 600 Cranes, the Marrel company has expanded significantly since joining the Fassi group. He says the product is the ideal fit for hooklift and truck-mounted crane operators. “The Ampliroll design enables a wider range of handling possibilities and lifting modes which allows you to work faster,” he explains. The Ampliroll model was
introduced in 1970, a year after Marrel developed its original dualpivot hooklift. “This model has a unique free tilting frame that facilitates heavy duty lifting making the product more versatile and suited to a broad range of waste applications for heavy-duty applications,” Lee says. “Everyone from general waste companies to specific recyclers will benefit from this heavy-duty product. “Marrel combines intelligent design with high-pressure hydraulics that make the product highly adaptable.” Lee says that 600 Cranes after-sales support is something that sets the company apart. “We offer a full service with sales, maintenance and inspections at workshops in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane and accredited agents in Adelaide and Tasmania.” The new AL26 PA Si60 and AL26 SI60 have a range of hook height and container locking options.
The Ampliroll model was introduced in 1970 after Marrel developed its original dual pivot hooklift.
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With an optimised loading angle and free tilting frame, the AL26 PASi 60 can load bins of various lengths and operate under low roof height. The product also features a number of safety features, with safety lock outs ensuring a safe working machine at all times. 600 Cranes also offers a range of accessories such as front container locks, including sequential operation, fast speed unloading and adjustable hook heights. As Marell’s 100th birthday nears, Lee says the new AL26 SI series highlights the company’s commitment to quality and service, values he says are shared by 600 Cranes.
Contact: Lee Morley Phone: 1300 551 075 Email: leem@600cranes.com.au Website: www.600cranes.com.au
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT – HOOKLIFTS AND SKIP LOADERS
PALFINGER CITY HOOKLOADERS
Palfinger CiTy hookloads were developed for tight urban environments.
Palfinger CiTy hookloaders were developed for use in tight urban environments, while maintaining high payload capabilities and still delivering low maintenance. Gough Palfinger Australia boasts the lightest hook on the market, optimised for council applications and often utilised in confined spaces such as shopping centres. The
Gough Palfinger CiTy hookloader offers an optimal ratio between lifting capacity and tare weight. Reliability is enhanced by specialised anti corrosive coatings applied on the cylinders, yellow rear pulleys and the hook arm. Other mechanical parts are zinc nickel treated to maximise longevity. Reduced maintenance is a core element of the self-lubricating design which aims to be resistant to even the heaviest of loads. With safety in mind, Palfinger’s ergonomic and intuitive cab controls come with two additional modes, diagnostics and emergency mode to make it easier for operators to detect any potential operational issues or hazards. Standard models support hook heights of 920/900 millimetres with lengths ranging from 2360 to 3110 millimetres. The average weight of the hookloader is 355 kilogram with gross vehicle weights of between 3.5 to 5.5 tonnes. Contact Contact: Gough Palfinger Australia Phone: 1800 HOOKLOADER (1800 466 556) Website: www.palfinger.com.au
EXCAVATORS Waste Management Review’s June issue details how the latest excavators are allowing site operators to move waste effectively with increased performance, control and efficiencies.
PARTICIPATION IN THE PROMOTIONAL FEATURE INCLUDES: A full page advert A feature professionally written by a Waste Management Review Journalist The article posted on the magazine’s website – www.wastemanagementreview.com.au – with free open access The article distributed in the industry-specific e-newsletter – Waste Management Review eNews Weekly
BOOKING DEADLINE: TUESDAY 30 APRIL 2019 For more information about taking part in this promotional opportunity, contact:
Chelsea Daniel-Young on 0425 699 878 or email chelsea.daniel@primecreative.com.au
www.wastemanagementreview.com.au
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE – TROMMELS AND SCREENS
Dewatering waste FILTRATION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER AQSEPTENCE GROUP EXPLAINS HOW ITS SPECIALISED CONTRA-SHEAR MILLISCREENS DEWATER WASTE, OFFERING A FLEXIBLE AND EFFICIENT SEPARATION SOLUTION.
