Waste Management Review July 2022 by Prime Creative Media

JULY 2022

Climate changes Richard Kirkman, Veolia’s CEO, shares the company’s vision for ecological transformation

FEATURES

A crush on glass recycling Tamworth’s organics facility the first of its kind Creating renewable energy with landfill emissions Film stars – Olympic Polymers makes its mark

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

PMS 380 PMS 376 PMS 355

COVER STORY

CLIMATE CHANGES

RAISE A GLASS TO RECYCLING

BottleCycler shakes up the way hospitality does glass.

Veolia is keen to take a leading role as Australia changes the way it manages its waste, water and energy.

“THERE’S A HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO FILL THAT GAP BETWEEN JUST DISPOSING OF MATERIALS TO GETTING SOME USE OUT OF THEM.”

In this issue 38 GREENER ROADS Features 21 STEWARDSHIP SCORECARD Tyre Stewardship Australia waits on an independent review that could help shape its future.

PAVING THE WAY TO SUSTAINABILITY Downer Group establishes a new division committed to the principles of a circular economy.

27 SUCCESS STORIES

Alex Fraser teams up with Downer Group and Fulton Hogan for a glass asphalt trial.

Not-for-profit Good360 urges retailers to consider their pre-consumer waste.

Easyquip offers tailored solutions to unique problems.

Tamworth Regional Council’s industrial class organics facility is the first of its kind in Australia.

46 HITTING THE GAS

LGI is harnessing emissions from landfill to create renewable energy.

48 MINIMISING MERCURY As the world attempts to reduce the dangers of mercury, waste disposal is in safe hands with Ecocycle.

NUMBER CRUNCHING Live data from RecycleSmart gives councils an insight into residents’ recycling behaviour.

THE 32 THROUGH 52 LABOUR PAINS GLASS CEILING Shoalhaven City Council’s solution for legacy glass sets it up for a greener future.

SHAKING THINGS UP

BottleCycler shakes up the way hospitality deals with glass.

6 / WMR / July 2022

56 ONE-STOP SHOP

KLM Spatial combines experience and a practical approach to help recycling and waste projects off the ground.

41 THE BEST SOLUTIONS 58 UNITED IN PURPOSE INDUSTRIAL 44 AN REVOLUTION 60 HOOKED ON

REMONDIS is ready to add more chapters to a successful product stewardship story.

CIRCLE OF GOOD

- Richard Kirkman, Veolia CEO

Six months after the introduction of a tyre export ban, Tyrecycle is determined to lead by example.

54 FILM STARS

Olympic Polymers makes a mark in the plastic film recycling industry.

Meet the team making a difference at Autocycle.

A CLASSIC

WATM Crane Sales and Service extends its reach in the waste management industry.

COUNT OUT 62 DON’T THE LITTLE GUY Caterpillar’s legendary 816 landfill compactor is often overlooked for its heavier siblings. Find out why that needs to change.

AND 64 POWER PERFORMANCE Komatsu Forest makes light work of the daily grind.

66 EVENTS

Waste 2022: The new normal.

Regulars

68 COUNCIL IN FOCUS 70 PRODUCT SHOWCASE 73 LAST WORD

USE RECYCLED HELP DRIVE OUR CIRCULAR ECONOMY As market leaders, we’re focused on adding value to construction and demolition waste previously destined for landfill by providing a quality recycled product for the Civil Construction Industry. Creating demand by recommending your clients use quality recycled rubble on their job sites will progress a circular economy. That’s why ResourceCo is committed to supporting strategic partnerships, so everyone including our planet, benefits.

resourceco.com.au TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS. TODAY

PUBLISHER

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

GROUP MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Baker sarah.baker@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

From the Editor

For people and planet

People and planet. It’s a common thread in the waste and resource recovery industry – a desire to find solutions that are good for people and the planet. Yes, businesses still need and strive to be successful, but the bottom line is not the only driving force in the boardroom these days. As Richard Kirkman, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia Australia and New Zealand sees it, Australia is on the cusp of an exciting new era that could bring better environmental outcomes. In this month’s cover story (page 16) Richard shares Veolia’s vision to manage waste, water and energy differently. He says Australia could solve many of its current waste problems if everyone pivots to make decisions with environmental outcomes at the fore. It’s a sentiment shared by Jim Fairweather, Tyrecycle Chief Executive Officer. Six months after the introduction of an export ban on whole baled tyres, Jim says it’s more incumbent on the company to lead by example and demonstrate that you can run a legitimate recycling business in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner (page 52). Downer Group has already established itself as a leader in environmentally sustainable methods to produce asphalt. Now the company has dedicated a new division, encouraged by what its clients need and want, to help them achieve sustainable outcomes (page 24). For Alison Covington, Founder and Managing Director of Good360 Australia, delivering sustainable outcomes for business means delivering life-changing outcomes for people. She’s targeting the “missing piece” in Australia’s waste policy – preconsumer goods – and is calling for government assistance to help redirect the $2.5 billion of excess goods in Australia that are never used, into the hands of people in need (page 30). Alison says helping businesses build a pathway for pre-consumer goods into their supply chain is a win-win. Good for people and the planet.

Lisa Korycki

8 / WMR / July 2022

Mike Wheeler mike.wheeler@primecreative.com.au

EDITOR

Lisa Korycki lisa.korycki@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALIST

Leon Cranswick leon.cranswick@primecreativecom.au

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

ART DIRECTOR

Blake Storey blake.storey@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN

Kerry Pert, Aisling McComiskey

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Chelsea Daniel-Young chelsea.daniel@primecreative.com.au p: +61 425 699 878 Stephanie Suzuki stephanie.suzuki@primecreative.com.au p: +61 0422 046 711

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OFFICE

Prime Creative Pty Ltd 11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 f: +61 3 9682 0044 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.wastemanagementreview.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS

+61 3 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Waste Management Review is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher

ARTICLES

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

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.

Materials Handling with Less Injuries Less Mess Less Time *More than 15% greater bag densities



LESS IS MORE WITH TELFORD SMITH OH&S COMPLIANT MATERIALS HANDLING Bagging stations, debagging stations, conveyors, and blowers are often the main source for safety failures amongst Australian Recyclers. Our systems are one of the safest on the market and can be customised for maximum operator and plant efficiency, with minimal operator ‘touch points’. If you want better quality in less time with less injuries, then contact TELFORD SMITH today.

Vertical & Horizontal Balers & Compactors for Solid Waste

NIR, Colour & Metal Electronic Sorting & Separation Systems

Shredders & Granulators for Size Reduction

Product Destruction & Organics/Liquids Separation

Complete Washing & Recycling Plants for Plastics

*Results when utilising the TELFORD SMITH Bag Shaker design

www.TelfordSmith.com.au

News

$48.2m grant for Maryvale EfW project The Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) project has received a $48.2 million grant through the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI). Darren Chester, Member for Gippsland, confirmed the grant at Opal Australian Paper’s Maryvale Mill, where the EfW facility will be co-located. The EfW facility will reduce the site’s reliance on gas and electricity and assist in securing its energy requirements. It will process 325,000 tonnes of residual waste, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost to landfill and reduce net greenhouse gas emissions in Victoria by about 270,000 tonnes annually. Speaking on behalf of the consortium, including partners Veolia and Masdar

Tribe Australia, David Jettner, General Manager Opal Corporate Development & Strategic Projects, said the grant reflects the government’s commitment to regional Australia. “This $48.2 million grant demonstrates the Federal Government’s confidence in our facility and transformational manufacturing infrastructure projects,” he said. “With half of the project’s waste supply already committed, we are securing the remaining volume required through numerous council tender processes currently underway in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. “We expect to move to financial close for the project in the second half of 2022 so that construction can begin.”

The Maryvale EfW project is aligned with the principles of the circular economy and will bring state-of-the-art alternative energy technology to Gippsland. It will offer local and metropolitan councils and commercial customers a competitive waste management solution that will divert waste from landfill, reduce emissions and deliver a range of social benefits. The project investment of more than $600 million will create more than 500 jobs in Victoria and Gippsland during the construction phase, and support 450 Victorian jobs including flow on once operational. Construction is planned to commence in 2022 with the facility starting operations in late 2025.

