Waste Management Review June 2021 by Prime Creative Media

JUNE 2021

Ecological transformation Veolia’s Richard Kirkman on placing ecology at the heart of every process FEATURES Green recovery Scrap together Sustainability advantage Materials management

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COVER STORY

ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION AND A GREEN RECOVERY

Veolia Australia and New Zealand’s newly appointed CEO and Managing Director Richard Kirkman outlines how the company will achieve ecological transformation.

FOGO 2.0 The NSW EPA’s latest education campaign is highlighting the power of targeted communications towards boosting the state’s FOGO efficiency.

“PUT SIMPLY, WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT WITH ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION IS DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY.” - Richard Kirkman, Veolia Australia and New Zealand, CEO and Managing Director.

In this issue

Features

22 THE EMISSIONS LOOP 34 LONG-LIFE LOADING Loop Organics is working with the NSW Government and sustainability consultants Presync to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.

28 IN-VESSEL HARMONISATION

Waste Management Review speaks with NALG Composting CEO Philip Parekalam about building a more circular Australian organics market.

32 FOGO DRUMS

A recent in-principle agreement to support the roll out of FOGO waste collection services across Australia is welcome news to Komptech CEA.

To keep up with growing demand for its organic recovery services, Western Composting Technology has invested in a new 924K Caterpillar wheel loader.

36 A MILLION TONNES

Last year Alex Fraser celebrated a significant milestone, with the production of more than one million tonnes of recycled glass.

40 NATIONAL FOCUS

Bringing 30 years of industry experience to the fore, ResourceCo is providing a unique roadmap for exploring the elements that need to converge for Australia to be successful in its quest to drive circularity in the economy.

42 PUTTING RELATIONSHIPS

FIRST

VEGA Australia has established a reputation as a key supplier of precision sensors and equipment to the waste and water industries.

46 SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

MANAGEMENT

t Waste 2021, CSIRO’s Heinz A Schandl presented a keynote address, during which he discussed social theory, public policy and the circular economy.

Regulars

48 P RODUCT SHOWCASE 61 LAST WORD

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 3

PUBLISHER

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

Sarah Baker sarah.baker@primecreative.com.au

EDITOR

From the Editor

Foregrounding food waste

Holly Keys holly.keys@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALIST

Tom O’Keane tom.okeane@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

ART DIRECTOR

With ALDI committing to send zero waste to landfill by 2025, the race to claim the title of Australia’s most sustainable supermarket is on. The discount German retailer will target edible organics first, with a pledge to send zero food waste to landfill by 2023. The announcement follows similar moves from Woolworths and Coles, with the former committing to zero food waste to landfill by 2025. While Coles does not yet have a zero waste to landfill target, it is working towards diverting 90 per cent of its waste from landfill by 2022. Australia’s food industry bigwigs publicly committing to sustainability targets shows just how far our national waste conversation has progressed, while at the same time, foregrounds how much work still needs to be done. Every year, Australians throw away more than 7.3 million tonnes of food at a cost to the economy of more than $20 billion, and on average, households are throwing away up to $3800 of food a year. It is therefore timely that governments and supermarket giants are working to significantly reduce food waste to landfill. The NSW Government is targeting net zero emissions from organics waste by 2030, while the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria policy seeks to halve the volume of organic material to landfill by 2030, with an interim target of 20 per cent reduction by 2025. There is similar action on the national front, with the Federal Government hoping to halve the millions of tonnes of food that ends up in landfill every year by 2030. As highlighted by multiple stakeholders in this edition of Waste Management Review, however, tackling our biggest waste challenges takes public/private collaboration. Governments can set the targets, but it is industry that needs to innovate. In-vessel composting tunnels, biofuel and electrification are just some of the innovations explored in our 2021 organics edition, thereby stressing the importance of private and public sector initiatives taking organics out of landfill through higher order principles.

4 / WMR / June 2021

Blake Storey blake.storey@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN

Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Chelsea Daniel-Young chelsea.daniel@primecreative.com.au p: +61 425 699 878

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

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HEAD OFFICE

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ARTICLES

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

Waste Management Review is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Waste Management Review is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Waste Management Review are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS. TODAY

News

Veolia and Suez agree to merge

Veolia announced its plans to take over Suez in October last year.

6 / WMR / June 2021

of this century.” “This agreement is beneficial for everyone: it guarantees the long-term future of Suez in France in a way that preserves competition, and it guarantees jobs,” Frérot said. “All stakeholders in both groups are therefore winners. The time for confrontation is over, the time for combination has begun.” The Board announcement notes the termination of agreements with Cleanaway in accordance with their terms concerning the disposal of the assets in Australia – subject to the Sydney assets, and the suspension of any other significant disposal. This will allow Veolia to acquire all assets designated as strategic in its draft offer document, filed 8

Credit: Dan Jardine/shutterstock.com

Cleanaway’s proposed $2.52 billion acquisition of Suez’s Australian assets has been scrapped, as French waste management giants Suez and Veolia agree to merge. Veolia and Suez’s respective boards of directors announced an agreement in principle on the key terms and conditions of the merger in April, after Veolia lifted its offer price to €20.50 per Suez share. Veolia announced its plans to take over Suez in October last year when it acquired a 29.9 per cent stake in the company. According to Veolia CEO Antoine Frérot, the agreement will enable the construction of ecological transformation, while offering France a reference player in a sector that is “probably the most important

February with the Autorité des marchés financiers. The Sydney assets refers to an agreement made by Cleanaway and Suez Australia that should the global takeover eventuate, Cleanaway will acquire a portfolio of Suez’s post collections assets in Sydney. The assets comprise two landfills and five transfer stations and will be acquired for $501 million, subject to various conditions. The agreement will also allow the implementation of Veolia’s plan to create a global champion of ecological transformation through the Suez takeover bid, in which all the strategic assets identified by Veolia will remain. Suez Chairman of the Board Philippe Varin said that after weeks of negotiations, the two companies had reached an agreement that recognises the value of Suez. “We will be vigilant to ensure that the conditions are met to reach a final agreement that will put an end to the conflict between our two companies and offer development prospects.” Suez CEO Bertrand Camus added that the agreement gives every opportunity to obtain a global solution which will offer essential social guarantees for all employees and prospects. “I would like to thank all the SUEZ teams for their tremendous mobilisation in the implementation of the SUEZ 2030 strategic plan, of which everyone can be proud,” he said. “I know that I can count on them to stay focused in the coming months to ensure the best quality of service to our customers.”

News

Victoria green lights split responsibility CDS model

Scheme Coordinator and Network Operator roles will be awarded through an open tender process.

The Victorian Government has announced the final design of its container deposit scheme (CDS), with the chosen split responsibility model supported by 85 per cent of participants during public consultations. The split responsibility model, which is already operating in NSW and the ACT, involves a Scheme Coordinator

who runs the administration and finance for the scheme, while a separate Network Operator runs the network of Refund Points. “This model was chosen following detailed analysis of schemes operating internationally and interstate to make sure Victoria has the best possible CDS,” Victorian Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said. Contracts for the roles of Scheme Coordinator and Network Operators will be awarded through an open tender process after the legislation has been approved by parliament. Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association Australia (WMRR) CEO Gayle Sloan welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement, hailing it as a strong commitment to access and accountability. “The government released its

CDS framework today [14 April] and despite relentless lobbying from VicRecycle, it has not bowed to pressure and has stuck to its guns to ensure an open market where all will have equitable access to the scheme,” she said. According to Sloan, the split responsibility model avoids a “monopolist beverage-designed scheme,” thereby ensuring there is a genuine balance of power that manages the inherent conflicts of interest associated with the beverage industry, where higher container return rates impact commercial interests. “WMRR would also encourage Victoria to go one step further than any other state, given its commitment to Recycling Victoria, and require all containers registered under the scheme to contain Australian recycled content,” Sloan said.

$1.3B Modern Manufacturing Initiative backs recycling The Federal Government is seeking to maximise manufacturing opportunities while driving down emissions and protecting the environment, with funding now available for recycling and clean energy projects under the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative. According to Environment Minister Sussan Ley, the Modern Manufacturing Initiative will help manufacturers scale-up production,

8 / WMR / June 2021

commercialise their products and operations, and integrate into domestic and global supply chains. “At a time when we are driving an unprecedented transformation of our recycling industries, this investment will encourage new technologies to recover, recycle and reprocess materials like e-waste and problematic plastics into new products,” she said. Investment in the sector will be

guided by the Recycling and Clean Energy National Manufacturing Priority road map, which was released in April. The road map’s stated vision is to develop world-leading advanced manufacturers that seize opportunities from sustainability, clean energy transition and waste reduction demands, by leveraging Australia’s advantages in innovation, technology, renewable and mineral resources.

Resourcing the world. veolia.com/anz

News

Circular economy to add trillions to Australian GDP A new PwC report states the case for Australia to ‘go circular’ and wholly embrace sustainable solutions that create an abundant future, finding that moves to do so would generate $1.9 trillion in economic benefits over the next 20 years. PwC has defined a framework for circular economic infrastructure governed by three principles: optimising the consumption of finite resources, maximising product utilisation and recovering by-products and waste.

According to the report, Building a more circular Australia – The opportunity of transitioning to a circular economy, governments must step in and regulate market activities in a bid to drive down harmful production activities and find innovative and more efficient ways of doing things. “This could come in the form of taxes or levies on polluting activities, or incentives for innovative ideas that reduce harm to the environment,” PwC chief economist Jeremy Thorpe said.

He added that for a circular economy to truly take shape, sustainable and attractive markets for second-hand products and materials must also exist. “The challenge today is that not all second-hand materials are price competitive, but by incentivising the types of economic activity that help nature’s ecosystems rather than deplete them, lawmakers have the power to protect the environment and accelerate the transition to a circular economy,” Thorpe said.

Visy announces $35M Laverton glass recycling centre upgrade Packaging and recycling giant Visy has announced a $35 million upgrade of its Laverton glass recycling centre. According to a company statement, the facility will pave the way for a Victorian container deposit scheme sales model that prioritises remanufacturing in Victoria, so Visy can turn a bottle into a bottle, over and over again. The proposed upgrade is expected to create 92 jobs during construction and a further six ongoing positions once completed. It will double the centre’s recycling capacity from 100,000 to 200,000 tonnes of glass each year. Visy’s centre at Laverton currently operates by sorting glass 10 millimetres in size or larger. Once the upgrade is complete, the facility

10 / WMR / June 2021

will be able to sort glass down to three millimetres in size – boosting

recycling opportunities and diverting more glass from landfill.

The upgrade will double the centre’s recycling capacity from 100,000 to 200,000 tonnes of glass each year.

SIMPLE, EFFICIENT AND OPERATOR-FRIENDLY

1300 998 784

-Tony, Senior Operator

www.waste.stgglobal.net

(Suez Australia)

marketing@stgglobal.net

“

THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. HAVING EVERYTHING IN ONE SCREEN. I DID LIKE THAT!

News

South Australia heads electric truck trial Four South Australian councils have collaborated on a new trial, testing the practicality of electric powered vehicles within the state. The City of Adelaide, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, City of Charles Sturt, City of Marion and Cleanaway have begun trialling an electric charged waste collection truck. This trial will allow the participating councils to gain a further understanding of cleaner and renewable transport, as well as further aid in the reduction of greenhouse emissions. City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said the trial will benefit residents, as well as combat the impacts of climate change in the region. “There is a lot we can do which is right for the environment and in the long term, saves ratepayers money as

The trial will investigate how feasible the electric vehicle is under actual operating conditions while maintaining a consistent and reliable service.

well. Climate change doesn’t recognise council boundaries,” he said. The ‘E-Truck’ is able to travel 120 kilometres before requiring a recharge and is designed to store and re-use

power. Each participating council will have a staggered commencement date for the trial, with Marion and Port Adelaide Enfield being the first to launch in May.

BINGO proposes takeover scheme with Macquarie BINGO has agreed on a scheme implementation with Macquarie, which will see Macquarie acquire 100 per cent of BINGO’s capital share. By way of Scheme of Arrangement, Macquarie will acquire assets subject to both organisations being content. BINGO’s board committee along with companies recommending directors unanimously approved the implementation of the scheme. Shareholders are being encouraged to continue their current stock in the

12 / WMR / June 2021

company, with BINGO announcing they will receive additional benefits from franking credits, up to $0.05 per share. The listed cash consideration represents a 33 per cent premium to the BINGO weighted average increase, which includes and prices up to the 18th of January 2021, with an acquisition multiple of 19.5x LTM Dec 20 EBITDA. BINGO IBC Chairperson Elizabeth Crouch said the implementation

scheme is an ideal result for the company. “After considering future opportunities for the business, along with economic, regulatory and execution risks, the IBC has unanimously concluded that the Scheme is a compelling option which realises attractive value for our shareholders,” she said. The scheme is still subject to certain conditions, which both BINGO and Macquarie must be satisfied with.