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ohnson Screens’ manufacturing model centres around adaptability, with most of its trommel screens designed in accordance with customer specifications. Starting with a standard base, the company works with customers to ascertain their application requirements, focusing on screening solutions for liquid/solid separation. Manufacturing screens at its Brisbane factory since 1991, the company collaborates directly with designers to equip the waste industry with specialised trommels, offering installation, servicing and spare parts. Johnson Screens was acquired by Aqseptence Group in 2013, with both companies driven to create a sustainable balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental outcomes through the development of separation technology and water filtration. Johnson Screens’ latest development is the Contra-Shear Milliscreen, a trommel designed for dewatering and continuous operation. The self-cleaning, internally fed rotary system has the ability to handle fine and coarse material, facilitating solids separation for a range of waste applications, but particularly suited to organic waste. Phil Amor, Business Development Manager of Aqseptence Group, says the trommel offers waste producers flexibility, which they can then turn into profits. The food and beverage industry is one of Johnson Screens core customer bases, with the Contra-Shear Milliscreen being used to separate waste streams and
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remove water from food waste material. This dewatered material can then be utilised by recyclers in direct land application or composting, creating the possibility of a profitable alternative revenue stream. The Contra-Shear Milliscreen has a screening capacity from 12 to 3500 cubic metres per hour and rotates on four pivot points. The main screen drum is constructed with Vee-Wire, a unique Johnson Screens design made by welding patented V-shaped wire onto various sizes and shapes of support rods, with the wire creating slots that enlarge inwardly, allowing proficient separation and a high rate of solids capture. A high rate of solids capture is integral to dewatering as it facilitates a faster separation process, providing companies with an efficient waste separation mechanism. The Contra-Shear Milliscreen pumps water waste into a weir tank before introducing it into a rotating drum face on an angle of 90 degrees. The screened waste then passes through Vee-Wire slots into another tank where it is pumped for further processing.
Diverter plates then push captured solids towards the discharge end, which acts as a dewatering zone where solids agglomerate, resulting in a further reduction of liquid content. Phil says the force generated during this process is what makes the ContraShear Milliscreen so effective. “The force created by the pumping process separates solids and water at a faster rate than most trommel screens, making the product both time and costefficient. “The structure of this particular screen drum also means its solid capture rate is more successful than conventional screens,” Phil says. He sees the Contra-Shear Milliscreen as an example of Johnson Screens commitment to high quality and adaptable dewatering solutions, highlighting the company’s innovative and durable design. Contact: Phil Amor Phone: 0427 272 786 Email: phil.amor@aqseptence.com Website: www.aqseptence.com
The Contra-Shear Milliscreen pumps water waste into a weir tank before it enters a rotating drum face.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT – TROMMELS AND SCREENS
Blown away ORGANICS RECYCLER BETTERGROW REQUIRED A HIGH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICAL TROMMEL AND TURNED TO FOCUS ENVIRO FOR SUPPORT.
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ew South Wales based organics recycler Bettergrow, own and operate processing facilities across Australia. Bettergrow’s leadership in the organic sector has gone from strength to strength with the ethos of continued re-investment in their people and new technologies. Bettergrow’s newly acquired processing facility in Northern NSW demanded an initial screening requirement of 120 kilo-tonnes per annum of compost from the offset. High performance at an economical cost was outlined as the pre-requisite to their technology selection. After the initial consultation with FOCUS enviro, Bettergrow were invited to see two Melbourne based large-scale producers of organics who have been successfully running the EDGE TRT Trommels for the past two years in similar applications. After passing the qualifying stage FOCUS enviro were invited to showcase the high production trommel on site – the EDGE TRT622. Neale Hogarth, Bettergrow Operations Manager attended the trials and was impressed by the screening system capacity to size their materials at small apertures without losing screen efficiency. He says that using the EDGE trommel screen, the company was able to adjust the screen angle, drum speed and even the feeder speed while the machine was running. “This allowed us to actually see in real time what differences the settings changes were having on the material flow, carry over and quality of the fines,” Neale says. “Even when we need to produce
The radial remote controlled fines conveyor can place more than 1000 cubic metres of material in a single stockpile.