Backing for green cement plan Hallett Concrete will receive up to $20 million for a $109 million project to turn industrial waste into green cement products. The project will take industrial waste from three existing mineral processing operations into low carbon cement products, replace imports and secure low carbon cements for the Australian construction industry. It will include integrating a slag granulating plant at the Whyalla Steelworks, a grinding, processing and distribution hub at Port Augusta, and a product receival, blending and distribution hub at Port Adelaide.

10 / WMR / July 2022

The project is one of seven in South Australia to share in more than $48 million of funding through round two of the Integration and Translation Streams of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative. Orora, will receive up to $12.5 million from the fund to construct a new low carbon clean energy glass melting furnace to replace the current G3 glass gas/air red furnace. The project will be the first oxygen red glass furnace in Australia and will deliver low carbon wine and beer glass containers to support the Australian food and beverage industry.

Industrial waste will be used in green cement products.

vertical shredders. Built tough for the most demanding of shredding applications.

FOR MON

C LAR E ONO

CIR

E LU

AVY DUTY HE

• Aggressive size reduction and densification of pre-shredded materials • Clean, high bulk density output for easy sorting and transportation • C&D waste, scrap metal and other heavy duty applications • Available with up to 440kW of power • Industry-proven and built tough for Australian conditions

To find out more, call: 03 9706 8066, Email: sales@appliedmachinery.com.au, or visit: www.appliedmachinery.com.au

News

Australia’s first e-waste plastics recovery to be built in Albury Two Albury recycling plants are among eight regional projects to be co-funded under the Recycling Modernisation Fund. Scipher Technologies will receive $1 million to install Australia’s first e-waste plastics recycling plant. The $7.5 million facility, based at the Ettamogah Rail Hub near Albury’s Nexus Industrial Estate, will be equipped with advanced air sorting to separate mixed e-waste plastics and recover flame-retardant-free single plastic polymers, such as polystyrene and ABS plastic chips. Reform3D at North Albury will receive $165,000 for a new pelletising line and 3D printing robot

cell to assist in the processing of recovered industrial plastics. The upgrade will double its production of re-manufactured plastic pipes, culverts and other products for use by farmers, councils and builders. Chris Sayers, Managing Director for Scipher Technologies, said Scipher is excited to be investing in Australia’s first large-scale e-waste plastics separation and recovery facility. “The project represents an innovative recycling solution using advanced technology which will contribute to increased landfill diversion of one of the fastest growing waste streams in the country,” Sayers said.

Justin Clancy, Member for Albury, said it’s vital that emerging plastics and e-waste recycling businesses become established in regional areas. “We can dramatically speed up the process by directing government support and funding this way, working both for the environment and creating local employment opportunities.” “I’m pleased that the NSW and Commonwealth Governments have joined together and contributed 50/50 to provide financial support to Scipher Technologies and to Reform3D to help realise tech and farming advanced waste recycling here in Albury.”

191 tonnes of waste stopped from entering waterways Central Coast Council has removed more than 191 tonnes of waste from Gross Pollutant Traps in two months, following consistent heavy rainfall. Council has 339 gross pollutant traps installed at key locations across the New South Wales coast – both below and above ground – which plays an important role in protecting the coast’s waterways and environment. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said persistent wet weather has shown what ends up in the gutter, ends up in waterways. “While council actively stops some litter

12 / WMR / July 2022

entering the waterways, we need the community’s help to stop litter flowing into our drainage systems in the first place,” Hart said. “Roadside litter is one of the most unnecessary and preventable environmental problems and can create all sorts of impacts for the flora and fauna that call the coast’s local waterways home. Littering is not only damaging to our environment, but it is also a fineable offence. Everyone can play a role in reducing the impact of litter.” The NSW EPA and local councils can issue fines from

$250 for an individual and $500 for a corporation for littering from a vehicle, based on reports from members of the public. Gross Pollutant Traps help stop rubbish entering waterways.

THE BENCHMARK COMPANY FOR

Scan me to learn more

News

De-energising metal theft in Queensland Waste Recycling Industry Queensland (WRIQ) has joined forces with Queensland’s electricity distribution networks Energex and Ergon Energy Network, urging scrap metal dealers to be on the lookout for stolen electrical equipment. In the past two years, there have been 322 thefts directly from Queensland’s electricity distribution network or from the network’s service depots – that is one every other day. Recent hot spots for these thefts have been Brisbane’s south, the Ipswich area and the Capricornia region. These thefts are costing Energy Queensland (which includes Ergon and Energex electricity distribution networks) millions of dollars in new components and man-hours to rectify, diverting key resources from other areas of the network. The associated costs are being borne by Queensland’s electricity consumers. Michael Dart, Energy Queensland’s (EQ) Executive General Manager, said: “It’s a problem on the rise, we are seeing thieves stealing copper cables, powerlines and other valuable metal components placing scrap metal dealers in an unenviable position of inadvertently receiving stolen goods”. Most concerningly, the thieves are removing components from a live electrical network, not only placing their lives at risk, but leaving live components exposed risking community safety. All of EQ’s depots now have video surveillance and, in many cases, the criminals entering them are identified,

Theft of copper cables, powerlines and valuable metal components is on the rise.

tracked and caught with EQ working closely with police who know how to identify the equipment. Dr Georgina Davis, Waste Recycling Industry Queensland (WRIQ) Chief Executive Officer said: “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in waste crime and unlicenced operators fuelling this dangerous practice. Such operators undermine legitimate businesses. “We have also seen our members as well as local council transfer stations targeted by criminals seeking to steal metal.” EQ and WRIQ encourage scrap metal dealers to be vigilant before buying components that are from

the electricity network. WRIQ is also working with its industry members to identify regulatory and compliance solutions to this rising problem noting that other jurisdictions have already implemented initiatives to irradicate this dangerous criminal activity. Scrap metal dealers can visit www. energex.com.au/coppertheft to view equipment commonly stolen from Queensland’s electricity grid. WRIQ asks all businesses to be on the lookout and ensure that they report anyone trying to sell these types of equipment and metal components to the relevant authorities.

14 / WMR / July 2022

TSA0191

RECYCLED TYRES HAVE UNLIMITED REAL-WORLD USES

TOGETHER, WE CAN REINVENT THE WHEEL

Tyre Stewardship Australia is focused on driving a circular

MAKE A REAL-WORLD IMPACT WITH TSA

economy that contributes to a sustainable society,

Let’s make a difference by being custodians of our

facilitates commercial outcomes and drives public

waste and help turn end of life tyres into a valuable

awareness for end of life tyres. We can only do this with

resource. Use the QR Code to see the

everybody on board and committed, from the consumer

innovative tyre derived projects that have

to government departments both locally and federally.

been brought to life through TSA funding.

getonboard@tyrestewardship.org.au www.tyrestewardship.org.au

TSA0191 TSA0191 Waste Management Review FPA-v1.indd 1

30/5/2022 2:11 pm

COVER STORY

Climate changes RICHARD KIRKMAN, VEOLIA’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SHARES THE COMPANY’S VISION FOR ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION.

ustralia is at a turning point in terms of managing its waste, water and energy, says Richard Kirkman. The Chief Executive Officer of Veolia Australia and New Zealand says there’s an opportunity for Australia to “do something different” and forge a new, sustainable, green sector that will bring more jobs, resource recovery and renewable energy. On the back of a new Federal Government that is keen to do more to act on climate change, and a push by individual states for a circular economy, Richard says it’s the right time to offer

solutions that create better environmental outcomes. “There’s a huge opportunity to fill that gap between just disposing of materials to getting some use out of them,” he says. Richard says Veolia is taking a leading role. He says the merger of Veolia and Suez in March 2022 gives customers access to more people with more ideas. And while bringing two large organisations together is always going to be a roller coaster, he says staff are enthusiastic about their mission of ecological transformation and about what the new entity can

offer the industry. As well as a wider geographical reach, the merger opens the door to new markets. “We have a varied customer base from a local grocer through to big customers and Blue-Chip clients,” Richard says. “Everybody can have something that improves their sustainability. “For the very small customer, it might mean how can we help them get more cardboard out of their residual waste stream. At the other end we have customers with solar panels, PFAS or other waste that is difficult to recycle. We have solutions for those items too.

Veolia can offer all customers solutions that will improve their sustainability. 16 / WMR / July 2022

Richard Kirkman, Veolia Chief Executive Officer.