Emissions auction sees solid returns The Emissions Reduction Fund Auction has seen substantial returns upon its 12th edition, the Clean Energy Regulator has announced. The Chair of the Clean Energy Regulator David Parker said the event had great returns, after $108 million worth of contracts were granted for reduced emissions projects. Parker said the demand for Carbon Credits was also evident at the 12th auction. “There is strong supply coming online to meet existing contracts and growing private demand for Australian carbon credit units,” he said. Demand in carbon credits is only increasing, with the interest reaching a record 16 million units, an increase of eight per cent from 2019. This year the demand is set to result in a further supply of 17 million carbon credits. New projects were also present

Australian carbon credit units supply reached a record 16 million in 2020.

at the auction, with Orica receiving a contract for 3.4 million carbon credits to reduce emissions in its operations. The Emission reduction Fund has

allocated over $2 billion to projects reducing emissions in rural and regional areas. More funding will arrive later this year.

pure transforming hazardous waste

COVER STORY

A green recovery VEOLIA AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND’S NEWLY APPOINTED CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR RICHARD KIRKMAN OUTLINES HOW THE COMPANY WILL ACHIEVE ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION.

new report published by the United Nations Environment Program has named Australia as having the lowest spend on green recovery solutions, post-pandemic, across the globe. The research looked at the world’s 50 largest economies, analysing how much stimulus spending was directed towards ‘clean and green’ innovations such as electric vehicles and renewable energy. Australia ranked weakly in all categories, with its gas-fired recovery assigned a net negative impact on environment and human health. While these findings may be cause for concern for some, for Richard Kirkman, Veolia Australia and New Zealand’s newly appointed CEO and Managing Director, they highlight significant opportunity for growth, investment, and environmentally focused invention. “There’s a lot of room to grow,” he says. Kirkman explains that the appetite for change is here, with Australia and the world exploring how carbon reduction and sustainable materials can restimulate economies. He points to Veolia’s purpose which is ecological transformation, highlighting the key role the private sector can play in green recovery and wider environmental protection. “Ecological transformation means working to radically change patterns of production and consumption, to rebalance the ways humans impact the planet” Kirkman says. “It means placing ecology at the heart

14 / WMR / June 2021

of every process and every assessment, and providing meaningful solutions to clean-up the environment.” SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW Kirkman’s CEO appointment was announced in September last year, and core to his leadership is achieving Veolia’s ecological transformation ambitions. He will pivot the organisation to be a trusted partner for complex infrastructure solutions, while influencing policy as an authoritative voice on waste, water and energy challenges facing the region. Kirkman has a depth of experience in this area, having been a founding member of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Council for Sustainable Business, a member of the UK Government’s Council for Sustainable Business, a member of the UK Plastics Pact Board, a Commissioner for the Green Innovation Policy Commission, and most recently a member of the ANZPAC Plastic Pact. “The world is looking for some positivity post-Covid – a green recovery – and I think we can do that in Australia and New Zealand. I am really excited about the opportunity,” Kirkman says. Since joining Veolia’s energy team as an environmental engineer in 1994, Kirkman has helped position the company at the forefront of technology and innovation, delivering the infrastructure to enable its expansion within the resource management sector. “My background is across energy, water and waste activities – providing

technical services and complex solutions for industry and local authorities in terms of improving environmental performance,” Kirkman says. “I’ve come from the UK, where I was building infrastructure such as energy recovery facilities, recycling centres, composting plants, water treatment works and renewable energy installations. I intend to lead the build of sustainable infrastructure in Australia too.” IMPACT 2023 Kirkman’s move from the UK to Australia highlights Veolia’s expansive international footprint. As illustrated in the Group’s Impact 2023 strategic plan – released February last year – Veolia has a presence in Western, Central and Eastern Europe, North American, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Impact 2023 is Veolia’s latest operational roadmap, setting out to achieve positive impact across key indicators such as supporting regional development, combating pollution and providing access to essential services for Veolia’s five main stakeholders: shareholders, employees, clients, the planet, and society. Kirkman highlights ecological transformation as the critical takeaway from Impact 2023. “Put simply, what we’re talking about with ecological transformation is doing things differently. Traditionally, when you said ‘recycling’, people thought about a tin can being turned into scrap

metal,” Kirkman says. “When we talk about ecological transformation, we’re thinking more widely. We’re thinking about how much water we use, how much energy we use and where our waste is going. By looking at all these elements together, we can have a much more cost effective and impactful solution.” According to Kirkman, Veolia aims to lead the industry for ecological transformation. He adds that Australia is well placed to support the Group’s wider international commitments. “Ecological transformation is something we’ve always done as a company – we don’t manufacture a product that we sell to the public and we’re not a standard producer,” Kirkman says. Rather, Veolia provides essential services that allow the industry, commerce and society to thrive sustainably. “We support everyone to reduce their consumption where possible, and where

it’s not, we work to improve processes, reduce energy use, recycle water and materials, and recover resources,” Kirkman says. “That’s always been our business model, and we have many business cases that demonstrate our ability to do this at a financial savings for our customers – it’s a win-win. “The transition to achieving ecological transformation can be achieved in many ways, it can be a plain old switch – shutting down processes that aren’t environmentally sound and replacing them with something innovative that could have many stages, or a long incremental process.” While waste is just one facet of ecological transformation, Kirkman uses it to highlight his point, with each waste stream requiring different approaches and different levels of change. He notes the success of paper and cardboard recycling, which is efficient on the process side and supported by strong end-markets. Plastics and glass,

however, require wider support, systems restructuring and innovation. “All aspects of society are at a different stage in the ecological transformation process. Some need to go quicker than others, and with some, we need to think about whether they are going to change at all,” Kirkman says. “The production of carbon dioxide, for example. There are various targets set to achieve net-zero, but it requires the commitment of everyone to get there. Policy makers need to set the standards, industry leaders and manufacturers need to build the infrastructure, and the public need to shift their behaviours – we all have a role to play.” Kirkman adds that with waste, the transition is clear – moving away from landfill. “Most residual waste after recycling and composting goes to landfill in Australia. But we’re transforming that now as a sector, and I think Veolia is leading the way in terms of moving towards energy

Veolia’s proposed Advanced Energy Recovery facility at the Woodlawn Eco Precinct will generate enough electricity to power 50,000 homes.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 15

COVER STORY

recovery from waste,” he says. “We have been contracted to operate Australia’s first energy from waste facility in Perth and we are seeking planning permission to build an Advanced Energy Recovery Facility at our Woodlawn Eco Precinct. “Recovering the energy, recycling the metals, non-burnable material and ashes into new products. It’s a huge change that will act as a carbon sink rather than a carbon emitter.” LESSONS FROM THE UK While Australia lags behind Europe in terms of assets on the ground, Kirkman says there is an ambitious set of policies in place to help support the country’s ecological transformation. “I find that decision makers in Australia are very pragmatic and good at removing roadblocks. Once the decision is made to do something, it can be delivered,” he says. “What I see in the water, energy and particularly waste area, is there’s very clear policy coming out about the circular economy, which is just one dimension of ecological transformation.” Kirkman adds that the National Waste Policy’s 80 per cent recovery target far exceeds Europe’s ambition of 65 per cent. He explains that composting and green waste represent a significant avenue to achieve it. “A missing part of the strategy is anaerobic digestion. While FOGO is the buzzword, not everyone has a garden. In cities I expect a lot of people will use the FOGO bin for food waste only. And it’s much more effective to put that material through an energy centre rather than use energy to treat it,” he says. “There’s also a huge appetite to move towards a circular economy for water – thinking about the energy we can recover from sludges that come through the water systems and how we can make sure recycled water goes back into

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Veolia’s unique water “battery” supply’s USC with renewable energy.

the system at the right place. And then, ensuring the cycle is optimised from a water, waste and energy point of view.” Achieving these and other ecological transformation objectives is doable Kirkman says. He adds that it can be commercially driven and doesn’t have to be heavily taxed or subsidised. “It’s about total systems change – getting all the different stakeholders involved in the supply chain together to think about how we can change the way we do things,” Kirkman says. “There is a tremendous amount of opportunity to support existing precincts with renewable energy solutions, so they can achieve carbon neutrality and secure supply, which is particularly important when it comes to a green recovery.” Kirkman highlights Veolia’s support of the University of Sunshine Coast, with an innovative water “battery” supplying the campus with renewable energy. “We work hard to provide energy solutions for our customers,” he says. “Australia’s economy is founded on

its natural resources and being able to mine, manufacture and manage those resources in such a way to benefit the Australian people and its economy. We need to do it safely and sustainably for future generations.” Kirkman points to the European Plastics Pact, which Veolia, along with over 130 other value chain stakeholders across European Union member states, agreed to identify common ambitions, initiate new cross-border collaborations, and develop partnerships around innovation. Specifically, the joint French and Dutch ministerial initiative aims to lead a pilot group of volunteer states and companies towards more ambitious targets for plastics and single-use packing. These include a 20 per cent reduction in single-use plastic products and packaging by 2025 and achieving 30 per cent recycled plastic in all single-use products and packaging. “It’s about getting the whole supply chain together to think about how we can design our systems and products differently,” Kirkman says. “It doesn’t have to involve a lot of cost, most of the time we’re talking about a reduction in financial cost – using existing technology to provide better environmental solutions and only investing in new infrastructure where we need it. “What we’re bringing to the table is a sector that’s going to invest $10 to $20 billon over the next 10 years in sustainable assets, which will bring with it an estimated 50,000 industrialised jobs. “It’s not just about the bottom line, it’s about ecological transformation. That’s our purpose - to enable industry and all Australians to improve the way they live and without damaging the planet at the same time.”

Specialist

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FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

Valuing food waste SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLAN TO ADDRESS THE ESTIMATED 200,000 TONNES OF FOOD WASTE SENT TO LANDFILL IN THE STATE EACH YEAR INTEGRATES POLICY MEASURES, BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY.

ood waste is an environmental and economic challenge globally. But it also represents an opportunity to harness potential resources, says David Speirs, South Australian Environment Minister. An estimated 7.3 million tonnes of food waste is generated each year in Australia, costing the economy $20 billion annually. “The volume and value of wasted food in Australia is high: each year, Australian households discard about 2.5 million tonnes of food, which has been valued at $10 billion,” Speirs notes in his Valuing Our Food Waste ministerial forward. Released in late April, Valuing Our Food Waste is South Australia’s strategy to reduce and divert household and business food waste. “We are proud of the action that South Australia has taken to recover and process food waste since the first South Australian Waste Strategy was developed in 2005,” Speirs says. “Our previous investment in infrastructure and the systems to collect and process organic waste, including food waste, gives us a valuable platform to take additional significant steps to increase the capture and recovery of this material to feed those in need, for processing to replenish soils, and to create new food. “It will be vital that we continue to harness the full value of edible food

and to recover any remaining food waste for ongoing input into our local food production.” Speirs adds that preventing food waste reduces household and business expenditure, while diverting organics from landfill lowers landfill costs to councils and in turn, households. Valuing our Food Waste integrates policy measures, behavioural change actions and support for industry to address the estimated 200,000 tonnes of food waste sent to landfill each year in South Australia and contribute to national and global targets. Themes within the Strategy, to be led by Green Industries SA, complement existing policy measures, including developing a circular economy, eliminating single-use plastics, working within the waste management hierarchy, and supporting the South Australian resource recovery industry. The South Australian Government has an aim to reduce emissions by more than 50 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, and for net zero emissions by 2050. According to the strategy, taking action to address the generation of food waste and divert it from landfill will help implement these policy directions. Proposed actions include supporting high-performing council food waste collection systems and working with councils to pilot more frequent collections. The strategy also suggests that

Valuing Our Food Waste seeks to grow industry capacity to process segregated organic materials to relevant standards.

the state government provide infrastructure support for anaerobic digestion and incorporate bioenergy recovery into processes where residual outputs are diverted into composting processes or applied to land following energy extraction. Green Industries SA will also pursue regulatory interventions to ensure segregated food and organic waste collection systems exist for residential, commercial and industrial premises in the Adelaide metropolitan area.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 19

FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

FOGO 2.0 THE NSW ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY’S LATEST EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IS HIGHLIGHTING THE POWER OF TARGETED COMMUNICATIONS TOWARDS BOOSTING THE STATE’S FOGO EFFICIENCY.

Post-campaign bin audit results showed an average 10 per cent increase in recovery in the green bin.

“T

he littlest things can often make the biggest different. Good food comes from good land. Good land comes from good soil. Good soil comes from good compost. And good compost starts right here, in your green lid bin.” This is opening line of the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) latest educational video series, Scrap Together. Developed to boost FOGO recovery rates across the state, Scrap Together is a series of three 45 second videos and associated collateral. The first video concludes with a simple yet important message that underscores Scrap Together’s key motivation: “Little scraps of food go a long way. So NSW, let’s get our scrap together.”

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According to Amanda Kane, EPA Organics Manager, the campaign comes of the back of a 2020 study, whereby the EPA commissioned Rawtec to undertake an analysis of NSW council kerbside waste audit data. The aim was to understand the amount of different waste types in kerbside residual waste bins, as well as the performance of FOGO collection services funded under Waste Less Recycle More. The analysis showed that through best bin configuration – when households have a weekly large FOGO bin and a small fortnightly red bin – a food waste recovery rate of 57 per cent was achieved. While a 57 per cent recovery rate is encouraging given the relatively new status of the service, Kane explains that the EPA wanted to take

it to the next level. As such, the department formed the FOGO Education Deep Dive Project, whereby FOGO educators from 24 participating councils came together to workshop potential barriers to wider uptake. From there, EPA commissioned social research. The research was conducted online with 2654 residents from 26 local government areas who had green lid organics bins for FOGO. It showed three key barriers towards wider FOGO uptake: residents not knowing what happens to the contents of the bin, not understanding what waste materials can go into the bin and the ever present ‘yuk factor.’ “People didn’t like the idea of a caddy on the kitchen bench, or they were worried about flies,” Kane says.