different product sizes or if the material characteristics change due to the weather, we are always able to achieve peak output tonnage without losing saleable product into our overs. “When you combine this with the physical size of the machine, we could see why the EDGE trommel is becoming so popular.” The EDGE two by 6.9 metre long drum provides advanced screening options and is driven via a direct fourwheel drive system with a variable drum speed of 0-30 revolutions per minute. Various aperture meshes, punch plate, fully welded punch plate and drums with scrolls are all available and interchangeable in the TRT622 model. One of the unique features of the EDGE TRT622 trommel screen is the radial remote controlled fines conveyor that can place over 1000 cubic metres of material in a single stockpile. According to FOCUS enviro, this is almost 10 times that of traditional trommels. However, Bettergrow discovered that this feature was the turning point for their process in a different way. Andrew
Hogarth, Site Operations Manager, says the company operates a very open site that is subjected to changing and prevailing crosswinds. “The radial conveyor allowed us to position the fines conveyor behind the initial stockpile, while still running the screen parallel to the unprocessed windrow,” Andrew says. “This allowed us to retain all of the important fine organic material (less than five millimetres) within our product that would have otherwise been blown away and lost to the wind. The radial stacker feature ensures uptime and production for us when the wind changes direction.” Robbie McKernan, Director at FOCUS enviro says that Bettergrow’s selection is a massive endorsement for Australian manufacturing through local company EDGE Innovate. Contact: Robbie McKernan Phone: 02 4365 4247 Email: robbie@focusenviro.com.au Website: www.focusenviro.com.au
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE – TROMMELS AND SCREENS
KOMPTECH DRUM SCREENS FROM ELB EQUIPMENT
The Cribus boasts significant energy savings with everything driven electrically from the hopper.
ELB Equipment offers a variety of drum screens to handle compost, wood/biomass, soil and gravel and other wastes. Komptech’s Cribus series uses an innovative drum design with a diameter of 2.2 metres for a higher throughput capacity than previous models. A larger cross section of feeding aims to avoid blockages, while a bigger distance of 140 millimetres between the screening drums and side walls allows for perforations of up to 100 millimetres, which reduces the dangers of material deposits. The Cribus boasts significant energy savings with everything driven electrically from the hopper to the discharge system. The electric drive aims to offer higher
efficiency than hydraulics and up to 75 per cent savings when operating with mains. Other benefits include a quick and safe drum change. Komptech’s Nemus series aims to get started faster with a convenient discharge, drum change within 20 minutes, simpler maintenance and more screening from the same area. The Nemus 2700 is a hydraulic machine ready to work within five minutes, with a run out that supports and unlocks the oversize conveyor and folds out the conveyors for screening. From heavy dirt to bulky green cuttings, the hopper takes a broad scope of material into the drum. The machine comprises more than five cubic metres of volume and a drum-side hopper drive for better power transfer, higher performance and no belt slippage with heavy materials. Maintenance aims to be easy with the engine compartment accessible from all sides. Contact Contact: ELB Equipment Phone: 1300 ELB EQU (1300 352 378) Email: elbquip.com/contact-us Website: elbquip.com
PRONAR MPB 20.55 MOBILE TROMMEL SCREENER The Pronar MPB 20.55 leverages easy-to-use electronic controls that allow the operator to tailor the operation parameters for material separation. The MPB 20.55 is suited to work with a wide range of materials, including soil, compost, municipal waste, coal, aggregate and biomass. Available through supplier Lincom Group, the Pronar aims to be quick and easy to transport with a track undercarriage allowing for free movement around the yard. Two track speeds allow precise adjustment of the machine’s position for maximum efficiency. A totally autonomous drive system allows for trouble-free operations without any additional towing machines require. The machine has a 5.5-metre length and 2.0-metre diameter sieving drum, which can be replaced without removing parts of the machine. Wide-opening covers provide instant accessibility to mechanisms and fast switching of screening drums when it is required to change the mesh size. The MPB 20.55 motor and the hydraulic pump unit are placed on a hinged trolley. This allows for fast and easy maintenance access to the motor unit, hydraulic system and hopper. The key features and benefits are an easy drum change
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with replacement drums available with round or square holes and variable drum thicknesses to meet operator needs. The engine and hydraulic system are mounted on a pull-out frame for easy access maintenance. A magnetic roller allows ferrous metals to be removed and can be mounted on rear and side discharge conveyors.
The Pronar aims to offer quick and easy transport with a track undercarriage for free movement.