“There’s a huge opportunity to fill that gap between just disposing of materials to getting some use out of them.” Richard Kirkman, CEO Veolia Australia and New Zealand

“There’s synergy between the teams we have and as we work together, we will continue to open doors to new avenues. It’s incredibly exciting.” One of the new services Veolia is offering is RECYCLEPAK, a door-todoor solution for hard-to-recycle items

such as toothbrushes, safety glasses, hard hats and plastic straws. The prepaid recycling boxes are an opportunity to get back large quantities of items that have previously had no recycling point. The materials collected are sent to a licensed recycling facility where they can be processed, and reused, which is in line with Australia’s shift away from landfill. Richard sees the diversion from landfill, particularly for organic waste, as progressive and says Veolia has significant capacity to use anaerobic digestion to convert green waste into energy. A refit of the company’s 50,000 tonne anaerobic digestor in Camellia, expected to be operational in early 2023, will provide a circular economy outlet for food manufacturers. There are also opportunities to integrate recycling and processing facilities on site for food manufacturers. Several distilleries are already reaping the benefit of on-site processing.

“Through anaerobic digestion we capture the energy from their solid organic waste,” Richard says. “The organic matter decomposes and produces a gas. That gas is then used to treat their water. “They have a whole integrated system where energy is optimised. They can grow their business and have less impact on the environment – it’s a perfect situation.” What’s not a perfect situation, says Richard, is the cost of waste disposal and who bears the brunt of it. He is advocating for a pay as you buy system, or extended producer responsibility, to better connect the entire supply chain to achieve Australia’s recycling targets and shift away from landfilling. He believes the only way to optimise recycling and prevent items being made from materials that are hard to dispose of, is to work together. He says if everyone pivots to making decisions with environmental outcomes

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 17

COVER STORY

“It’s time for Australia to pivot to a scheme that everyone takes part in. At the moment product stewardship is around being voluntary. I don’t think that is going to have enough of an impact.” Richard Kirkman, CEO, Veolia Australia and New Zealand

in mind, we’d solve the current disposal problem without increasing costs. Manufacturers need to make products that are recyclable, retailers need to label them consistently, local authorities need to harmonise collections and the waste sector needs to invest in recycling technology. Above all, government needs to create a level playing field through mandatory policy, and consumers need to pay for disposal as they buy products. “Hard to recycle items cost more to dispose of and the entire supply chain pays the price,” Richard says. “If manufacturers were incentivised to make materials consistently recyclable in the first place, we could move away

Veolia is taking a leading role in sustainably managing Australia’s waste, water and energy.

18 / WMR / July 2022

from landfilling and keep materials in the loop for longer.” He says consumers would still pay the cost of disposal, but instead of paying councils through their rates, they’d pay up front when they purchase packaged items. It’s not a matter of consumers needing to pay more, it’s about shifting the cost, and optimising the supply chain, so that those with the greatest ability to improve the packaging material on the market can make it recyclable, taking Australia one step closer to ecological transformation. “If everyone changes the way they do things we can further optimise

costs, this isn’t a cost increase. When you buy products, for example a plastic tray, you pay for the plastic it’s made of, you pay for the energy to manufacture it, the transport and the labour of getting it on the supermarket shelf,” Richard says. “You don’t pay for the fact the tray will be thrown away or disposed of. Whether you decide to put it in a rubbish bin or recycling bin, it has a different cost for either councils, recycling facilities or Container Deposit Schemes. “If you embed it into the purchase cost it’s all paid for upfront. It would put the incentive in the right place for recycling and making something recyclable.” Richard describes it as similar to a Container Deposit Scheme where you pay upfront to be part of the scheme. He says producer responsibility is used in Europe and is in the final stages of being introduced in the United Kingdom. While there was some initial opposition, manufacturers realised it levelled the playing field as they aimed for more sustainable packaging. Veolia has raised the issue of pay as you buy with regulators,

A Veolia water treatment facility.

but Richard says ultimately it needs the industry to “buy-in”. “It’s time for Australia to pivot to a scheme that everyone takes part in. At the moment product stewardship is voluntary. I don’t think that is going to have enough of an impact.” He believes there is an appetite from consumers for change. A survey conducted by Veolia to gauge voter sentiment before this year’s federal election showed that environmental, climate and sustainability issues were deemed very important. But as with anything, there will be a challenge to get pay as you buy over the line. Richard says education is a huge part of the industry.

“It’s a similar discussion around recycled water,” he says. “We can produce perfectly clean, safe drinking water from recycled water, but people don’t want to drink recycled water. “It’s something we also need to try to drive forward from a cost and environmental perspective. We’re cleaning things twice, using extra energy and having extra impact on the environment. We need a wide buy-in to how things are made. It’s called a circular economy for a reason.” For more information, visit: www.veolia.com/anz

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 19

Less Landfill Less Carbon Less Traffic Greener Roads Alex Fraser’s recycled construction materials can cut the carbon footprint of new infrastructure by up to 65%.

Building greener roads asphalt . aggregates . roadbase . sand phone: 136 135 greenroads.com.au

AFG153_REVISE_GreenRoads_FP_Ad_WMR.indd 1

8/5/19 9:52 am

9 9:52 am

FEATURED TOPIC – PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship scorecard TYRE STEWARDSHIP AUSTRALIA IS LOOKING TO AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW TO HELP SHAPE ITS FUTURE.

TSA has committed more than $8 million to market development initiatives to increase use of local tyre-derived products.

oes Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) need to change to be more supportive of tyre processors? Is TSA delivering public benefit? Should the scheme be made mandatory? It’s the answers to these questions, says Lina Goodman, TSA Chief Executive Officer, that could help shape the future direction of the stewardship scheme. TSA is waiting on the findings of an independent review, mandated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for all product stewardship schemes, to determine if the scheme is adding value. Lina describes it as a “hard-core report card” which outlines the scheme’s success and its failings. But she says it’s not a report that slaps you over the wrist and publicly shames you. If used correctly it can pivot the scheme to do better. “It’s important for schemes to do these reviews. If they don’t, they will rely on what they believe they should be doing, rather than what the sector

needs them to do,” Lina says. “I see it as an opportunity to be better, grow differently and evaluate where we are. We don’t want to be a scheme that stays the same forever because the market is not going to stay the same.” TSA was established in 2014 to create productive outcomes for end-of-life tyres. Since then, it has accredited 1700 participants through the scheme, supporting sustainable outcomes, and has attracted top name tyre importers and auto brands to financially contribute. TSA has also committed more than $8 million to market development initiatives to increase the use of local tyre-derived products. An independent review is designed to ensure product stewardship schemes continue to benefit the public. The review includes upwards of 50 interviews with government bodies, recyclers, processors, consumers and anyone involved in a particular scheme. Lina says one of the recommendations of an original review conducted in 2017-18 was

that TSA needed to do more than just fund research projects, rather there was a need to allocate funds towards infrastructure grants, aimed at supporting the practical application of crumb rubber in projects. “When we commenced our focus was largely on research projects, whilst important, they failed to demonstrate the benefit of crumb rubber in the real world,” she says. “This led to a change in the Scheme to expand the commitment towards infrastructure projects. This change, coupled with continued research, is when change really started to take shape. “If acted upon, the independent review recommendations can have a sizeable impact.” While careful not to pre-empt the latest review findings, Lina hopes it will show that TSA is delivering public benefit. She believes the scheme is supporting the sector with market development, accreditation compliance and engagement with the Environment Protection Authority.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 21

FEATURED TOPIC – PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP

Lina Goodman, Tyre Stewardship Australia Chief Executive Officer.