“The results reinforced our suspicions, but now we had the data to back them up.” From there, the FOGO Education Deep Dive Working Group concluded that it needed an information campaign that would answer necessary questions and address community concerns. The EPA then engaged FOTIMedia with a creative brief, who came back with the Scrap Together concept. “We wanted to connect what is happening at the kerbside with the fact the material goes onto the land, and they came up with the idea of putting a FOGO bin in a field, which I think works very well,” Kane says. Video one, Every Scrap Matters, introduces viewers to the series’ narrator, an Akubra clad farmer who reinforces the connection between food waste, soil, and the food we eat. The second video, Scrap Sorted, highlights the difference between the FOGO bin and standard household composting – showing viewers that it’s not just fruits and vegetables that can go into the bin, but meat, seafood, and dairy as well. The final video, Scrap-load Better, takes views to Scrap Street – addressing the ‘yuk factor’ by illustrating a range of strategies to avoid odours, such as freezing seafood scraps until bin day, putting kitchen caddies in the dishwasher and lining kitchen caddies with newspaper. “We then tested the videos across three councils – Clarence Valley, Forbes and Kempsey – from September to December last year,” Kane says. “We evaluated the campaign through pre and post bin audits. We audited 220 bins per council or 660 in total – identifying food waste recovery rates before and after. “We also conducted a post-

Scrap Together addresses key barriers towards wider FOGO uptake.

campaign social attitudes evaluation.” The bin audit results showed an average 10 per cent increase in recovery in the green bin, while the social attitudes evaluation showed that the campaign resonated with communities. “The more people saw it the more likely they were to act,” Kane says. “It’s shown us that good education can improve performance and that this campaign can work alongside existing council communications to reinforce their messaging.” The bin audits also revealed an overall reduction in food waste, Kane explains, which could highlight a correlation between the campaign and people’s awareness of what are they putting in their bin. “Contamination also halved across the three council areas, which we weren’t targeting at all,” she says. “I think it indicates that the campaign made people think about what is happening with the contents of the bin.” The plan now, Kane adds, is to refine those findings, with the EPA now working with Lake Macquarie Council to produce a fourth video looking at caddy liners and contamination. “We tried to keep the first three videos as generic as possible, but are

now adapting them to individual council needs, such as with Lake Macquarie which uses caddy liners,” Kane says. She adds that the EPA is looking to provide funding next year to help councils roll the campaign out in their communities. “It’s about taking FOGO to the next step. We have 43 councils providing a FOGO service and we want to see continuous improvements,” Kane says. “Ensuring maximum efficiency helps councils and households increase recovery, it helps processors with material input quantity and quality, and it helps the environment through emissions reduction and getting more organics out of landfill.” Kane highlights NSW’s Net Zero mission plan, which is targeting net zero emissions from organic waste by 2030. “We are going to need to get 100 per cent of food out of landfill to support that goal, and campaigns like Scrap Together are all contributing to that,” she says. “If we can combine this education which was geared towards recovery with other components like contamination and avoidance, then we’ve got even more opportunities.”

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 21

FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

Loop Organics’ Ravensworth facility is licensed to treat 55,000 tonnes of organic material each year.

Closing the emissions loop LOOP ORGANICS IS WORKING WITH THE NSW GOVERNMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANTS PRESYNC TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO EMISSIONS BY 2030.

he NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan Stage One: 20202030, seeks to achieve net zero emissions from organic waste in landfill by 2030, with targeted actions to support councils improve services and product quality. “Organic waste, such as food scraps and garden trimmings, makes up about 40 per cent of red-lidded kerbside bins. When sent to landfill, the decomposing material releases methane that may not be captured,” the plan reads. “However, when this waste is managed effectively, through proper composting and recycling processes, methane emissions can be substantially reduced, soils can be regenerated to store carbon

22 / WMR / June 2021

and biogas can be created to generate electricity.” As with any government initiative, achieving the goals of Net Zero requires industry collaboration and the support of passionate players across the waste and resource recovery sector. One company leading the way is Loop Organics, which is currently in the process of developing its own net zero by 2030 plan. With a combined experience of more than 60 years, the Loop team provides specialist organic waste and biosolids processing, and has established some of the largest biosolids reuse programs in Australia. The company’s services include organics composting,

wastewater treatment plant and organic waste lagoon desludging, soils dewatering, collection, transport, and land application. To go net zero by 2030, Loop joined the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Sustainability Advantage program, through which it is working with sustainability consultants Presync on an emissions reduction roadmap. “One of the first things we’ve done is address the issue of idling vehicles. Operators can sometimes get in the habit of getting out of their utes and leaving the engine running,” Lisa Rawlinson, Loop Organics Director, says. “We’ve set up a system that alerts the driver if the vehicle has been

idling for over 15 minutes, which will hopefully lead to behavioural change, less wasted fuel and less emissions.” SUSTAINABILITY ADVANTAGE Formed over 15 years ago, Sustainability Advantage works with medium and large organisations to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices, while naturing leaders committed to securing a sustainable NSW. Jonathan Wood, Sustainability Advantage Senior Project Officer, explains that the program uses a United Nations Sustainability Goals framework, with an emphasis on net zero emissions, the circular economy, and positive effects on nature. “Loop is critical from all those perspectives and is a fantastic organisation to work with and help achieve their objectives, which are aligned with our objectives as well,” Wood says. He adds that for businesses to be successful, they need passionate people in their organisation that make sustainability a central business priority. “Gone are the days when you could just do a sustainability report and tick that box,” Wood says. “It has to be fully integrated into everything you do, to not just benefit people and the planet, but also your bottom line. “That’s why we love working with Loop. Lisa lives and breathes this stuff, and we’re hoping she rubs off on a whole range of other organisations as well.” The membership-based program pairs organisations up with consultants such as Presync. A series of diagnostic sessions are then held to identify sustainability priorities, with a pathway toward achieving these priorities plotted via an organisational roadmap.

“All of these investments will help drive our progress towards net zero emissions by 2030 and our wider objectives under the Sustainability Advantage program.” Matt Brown Loop Organics Hunter Valley Regional Manager

Ben Waters, Presync Founder and Director, explains that Loop’s current emissions are largely scope one, which is direct emissions dominated by diesel fuel. “Their direct emissions are 94 per cent of their footprint, with fuel use at 82 per cent and cattle at 18 per cent. Electricity is too small to know,” he says. To minimise that footprint, Waters highlights several targeted actions, such as displacing fossil fuels with renewable fuels and electricity, and sponsoring renewables from the grid. “It’s fuel use, so it’s about more efficient equipment and more efficient processes to use less, but the bottom line is Loop doesn’t have a huge choice of machines – their process has to use fuel because it’s not easily electrifiable at the moment,” he says. As part of the final Loop roadmap, Waters says he will recommend investigating biodiesel with existing suppliers, as well as the potential for Loop to create its own fuel via the waste food oil it receives as part of its biosolids and composting process. “They have all this organic waste, so I’m thinking about an adjacency there,” he says. “Biodiesel is an inferior product, whereas renewable fuel that you can make from waste biosolids is a dropin replacement that is superior to fossil diesel, but it’s harder to get at scale.”

The renewable fuel industry is expanding, however, with Waters suggesting Loop start with biodiesel before transitioning to renewables when the market is sufficiently commercialised. Another key move will be the electrification of equipment, which while not immediately achievable across Loop’s full range, can begin with electric tractors and trucks. This will not lead solely to positive environmental outcomes, but economically sustainable ones as well. “Internal combustion engines are inefficient and poor at converting fuel in a turning motion,” Waters says. “Electric motors are 95 per cent efficient, and you can have a motor in each wheel so you can get distributed traction without complicated differentials.” Rawlinson adds that she is eagerly awaiting further updates from the Volvo Group on the availability of electric prime movers. There is one Volvo prime mover currently being trialled by a large transport company in Australia. Once fuel and the electrification of vehicles is addressed, Waters jokes that they’ll start thinking about cattle. While less ‘hackable’ via technological innovation, Waters says CSIRO and its Future Feed program are making interesting progress – with a livestock feed additive made from Asparagopsis seaweed shown to

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 23

FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

With a combined experience of more than 60 years, the Loop Organics team provides specialist organic waste and biosolids processing.

reduce methane emissions in beef and dairy cattle by more than 80 per cent. There’s also potential for Loop to investigate carbon credits. “Loop appears to sequester carbon in the soil, but that’s hard to quantify. It might be enough to make their business carbon positive, which could potentially be monetized through carbon credits. But that is something we’ll have to research further.” ORGANIC DIGITISATION In addition to its work with Sustainability Advantage, Loop have

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several exciting initiatives on the horizon, such as working with a biodigester company to investigate energy production and a project to boost on-site FOGO capacity. “We recently got our DA to a build a shed at Ravensworth that will give us the capacity to receive more FOGO,” Rawlinson says. “We’ll be doing initial sorting in the shed and using covered windrows in the first stage of the process. “It’s been a two-year journey of odour studies and working with council and the EPA.

“We’re now getting ready to conduct Geotech studies, then we’ll get cracking.” Loop’s Ravensworth facility is licensed to treat 55,000 tonnes of organic material each year via a composting process driven by applied science. Operations are led by a passionate team of environmental scientists, engineers, and soil agronomists, who supply clean organics to help restore degraded soils and lift productivity in Hunter Valley’s agricultural system. “What we’re doing now is putting as much technology and digitisation into our process as possible,” Rawlinson says. “We’ve received a digitisation grant from the Federal Government and are looking at every piece of our business and thinking: how can we get as many digital tools in there as possible?” Loop’s docketing system has recently gone electric, and it is using data to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements. Matt Brown, Loop Organics Hunter Valley Regional Manager explains that the company have ceased manual data collection at its composting facility and have adopted a wireless digital monitoring system. “The system not only monitors the status of compost windrows, but also monitors climatic conditions which could adversely impact production,” Brown says. “Compost monitoring data is accessible in real time simply by accessing the web. “All of these changes and investments will help drive our progress towards net zero emissions by 2030 and our wider objectives under the Sustainability Advantage program.”

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FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

It’s all about organics THE AUSTRALIAN ORGANICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY IS ALREADY PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT IN GLOBAL TERMS, WRITES PETER OLAH, AORA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

am writing this during the Waste2021 Conference in Coffs Harbour, in-between meeting people from all parts of the waste and recycling industries. It is good to mingle face-to-face after 15 months of Zoom overload. What is becoming clear is that everyone wants to talk organics. Our industry – the work we do and the opportunities we represent – is the flavour of the month. It’s an opportunity too good to miss, and how appropriate that it’s happening in International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW, 2-8 May).

For ICAW 2021, the world’s leading organics recycling industry associations have joined together to highlight the economic and environmental value of organics recycling: locking up carbon in soil, mitigating climate change, returning nutrients to degraded soil and supporting food security and improved nutrition. Globally, the organics recycling industry: • recycles 83 million tonnes of biowaste every year. • reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent every year.

The organics industry reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent every year. 26 / WMR / June 2021

Peter Olah says the AORA 2021 Annual Conference is an opportunity to meet friends and colleagues face-to-face.

• r ecycles one million tonnes of plant macro nutrients, worth $1.1 billion in our money. These benefits would grow 12-fold if the world’s organics were source separated and composted. This year’s ICAW sees global educational activities as a major focus, working together to get the word out about the benefits of recycling organics and the value of returning organic matter to our soils. To quote Peter Wadewitz, the Chair of AORA: “For something so fundamental, it is time for governments to step up and tear down the remaining obstacles to permit composting to deliver its full potential,” Wadewitz says. “Declaring strong near-term targets and clearing up government and regulatory policy uncertainties, improving compostable standards to reduce contamination from potential input materials, and establishing government specifications and procurement practices for organic recycling products will boost our collective ability to build this complete environmental and economic success story.” The Australian Organics Recyling Association, Australia’s peak body representing organics processors and recyclers, is committed to playing its part in meeting this challenge in Australia. The Australian organics recycling industry is already punching above its weight in global terms. In 2018-19, the industry recycled 7.5 million tonnes of organic material. This represents a 51.5 per cent recycling rate of organics. AORA’s recent industry capacity study found that the industry is capable of processing an additional 51 per cent of organic materials given the capacity of their existing operations. This means that there is significant inherent growth capacity, but also a real need for new investment if we are to achieve a 95 per cent organics recycling rate by 2031. How do we achieve this? Come to the AORA 2021 Annual Conference to find out. It’s Australia’s biggest and most important organics recycling event, with a stunning lineup of national and international leaders in our industry and beyond. It’s an opportunity to meet friends and colleagues faceto-face, and enjoy a fantastic program of speakers, as well as the spectacular location in the heart of Hunter wine country. If you are reading this at the conference in your complimentary copy of Waste Management Review, enjoy! See more at www.aoraconference.com.au.