Contact Phone: 0438 880 810 Email: sales@lincom.com.au Website: www.lincom.com.au
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE – WEIGHING SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE
Measuring success ON-BOARD WEIGHING SYSTEMS ARE INCREASINGLY BECOMING A MAINSTREAM CHOICE FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM OPERATORS ALIKE.
Trimble’s weighing systems aim to support accurate weights.
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rom eliminating payment disputes to monitoring profitability and increased compliance, weightbased billing (WBB) is revolutionising the way the industry measures its loads. As the national distributor for Trimble LOADRITE E2750 weighing systems, Weighing Systems Australia has seen the technology’s benefits first-hand. According to Alan Clarke, Owner of Weighing Systems Australia, those not transitioning to onboard weighing systems are now the exception rather than the rule. “A lot of major contracts issued now have a requirement for a weighing system as part of their contract,” Alan says. The benefits are increasingly becoming a no-brainer for many companies, as Alan says that up to 80 per cent of customers are choosing legal-for-trade systems. This includes
waste generators and small and medium-sized enterprises. “A lot of fleets are deciding which of their trucks need retrofitting or replacing and putting weighing systems on when they order a new truck,” he says. Alan says that onboard weighing is important to ensure accurate weights are measured and customers are charged accordingly for overloaded bins and to do this the weighing system must be a National Measurement Institute (NMI) approved scale system, in addition to reducing fines and improving safety. He says that weighing is not only essential for quantifiable profit margins, but ensuring compliance with Heavy Vehicle National Law Chain of Responsibility laws. “WBB as it is called now also takes into account the ever-increasing cost of landfill charges and haulers must be able to identify what each clients bin actually weighs.” Alan says that the legal for trade system allows for Class IV NMI approved systems to be installed into both front and rear lift waste collection vehicles. Monitoring profitability is particularly important for major retailers, Alan says, as they can ascertain what they waste internally by measuring the waste removed from sites. Payment disputes can also be prevented by being able to check, certify and stamp legal for trade records that have been calibrated to accurate weights. Alans says a variety of configurations
are available, including front and rear lift certified and non-certified systems. He says that all new refuse collection trucks now have on-board computers that collect time, weight and date and allocate these to the specific customer selected in the routing system ready to be downloaded to the office. Solid state positioning sensors over traditional rotary triggers are also emerging as a mainstream choice for customers. Alan says the E2750 Canbus sensors include arm and fork sensors. Alan says these are easier to install, with the ability run one cable instead of multiple cables, making installation easier and less prone to cable breaks and damage when compared to older sensors. He says the systems are also notably fully dynamic and don’t slow drivers down. “Fully dynamic weighing systems have an advantage over static systems where the driver has to stop to weigh up and down. This costs them time and slows down their operations,” he says. Alan says that the systems can be easily fitted to all makes and models. When it comes to after-sales support, Weighing Systems Australia offers annual calibration services and has distributors across the country in a nationwide dealer network. Contact: Alan Clarke Phone: 02 9531 6732 Mobile: 0419 244 995 Email: aclarke@loadrite.net.au Web: weighingsystemsaustralia.com.au
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE – WHEEL LOADERS
Making it all possible CATERPILLAR’S AYDEN PIRI EXPLAINS HOW THE COMPANY’S UNIQUE SOLUTIONS ARE SOLVING ITS CUSTOMERS’ COMPLEX CHALLENGES ACROSS HEAVY-DUTY AND OFTEN DANGEROUS WASTE APPLICATIONS. Caterpillar’s history is rooted in testing, problem solving and innovation.