She is also hopeful the review will recognise that TSA has been an advocacy body for the sector and providing support to them “when things fall over” such as recent policy changes by global shipping companies. But she says, as a voluntary scheme it can only go so far and believes the review may indicate a change of direction is needed. “It’s evident even in addressing freeriders. We only have 47 per cent of passenger truck and tyre manufacturers contributing to the scheme,” Lina says. “That’s only changed five per cent since we started. “Tyres imported on vehicles contribute 25 per cent to the problem but only seven per cent of the market is participating in the scheme. That shows a failure with the voluntary scheme. It indicates to me that the review will likely tell us there needs to be more support, or for TSA to be successful, we need to move out of a voluntary arrangement.” David Spear, TSA Chair, agrees that as a voluntary scheme, TSA is “pushing the envelope” in terms of what it can achieve. “There are only so many ways we can bring the market together. A more regulatory environment is required,” he says. “That’s my personal view as chair and director of TSA. It’s up to the independent review as to whether this

22 / WMR / July 2022

is a theme that needs to be looked at further. We were a start-up seven years ago. We’ve come a long way.” David says the board understands its duties from a governance perspective and believes the latest review will reflect TSA’s progression. He encourages other product stewardship schemes to embrace the review process. “Be open and transparent about the positives and negatives of your scheme and look to build on the base that you’ve managed to create. “Performance is always about making strides forward, regardless of what sector you’re in. If it’s small performance issues you can build upon, so be it. If it’s large strategic issues it takes greater time and effort, but you still must have your eyes wide open to determine what the best pathway forward is. “Reviewing performance is part of a business cycle. If you’re not reviewing performance you’re standing still.” Rose Read, a Director of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, agrees. She says the review is not about compliance, but best practice and learning how to improve this collective scheme. “Are you being as effective as you can? Are you collecting the right data? Are you engaging with stakeholders? What are they saying and are you listening to them?” she says. “It’s a very positive process.”

The Centre was established to help accelerate the adoption of product stewardship by businesses and their supply chain, through education, mentoring, developing resources and undertaking research. It offers expertise in design, implementing and operating product stewardship initiatives against a range of product types. Rose says more companies are reaching out individually or collectively as they consider how they can minimise the environmental and human health impacts of their products across their life cycles. There are also now 24 new collective schemes under development that received grants from the federal government’s National Product Stewardship Investment Fund. She says part of the pathway to excellence is considering how a business can improve their practices. “Independent reviews are hearing from the people you need to hear from”. Lina adds that while an independent review can be daunting, it’s important to remember that product stewardship schemes, like small businesses, aren’t instantly successful. “There’s a real journey to get established,” she says. “It’s going to fall and it’s going to fail. It’s about failing safely and getting back up and understanding the areas you need to invest your time in. Most importantly, be brave.”

F B C F

For more information, visit: www.tyrestewardship.org.au

TSA has accredited 1700 participants through the scheme since its inception.

5 P

FOR A BETTER & CLEANER FUTURE Are you doing your part for a better and cleaner future? With an LGI biogas system on your landfill you could significantly reduce local carbon emissions and potentially create dispatchable, renewable energy. There are more than 1,100 operating landfills in Australia. Even after being closed, landfills can generate potentially harmful methane gas for decades. Without biogas extraction, landfills can make up to 70-80% of a local council’s greenhouse gas emissions. At LGI we’ve developed and proven innovative solutions for beneficially using biogas from landfills to abate carbon and produce renewable energy.

Together we can engineer a clean energy, zero carbon future – one landfill at time! Contact us today to discuss the opportunities to beneficially use biogas from your landfill.

57 Harvey Street North, Eagle Farm, 4009 QLD P 07 3711 2225 E enquiries@lgi.com.au W lgi.com.au

FEATURED TOPIC – PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP

Paving the way for sustainability DOWNER GROUP HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW DIVISION COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLES OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY.

“P

ulling products, not pushing waste.” It’s a mantra that Nathan Arousi is determined to champion as Manager for Downer Group’s new Reconomy division in Queensland. Nathan says Reconomy’s sole intent is to innovate and utilise leading practice to actively divert waste from landfill and process it into repurposed materials. Downer Group is already recognised as a leader in using recycled materials and environmentally sustainable methods to produce asphalt, including Reconophalt, an asphalt product containing soft plastics, toner and other materials considered to be waste. Following the success of its flagship facility in Rosehill, New South Wales, the company has again partnered with CDE to build a wet processing solution for road sweeping and other construction waste materials in Brendale, Queensland. It strategically

Downer Group and CDE have partnered for a wet processing plant in Queensland.

24 / WMR / July 2022

combines several Downer Group divisions in one place, with a focus on closing the loop for its asphalt products. The Downer Group Brendale Sustainable Road Resource Centre comprises an asphalt plant, a recycled asphalt processing (RAP) facility and a CDE separation and processing plant to repurpose waste as a replacement for virgin materials. “Being all located on the same site, the recycled materials can all be easily fed back through the asphalt manufacturing process,” Nathan says. “It’s a real commitment to a circular economy.” Commenting on the project, Daniel Webber, CDE’s Regional Manager for Australasia says: “We are delighted to work alongside Downer Group on another recycling project, this time in Queensland”. “Downer Group is a true pioneer in Australia’s recycling industry, and we

applaud its commitment to the circular economy. C.D,E &I materials are typically used for lower state uses, but this CDE plant demonstrates how we can separate and beneficiate previously considered waste into higher-grade products which offer real value.” The Downer Group Queensland CDE plant has so far been commissioned for about 1000 tonnes of waste and has thus far achieved a 100 per cent diversion rate. The plant can wash and process 50 tonnes of waste an hour. Nathan is aiming for at least 95 per cent diversion of all waste from landfill once it’s fully operational. The CDE plant can divert sand, aggregate, organics and metals from a mix of waste streams including clean or contaminated street sweepings, gully pit waste, non-destructive digging, fine glass and construction inert fill. While the Sydney plant mainly focuses on street sweepings, Downer

Group is in the process of testing waste products to determine the outputs for the Queensland plant. Nathan says it’s important to be selective so that the process has a positive social, economic and environmental impact. “We’re selective about the waste products we want to divert from landfill to ensure once they are processed, the output is suitable for reuse in established markets,” he says. Daniel says that the Brendale plant was designed to process a broader range of waste streams than previous projects. “This solution incorporates the latest and greatest from our CDE product range, including a Counter Flow Classification Unit (CFCU) and ShearClean attrition cells which, paired together, enable Downer Group to scrub and wash even dirtier sands than ever before,” he says. “In addition, we made further provisions to reject lightweight contaminants such as leaf litter and plastics to not only process feed at a higher throughput, but to guarantee superior end-product quality. “You can’t wash without water – and this system can process up to 97 per cent of water used. From rainwater harvesting to the latest in sludge decanter technology, we are seizing every opportunity to retain water in the system. Through the wet waste pit,

Nathan Arousi, Manager for Downer Group’s new Reconomy division in Queensland.

there are even times the system will be water positive, that is importing more water than required, so the AquaCycle clarifier works to ensure water going to trade-waste is cleaned and free of suspended solids.” While the facility is the first of its kind in Queensland, Nathan says Downer Group has learnings and intel from both the Sydney and Melbourne projects, and a trusted solution provider such as CDE, that position it nicely for sustained success. “Other divisions of Downer Group, such as the asphalt contracting business, have existing clients who have a need to dispose of material that we can partner with. Hopefully, they too see the benefits of what landfill diversion and repurposed products can have on our communities,” he says. “We’re also working hard to make sure we inform

CDE Regional Manager for Australasia Daniel Webber, CDE’s Paul Fegan and Downer Group’s Keith Shakespeare on the Brendale site.

the local government authorities and TMR that there is now an effective, sustainable solution for their waste materials too.” Nathan says Downer Group has invested heavily in its Reconomy division, encouraged by what its clients need and want in order to help them achieve sustainable outcomes. He says State Government funding to help establish the Brendale plant, on the back of the introduction of a waste levy in Queensland, is an indication of a commitment by the state to divert waste from landfill. “With the waste levy in place, we’re now providing a lower cost solution for clients while supporting their sustainability needs. They can dispose of their waste to us for better value than it is to take it to landfill. Furthermore, they’re contributing positively to waste product stewardship and the circular economy. “The Queensland construction industry is thriving, and we need to make sure that everyone takes responsibility for the life cycle of waste products. As with all new initiatives it will likely take time to implement and change previous habits, but it’s something Downer Group, and certainly I, am committed to.” For more information, visit: www.cdegroup.com

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 25

A DRIVING FORCE FOR CHANGE Autocycle is improving our environment one tyre at a time

autocycle.com.au Warehouse 2, 87-107 Toll Drive, Altona North 3025 03 7009 3046 info@autocycle.com.au

FEATURED TOPIC – PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP

Success stories REMONDIS IS A BIG HITTER IN PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP AND IS READY TO HIT MORE HOME RUNS.

hen a framework for product stewardship was introduced in Australia 11 years ago, the aim was for all tiers of government and industry to unite to turbocharge the circular economy and reduce products and materials ending up as landfill. Stepping up to the mark, REMONDIS has made extraordinary contributions. From drink containers and bags to unwanted paint, REMONDIS has established itself as a go-to player, drawing on international expertise to devise strategies and deploy technologies that ensure cost efficient handling processes and the best environmental, economic and social outcomes.

CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE Look at, for example, Western Australia’s ‘Containers for Change’ Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), launched in 2020. About 1.5 billion beverage containers are purchased every year in WA and account for nearly half of all litter by volume. How to reverse that trend? Add an industry-funded 10-cent cash refund for each container, establish more than 200 collection points, and watch the containers pile in. On the social side, the WA scheme is driven by a not-for-profit organisation – Western Australia Return Recycle Renew Limited (WARRRL) – enabling employment opportunities for hundreds of socially disadvantaged people. With enormous logistical challenges, it’s no small or simple task. That’s

why REMONDIS was engaged to handle roughly half of all items collected, namely non-glass containers. REMONDIS’ specialised weighing, compacting and transporting practices ensure about 9000 fewer truck hours per annum and save 255,000 litres of fuel and 1,000,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per annum. On the social side, who couldn’t be touched by the results of REMONDIS’ employment targets for disadvantaged, disabled and Indigenous employees. Of particular note is three Indigenous drivers recruited into the scheme from the beginning – who are now uniquely skilled and settled into the groove of their work. The difference made to individual lives and their families can’t be understated.

REMONDIS has made extraordinary contributions to product stewardship.

u ll 5 6 u www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 27

FEATURED TOPIC – PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP

There are more than 165 drop off points around Australia for Paintback.

“We’re at the heart of CDS activity in WA and proud to be contributing to so many terrific outcomes,” says Chris Gusenzow, REMONDIS Australia Western Australia Manager. “It says something that we’ve recently been honoured with national recognition at the Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards, which has us champing at the bit to replicate what we’re doing in WA in other parts of Australia.”

BIG BAG RECOVERY REMONDIS also supports Australia’s ground-breaking Big Bag Recovery Product Stewardship Scheme. With 40,000 garbage truck loads of large bags going to landfill across Australia each year, REMONDIS welcomed the challenge of being the National Collections Manager for Big Bag Recovery. The brief includes sorting, counting and baling polypropylene and lowdensity polyethylene bulk bags and sacks that carry everything from fertiliser, seeds and animal feeds to flour, sugar, salt and sand. The bags are processed into reusable resin pellets used to make new products.

A key has been supporting industries and regions across Australia where such bags are used, and the establishment of drop-off points at local council, community group and commercial locations. Communication with industry and local government underpins reclaim rates, aided by a mobile REMONDISdesigned app that assists with recording bag movements. Any businesses that generate or use big bags can contact Big Bag Recovery to join the Australian Government Accredited scheme, which helps businesses meet their packaging Social and Regulatory goals. “Given that some 60,000 tonnes of big bags are used in Australia each year, Big Bag Recovery had to go hard at devising smarter ways of reclaiming and recycling,” says John McNab, Project Manager at REMONDIS Australia’s Integrated and Managed Services (IMS) division. “Through industry communication, collaboration and common sense we’re making it easier for everyone in the supply chain to give these bags second lives.”

PAINTBACK The Paintback Product Stewardship Scheme, which commenced in 2016,

has resulted in about 36 million kilos of unwanted paint and packaging captured at more than 165 drop off points around Australia. REMONDIS has partnered in the scheme since 2020, contracted to handle collections, processing and decanting across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Victoria. “As is the case across all our product stewardship offerings, new infrastructure, smart systems and technology have achieved better alignment with the outcomes Paintback is striving for, such as devising new ways to convert unused paint and packaging for use in a variety of industrial applications,” says Nathan Radley, REMONDIS IMS General Manager. “Once again app technology comes to the fore, with our custombuilt tracking app enabling us to keep tabs on paint collections in real time. Beyond being able to tell what’s coming from where, we get intel on which local councils are best contributing to the scheme and which areas have the biggest contamination problems, enabling targeted education to ensure that such problems are reduced. “We’ve also built handling facilities from scratch, meaning we’ve got invaluable experience when we take on new work in new locations. “For REMONDIS, product stewardship is about taking the lead in rolling out ideas, infrastructure and systems in conjunction with partners with niche expertise from industry, government and not for profit sectors. Tried and tested practices in one location can usually be replicated or modified to work quickly and effectively in other locations, regardless of the matter being recycled.” For more information, visit: www.remondis-australia.com.au

28 / WMR / July 2022

WMR July

ENGINEERED FOR

HIGHER QUALITY RECYCLED MATERIALS Our proven solutions recover maximum value from challenging waste streams for an exceptional return on investment. We engineer innovative solutions to divert tonnes of waste from landfill and create new revenue streams for your business. Move into new, high-value markets such as certified, in-spec concrete sand, recovered from C,D&E waste.

Visit us at AWRE 24 - 25 August 2022 ICC, Sydney Booth #B14

WMR July Downer.indd 1

Visit cdegroup.com

5/31/2022 10:22:43 AM

FEATURED TOPIC – PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP

Circle of good AN AUSTRALIAN NOT-FOR-PROFIT IS PROVIDING A SOLUTION FOR PRODUCTS THAT DON’T HAVE A ‘FIRST LIFE’.

ustralia’s National Waste policy has directed a lot of attention to how products are manufactured and recycled at end-of-life. But what happens to products that never make it off the shelf? There is $2.5 billion of excess goods that are never used, let alone enter the recycling chain, according to a report by Deloitte Access Economics, commissioned by not-for-profit Good360 Australia. For the past seven years, Alison Covington, Good360 Australia Founder and Managing Director, has been connecting excess new goods to more than 3000 charities and disadvantaged schools. They’ve put more than 30 million goods in the hands of people in need. Now Alison wants to scale up the program and increase industry partnerships so that donation of excess goods is an essential part of a responsible supply chain. Alison has made submissions to the Federal Government for $25 million funding over five years for an education campaign to help create an industry-led solution. “There’s a missing bit in Australia’s waste policy about pre-consumer goods,” she says. “There’s a lot on manufacturing and how to recycle, but there’s no attention on what happens if the goods don’t sell. “We’re at a turning point where a lot of businesses are building sustainability into their practices. Over the course of five years, we can help them build a pathway for pre-consumer goods into their supply chain.

30 / WMR / July 2022

Good360 Australia has put more than 30 million goods in the hands of people in need.

“We could circulate $1 billion of goods into the community by 2025 to help Australians in need.” Good360 commissioned the Deloitte report to help show the size of the problem within Australia, and the benefits a scheme such as Good360 brings to the community. The report found many categories of excess goods, including seasonal items, such as toys, cosmetics, toiletries and clothing, essentially go to waste if they are not sold by the end of the season. Unfortunately, a large portion of unsold goods often end up in landfill. Wing Hsieh, Deloitte Access Economics Associate Director and report co-author, says: “Each year around $2.5 billion worth of household goods are not sold by retailers or essentially ‘go to waste’ according to our analysis. There is a significant opportunity for those goods to be redirected away from waste and into the

homes of families and schools that need them – particularly as we estimate that in 2021, governments across Australia gave between $270 million and $410 million to charities to purchase household goods for vulnerable clients.” The report states there’s a clear opportunity to reuse excess unsold goods in place of the purchase of new goods by charities. “Doing so offers up the potential for a dual benefit of reduced waste and savings for governments and charities,” it states. “Government is already funding charities to buy these exact same goods,” Alison says. “If they fund us with just a portion of that we could put millions of dollars into the community. For every $5 we could give them $100 worth of goods.” The Australian Retailers Association has backed the Good360 model and in its 2022-23 pre-budget submission recommended that the federal

“We’re at a turning point where a lot of businesses are building sustainability into their practices.” Alison Covington, Good360 Australia Founder and Managing Director

environment minister’s priority list for product stewardship be expanded to include pre-consumer waste. Alison has built up partnerships with leading brands in Australia who, she says, are looking for a solution for excess stock. While in the early days of Good360 Alison was knocking on retailer doors asking for excess stock many are now reaching out to her. With help from brand partners Good360 has recently helped get more than $7million of goods into flood-hit areas of New South Wales and Queensland.