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FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

In-vessel harmonisation WASTE MANAGEMENT REVIEW SPEAKS WITH NALG IN-VESSEL COMPOSTING SYSTEMS DIRECTOR & CEO PHILIP PAREKALAM, ABOUT BUILDING A MORE CIRCULAR AUSTRALIAN ORGANICS MARKET.

espite being the largest package of waste and recycling reforms in Victoria’s history, when Recycling Victoria was released last year, many questioned the longawaited circular economy policy’s recycling sector focus. Philip Parekalam brought up similar concerns when he spoke to Waste Management Review in April, with the NALG In-Vessel Composting CEO posing two simple questions: if we are simply recycling organics, can we say we are a circular economy? And, are we using the right

technology or short circuiting to keep gate fees low so we just push forward today’s problem to tomorrow? Parekalam suggests the answer is complex, highlighting emissions from fossil-based electricity consumption and diesel fuel, as well as procurement of poorly performing technologies at lower costs. “An operator might be bringing in and composting 80,000 tonnes of organic material, but they are also running lorries, burning fossil fuel and using fossil power to run their site.

Once facilities are cold commissioned, NALG works with its clients to fine-tune the in-vessel process.

28 / WMR / June 2021

“Where is the sustainability there?” he says. Australia is still a ‘kindergarten’ in organics waste processing, Parekalam says. He adds that leading circular economies have already moved to source separation of food and green waste, plus extracting renewable energy from inside organics. “No organics to landfill, extraction of renewables from organics and the production of quality compost need regulatory drivers and a willingness to pay,” Parekalam says. IN-VESSEL TECHNOLOGY NALG Australia, including its European technology partners, has over 35 years of experience in waste processing and treatment. It specialises in developing tailored solutions for its clients, including all DA, CC, EPA approvals, design, engineering, construction, control systems and management training to recover recyclables and produce compost products. According to Parekalam, a prominent demonstration of the company’s success and commitment to building a high-performing organics sector is its turnkey in-vessel compost facilities. “With over 22 years localised Australian experience, NALG

NALG Australia, including its European technology partners, has over 35 years of experience in waste processing and treatment.

has developed working in-vessel composting facilities and software for our clients based on the Australian climate and waste streams,” he says. “We believe every site is different and unique, and every region portrays different types of waste streams which can be diverse in moisture content, density, porosity and break down properties.” Once facilities are cold commissioned, NALG works with its clients to fine-tune the whole process, making it as cost-effective and environmentally friendly as possible. “With a rigorous, streamlined turnkey project management process that is supported by worldwide expertise, we are continually demonstrating our ability to complete projects in a timely and capital effective manner,” Parekalam says. Current and completed projects include Suez’s Kemps Creek, NSW facility, which processes 50,000 tonnes per annum via bio drying, and Phoenix Power Recyclers’ Yalata, Queensland advanced composting

facility, which processes 55,000 tonnes of FOGO, GO and grease trap each year. NALG is also currently working on ORF development works for Pinegro for 65,000 tonnes, where EPA license modification and works approvals are approved and currently moving to the next stage of development, which is design, build and training. Parekalam highlights the Phoenix Power Recyclers facility as a standout example of NALG’s approach, with 40,000 tonnes per annum of compost produced via in-vessel tunnels. “The turnkey system of in-vessel composting works by placing the materials into a series of tunnels, regulating the process of composting by manipulating the temperature, oxygen level and moisture level,” Parekalam says. The plant’s DA, EPA licence, design, build, and commission were undertaken by NALG, which also offered management, staff training and technical support for on-going processes and operations.

The plant features a three-stage air scrubber and bio-filer to reduce odours, with the resulting compost marketed to farms and nurseries under the Earthborn brand. Parekalam emphasises NALG’s bespoke approach to facility design, as highlighted in its unique approach to the Phoenix Power Recyclers facility. “Our evaluations are based on feedstock. If you have a lot of green waste coming in for example, then your infrastructure can start with basic capital and in-vessel composting technology,” he says. “Whereas when you start to add more to the feedstock, such as meat or anything with high nitrate levels, then you require more capital investment such as high-level scrubbers, mixing zones and better air movement in pre-treatment buildings. “To handle corrosive environments, we would also add more product to the concrete, to ensure the building is designed in such a way that it lasts a long time under those stressors.”

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 29

FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

exists in the feedstock.” NALG’s partnership with HZI is just one in a long line of environmentally focused initiatives for the company, which after beginning its life in mushroom farming, moved into food and green waste processing in 2008 in Australia.

Philip Parekalam says operators need greater assurance that they can run for the long term.

RENEWABLE ENERGY NALG is committed to turning fossil electricity consumption into the production of renewable energy, whilst producing quality compost. As such, NALG cooperates with leading international technology provider Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI) on a project-by-project partnership. The two parties collaborate in creating energy neutral composting facilities by adding anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. “With HZI, we are producing biogas to fully cover the electricity needs at our composting facilities plus exporting renewable power into the grid,” Parekalam says. “HZI Kompogas is best practice technology with high and continuous energy yields whilst coping well with contamination. Plus, HZI has more than 100 working plant inclusive options for biogas upgrading to biomethane for grid injection and bioCNG as a diesel replacement. “This approach is truly circular because you’re not sucking in energy, put rather neutralising your emissions by capturing the energy that already

30 / WMR / June 2021

HARMONISATION According to Parekalam, one of the key challenges facing Australia’s organics industry is a lack of regulatory harmonisation. “Australia’s 537 councils all have a different approach, and each state and territory has different regulations,” he explains. “We believe waste is a national issue. Pricing and tender years can fluctuate from eight to 20 years, which creates a host of problems. Tender times and regulations play an important role in whether you recycle 80, 90 or 100 per cent of your organics. So, it should be standardised.” To get the right infrastructure and technology in place, operators need greater assurance that they can run for the long term, so the technology designers can design and install the right infrastructure at the right cost, Parekalam says. He adds that when that assurance isn’t there, which is the case under eight-year tenders, operators can be incentivised to cut corners or win a tender at lower gate fees, which are later increased to cover costs and allow profit margins. “I feel this is unfair to the operators who have lost the tender due to higher gate fees,” Parekalam says. “With contract terms of 15 to 20 years, gate fees become cheaper which is good for the public, and operators are willing to spend the money on proper waste technology and facility design and build.” Looking forward, Parekalam hopes

to see wider adoption of truly circular approaches to organics recovery. “I believe Australia will be a hot bed for organics recycling for the next 10-20 years, with organics being diverted from landfilling,” he says. “It is critical that technology and infrastructure support operators for a minimum of 20 years.” Poor performing technology and sites should be upgrading to performing technology, Parekalam adds, while contract clauses should include a guaranteed 20 years for operators with set minimum gate fees for green or food waste. “Green waste is required to get the carbon ratio right and paying less for green waste in in-vessel composting facilities doesn’t make sense,” he says. Parekalam adds that rates shouldn’t go below this level, thereby allowing operators to invest in the right technology. Rate payers and councils should also have a right to recall contracts from an operator, he says, when performance levels are not satisfactory as per environmental regulations. “Unlike other industries, the waste industry is not an industry where a problem can be resolved easily by allowing additional time to fix a problem,” he says. “I always believe if there is a problem, for example an odour nuisance, poor performance in digestors or poorly performing invessel tunnel systems, it’s just that the right money wasn’t paid at the right time to invest in working technology. “Circular economy and sustainability are frequently used terms in modern day recycling, but if we dig deep into the meaning of this critical two words, is it actually sustainable and circular. We all need to ask this question to ourselves and start bringing that change.”

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FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

Harmonised processing A RECENT IN-PRINCIPLE AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT THE ROLL OUT OF FOGO WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES ACROSS AUSTRALIA IS WELCOME NEWS TO KOMPTECH CEA.

t the latest national Meeting of Environment Ministers, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively in delivering practical outcomes to address a range of challenges facing Australia’s environment. Environment ministers agreed to improve the harmonisation of municipal waste collection, taking the first step within each state through the implementation of standards within each jurisdiction for kerbside recycling, and a national implementation road map that considers costs and benefits. The ministers also agreed in principle to support a roll out of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) waste collection services in partnership with the Commonwealth to address current gaps in waste collection streams. The in-principle agreement marks a significant development for

Australia’s organics industry, which for years has been calling for greater harmonisation to address the issue of contamination. The move is welcome news to the team at Komptech CEA, which is similarly committed to supporting Australia’s organics recycling industry through the provision and development of high-powered processing equipment. The Komptech product range includes over 30 different types of machines that cover all key process steps in modern waste handling – shredding, separation and biological treatment. Komptech’s focus is always on innovative technology and solutions that ensure maximum customer benefit. While the company has a range of organics equipment on offer, Craig Cosgrove, Komptech CEA National Sales Manager, highlights the Nemus

The Nemus’ controllable hopper and drum rotation speeds support precise material alignment. 32 / WMR / June 2021

Drum Screen as an industry standout. Reduced maintenance time and expenses remain high priorities for the leading international technology supplier, Cosgrove says, which is providing a point of market differentiation through its Nemus drum screen. Contrary to competitor products, the Nemus leverages an open engine compartment accessible from all sides – adding an extra layer of safety for on-site material management. The engine unit is also hydraulically extendable allowing for streamlined oil checks. 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

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The Nemus leverages an open engine compartment accessible from all sides.

and unlocks the oversize conveyor and folds out the conveyors for screening,” Cosgrove says. “With maintenance made easy, the side wall can be folded separately or together with the drum for further changes and cleaning.” Similarly, the Nemus Maxx Primus drum screens by Komptech were designed for a variety of applications, including compost, wood/biomass, soil/gravel and shredded bulk, household, residual and refusederived fuels. Controllable hopper and drum rotation speeds support precise material alignment. Drum overfilling is prevented by a load-dependent hopper control to support compost processing. “Komptech drum screens effectively process high-bulk materials such as wood/biomass through a feed hopper tailored to the drum size,” Cosgrove says. “Practical details like the easy-cleaning two-stage radiator induction screen, larger material intake support wheels and the extremely good access to all maintenance points reflect Komptech’s close attention to customer feedback.” When it comes to processing excavated material such as sand, gravel and lightweight building rubble, Komptech has a solution for heavy materials. Solid contraries are kept back by a hinged hopper pre-screen and a hopper belt controller that prevents skewing on the belt. In processing shredded, household, residual waste and RDF, the machine creates ample space between screen drums and side walls for a smooth operation. Komptech also has a cellular application called Connect which reports events and diagnosis codes, in addition to data on operating hours, fuel consumption and idle time by mobile radio to a central data sever. C

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FEATURED TOPIC – ORGANICS

Long-life loading TO KEEP UP WITH GROWING DEMAND FOR ITS ORGANIC RECOVERY SERVICES, WESTERN COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY HAS INVESTED IN A NEW 924K CATERPILLAR WHEEL LOADER.

Western Composting Technology’s oldest CAT machine is set to tick over to 21,000 hours in coming months.

estern Composting Technology was formed in 2004 by the Geelongbased Dickens family to compete for the Greater Shepparton City Council’s tender to build, own and operate the first green waste alternative waste treatment facility in Victoria. Construction on the company’s flagship Shepparton composting plant was completed in October 2008, with the facility using in-vessel composting technology to process roughly 20,000 tonnes of organic material each year. As policy-driven increases in landfill levies promote recovery and recycling

34 / WMR / June 2021

of organic waste, Western Composting Technology is seeing increased demand for its specialised technologies and services. To keep up with that demand, the company has invested in a series of Caterpillar front-end wheel loaders. Western Composting Technology’s John Wilson explains that given the rough terrain of the company’s facility, the wheel loaders work to facilitate user-friendly material movement for operators. “We use the wheel loaders to move all of our material, right for the very start when the trucks unload, to loading the decontamination hoppers and tunnels.

“We also use the loaders to move and shape our windrows. All of our product movement on site is done with front end loaders, so they’re integral to our operations,” Wilson says. Western Composting Technology operates a range of 924G, 928H and 962H Caterpillar wheel loaders, which work to streamline material handling and loading in a safe, fast, precise, and profitable manner. Wilson adds that the compost dust created on-site is harsh on the equipment. He explains that performance under harsh operating environments is one of the key benefits of Caterpillar equipment.

With over 40 years’ experience in the waste industry, Caterpillar is committed to providing its customers with purpose-built machinery for waste handling applications. Wear in waste handling applications is serve and can drastically cut down a machine’s life. As such, all waste handling machines are protected in key impact areas, including undercarriages, axles and cabs. “We always stick to our maintenance schedules, and get the machinery serviced regularly. One thing the really impresses us about Caterpillar is the servicing and break down call outs,” Wilson says “Whenever we’re due for a service we call our local William Adams CAT mechanic. We have a really good working relationship with him and he’s always more than willing to rework his schedule to fit us in and visa versa.”