I
n the sweltering 700˚C heat, steelmakers separate molten steel from impurities within furnaces. An abrasive by-product known as slag is produced that carries with it additional challenges around safe onsite management. Site operators have been turning to Caterpillar (CAT) for a solution in this area and many others. The company’s 100-year old history is rooted in testing, problem solving, innovation and continuous improvement. Its enterprise strategy has focused on finding solutions to help its customers improve the efficiency and safety of their operations through an information-driven approach. With a global network of 172 dealers servicing 192 of the world’s countries, factories in 30 countries and more than 10,000 CAT and
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dealer employees in Australia and New Zealand alone, the extensive reach ensures it is able to draw on a network of experts to solve its customer’s challenges. One way the company does this is using data analytics to ensure customer machines are running at maximum performance. According to Ayden Piri, Industry Specialist-Account Manager Asia Pacific at Caterpillar Inc, the company’s sales, application and product teams work tirelessly together to make their customer’s unique requirements possible. “As the first point of contact, the sales team will collect the data and sit down with the CAT team and product specialists and put together a solution unique to the customer’s needs,” he says. “Our ability to support customers
with serviceable parts and support is another thing. We try to not only come up with a solution but look after customers into the long term. That is the value CAT brings to the table.” Once CAT understands its customer’s requirements and their expected application, it sizes the machine and tools required for the task. As one example of customisation, Ayden says that CAT’s slag handling solution was one the company came up with decades ago. CAT’s steel mill package was designed to tolerate extreme jobsite conditions with operator safety, improved reliability and durability front and centre. The machine can be used on wheel loaders from CAT’s 950M model all the way up to 972M. The package includes machine guarding, heavy duty b-pins, heavy duty steel mill cabs, ground level brake override and a range of other benefits. Machine guarding incorporates a tilt cylinder guard, variable position lights with guarding, steel implement valve cover and hitch guards. The front frame guard provides axle protection, while the hinged powertrain guard works to ease maintenance compared to a standard bolt guard. “The tools we’ve designed can endure extreme heat and abrasiveness of the slag and deliver productivity and efficiency targets safely,” Ayden says. Another industry-first solution CAT developed is its corrosionresistant package for wheel loaders,
The company’s slag handling solution was developed decades ago.
such as the CAT966M to improve reliability and durability in demanding environments. The package was designed for humid and toxic sites and aimed at fertiliser plants, chemical industries and the agriculture sector. “Machines in humid conditions tend to rust quite fast and that impacts machine uptime,” Ayden explains. “When you’re dealing with corrosive and highly toxic environments, a machine has to have multiple protective layers which requires a unique manufacturing approach.” Ayden says the corrosion package is a well-researched kit for global markets that protects the cab and
electrical, hydraulic and cooling systems and painting. He says this prevents any moisture penetrating the system. On the cab panel, the ECM and fuse box retard the corrosion process, with vapour capsules working in enclosed spaces to emit vapor corrosion inhibiting molecules that protect metal surfaces. Paint thickness more than twice that of standard paint offers resistance against corrosion. Silicon protection is applied on the electrical terminals, disconnector switch, engine ground cable and battery cables to maximise component life. Two years ago, the Australian-first machine was deployed to a customer
in Geraldton, WA, using the kit in its fertiliser processing. In the residential waste sector, CAT boasts a range of medium waste handlers to support its customers. “When you’re working in residential waste, you’re dealing with a lot of unknown material during handling and that basically impacts machine’s lifecycle and availability,” Ayden explains. To protect its customers, CAT devised an industrial package with an optional heavy duty radiator guard to provide additional rear machine protection. Depending on the level of protection required, three optional guards are available to protect the guard from damage in difficult waste applications. With distribution centres across Australia offering 24-hour parts availability, Ayden says that Caterpillar will continue to apply its lean innovation principles to solve even the most ardous of tasks. Contact: Ayden Piri Phone: 0400 498 508 Email: Piri_Ayden@cat.com Website: www.caterpillar.com
Fast Fact CAT’s industrial package comprises a range of features for productivity, versatility, ease of operation and serviceability. The optimised Z-bar linkage on the 950M and 962M provide improved visibility due to hydraulic hose placement and structural components. The main hydraulic valve uses a monoblock design to reduce weight with 40 per cent fewer leak points. Attachments can be swapped quickly with a fusion coupler for one common interface across small and medium wheel loaders. High capacity buckets are suited for loading, sorting and other transfer work.
CAT’s corrosion package protects machine cabs and electrical, hydraulic and cooling systems.
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE – WHEEL LOADERS
Kerfab’s engineering team took the customer’s requirements, including machine specifications to design a wheel loader bucket.
Tailored for outcomes VISY’S REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH PRODUCTIVITY MOVEMENT OF ABRASIVE MATERIALS AT ONE OF ITS SITES SAW ITS EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER JCB TURN TO MATERIALS HANDLING SPECIALIST KERFAB FOR A SOLUTION.