She is still staggered by the amount of goods that could be connected to people in need. For her, it’s not just about the waste but making a difference to someone in need. “I can’t imagine all of these goods going to waste while there are Australians living in poverty,” she says. “We can feed somebody when they’re hungry, but it doesn’t change their outcome. They’re hungry again within a few hours. But if we can give them material goods, it could change their outcome and make them feel equal in society.

Alison Covington, Good360 Australia Founder and Managing Director.

“These goods could change somebody’s life. It could help get them an education or employment or the shelter they need. But the cycle doesn’t get broken if all these goods go to landfill. “Good360 is good for people and the planet.” For more information, visit: www.good360.org.au

MULTILIFT ULTIMA 21Z.59 V19

(08) 9271 8000 | info@watm.com.au | watm.com.au

FEATURED TOPIC - GLASS RECYCLING

Glassphalt for greener roads A VICTORIAN COUNCIL IS TRIALLING GLASS IN THE ASPHALT WEARING COURSE OF SEVERAL LOCAL ROADS.

n collaboration with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), Brimbank City Council has brought together Victoria’s leading asphalt suppliers, Alex Fraser, Downer and Fulton Hogan, to build some of the state’s greenest roads in the heart of the western suburbs. In a first for Brimbank, the project enlisted Alex Fraser’s asphalt crews to resurface Deer Park’s Gould and Newbury streets with a range of sustainable asphalt mixes containing recycled glass sand, from the three major suppliers. Dominic Di Martino, Brimbank City Council Asset and Property Services Manager, says that maximising the use of recycled content in roads is a priority for the council. “The Department of Transport (formerly VicRoads) has allowed the use of glass in asphalt wearing course since the beginning of 2022. As a council, we want to make more sustainable choices wherever we can,” Dominic says

Alex Fraser’s Asphalt crew paved two Brimbank City Council streets with sustainable asphalt mixes containing recycled glass sand.

38 / WMR / July 2022

Test sections of two ‘green roads’ in Brimbank, Victoria have been paved with various percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement and recycled glass sand.

“This demonstration is a way of qualifying sustainable products as a smart choice for future road projects.” Melissa Lyons, ARRB Senior Technology Leader for Sustainability and Material Performance, says that the Brimbank initiative is a demonstration of the circular economy in action. “It’s exciting to see this local councildriven initiative putting more recycled materials into roads,” she says. “The use of recycled glass sand in lower layers of asphalt isn’t new, but some people still get a bit nervous about putting recycled glass in the wearing course – or the ‘top layer’. There’s a misconception that it’s sharp and abrasive, but that’s not the case – it’s as smooth as regular sand. “Glass in the wearing course is something the Department of Transport wants to explore more, too. Validations like this provide great examples to regulators and other municipalities of how sustainable products can be used

in roads and deliver great performance results such as durability, longevity and rut resistance.” Melissa says the new green pavements will be subject to performance testing over the next six months and onwards. “We’ll be coming back to conduct testing several times. This street, although residential, gets quite a bit of traffic due to the neighbouring school; somewhere in the region of 6000 cars a day. “The council will conduct their own maintenance monitoring as well. “All this testing should provide a level of assurance to Brimbank City Council that investing in high recycled content asphalt makes sense in the longterm, and hopefully it will encourage neighbouring councils to consider using greener asphalt, too.” Brendan Camilleri, Alex Fraser Asphalt General Manager, says the project is a demonstration of how councils can achieve a circular

“The Department of Transport (formerly VicRoads) has allowed the use of glass in asphalt wearing course since the beginning of 2022. As a council, we want to make more sustainable choices wherever we can.” Dominic Di Martino, Brimbank City Council Asset and Property Services Manager

economy, and work together with a range of stakeholders to build sustainable infrastructure. “It’s exciting to see all three major asphalt suppliers come together on a project like this. Alex Fraser’s Green Roads Glassphalt has been paved alongside sustainable asphalt by Fulton

Hogan and Downer, as well as a control mix that does not contain recycled glass,” Brendan says. “For consistency, the entire project was paved by the same Alex Fraser Asphalt crew, and the same equipment. All sections of the project contained a percentage of reclaimed asphalt

Brimbank City Council’s Dominic Di Martino (yellow vest) and from left ARRB’s Umer Chaudhry, Melissa Lyons and Jaimi Harrison overseeing the trial.

pavement (RAP), and the three test sections contain varying amounts of recycled glass sand. “We’re looking forward to hearing and sharing the results of ARRB and Brimbank’s testing and monitoring of these new green roads next year.” For more information, visit: www.alexfraser.com.au

THE FUTURE OF RECYCLING IS HERE Meet RecycleSmart, an on-demand collection service for tricky-to-recycle items. With our Power Pickup service, we collect soft plastics, e-waste, clothes and other misfits from your resident’s doors and ensure they are recycled properly.

Recycling has never been easier

Introduce your council to a recycling service that integrates seamlessly, collects critical data and delivers an impressive user experience. Plug-and-play: Works with available local recycling options Quick-to-market: Only 2 weeks set up from the signature of the contract Affordable From just $5,000 per month.

Join the recycling revolution: councils@recyclesmart.com

Councils

62,000 Pickups

255 tons of waste diverted from landfill

HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH

N O N VATIO I E T S WA YCLING AW N ARD EC R S & STAND OUT AS AN

INDUSTRY LEADER NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

www.wasteawards.com.au Sponsors

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – EQUIPMENT

The best solution for the problem

Bins were custom-built for the City of Monash to suit the site and community.

AS THE WASTE MANAGEMENT GAME BECOMES INCREASINGLY COMPLEX, THE NEEDS OF LOCAL COUNCILS BECOME MORE SPECIFIC. EASYQUIP OFFERS TAILORED SOLUTIONS TO UNIQUE PROBLEMS.

or more than 25 years, Easyquip has been solving problems for the waste management industry and its ever-changing demand for bins. The company has navigated its journey to success aided by a simple motto: It Can Be Done. What this means for Easyquip in practice, is working closely with clients, their clients’ customers, and waste management teams on the ground to identify problems,

develop solutions, and apply those to their products. Jeff Grace, Easyquip General Manager, says the company has developed a preference for tailoring solutions, rather than pushing offthe-shelf models that don’t quite fit the need. Among its recent clients is the City of Monash, which last year reached out to Easyquip. Strapped for undercover space at its Notting

Hill-based Recycling & Waste Centre, the City needed an easily identifiable, weatherproof solution for publicly accessible e-waste deposits. Danielle Prentice, Waste Coordinator at the City of Monash, says the concept initially pitched to Easyquip went through a range of tweaks before the final design was chosen. “Originally, we were looking at a bin with three separate, smaller lids,

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 41

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – EQUIPMENT

The City of Monash bins were custom-painted and decals applied.

“Originally, we were looking at a bin with three separate, smaller lids, like what you’d find on a front-lift bin. But, in talking with Easyquip, it was determined this could make it hard to get larger materials in and out. So, we decided we needed something where the entire top of the bin was able to open. We came to the decision to go with a hydraulic lid’.” Danielle Prentice, Waste Co-ordinator at the City of Monash

like what you’d find on a front-lift bin,” Danielle says. “But, in talking with Easyquip, it was determined this could make it hard to get larger materials in and out. So, we decided we needed something where the entire top of the bin was able to open. We came to the decision to go with a hydraulic lid.” The result was two 12-metre hooklift bins fitted with custom hydraulic lids, curved to aid water runoff. “It’s a complete collaboration, really,” says Jeff. “They knew what they needed, they knew

42 / WMR / July 2022

their site, their situation. And they knew the people dropping off the product. “And we know what we can do, so we were able to work together to provide that solution for them – pulling together our experience and their experience, rather than us just saying ‘this is what you need, and this will do the job for you’.” “That’s what we do for many of our customers who request customisation or something new, something different. We’ll ask ‘What do you plan to do with it?