William Adams CAT is the Caterpillar dealer servicing Victoria and Tasmania, specialising in the sales and support of heavy construction, forestry and waste equipment since 1926. Combined with the resources of Caterpillar’s subsidiary company, Caterpillar of Australia, the team at William Adams CAT have developed a long association with the waste market segment. William Adams CAT currently operates fourteen branches across Victoria and Tasmania, along with two rental service branches and several resident servicemen. Keeping to a tight maintenance schedule enables a long working life for Western Composting Technology’s wheel loaders. According to Wilson, the company’s oldest machine is going to tick over to 21,000 hours in the next couple of months. “That’s extraordinary in this

environment. The longevity of Caterpillar machines is unreal,” he says. “We find Caterpillar loaders to be fit for purpose, and that’s highlighted in the fact that we bought another machine last month.” The recent addition to Western Composting Technology’s range is the 924K wheel loader, which features an optimised Z-bar loader linkage that delivers the quick loading performance of a traditional Z-bar with the parallelism and load handling capability of a tool carrier. The 924K features a high torque, low speed C7.1 engine that works in concert with an intelligent hystat power train to deliver fuel efficiency as standard. “We’re more than happy with the quality of Caterpillar machines, as well as the great after sales support, spare parts and services,” Wilson says.

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – GLASS RECYCLING

A million tonnes of recycled sand ALEX FRASER CELEBRATED A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE LAST YEAR, WITH THE PRODUCTION OF MORE THAN ONE MILLION TONNES OF RECYCLED GLASS – EQUIVALENT TO RECYCLING 5.4 BILLION BOTTLES.

hen the Victorian Government introduced its Recycling Victoria policy and Recycled First program last year, the spotlight turned to sustainable materials. With a network of recycling sites surrounding Melbourne, Victoria’s construction industry is turning to the state’s leading recycler Alex Fraser, to increase its pivotal role in the supply of sustainable materials needed for infrastructure projects – from municipal works to Victoria’s Big Build. In 2020, the company reached an important milestone – recycling more than one million tonnes of problem glass into materials to build greener roads. “We started this work back in 2007, and our employees have been relentless in their efforts to develop a recycling process that takes a very complex, problem material, treats it as a resource, and reprocesses it into a high specification product that is desperately needed to build greener roads and rail for Melbourne,” Peter Murphy, Alex Fraser Managing Director says. Glass waste recovered by Alex Fraser is often referred to as problem glass, he explains, comprising trillions of pieces of glass, too small and comingled to be recycled back into glass bottles. Victoria annually accumulates around 150,000 tonnes of this problem

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Alex Fraser’s billion-bottle-per-year glass recycling plant is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to separate glass particles.

glass – which for decades, was either sent to landfill or stockpiled, which in turn put pressure on the viability of kerbside recycling programs. “We work closely with our communities, local governments, major recyclers and the construction industry to annually recover more than three million tonnes of construction and demolition material and problem glass and recycle it into the quality products needed to build greener roads and rail,” Murphy says. He explains that the company undertook years of extensive research and development to get to this stage – travelling the world looking at best practise models of glass recycling, before creating its own, unique, state-of-the-art plant in Laverton,

Melbourne in 2019. The billion-bottle-per-year glass recycling plant is equipped with technologies to separate glass particles from paper, plastics, metals and organics and process them down to a high-specification sand, with high production efficiency. Alex Fraser is able to reprocess CSP and problem glass at unprecedented volumes without the need for water and washing, thereby providing a truly sustainable, environmentally responsible recycling model. “After an extensive international search, we realised every “turnkey” solution we could find failed to satisfy our criteria in terms of safety, sustainability, efficiency and ease of access for repairs and

maintenance,” Murphy says. “Instead, we selected a couple of good components from overseas, and took the exciting step of innovating, designing and building this one-of-akind plant from the ground up, right here in Victoria.” Reducing water and energy are key components in any modern sustainability plan, Murphy says, and as such, are fundamental design criterion for all Alex Fraser plants. “We wanted to achieve a dry recycling process, with high reliable hourly throughput and low kwh per tonne. We also needed to ensure safe access for maintenance around the plant,” he explains. The recycling plant is one of three Alex Fraser facilities, including a million-tonne-per-annum C&D recycling facility, located within Alex Fraser’s Sustainable Supply Hub, where mountains of glass and demolition rubble is recycled to produce sustainable construction materials like asphalt, aggregates, roadbase and sand on an unprecedented scale. Alex Fraser’s glass recycling plant at Laverton, and its glass and brick additive bins at the Clarinda Recycling Facility, play a critical role in the recycling and distribution of tonnes of recycled materials being used to build greener roads and rail projects

Local councils like Yarra, Hume and Maribyrnong are using sustainable Alex Fraser materials to build and maintain their cities.

throughout metro Melbourne; reducing the number of trucks needed to transport extracted sands from regional quarries, diverting tonnes of material from landfill and reducing the cost and carbon emissions of construction. Murphy credits VicRoads and Melbourne’s water authorities for being early adopters behind the first applications of recycled glass sand in roadbase, asphalt and pipe bedding. “They were open-minded about the use of alternative materials and

Several level crossing removal projects have incorporated Alex Fraser’s sustainable glass sand.

completed very comprehensive research and testing over many years to prove its performance ability,” he says. “It’s great to see other states following suit and focusing on achieving infrastructure sustainability through the increased use of recycled materials.” In the wake of the recycling crisis, Murphy says Alex Fraser’s work is a prime example of Victoria’s circular economy in motion. “At home Victorian’s are putting their empties into recycling bins so their councils can recover it and the state’s major recyclers turn all they can back into glass bottles and jars; then Alex Fraser comes in to recover masses of leftover problem glass and recycle it back into sand,” he says. “Our production facilities take that all that recycled sand and use it to produce the quality asphalt and roadbase Victoria needs to build sustainable, quality and long-lasting infrastructure. “Victorians should feel confident that recycling is alive and well in their state.”

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – EDUCATION

The leaders of tomorrow THOUGH ITS NATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, THE WASTE RECYLING INDUSTRY ASSOCATION OF QUEENSLAND IS COMMITTED TO MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY THINKERS AND WASTE EXPERTS.

he waste, recycling and circular economy industry supports a skilled and diverse workforce that can provide employment opportunities for Australians of all skill and ability levels. To support that workforce develop, WRIQ launched a national internship program that provides waste, recycling and circular economy organisations, including suppliers and partners to the industry, with access to junior talent. Here, Waste Management Review speaks with three organisations involved.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT YOU DO: IMPACT Community Services: recycling is part of IMPACT Community Services, a not-for-profit organisation that each year supports more than 5000 people who may be experiencing disadvantage, poverty or exclusion from social and employment networks in the Bundaberg and Burnett regions.

The Australasian Circular Textile Association (ACTA): we are Australasia’s first profit-for-purpose, collaborative industry peak-body formed to realise full resource efficiency for textiles. WestRex: WestRex specialise in the management of complex and hazardous waste, contaminated site remediation,

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WRIQ’s internship program is delivering hands-on experience as it equips participants with tools for the future workforce.

resource recovery and organic recycling. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENGAGE IN THE INTERN PROGRAM? IMPACT Community Services: the intern program is an opportunity to establish a partnership with students who can get a real-world opportunity to make a difference with a not-for-profit organisation looking to commercialise its social enterprises and reduce reliance on future charitable support.

ACTA: collaborating with the Australian

Bedding Stewardship Council, we combined efforts in order to engage three university students from data analytics to environmental management to assess several critical elements within textile recyclability and waste.

WestRex: the waste industry as a whole is going through a rapid transformation. On a national level, we have committed to significant changes in the way that we manage waste and to achieve these outcomes, our industry will require a huge amount of innovation. To be successful we will need to

attract the best and brightest of the next generation.

development of treatment concepts, followed by sampling, testing and trialling of each.

WHAT WAS THE PROJECT OR ACTIVITY THE INTERN ASSISTED WITH? ACTA: a well-constructed brief was delivered to the three students who were tasked with a Global Horizon Scan of Textile Recycling Technologies and Innovation, analysing current waste and audit data of Local State Governments Waste, and formulating a textile waste calculator to determine the volume of textiles waste between states and major companies.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE INTERN? ACTA: the student’s capabilities and unique knowledge were incredible, by far some of the most talented young individuals we’ve had the pleasure of working with. Not only could they understand the necessity of the work we were undertaking, but also demonstrated tremendous initiative in coming up with potential solutions in addition to what was tasked.

WestRex: the project involved making improvements to an onsite water treatment system which allowed our intern to have a really hands-on experience. The project involved

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR THE SECTOR TO ENGAGE THE NEXT GENERATION? IMPACT Community Services: we want to partner with the leaders of the next

generation to explore their biggest and brightest ideas that will enable us to ensure our social enterprises balance market economic needs with our for-purpose endeavours. By exposing these future leaders to the social enterprise space, we hope to make it a more attractive career option for them. Social enterprises will need the best business minds to ensure their long-term sustainability.

WestRex: there is a huge amount of investment pouring into the waste sector to support the development of newer, smarter technology and we need new talent to come along with this. We should be engaging more with tertiary education institutes to ensure that graduates are aware of the types of opportunities on offer.

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – RESOURCE RECOVERY

Achieving circularity RESOURCECO HAS INVESTED OVER $40 MILLION IN NEW PLANTS AND MACHINERY, IN WHAT IS THE MOST AMBITIOUS CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM IN ITS HISTORY.

Sustainability is at the core of ResourceCo’s business operations.

he Global Leaders’ Summit on Climate held last month, ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference scheduled for later this year, called on all leaders everywhere to take urgent climate action. The UN chief called on the international community to make this “a decade of transformation.” He stressed that “we need a green planet – but the world is on red alert.” Growing international and national focus on a greener and circular economy are contributing to an unrelenting focus on resource recovery. As national and state policies focus more directly on driving circular economy outcomes, there is an

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accelerated effort from industry to support that shift through innovation and investment. “True change from a linear to a circular model is not an easy one,” Jim Fairweather, ResourceCo CEO, says. “The move towards a Circular Economy focuses on redefining growth, with positive society-wide outcomes.” The concept recognises the importance of the economy needing to work effectively at all scales – for big and small businesses, for organisations and individuals, globally and locally, making sure the earth’s limited resources are sustained for future generations. “The ResourceCo journey towards

achieving circularity through a sustainable and collaborative approach has resulted in repurposing over 50 million tonnes of materials, reduced considerable harmful carbon and greenhouse emissions; and made us Australia’s largest energy from waste producer,” Fairweather says. He adds that ResourceCo has progressed sustainably towards achieving genuine circular economy outcomes, but now more than ever, it has an opportunity as a global leader in resource recovery to lead by example. “Sustainability is at the core of our business operations and we are acutely conscious of the role we can

play in not only helping to build Australia’s circular economy, but in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal of creating a better world by 2030,” Fairweather says. “The opportunity for growing Australia’s $15 billion waste and resource recovery industry is clear, but it can only truly be realised through stronger industry participation, harmonisation of the regulatory framework through policy consistency, sustainable government procurement policies and investment in growing public awareness.” Bringing 30 years of industry experience to the fore, ResourceCo provides a unique road map for exploring the elements that need to converge for Australia to be truly successful in its quest to drive circularity in the economy.

“We’re focused on providing innovative solutions and scaling up our operations in a way that builds on our strong track record in delivering sustainable economic, environmental and socially responsible outcomes,” Fairweather says. “To achieve that we have increased the sophistication of our plants and machinery, ultimately expanding our capacity to cater to growing local and global demand and further support the roll-out of the waste export bans. “We have invested over $40 million on new plants and machinery in what is the most ambitious capital investment program in our history, with new plants planned for Sydney, Perth, and the Pilbara this year.” That includes the launch of a new multi-million-dollar plant at Eskine Park in Sydney for ResourceCo’s tyre

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recycling division Tyrecycle. It will expand the company’s production capacity for tyre-derivedfuel and rubber crumb (used in road construction), ahead of the December 2021 ban on the export of whole-baled tyres. “We are definitely encouraged by the collective efforts to position the local resource recovery industry to become globally competitive, with recycling and clean energy being one of the six priority areas under the Australian Governments $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing strategy,” Fairweather says. “We have made great progress so far but much needs to be done. “ResourceCo is committed to doing what it can to achieve real change and leave a better planet in a better state than we found it.”

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TECHNOLOGY

Putting relationships first VEGA’S LATEST PRODUCT LAUNCH IS BUILDING OFF THE COMPANY’S LONG ESTABLISHED REPUTATION AS A KEY SUPPLIER OF PRECISON-BASED SENSORS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE WATER AND WASTE INDUSTRIES.

VEGA operates a 24 hour helpline to ensure its client’s needs are efficiently addressed.

EGA’s new range of radar and pressure transmitters is the culmination of four years of research, inspired by direct feedback from the most important element of the supply chain – the people who use the equipment. John Leadbetter is Managing Director of VEGA Australia. He passionately defines VEGA’s ethos as being much more than simply manufacturing and delivering equipment. “VEGA Australia is dedicated to fostering relationships with the people who use our products, making sure they feel valued and supported,” Leadbetter says. “This approach is at the very heart of our company’s culture.

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“Honesty is among our core values. We don’t make promises we can’t keep.” Leadbetter adds that every member of his team strives to understand customer needs and objectives, not just VEGA’s. “Our success depends on customer loyalty, something we never take for granted,” he says. “Everything we do is focused on repaying that loyalty by developing a relationship as a partner, making sure people see VEGA as an integral part of their team. “Our new product range was developed from the relationships we have with our clients, listening to their feedback and supplying the equipment they need.”