T
he ability to tailor a product to suit the harsh and diverse requirements of the waste management industry requires strong communication between suppliers and their customers. Waste managers have a variety of desired outcomes within their operations and this can be anywhere from handling abrasive materials, to increased tonnages and productivity
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requirements. Visy, the world’s largest privately owned paper, packaging and recycling company, needed a wheel loader designed and constructed to support glass movements at one of its sites. So it went directly to JCB Equipment for a wheel loader, which then engaged the services of Kerfab, a materials handling specialist that
designs, engineers and manufactures materials handling equipment. JCB works directly with its customers to obtain their requirements and if specified parts are needed, it turns to Kerfab for support. Kerfab in June last year supplied JCB with a range of specifically designed and manufactured buckets. The buckets were attached to JCB
467ZX wheel loaders and custommade for the site. Over the years, Kerfab has supplied multiple grabs and buckets to various Visy sites Australia wide. The 24-tonne wheel loader combines a 10.8-litre-six-cylinder engine that produces high power of 216 kilowatts and 1478 nanometres of torque at low revs. The machines are characterised by high power, torque and economy via a clutchoff feature that provides maximum hydraulic performance and limits vehicle speed when loading. As the bucket was larger than the standard original equipment manufacturer supplied unit, the dump load overheight and tipping angles had to match exactly that of JCB’s machine. This would ensure there was no compromising of the performance of the bucket. Jay Chirnside, General Manager at Kerfab, says Visy was looking to get 10,000 hours out of these buckets. “We engineered our buckets to suit their requirements and ensure they can stand up the harsh environment they were intended for,” Jay says. The Kerfab engineering team took the customer’s requirements, including machine specifications and information available from its library of previous jobs, and designed a bucket to meet all of their requirements. It supplied JCB with engineering drawings and after approval from it and Visy, the bucket was built at its factory in Kerang, Victoria. Kerfab supplied JCB with a custom three-cubic-metre GP bucket which included a moderate abrasion wear pack. The bucket is made up of heavier duty internal skins and bolton edges, raised floor and heel plates, skin liners, a heavy duty trash guard and side wear protection.
The buckets were then delivered to JCB where they were fitted to the machine. According to Danny Madden, Service Manager at JCB, Kerfab’s ability to liaise with its customers and undertake site appraisals allowed it to go above and beyond Visy’s requirements. Having previously worked at Visy, Danny has worked with Kerfab for the past four years in both roles. “Having a perspective from both sides of the fence by working at JCB and Visy, I can see how important it was for the customer to have the right bucket size and a steel guard capable of handling cardboard and glass waste,” he explains. Danny says that Kerfab explored the site to observe how the buckets were being used an ensure the could design a product to specification. “Kerfab has skilled communicators in their ability to take our ideas and design them effectively into the end product.” He adds that the drawing designs were well thought out, incorporating elements such as wear plates in the buckets so they could be replaced. The large bucket size maximises cycle times which ensures they are getting the best utilisation from their machine and attachment and helps provide the best return on investment for the end user. The construction and design of the bucket ensures it will last Visy’s 10,000 hour target and the large capacity increases efficiency. Jay says the bucket’s trash guard increases the buckets capacity by reducing spill off when its loaded, it which reduces additional mess onsite without compromising the visibility of the loader operator. He says that Kerfab offers a back-up team in each capital city to provide support as required.
“This is part of our commitment to our customers and the necessity to minimise downtime,” he says. Jay says that Kerfab will continue to tailor products that are designed for the harsh conditions of Australia’s waste management industry. As a family-owned business, the company services the agricultural, industrial, civil and waste handling industries across Australia and New Zealand. Kerfab boasts a network of couriers and freight contractors to support a high rate of delivery in full on time. “We have a standard line of buckets, grabs, bucket grapples, and other attachments that can be customised to suit the exact needs of each customer,” Jay says. “Kerfab recognise that this industry has unique requirements and standard attachments and those designed for other industries often won’t cut it.”