What’s your waste stream? How are you going to load it? Who’s emptying it?’” Easyquip also custom painted the bins in bright, eye-catching orange, and then printed and applied the City of Monash’s externally designed decals. “Easyquip helped match the paint colour for us – they were very accommodating,” Danielle says. “They dropped off large paint swatches to assist us, because they knew from experience that picking colours off a computer screen often didn’t translate properly.” Easyquip has also found return customers in the South Gippsland Shire Council. After working with the council on several e-waste bins, the company was recently awarded the tender to manufacture custom-painted hook-lift bins for the council’s revamped glass recycling stream. Jeff says South Gippsland’s e-waste bins are kept undercover, so didn’t require the level of weatherproofing that those for Monash did. However, it became apparent that the bins would be exposed to the elements during transport – and therefore required a simple roll-over tarp covering. “Sometimes people have called, decided they needed something, ordered that and put it into place – and it’s been a perfectly adequate product – but it’s not the best one for the application,” Jeff says. “Just because people didn’t ask, didn’t dig in a little bit and ask a few more questions. “That’s what we aim to do, to make sure If we’re providing something, it really is the best solution for the problem.” For more information, visit: www.easyquip.com.au

A a t T o

POSAL OF IS D E F A S E H FOR T OBSOLETE R O D E T N A UNW ICALS AGVET CHEM

Agsafe’s ChemClear program helps farmers and agvet chemical users safely dispose of their unwanted or obsolete agvet chemicals. Together, we’ve removed over 790,000 litres of chemicals from properties and businesses.

chemclear.org.au

UT RINSE THEM O UP ROUND THEM RUN THEM IN Agsafe’s drumMUSTER program provides Australian agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for eligible empty agvet chemical containers. We’ve collected over 40 million containers for recycling.

drummuster.org.au

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – ORGANICS

An industrial revolution TAMWORTH REGIONAL COUNCIL’S INDUSTRIAL CLASS ORGANICS (ICO) FACILITY IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN AUSTRALIA. MORNÉ HATTINGH, MANAGER WASTE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY, SHARES THE COUNCIL’S JOURNEY.

ocal government handles good news well, it even handles bad news well. The same can’t be said for surprise news. Morné Hattingh, Manager Waste and Resource Recovery for Tamworth Regional Council, says the Federal Government’s decision to mandate Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) for all local government areas and an 80 per cent diversion of organics from landfill was definitely a surprise. But he says while some councils are scrambling to meet target deadlines, the introduction of the National Waste Plan “moved in Tamworth’s favour”. For the past three years the council has been developing plans for a purpose-built Organic Recycling Facility (ORF) to divert organic materials from landfill and process them into

Tamworth Regional Council will construct an Industrial Class Organics facility.

44 / WMR / July 2022

high-grade mulch, compost and soil conditioners. It will be the first facility in the region capable of processing a range of organic materials including FOGO and Category 3 organics, which incorporates meat, fish and fatty foods, sludges and organics of animal and vegetable origin. “When we started, everyone said we were crazy to try and provide an industrial organics solution,” Morné says. “But we recognised there was a need in Tamworth for industrial-class organics processing in addition to FOGO and green waste. “Now we’re leading the pack. It was a good gamble by the council.” Morné says the council is licensed to process green waste only at its existing composting facility. It processes about 15,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) and

has reached maximum capacity for processing and storage. He estimates up to 10,000 tonnes a year of food organics and commercial products are being landfilled because there’s nowhere else for them to go. The new, five-hectare facility will use a tunnel composting system capable of processing up to 35,000 tpa, with the ability to expand up to 50,000 as the Tamworth region and industry expands. The council is in the design phase for the facility, but it’s been a long journey and a big learning curve. For councils just starting their compost journey, Morné has some sage advice – don’t underestimate the value of community consultation and understanding feedstocks. “Community consultation, community consultation and

more community consultation,” he recommends. “And when you think you’re done with community consultation – do some more. “When we started the organics recycling facility journey three years ago it wasn’t well received, but we needed to start that journey and the community has come on board.” In fact, the community is in phase three of a four-step trial to help the council decide how to collect FOGO once the service is rolled out to all 26,000 households in 2023. But Morné says while many councils are focused on the introduction of FOGO and how to process the waste, the end market has been overlooked. “Market development is crucial,” he says. “We’re listening to the farmers. The industry here would prefer to work with compost as opposed to fertiliser. “It’s interesting that some potential buyers are requesting exotic compost blends such as high levels of minerals, a rock blend or a blend with a high copper count. “Council is exploring running a compost tunnel for that type of blending. If it’s what the market needs, we need to explore that.” While the council has the will and the determination to see the facility

Organic materials will be used to produce high-grade mulch, compost and soil conditioners.

constructed, some things, Morné says, are beyond council’s expertise. Power supply, water regulations and environmental regulations play a big role in facilities such as this getting the green light. Which is where the experts come in. “You will reach a wall where you can’t do any more and are in need of an expert,” he says. “Industrial class organics is a problematic waste stream. The Environmental Protection Authority conditions are brutal. We’ve partnered with consultants with experience in this space who are handling the processes for us.” The council has also joined the Australian Organics Recycling

Morné Hattingh, Manager Waste and Resource Recovery for Tamworth Regional Council.

Association (AORA) to share its experiences with others going through a similar journey. “AORA is so important. You can talk to members about approvals and processes,” he says. “It’s not just about composting. All members are going through this journey, and you can draw on their broader support and skills. “We felt we were alone in this space dealing with regulators. If you look at the journey that Tamworth has been on, we couldn’t have done it without AORA.” Ultimately, Morné believes there is no one-size-fits-all solution for councils to introduce FOGO and organics processing. He says each local government area has to listen to its residents and understand what works for them. However, he believes more could be done on a federal and state level to help councils reach the end goal. “The funding in this space has been abysmal,” he says. “We’re providing solutions for much larger industrial, commercial and residential problems, that should be recognised. “This is a state significant project. At the end of the day, the residents and industries are paying for it.” For more information, visit: www.aora.org.au

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 45

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – LANDFILL MANAGEMENT

Hitting the gas LGI IS HARNESSING EMISSIONS FROM LANDFILL TO CREATE RENEWABLE ENERGY.

oxins, leachate and biogas emissions are often cited as the three main problems of landfill. But LGI (formerly Landfill Gas Industries) is turning a problem into a solution. The Queensland-based company is capturing biogas from landfill and using it to generate electricity and significantly reduce local government greenhouse gas emissions. Adam Bloomer, CEO, Founder and Managing Director, estimates the company has built about 50 biogas fields on landfields in its

13-year history and has long-term contracts for 26 of them. The majority of LGI’s systems are built for regional councils at no cost and registered to generate carbon credits, helping councils reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. “Usually, landfills make up to 70-80 per cent of a council’s emissions,” Adam says. “With biogas extraction on their landfill, the overall reduction in their emissions is massive. In this world with

an increased focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials, as well as net zero, it’s an incredible deal for councils.” As waste in a landfill decomposes, the anaerobic environment encourages the propagation of methanogenic bacteria – methane and carbon dioxide – the resultant by-products. Adam says LGI sinks vertical wells into the landfill and applies vacuum to encourage the biogas towards the well. The wells are connected to a manifold station which are tuned and tested regularly for maximum biogas

LGI captures biogas from landfill and uses it to generate electricity. 46 / WMR / July 2022

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – LANDFILL MANAGEMENT

“Usually, landfills make up to 70-80 per cent of a council’s emissions. With biogas extraction on their landfill, the overall reduction in their emissions is massive. In this world with an increased focus on ESG credentials, as well as net zero, it’s an incredible deal for councils.” Adam Bloomer, LGI Founder and Managing Director

extraction and to maintain the health of bacteria in the landfill. “You need to look after your bugs to keep the methane extraction balanced,” he says. “If you kill the bacteria off you lose methane production.” Under vacuum, supplied by a flaring unit, the methane content of the biogas is burned off, reducing its global warming effect. Adam readily admits that carbon dioxide and water are released during the flaring process, but says they are far less damaging emissions than from methane. “Methane has a global warming potential 28 times that of carbon dioxide,” he says. To create electricity the biogas is further refined. Adam describes the biogas from landfill as “sour” which needs to be cooled to a low temperature to drop the moisture content and in turn water soluble contaminants. LGI has also successfully introduced siloxane removal systems (SRS). These systems reduce silicon-based compounds that cause severe wear in generating units.