VEGA was founded more than 60 years ago in Germany. Family owned, the company’s global headquarters are based in Schiltach, Black Forest. Today, VEGA is active in more than 80 countries, employing almost 1500 people worldwide. The company supplies measurement technology to the water and waste industries, which is used in a wide range of applications including water management and bulk materials handling. “In the water and waste industries, VEGA is known for handling heavy duty, bulk solids,” Leadbetter says. “Our equipment is also used to measure water levels. VEGA has earned a reputation in the industry as a reliable service provider.” The family who founded VEGA still work for the company and Leadbetter believes this culture is one of the many qualities which sets them apart from other suppliers. “VEGA is a family owned company. Our ethos is simple – we’re here to service the market. VEGA reinvests profits in the company. We built and own our new Australian headquarters,” Leadbetter says. “Worldwide, we own all our property and vehicles. “This principal of complete ownership is important to us, as it gives confidence to our staff and the

people we service that the company is run properly.” VEGA’s new Australian headquarters are based in Caringbah, 30 kilometres south of Sydney. The facility was part of a strategic focus on developing relationships with the people who use VEGA’s products and services. “Our Caringbah facility is designed around three buildings – administration, warehouse and a training centre,” Leadbetter says. “The training centre is important as it ensures clients are equipped with the knowledge of how to use our equipment to its full capacity.” Training people to use VEGA’s equipment reinforces the company ethos of establishing and developing relationships with clients to ensure they remain fully supported. Courses are run over eight hours and up to 40 people can be accommodated at the new Caringbah training facility. VEGA can provide flights and accommodation if required. “I started as a technician and understand the value of training,” Leadbetter says. “Our courses are hands-on and provide time in the classroom as well as practical training. “It gives clients confidence that they are getting the best use of the technology we provide. “Feedback has been very positive. Operators demonstrate competency and it also provides companies with the reassurance that their teams know how to operate the equipment.” This approach was the inspiration behind VEGA’s latest product range. “We recently launched an expansive range of entry level products, following consultation with our clients,” Leadbetter says. “The equipment retains the quality, performance and accuracy of our

other products, but offers more entry level functionality. This allows clients a choice between more basic equipment and products which provide complex solutions. “We listened to feedback and created a tailored range of products. This range took four years to develop and demonstrates VEGA’s commitment to working with clients to supply the equipment they need.” VEGA is aware of the logistical challenges in providing support to clients across Australia. “Communication is a critical part of the service we provide,” Leadbetter says. He adds that VEGA operate a 24 hour helpline, which ensures its client’s needs are always efficiently addressed. “Waiting on equipment can affect operations and we place great importance on getting clients what they need as quickly as possible, often overnight with orders for standard stock,” Leadbetter says. “Our clients know they can speak with the VEGA team and that we’re easy to deal with. “Deadlines are sacred in the water and waste industries and

VEGA understands our role in the production chain.” Australia plays an important part in VEGA’s global operations. “I like to bring colleagues from Germany and other countries to help them understand the challenges our clients encounter when operating in Australia,” Leadbetter says. “Heat, dust and environmental conditions are just some of the factors which have to be considered when designing products around customer needs. “From Australia, we also service clients in Papua New Guinea and offer our expertise in mining, waste and water applications to colleagues around the world. Being part of this global network benefits clients.” So what are VEGA’s plans for the future? “At VEGA, we are always looking to the future,” Leadbetter says. “We are working to improve data retrieval from our products, making it easier for clients to monitor performance remotely. “Applications on a mobile phone make it easy to monitor instruments and our teams will continue to look for ways to enhance this process.”

VEGA’s new product range was developed after listening to customer feedback.

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EVENTS

Victoria convenes ACTION AND CHANGE WERE THE THEMATIC THRUST OF DISCUSSIONS AT THE VICTORIAN WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE THIS APRIL.

Victorian Environment Minister Minister Lily D’Ambrosio opened this year’s VWMA Annual Conference.

n 2018, Downer partnered with Hume City Council, Close the Loop and RED Group to construct Australia’s first road using recycled soft plastics, glass and print cartridges in bitumen. Sustainability Victoria provided over $100,000 for the research and development of the new road base, which according to Sustainability Victoria CEO Claire Ferris Miles, has proved superior to withstanding heavy traffic compared to standard VicRoads bitumen. “The successful research project led Downer to construct the road in Craigieburn, which will support further commercialisation of this new road base,” Miles said at the Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) Annual Conference.

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Downer will undertake performance monitoring of the road over the next year, Miles added, with the company estimating that for every one kilometre of road laid with the new road base, 530,000 plastic bags and packaging, 170,000 glass bottles, 12,500 print cartridges and 130 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt could be recovered. Miles went on to discuss Sustainability Victoria’s Market Acceleration Program, which encourages researchers and businesses to collaborate to take new products from research through to commercialisation. Additionally, the program works to support industry to increase its capability and capacity to produce projects, aligned to regulatory and market requirements.

Miles’ presentation ended on the note that together, “we will deliver a decade of action.” Action and change were common threads throughout the VWMA event, which featured over 16 presentations exploring innovation, kerbside reform, industrial relations, e-waste and the EPA’s waste tracker. Discussing the later, Heather Hawkins, EPA Product Lead, said the new system will help operators classify and manage their reportable priority waste, while enabling EPA to monitor the movement of waste more quickly to detect potential risk. Hawkins explained that users will be able to commence setting up waste records for collections after 1 July, with the new waste tracker then operational and replacing waste transport certificates. BEST PRACTICE REFORM After a challenging year spent largely indoors at a computer screen, VWMA’s Annual Conference gave waste and recycling industry leaders the opportunity to converge, learn, network and ultimately shape the future of the sector. Held at Melbourne’s Leonda reception centre by the Yarra River, the one-day summit provided attendees with essential and exclusive information on new regulatory requirements, stimulus opportunities and technologies to make business more efficient. Delegates heard from key regulators, industry experts and

leading technology providers, as well as Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio – who opened the event with a discussion of partnerships in waste management and recycling as the key for transformative change. D’Ambrosio was followed by Lee Meizis, EPA Victoria Acting CEO, who outlined key obligations for recycling businesses under New Environment Protection Regulations. Meizis gave an overview of regulatory changes, highlighting the shift from a consequence based to prevention based regulatory framework. “The Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018, and proposed Environment Protection Regulations, provide a new outcomes-based framework for protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of pollution and waste,” he said. “New powers and functions introduced by the Act and regulations will help EPA and industry deliver on our strategic drivers. The new legislation is based in achieving an outcome of prevention rather than a consequence-based process to managing pollution.” Meizis highlighted changes to permissions, while stressing that the Act will change the way waste is dealt with in Victoria. He called on industry to take responsibility and action now, to understand their compliance obligations. “Make sure you know where your business stands and what you need to do to ensure compliance,” he said. Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG) CEO Jillian Riseley rounded out the first of the day’s four session blocks – exploring the group’s statewide approach to waste process contract models. Riseley highlighted the

Group’s role in leading councils in the procurement and management of kerbside waste and recycling processing contracts with the private sector, through a tripartite arrangement. Next, she provided an update on MWRRG’s advanced waste processing procurement – the largest procurement undertaken in Melbourne for new infrastructure to process household rubbish. Advanced waste processing is set to help the Victorian Government deliver on its circular economy strategy – Recycling Victoria – a 10 year plan to overhaul Victoria’s recycling sector. MWRRG opened expressions of interest to design, build and operate an advanced waste processing facility in March 2020, with a shortlist of preferred companies released in July. Sixteen councils from the south east of Melbourne are involved in the tender, and together, the councils collected over 490,000 tonnes of residual rubbish in 2016. This is forecast to grow to over 700,000 tonnes a year by 2046. According to Riseley, facility development via the collaborative procurement could attract investment of around $400 million. PRIORITY PROGRAMMING Commenting on the conference, Alex Serpo, VWMA Executive Officer, thanked Minister D’Ambrosio, Acting EPA CEO Lee Meizis and senior members of the government who attended the 2021 Annual Conference. “The Association welcomes new action on behalf of government to invest in glass separation for all Victorian households, new regulations requiring businesses to separate batteries and investment into new program to prevent waste crime,” Serpo said.

EVENTS

Sustainable materials management AT WASTE 2021, CSIRO’S HEINZ SCHANDL PRESENTED ON SOCIAL THEORY, PUBLIC POLICY AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY.

f Australia were to shift towards a circular economy – one focused on more than simply resource recovery but the entire material lifecycle – it could unlock billions of dollars in lost revenue. This is according to Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, which in January released its National Circular Economy Roadmap. The roadmap found that the capacity of the global ecosystem to absorb growing waste generation is limited, while identifying opportunities across the whole supply chain of how waste can be avoided, and materials can be re-used or recycled. Heinz Schandl, CSIRO Senior Principal Scientist and National Circular Economy Roadmap Project Leader, explains that Australia’s traditional take-make-dispose consumption pattern is hitting two walls: ever more expensive primary materials and unacceptable ways of dealing with waste. He adds that innovation is crucial to overcoming these obstacles and realising Australia’s largest economic gains. For the past 20 years, Schandl’s research has focused on providing a knowledge base on natural resource use and resource efficiency including its history, socioeconomic drivers and likely trajectory.

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He explains that his sociology background enables him to simultaneously identify the determinants of accelerating resource use, while describing potential institutional and governance responses to expand the global economy and human well-being with environmental limits. At Waste 2021, which returned to Coffs Harbour’s Opal Cove Resort this May, Schandl presented a keynote address, during which he discussed social theory, public policy and the circular economy. “When we look at the circular economy, we often talk about waste management, resource recovery and the ability to keep materials in circulation – collecting and sorting them and getting them back into manufacturing as a secondary input,” Schandl says. “But I think we need to take a broader view – focusing on the way we manage materials in society and how that links to the way we work, the way we use technology and the way we do business. “It’s about a fundamental restructuring of the system in which we consume and produce in order to achieve different outcomes for the way we use materials, and in that context, how much waste and emissions we can reduce in the first place.”

Ultimately, Schandl wants to extend our perspective from an end-of-life waste management and resource recovery lens, to a whole of supply chain view of sustainable materials management, and how that links to the economy and the services that resources provided society. He explains, however, that the end-of-life focus is understandable, as today’s waste is in front of our eyes. “Waste managers are looking at already accumulating stockpiles and thinking, what are we going to do about them? “I don’t want to downplay the opportunities that exist from the endof-life perspective. When you have sorted, clean material streams, you can add value, and this is something we need to engage in. “But we also need to graduate to a discussion of new materials, products and processes that can substitute for a material that is not going to be beneficial for the entire supply chain.” Schandl, who has worked extensively in the field of sustainable materials management internationally, emphasises that society can provide services in a different way. He has worked with the United Nations Environment Program, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific and the Asian Development Bank, as

Heinz Schandl says society can provide services in a different, more resource efficient way.

well as recently on the United Nations Commission for Regional Development in the context of the Three R Forum for Asia and the Pacific. “We’re looking at a planet with a growing population and increasing living standards in many parts of the world, particularly Asia and the Pacific, so we need to start thinking about closed loop urban and industrial systems,” he says. Closed loop systems will allow for the organisation of cities and services that capitalise on the benefits received from materials taken from the environment, Schandl explains. He adds that this in turn will

provide environmental benefits, as materials management effects everything from climate change and biodiversity to resource depletion. “My background is from Europe, and when I came to Australia and started at CSIRO 15 years ago, Europe was starting to move into an understanding of how consumption and production processes significantly impact our environment and social outcomes,” Schandl says. “In Australia, we were still focusing on biodiversity, water and electricity policy at that time. But what is happening now is that Australia is very rapidly catching up with international trends.”

For over 20 years, both Europe and Japan have had high-level sustainable materials management strategies and policies in place, Schandl says, while China also has a circular economy policy. “Everyone is moving in that direction, and I always try to make the argument that when we just focus on the end-of-life, we’re not only misunderstanding the problem, but limiting our ability to reduce waste from the start and losing significant economic opportunities,” he explains. “As we graduate from recycling to new materials and products, and finally to closed loop cities and industries, economic value grows by an order of magnitude at each of those steps.” According to Schandl, the importance of events such as Waste 2021 is the ability to merge different knowledge bases and collaborate towards sustainable solutions. “One of the questions we have to ask ourselves as scientists is, what is our contribution? We contribute to innovation through new technology, processes and materials that can then be commercialised,” he says. “And that commercialisation is constrained or enabled by socioeconomic and policy factors.” By collaborating with regulators, industry and the community, organisations like CSIRO can develop the data and metrics to understand resource flow and how circular the Australian economy is, which in turn underscores the development of policy and strategic investments. “My perspective is not purely waste management. At Waste 2021 there were more knowledgeable people in the room regarding the ins and outs of the problem, but I think the event allows us to come together and find a broader perspective,” Schandl says.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE – EXCAVATORS

The Wastemaster JCB’S HYDRADIG WASTEMASTER WHEELED EXCAVATORS REPRESENT A NEW AND EXCITING MATERIAL HANDLING SOLUTION.