Fast Fact Since starting its business in 1993, Kerfab’s focus has been to provide its customers with materials handling solutions which solve their problems and offer value for money. As a result, the company specialises in designing, developing and manufacturing attachments for materials handling. The family-owned business services the agricultural, industrial, civil and waste handling industries throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Contact: Phone: 1800 818 079 Email: sales@kerfab.com Website: www.kerfab.com.au
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT – WHEEL LOADERS
VOLVO L110H AND L120H WHEEL LOADERS
Volvo L110H and L120H wheel loaders were developed to boost productivity for operators.
Volvo L110H and L120H wheel loaders were developed to boost productivity and lower costs for operators. Whether it’s the L120H for increased load capacity or the L110H for smaller movements onsite, the machines take advantage of equipment supplier CJD’s authorised partnership with Volvo CE. This is also bolstered by nationwide branches of dealers and service agents. With low energy consumption, ease of use and durability, the machines leverage Volvo’s 180 years of experience as a leading construction equipment provider. The machine’s unique OptiShift technology works to
reduce fuel consumption by up to 18 per cent and increase machine performance. A reverse by braking function senses the loader’s direction and slows the machine when the operator needs to change direction. It does so by reducing engine revolutions and applying service brakes automatically, while increasing operator comfort and reducing stress on the drive train. Productivity, reliability and power is delivered by a premium Volvo Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engine, which meets emissions regulations and offers high performance and low fuel consumption. A spacious, safe and quiet environment unlocks productivity with all-round visibility and a comfortable seat. Within the cab is twin level control for ease of operation, an information panel with vital information such as fuel levels and warnings and safe access via a three-point access ladder with anti-slip steps. Contact Contact: CJD Equipment Phone: 1300 139 804 Email: enquiries@cjd.com.au Website: www.cjd.com.au
JCB’S 427/437 WHEEL LOADER JCB’s 427 and 437 wheel loaders was designed for heavy-duty applications, increased loading and drivetrain productivity with high torque. The latest wheel loaders from JCB have followed an extensive endurance and rig testing for superior structural strength and durability. JCB 427 and 437’s front chassis has been strengthened with additional ribs and gussets for maximum service life. With high power and torque, the machines meet Tier 4 final/stage IV emissions legislation without the need for a diesel particulate filter. A powerful twin variable displacement piston pump hydraulics supports 252 loads per minute for fast cycles
and excellent multi-function capability. Operators can choose their ideal loading arm with a Z-bar linkage for high breakout applications or high torque for parallel lift and multi-attachment use. The latest generation loader driveline comes standard with the Australian specification and includes a number of new features, including auto lock axles known as ERGO traction. This automatically locks the front axle when required enabling the loader to operate on any surface. The efficient design incorporates a hydraulic cooling fan to automatically react to ambient temperature and adjust the fan speed to optimise fuel and energy consumption. Eco-mode caps the engine speed at 1800 revolutions per minute. The wheel loaders are also ergonomic with the CommandPlus feature offering a user-friendly interface. Maximum uptime with low maintenance long intervals are achieved via easy access diesel exhaust fluid tanks and fluid levels, engine oils and coolant accessed from inside the cab. Contact
JCB wheel loaders were designed for heavy-duty applications.
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Contact: Melanie Lawlor Phone: 0427 588 029 Email: m.lawlor@cfcdistribution.com Website: www.cfc.com.au
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LAST WORD
It’s time to act on plastics A LANDFILL LEVY DISCOUNT FOR RESIDUALS WOULD REDUCE STOCKPILES AND REINVIGORATE RECYCLING, WRITES ALEX SERPO, SECRETARY OF THE NATIONAL WASTE AND RECYCLING INDUSTRY COUNCIL.