The Hydradig features best-in-class over the side stability when digging, lifting or slinging.

n today’s world where space is at a premium, compact dimensions and all-round visibility have become increasingly important. This is particularly true for waste and resource recovery operators, who whether working at a materials recovery facility, landfill site or recycling plant, are often forced to manoeuvre machinery around tight spaces. According to Deon Cope, JCB CEA National Wheeled Loader Product Manager, addressing this issue was a key motivation behind the design and development of JCB’s Hydradig 110W. “The vision from the outset of the Hydradig project was to design and engineer the most innovative solution in response to five key challenges facing customers in today’s waste sector. “Those challenges include visibility, stability, mobility, serviceability, and importantly, manoeuvrability.” In even the most confined urban sites, Cope says the Hydradig’s four-wheel steer, two-wheel steer and crab steer as standard make operating easy, allowing operators to work in tighter confines

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safely. A best-in-class turning circle of under four metres lets operators work closer to walls, Cope adds, while a reverse steer option lets them change the back of the machine to the front when working in a single lane. “The JCB Hydradig 110W also allows operators to enjoy total all-round visibility with the ability to see all four wheels plus a one metre perimeter around the machine at ground level. This makes it first for easier and safer operating in tight, crowded worksites.” The excavator features best-in-class over the side stability when digging, lifting or slinging, compared to conventional tailswing competitors. Cope adds that this is all achieved with a minimal tailswing of just 120 millimetres. In addition to the Hydradig’s safety features, Cope highlights its highpowered performance, with a top speed of 40 kilometres per hour in the construction version, and a stepless transmission from a T4 81 kilowatt EcoMax engine letting operators travel to and between sites quicker.

“Three mobility modes allow the operator to set the JCB Hydradig 110W for any task,” Cope says. “Highway mode isolates the upper structure for travelling at up to 40 kilometres per hour, site mode limits the machine to 20 kilometres per hour with all hydraulic services active, whilst creep mode has a speed limiter for the most precise jobs.” He adds that a Livelink five-year contract as standard enables operates to monitor utilisation of their investment, fuel consumption and machine location. As with other machines in JCB CEA’s range, the Hydradig is available under the company’s Wastemaster specification, which features a cab guard Falling Object Protection System that fully protects operators. The JCB Hydradig Wastemaster can be used with a variety of tilt-rotator models and can be equipped with mechanical and hydraulic quick hitches from the factory. A high flow auxiliary circuit is standard, and the machine can be equipped with two low flow circuits, plus dedicated hydraulic circuits for quick hitch operation. “Drawing on our experience working with a range of Australian waste and resource recovery companies, we can confidently say that our latest range, JCB’s Hydradig Wastemaster wheeled excavators, represent a new and exciting material handling solution.” Contact - JCB CEA P 1300 522 232 W www.jcbcea.com.au

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE – RECOVERY EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

KOMPTECH’S NEMUS DRUM SCREEN Reduced maintenance, time and expenses remain high priorities for leading international technology supplier Komptech, which is providing a point of market differentiation through its Nemus drum screen. Contrary to competitor products, the Nemus leverages an open engine compartment accessible from all sides – adding an extra layer of safety for on-site material management. The engine unit is also hydraulically extendable allowing for streamlined oil checks. With maintenance made easy, the side wall can be folded separately or together with the drum for further changes and cleaning. The Nemus Maxx Primus drum screens by Komptech were designed for a variety of applications, including compost, wood/biomass, soil/gravel and shredded bulk, household, residual and refuse-derived fuels. Controllable hopper and drum rotation speeds support precise material alignment. Drum overfilling is prevented by a load-dependent hopper control to support compost processing. Komptech drum screens effectively process highbulk materials such as wood/biomass through a feed hopper tailored to the drum size. When it comes to processing excavated material such as

Komptech drum screens effectively process high-bulk materials.

sand, gravel and lightweight building rubble, Komptech has a solution for heavy materials. Solid contraries are kept back by a hinged hopper pre-screen and a hopper belt controller that prevents skewing on the belt. In processing shredded, household, residual waste and RDF, the machine creates ample space between screen drums and side walls for a smooth operation. Komptech also has a cellular application which reports events and diagnosis codes, in addition to data on operating hours and fuel consumption by mobile radio to a central data sever. Contact - Komptech CEA P 1300 788 757 W www.komptechcea.com.au

LINCOM GROUP’S PRONAR MPB 20.72 TROMMEL

The sorting trommel can be tailored according to customer specifications.

The PRONAR MPB 20.72 is a mobile trommel screen used to effectively separate a range of materials into different sizes. Thanks to a solid design and simple operation principles, the MPB 20.72 is perfectly suited for work with soil, compost, municipal waste, coal, aggregate and biomass. Available in Australia through equipment specialists Lincom Group, the sorting trommel can be tailored according to customer specifications, including round or square holes and different plate thickness. Wide-opening doors provide quick and easy access to the engine on a rotating frame, ensuring good access to the drive unit, feeding the hopper and hydraulics. The MPB 20.72 features a tele-radio remote control

50 / WMR / June 2021

system and a Cleanfix Automatic Cleaning System, which is designed to keep radiators and coolers cleaner for a longer period. The system consists of a fan with adjustable blades and an electrically driven air compressor. Safety guarding and emergency stop lanyards are also fitted to the discharge system, ensuring maximum operator protection. Back up by the reputation of Lincom Group and its national after sales support, parts, and service coverage, the MPB 20.72 is an energy efficient and low maintenance trommel for a wide range of waste screening needs. Contact - Lincom Group P 1800 182 888 W www.lincom.com.au

EREMA’S HIGH-PERFORMANCE MELT FILTRATION – LASER FILTER EREMA’s high-performance Laser Filter offers the best melt filtration technology to recycle post-consumer packaging film. These films often come with contamination, hence they are a challenge for plastic recyclers because they block their conventional melt screen filtration and interrupt production. Conventional melt filters can handle only up to 0.2 per cent contamination by weight, whilst the Laser Filter can deal with up to five per cent. The EREMA laser filter has replaceable screen discs, which feature special designed perforation holes lasered into them. An efficient scraper technology rotates continuously and lifts the contaminants immediately from the surface of the screen discs and continuously extracts the unwanted material via melt augers. This avoids the instant blocking of the screens. The Laser Filter system delivers outstanding quality of the recycled pellets for film production with a higher filtered impurity level. Here are some facts of EREMA Laser Filter: • Can handle up to five per cent contaminant • Materials/Polymers: all Polyolefins, PA, ABS etc.

EREMA’s Laser Filter for plastics recycling is available in Australia through CEMAC Technologies.

• F iltration fineness: down to 70 microns • Continuous screen cleaning by rotating scraper • Uninterrupted production - screens needs cleaning just once a week • Screens are reusable after cleaning In many cases the Laser Filter can eliminate the need for washing films and allows immediate processing into the EREMA INTAREMA pelletising line. Contact - CEMAC technologies P 03 8400 6066 W www.cemactech.com

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

The latest generation loader driveline comes standard with the Australian specification.

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 Command Plus 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 CEA P 1300 522 232 W www.jcbcea.com.au

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE – WASTE TRANSFER TRAILERS AND VEHICLES

Trucks for a changing market TO SUPPORT ITS 2020 ENTRY INTO THE WASTE MARKET, STG GLOBAL HAS APPOINTED JASON HUNT AS THE COMPANY’S FIRST GENERAL MANAGER FOR THE SECTOR.

y 2023, all Victorian councils are set to remove glass from their commingled recycling streams, highlighting a need to re-think traditional approaches to waste collection. According to Jason Hunt, STG Global’s newly appointed General Manager Waste, this brings up several key questions. Namely: what does separate glass collection mean for waste truck bodies and collection methodologies? “The waste landscape is changing. More material is coming out of the general waste stream and being recycled,” he says. “Does that mean a change to waste truck bodies in general? Does that mean there needs to be more bespoke designs for certain waste streams? “With Victoria alone going completely glass out and introducing a container deposit scheme by 2023, we want to engage people that deal with a lot of glass and recyclables such as pubs and clubs and ask them what their expectations are and how they want to be serviced. “We’ll then pass that information onto our design and engineering teams to come up with workable and innovative solutions.” Jason joined STG in March, having spent the last five years at Veolia. His first role with the waste management powerhouse was Victorian Assets,

52 / WMR / June 2021

Jason Hunt says STG Global is looking to create a more competitive waste truck market.

Fleet and Facilities Manager, before moving onto the State Manager role for Veolia’s municipal and commercial collections business. Prior to his time at Veolia, Jason spent six years at Bucher Municipal, and worked for eight years as a truck chassis supplier with C&V group – supplying a range of trucks to various waste and transport applications. “Having worked at a manufacturer – responsible for aftersales support and quality – I really understand how the equipment goes together and what is required to service it once it’s in the field and delivered to customers,” Jason says. “I want to bring that knowledge to STG and drive the innovation the marketplace expects by partnering with waste companies. When I go to those companies, I won’t just say here’s what we offer, but rather find

out what they need, where their pain points are, and look to resolve those problems by being a solutions provider.” Jason first begun conversations with STG on the referral of a friend. He explains that initial discussions centred around his thoughts on industry change and expansion, before progressing to the offer of a role as STG’s first General Manager for the waste sector. “It was a good opportunity to get in with an organisation at the ground level and try to establish STG in the market using my experience. I’m a hands-on person. I put my work boots, roll up my sleeves and try to really understand the entire functionality of the equipment I’m working with. I’m excited to bring that approach to STG.” After a 20-year history in the construction equipment industry, STG entered the waste market late last year, and according to Jason, the company’s approach to design and engineering is already generating significant interest. STG’s waste range includes the Tusks front loader, Bandit side loader and the Claw rear loader, with their unique designs bringing added safety, automation and efficiency to waste collection. “STG waste trucks look very different to the mainstream and

that’s really captured people’s attention and imagination,” Jason says. “It’s exciting to get that feedback, and it’s not just that STG is different, but that we’re offering functional, practical, reliable and efficient solutions.” Jason notes delivery and lead times as a key industry pain point that he and STG are hoping to address. “We market ourselves as ready to work trucks. We want to give people greater choice and shorter lead times, while also creating a more competitive environment. “For certain types of waste vehicles, it’s a duopoly, so we want to offer the marketplace greater choice, more alternatives and increased competition. We’re also committed to being engaged and

at the forefront of industry change and development.” Regarding industry development, Jason highlights STG’s detachable hopper, which adds value to domestic collection clients via serviceability and uptime. He also emphasises STG’s automatic bin lifting capability, safety features and unique approach to operator interfaces. To mitigate the issue of missed bins during collection runs, STG has equipped its trucks with an automated system that sounds off an alarm to tell operators they’ve missed a bin. The system also automates the pickup process, scanning bins and unloading them with minimal operator input. The trucks also feature an integrated control system,

which provides operational and performance insights across a fleet – enabling city councils, waste operators and collection companies to increase their productivity. One of the system’s key features is the ability for operators to upload their own software and applications, meaning less screens in the cabin to reduce operator clutter. “Truck cabins are becoming very cluttered for operators at the best of times, so if we can consolidate operator interfaces into one or fewer screens, it will help the operator become more productive, less fatigued, less distracted which in turn will lead to reduced accidents in the field,” Jason says. Contact - STG Global P 1300 998 784 W www.stgglobal.net

ShowHello!

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 53

PRODUCT SHOWCASE – WASTE TRANSFER TRAILERS AND VEHICLES

Made for ejection BMI TRAILERS HAVE TAKEN HOME THE MANUFACTURE OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THIS YEAR’S MADE IN IRELAND AWARDS.

n March this year, bmi trailers took home the Made in Northern Ireland Awards’ Manufacture of the Year (under £25 million) award, at a virtual event sponsored by Deloitte and HSBC. bmi trailers have built a reputation as the number one for quality, service, and aftercare, with judges remarking that they were impressed with the way bmi innovates rather than imitates. The award is particularly notable considering Northern Ireland’s significant manufacturing and waste sector footprint, highlighting bmi trailers as a big fish in a big pond. As to why Northern Ireland is such a hub for materials handling equipment, trailers and machinery, Brendan McIlvanna, bmi trailers Managing Director, says it’s hard to pin it down to just one reason. “In the olden days engineering was concentrated in Belfast in the shipyard, wearing machine and manufacturing industries,” he says. “Mid-Ulster is the primary region that is reported to produce almost 70 per cent of the world’s material handling mobile plant. “Trailer builders like bmi meet with mobile plant providers on the common ground that is the waste and recycling sector. “bmi trailers is the only specialised manufacturer for this sector in Ireland and are the largest in the UK.” McIlvanna adds that Northern Ireland also benefits from a high

54 / WMR / June 2021

Built with decades of design experience, the bmi ejector is a premier product for Australian waste bulk hauliers.

standard of academia, not just within its schools but also at the leading universities, which are known to have strong engineering bias. “The manufacturing industry and the universities work well together and technical developments are always happening at all levels across their two bodies,” he says. “Being a small geographical region with big ambitions, manufacturing in Northern Ireland has always had a need and desire to export. “Foreign markets buy the best products, so Northern Ireland has stepped forward with offering the best possible products with excellent

support for export across the world.” THE HIGH-POWERED EJECTOR TRAILER While bmi’s range is expansive, for the waste and recycling industry, Mcllvanna highlights the company’s flagship ejector trailer. “The bmi bulk waste ejector trailer, which has been tried and tested for over 30 years, is a much better alternative to the standard tipping trailer,” he says. “This is due to its robust construction and controlled horizontal discharge, which gives you the reassurance that it will not tip

over while in operation on rough or uneven ground.” According to Mcllvanna, the bmi ejector trailer is the strongest, most durable ejector trailer on the market. “Built with decades of design experience, the bmi ejector is the premier product for Australian waste bulk hauliers,” he says. Mcllvanna adds that with 20 years’ experience in manufacturing transfer trailers, the key to bmi’s success is its first-class products, backed up by industry leading service and a willingness to learn and adapt to customer needs. “We are giant steps ahead of our competitors in our design and manufacturing capabilities,” Mcllvanna says. “We have a dedicated research

and development team who are constantly researching and designing projects that are innovative and engineered to a high spec. “We have brilliant engineers, and this is demonstrated by the trailers we manufacture. “Although the trailers might not be built in Australia they will be Made for Australia and specifically for the Australian waste market.” FOCUSED ON WASTE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY bmi’s core business is the waste and recycling market, Mcllvanna explains, offering high quality transfer trailers that are designed and manufactured at their head office in Dungannon, Northern Ireland. He adds that one of bmi’s most

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unique offerings is that it offers bespoke trailers for the waste and resource recovery industry. “Bespoke for us is about providing tailored solutions and we have developed a library of bespoke options for this industry,” he says. “We like where possible to see and understand the customers operations and needs. “We create a comprehensive specification that allows the customer to sign off on what is agreed, part of our ISO 90001 system and production protocols, which ensures we meet our customers and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements.”

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Waste Management Contractors Showcase 2021 The Waste Management Contracts Showcase will be a go-to-list for finding contractors, big or small, that are playing a part in Australia’s circular economy transition. Whether you collect it, process it, or transport it – register your business and be part of an essential resource for the industry.

Chelsea Daniel-Young Business Development Manager, Waste Management Review (+61) 425 699 878 chelsea.daniel@primecreative.com.au

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE – WASTE TRANSFER TRAILERS AND VEHICLES

BMI TRAILER’S EJECTOR TRAILER At bmi trailers, constant design and innovation is evidenced by some of the most revolutionary new market concepts they have on offer within their waste spec. trailers. They have designed, manufactured and commissioned high spec trailers and lead the way with innovative new designs on both trailers, and waste compaction vehicles. With a highly skilled and knowledgeable production, design and sales team, bmi constantly progress with new products, new markets, new partners and new successes. One of these products is the bmi ejector trailer, which is the “best in class” when it comes to landfill operations. Safety, efficiency and reliability, every day, every week, every time. Almost 20 years of innovation and design change is what is behind the flagship, bench marked bmi steel ejector trailer. The trailer sets the standard for durability, longevity, tare weight, serviceability and support, not to mention residual value. Available in a range of specifications with an impressive list of options and features to enhance the user experience. Key features: • Capacity 70 CuM to 97 CuM (90 CuYd to 126 CuYd) • Fabricated from top grade high tensile steel

The bmi ejector is fabricated from top grade high tensile steel.

• • • •

Designed with strength and payload in mind Lower centre of gravity for safety Wide track chassis and axles for stability E BS braking system with roll stability and full datalogger features • Substantial top rail to prevent side wall deformation The bmi ejector trailer is one of the strongest, most durable ejector trailers on the market. Decades of design experience make the bmi ejector a premier product for waste bulk hauliers. Contact - bmi trailers P 00 44 (0)28 8775 3999 E sales@bmitrailers.com W www.bmitrailers.com

GARWOOD INTERNATIONAL’S 100 PER CENT ELECTRIC COMPACT SWEEPER As the newest sweeper in Garwood International’s Boschung product range, the Urban Sweeper S2.0 sets new standards in the two-cubic-metre class. Distributed exclusively by Garwood International, the sweeper is the first Boschung-engineered sweeper fully powered by onboard batteries and has an eight-hour operating time which produces zero emissions. The innovatively engineered battery defines a whole new intelligence management system, making the boundaries between work and charging times hard to discern. The unit has articulated steering with oscillating suspension between front and rear frame for safe ascending and descending sidewalks. Additionally, two 20-kilowatt wheel motors have the ability to reach top speeds of 45 kilometres per hour. The sweeper has a maximum payload weight of 1200 kilograms, an 800-millimetre suction mouth and sweeping width between 1150 and 2300 millimetres. A walk-through cab for entering on both sides offers maximum operator comfort and security, while the central sweeping control console is easily operated with a single hand. Reverse and suction mouth cameras aid in safe and efficient operation. Electrically driven wheel motors, broom motors and

A walk-through cab for entering on both sides offers maximum operator comfort and security.

turbine motor require no active cooling, smaller construction and have the ability to provide dynamic charging while in free spin. With the ability to recharge on car charging stations, and with the Supercharger option, the unit has a charging time of two hours for eight hours work. Available and ready now to demo. Enquire today. Contact - Garwood International P +612 9756 3756 W www.garwoodinternational.com.au

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE – BINS

Helping to lift the lid on bins AN AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED PRODUCT IS GIVING HOUSEHOLDS AND WORKPLACES A HANDS-FREE AND COVID-SAFE RUBBISH DISPOSAL SOLUTION.

he Covid-19 pandemic has seen demand for hands-free products grow over the past 12 months. To learn more, Waste Management Review spoke to Mike Billing from Bin Lid Opener (BLOP), which designs and makes products that make rubbish disposal within workplaces and homes around Australia and New Zealand easier. Taking the rubbish out – for both households and employees – isn’t always a favourite job. Yet Billing, who heads up the Melbourne-based BLOP, has developed simple devices that allow bin lids to be easily opened without using your hands. BLOP’s bin lid lifting devices take less than five minutes to retrofit to most household wheelie bins. It has also worked with industry to develop bin lid lifters to open 660 litre and 1100 litre four-wheeled bins that can be easily retrofitted. The lifters allow users to open the bin’s lid with a pedal they push with their foot. The lid then closes when they take their foot off the pedal. For the 660 litre and 1100 litre models, the bin lid can also be locked into place to help with rubbish disposal. BLOP launched in late 2019 and started supplying the lifters to households. “Customers loved being able to load up both arms with rubbish or recyclables, and then open and close their bin with the foot pedal. It saves

58 / WMR / June 2021

them from making two trips to the bin,” Billing says. “We ended up having to expand our range from the original 240 litre product to cover all the main wheelie bin sizes from 80 litres up to 240 litres. We even offer a product that fits bins that don’t have handles.” But the Covid-19 pandemic and the push for workplaces to reduce high-

touch surface areas led to increased demand from workplaces and public settings. “SafeWork Australia, Worksafe Victoria and other state bodies are recommending organisations to have closed bins in workplaces or touch free bins, such as pedal bins,” Billing says. “BLOP’s lifters have now been installed in health settings, such as

Mike Billing’s Bin Lid Opener is helping to reduce manual effort and injury risk for employees carrying out industrial rubbish disposal.

hospitals, Covid testing sites and allied health. A range of other industries are also benefiting from the hands-free option on their bins.” To create the right product for the 660 litre and 1100 litre commercial four-wheeled bins, Billing says BLOP embarked on a custom design process with a large Victorian hospital and two of Australia’s major waste management companies. “Interestingly, while commercial customers like the hands-free component from an infection control factor, their main interest was to reduce their manual handling-related injury risk. The lifters help meet this demand for reduced manual handling without the business having to purchase new bins because the device is designed for a simple retrofit,” Billing says. “We can manufacture a product that

fits specific business needs. For example, some businesses want the foot pedal to be mounted. Others want remote control functionality or to allow the user to lock the bin lid in an open position while they dispose of multiple bags of rubbish.” But what happens when the garbage truck comes to collect the bins? “That’s one of the most common questions we get. It’s great we can tell customers that they can just keep the device on. It doesn’t have to be removed and the bins are collected as usual.” Billing is continuing to find new markets for BLOP devices. “Customers tell us once they enjoy being able to lift a bin lid without touching the lid, they start to notice the dirty communal bins around our community – be it in parks, sports venues, caravan parks etc.”

With interest in the product growing both in Australia and New Zealand, BLOP is looking to talk to distributors interested in stocking the lifters. “The lifters have wide appeal. It’s helpful for people who don’t want to touch dirty bins, and for workplaces to minimise their contamination risks and risks for manual handling injuries,” Billing says. “But we also see how BLOP’s lifters can make life easier for people of an older age, or those with a physical disability who may struggle to hold a bag of rubbish with one hand and open the lid with another. The lifters just make the everyday job of taking out the rubbish easier and safer.” Contact - Bin Lid Opener

P 0411 352 008 E mike@capturamarketing.com.au W www.binlidopener.com.au

Stand out as an

INDUSTRY LEADER sponsorship enquiries now open

www.wasteawards.com.au Chelsea Daniel-Young

Business Development Manager

chelsea.daniel@primecreative.com.au 0425 699 878

LAST WORD

Building a culture of repair THE TIME IS RIGHT TO REPAIR, BUT IT REQUIRES POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT ACKNOWLEDGE THE BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKING IT WORK, WRITES JOHN GERTSAKIS, ADJUNCT PROFESSOR AT UTS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURES.

f Australia is serious about waste avoidance and the practical implementation of circular economy principles, we need to move up the waste management hierarchy with genuine conviction and authenticity of action. Of course, we need to recycle more, we need cleaner streams of recovered materials and we need resilient end-markets for the secondary materials, but we urgently need heavy-lifting on product durability, repairability and reusability. These interventions are some of the ‘first responders when it comes to waste avoidance and keeping products and materials circulating in the economy. In simple terms, the value and role of durability, reuse and repair in several product categories needs to be elevated, enabled and supported in order to create more circular patterns of production and consumption. From appliances, IT equipment, furniture and apparel, through to vehicles and agricultural equipment, there is significant scope and opportunity to extend product life through design for durability, reuse and repair. And we know, this is not always straightforward but the imperative is essential, and those

progressive manufacturers, brands and retailers who innovate and respond to consumer expectations will show how responsible prosperity can be achieved. There is no doubt that the appetite for widespread repair action is growing. Repair cafés are spawning nationwide, charities continue to make second-life products and clothing affordable and accessible, and some business associations like the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association strongly advocate for laws that require car manufacturers to share mechanical service information and software with the independent auto repair sector on fair and reasonable terms. The momentum behind greater repair activity is building, locally, nationally and globally. Indeed, Australia is at the frontend of history when it comes ‘waste’ policy reforms and how we transform the numerous suite of actions that seek to meet the ambitious targets in the National Waste Policy Action Plan. Durability, repairability and re-usability are more than ‘nice to have’ type measures; they represent a potent set of strategies that are increasingly demanded by

John Gertsakis says a National Waste Policy Action Plan that is serious about waste avoidance must address repairability.

consumers and the general public. Fortuitously, the Review of the Product Stewardship Act recommendations clearly identified the need to “broaden the objects of the Act to include product design improvements related to durability, reparability, re-usability and recyclability.” The government supports this recommendation, and it reflects smarter thinking about developing product stewardship schemes that address the full product life cycle. Globally, there has been a groundswell of support from consumers, repairers,

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Credit: Cesar Carlevarino

LAST WORD

France has recently introduced a Repairability Index which requires manufactures to place a star rating reflecting the repairability of their products.

environmentalists and designers for a ‘Right to Repair.’ The US and EU have already introduced ‘Right to Repair’ schemes into their laws. France has recently introduced a Repairability Index which requires manufactures to place a star rating reflecting the repairability of their products. While Australia does not have ‘Right to Repair’ legislation, the Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to inquire into whether Australian consumers need a ‘Right to Repair’ their consumer electronics and other manufactured durables. The Productivity Commission’s Issues Paper released 7 December 2020, highlighted the focus of their inquiry: whether Australian consumers have the ability to repair faulty goods and to access repair services at a competitive price? Importantly, the environmental considerations of consumer’s

62 / WMR / June 2021

inability to repair is also being considered by the Productivity Commission, particularly the arrangements for preventing planned product obsolescence and the generation of e-waste. The Productivity Commission received 140 submissions in response to the Right to Repair issues paper from diverse groups, associations, companies and individuals, and a draft report is due this month. The inquiry represents a timely opportunity for individuals, brands, retailers and NGOs to share their views and constructive solutions as a contribution to maximising safe and cost effective repair action in Australia. The time is Right to Repair, but it requires policies and programs that acknowledge the barriers and opportunities to making it work as a waste avoidance and reduction strategy. And we mustn’t overlook the social and cultural dimension. Repair, be it DIY at repair cafes,

or through independent repair businesses or manufacturers, is just as much about empowering consumers to take control of the products they purchase and own, as it is about waste reduction and sustainable materials consumption. A National Waste Policy Action Plan that can genuinely address product durability, repairability and re-usability, is a plan that shows we are serious about waste avoidance, while also meeting community expectations about the goods we use every day in all spheres of life. Making things last should be an uncomplicated way of contributing to circular outcomes, but it needs smarter design, progressive manufacturers, and policy settings that drive change. John Gertsakis is adjunct professor at the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, co-founder of the Ewaste Watch Institute and a director of the newly formed Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence.

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