O
n 14 February, the Victorian EPA issued a notice to a long-standing recycling provider to stop accepting material at two of the essential sites serving Melbourne – Maffra Street, Coolaroo and Gilbertson Road, Laverton North. This was due to stockpiles at the site being deemed by the EPA to be a fire risk. At the time of writing on 1 March, it is understood that 30 Victorian councils are still struggling to find providers to process their kerbside recycling. China first notified the World Trade Organization 18 months ago of its plan to ban imports of 24 scrap types, a move mostly targeting contaminated mixed plastics. The program known as the National Sword continues to send shockwaves around the world. Research for the Federal Government by Blue Environment last year estimated that National Sword has left at least 125,000 tonnes of mixed plastic stranded in Australia with no end market. This policy change by China continues to affect all states, with Victoria the most exposed as they collect and sort 50 per cent of the affected plastics. However, the plastics challenge doesn’t stop here. In 2005, a landmark study in the journal Science estimated that eight million tonnes of plastics are
Alex Serpo.
entering the world’s oceans each year. In this context, the South Australian Government is currently consulting on a proposed ban of various single-use plastic products. The National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) wrote in support of these proposed bans. This is because some single-use plastic products are difficult to recycle, contaminate kerbside recycling plus organics processing and harm the environment. THE PROBLEM FOR RECYCLERS The plastics recycling dilemma is hurting kerbside recycling facilities in many ways. Outside of glass, the
biggest challenge is finding new markets for mixed plastics. Currently, production drastically outstrips demand – as countries beyond China, including Thailand and Vietnam, are also banning the import of these materials. However, kerbside recycling contracts assume mixed plastics are saleable, recycled commodities. This systemic failure has created a major unfunded liability which has resulted in excessive stockpiling. This not only increases the fire risk for these sites, but could also be considered as above ground landfill and is poor practice. Scrap recyclers have been facing similar financial challenges due to the
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LAST WORD
Alex says the plastics recycling dilemna is hurting kerbside recycling facilities.
growing use of plastics in cars, white goods and appliances. Many of these plastics are not recyclable, due to a lack of design for recycling features, creating a processing residue known as “shredder floc”; a mixture of plastics and other contaminants. As there is no market for shredder floc, the material is sent to landfill, which further increases processing costs for scrap recyclers. To enable Australian scrap recyclers to stay competitive in a global market, NSW and SA currently provide a 50 per cent discount on the landfill levy. Queensland and Western Australia are also wisely considering the same approach. The NWRIC supports this approach being applied nationally, as there is no product stewardship scheme to fund these costs. THREE STEPS TO REINVIGORATE RECYCLING The NWRIC’s first recommended step is to provide a landfill levy discount
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to materials recovery facilities (MRFs) for unsaleable mixed plastics, for example, recycling residuals. According to 2011 NSW EPA Waste Audits 2011, plastics are less than 10 per cent by weight of materials coming through kerbside recycling. This will enable MRFs to reduce stockpiles, free up space and allow their resources to focus on improving the recovery of higher value plastics (and other materials) where there are viable markets. This is also something that state governments can implement relatively quickly at no additional cost. It is critical that we do not allow a relatively small amount of unsaleable plastics to constrain an otherwise healthy recycling systems which is recovering higher value plastics, paper, glass and metals. The loss of revenue to state governments and cost to the community would be minimal. Secondly, as covered in NWRIC’s response to the National Waste
Policy discussion paper last October, federal, state and local governments Australia-wide need to fast-track the uptake of mixed plastics and glass into infrastructure such as roads and other civil works. It is possible and is starting to happen now in Victoria, as illustrated by the NWRIC member, the Alex Fraser Group. Thirdly, banning or replacing single-use plastic products/packaging with products/materials that are reusable, recyclable or compostable is an important step forward. In its submission to the National Waste Policy, the NWRIC advocated this measure as a means of cleaning up kerbside recycling and improving its viability. These three steps provide governments with affordable, practical and relatively simple adjustments that can reinvigorate the recycling industry, and put it back on a sustainable footing, with minimal cost to the community.
Rethink
waste
PALFINGER T22A DINO HOOKLOADER WITH AN ARTICULATED ARM
WORLD CLASS MATERIALS HANDLING SOLUTION LIFETIME EXCELLENCE
Gough Palfinger Australia delivers and supports the world-leading Palfinger range of innovative lifting, loading and materials handling solutions for land and marine applications. We provide highly transportable and agile logistic solutions for the waste industry.
Tarp Systems
In Cab Control
Optional Front Bin Locking
Articulating Arm
The Essentials
Optional Adjustable Hook
Contact the team to find out more:
1800 HOOKLOADER 1800 466 556 | PALFINGER.COM.AU Gough Palfinger Australia - Head Office: 66 Industrial Avenue, Wacol, Queensland 4076