LGI pioneered this system integration in Australia. “Silicon in our waste streams form a silicon glass-like compound that builds up and increases wears in generators,” Adam says. “When LGI integrated siloxane into biogas extraction on landfills it was a big turning point.” He says LGI is unique in that it is completely vertically integrated. LGI designs, installs and maintains biogas fields. The company builds its own flares and biogas extraction equipment and if there’s enough biogas on site, will build a power station to produce dispatchable, renewable energy. Adam, and LGI, have had several turning points since the company was established in 2009. Adam was involved in power stations across Australia before joining a national waste business. When he branched out on his own, he “just wanted to install biogas extraction systems”. “We won a large contract for our first installation contract, and it led to a bit of a boon,” he says. LGI still holds the contract for that first installation, a biogas system for

Adam Bloomer, LGI CEO, Founder and Managing Director.

three Moreton Bay Regional Council sites. The company now has teams in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT. Its biggest power station to date is in Canberra. “If there’s a regulatory requirement to capture biogas from your landfill, it will affect your ability to create Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCUs),” he says. It’s that ability to create ACCUs that allows LGI to install best practice systems for councils. “We capture and put the biogas through a flare, which under the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) methodology for combustion we can create ACCUs,” Adam says. “We either contract those back to the government through reverse auctions or sell them. The open or spot market for ACCUs has increased in the past 12-18 months as companies are very active in reducing their own emissions. “There’s a real market out there for carbon offsets.” For more information, visit: www.lgi.com.au

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 47

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – THE MINAMATA CONVENTION

Minimising mercury AS THE WORLD ATTEMPTS TO REDUCE THE DANGERS OF MERCURY, WASTE DISPOSAL IS IN SAFE HANDS WITH ECOCYCLE.

ustralia joined the global fight against mercury waste in December 2021, ratifying the Minamata Convention. The treaty, which aims to protect human health and the environment from emissions of mercury, came into effect in Australia in March this year. For Doug Rowe, Director of Ecocycle and Recycal, it’s a long-awaited move. The experienced e-waste recycler made several submissions following Australia’s signing of the convention in 2013. He says the introduction of the convention will help increase mercury recovery and safeguard those working in the industry. “For too long mercury wastes have been going to landfills or into our sewer systems and waterways,” Doug says. “There are solutions and answers to these mercury problems and we hope the Minamata Convention highlights some positive actions.” Mercury is highly toxic and can have dangerous effects on people, the environment and wildlife, even at

Ecocycle provides a full lighting recycling service.

48 / WMR / July 2022

Ecocycle is the only Environment Protection Authority approved and licensed mercury recycler in Australasia.

low levels. But because of its unique properties it has been widely used in products including fluorescent lighting, batteries, dental amalgam, switches, meters and more. The Convention covers all aspects of the life cycle of mercury, controlling and reducing mercury across a range of products, process and industries, according to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. It includes controls on mercury mining, the manufacture and trade of products containing mercury emissions from industrial facilities and disposal of mercury waste. Which is where Doug comes in. Doug has been dealing with mercury waste for decades and Ecocycle is the only Environment Protection Authority approved and licensed mercury recycler in Australasia. Through Ecocycle, Doug and the team provide a full lighting recycling service from supply of boxes and stillages through to pick-up and provision of recycling certificates.

Lighting waste specialists work with businesses to develop the best disposal and recycling solution to help collect old globes and lamps, whether in smaller quantities or bulk collections. The company has purpose-built facilities in every state of Australia. Old ballasts and lighting frames, that hold the globes or tubes, and old wiring can also be collected. “Although the amount of mercury in each tube or lamp may seem small, the millions of lamps discarded each year make up the largest source of mercury going into Australian landfill,” Doug says. “From there, the mercury leaks into our environment and can end up in our food. So safely recycling fluorescent bulbs and tubes needs to be done by experienced and licensed recyclers. “But it’s more than just recovering mercury. Fluorescent tubes and lamps also contain glass, aluminium and other metals which are recycled into new products, reducing Australia’s overall lighting waste.”

P R P

Th ca fea

13 jc

Doug says Ecocycle recycles fluoro tubes in an enclosed environment. The globes are crushed, and non hazardous materials removed. Once separated from other components the phosphor powder, which contains most of the mercury, is heated. The mercury turns into a vapour which is then condensed to produce pure metal. The powder, now without mercury, can be recycled further. One of the other major sources of mercury is ‘silver fillings’ or dental amalgam, which has been used for more than 100 years. While modern dentists rarely use amalgam fillings now, they continue to extract countless fillings from patients every year. “If not correctly disposed of amalgam breaks down, releasing mercury into our waterways and

the environment,” Doug says. “The mercury from just one amalgam tooth filling is enough to pollute 30,000 litres of water beyond the safe level for drinking. With the average dental practice generating about one kilogram of mercury waste each year, it adds up quickly.” He says most dental chairs are now fitted with amalgam separators to trap any excess amalgam. Ecocycle provides a full service for collection, cleaning and recycling of amalgam waste when the separators are full. Safety of the environment and people are paramount for Doug. He has invested heavily in stateof-the-art equipment to ensure maximum recovery of valuable resources to minimise the need for virgin materials.He has installed a battery sorting and processing

JCB WHEEL LOADERS

PROVEN RELIABLE AND PRODUCTIVE

The JCB range of wheel loaders are built to be strong, reliable and provide comfort for long days in the cab. Designed for ultimate productivity, and offering superb performance the JCB wheel loader range features best-in-class comfort, visibility, safety ergonomics and superior serviceability plus a whole lot more.

1300 522 232 jcbcea.com.au

Fluoro tubes are recycled in an enclosed environment.

facility, unique to Australia, to target the full range of batteries and is using artificial intelligence and robotics to make e-waste recycling of flat screens safer. For more information, visit: www.ecobatt.net

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION - RECYCLING

Number crunching LIVE DATA FROM ONDEMAND RECYCLING SERVICE RECYCLESMART IS GIVING COUNCILS AN INSIGHT INTO RESIDENTS’ BEHAVIOUR.

ackaging and local councils are the two most common sources of recycling information that consumers turn to, according to a report by Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation and Planet Ark. The 2021 report also found that Australians care about recycling, but

50 / WMR / July 2022

many are still confused about what they can and can’t recycle at home. Penrith City Council in New South Wales has found a way to help them. Awareness and conversation around recycling has had a notable shift in tone since the council partnered with RecycleSmart, says Elyse Marcolin,

Resource Recovery Education Officer with the council. “Particularly with understanding and concern for soft plastics being kept out of landfill and recycled separately,” Elyse says. “There is also better understanding that not all recyclable items can be disposed of in the kerbside recycling bin, particularly items that are considered contaminants and can be hazardous such as batteries and e-waste.” RecycleSmart is designed to make recycling easier. It’s a doorto-door service for tricky to recycle items including textile,e-waste and other problematic resources such as aluminium coffee capsules, polystyrene, batteries, light bulbs, soft plastics and more. Elyse says Penrith City Council began partnering with RecycleSmart on a trial basis in September 2021 and transitioned to full membership in February 2022. There are more than 300 subscription-based users in the council area who receive regular, monthly collections and more than 50 ad hoc single pick-ups booked each month. Elyse says both subscription and single pick-up bookings continue to increase monthly. “Council continually strives to be a leader in waste and recycling innovation, including household problem waste management. Fromyour-door collections that RecycleSmart provides are an additional way for households to further divert problem waste such as soft plastics and textiles from landfill by keeping them separate to be sent to appropriate recycling facilities,” she says. “Residents have reacted positively to the service since

its introduction. Most notably, the convenience of Power Pickups has been very well received. “Some fantastic feedback has extended to a reduction in bin size for properties due to the amount of space being saved in the residual bin from items now being collected in Power Pickups.” Elyse says easily accessible data and a reporting dashboard gives council access to statistics at any time about what is being recycled and how much. Every time a RecycleSmart driver collects bags of recyclables the bags are sorted and weighed. The volume of plastics, e-waste, clothing and problem waste is logged, as is the number of bags collected and pick-ups. Eugenie Alonzo, RecycleSmart Chief Marketing Officer, says every council has 24-hour access to a live report.

“They can check at any time how we’re performing in the area and they have an understanding of why people are using our service. “For every single pick-up we know what has been collected within those four categories of waste and how much in kilograms. Together with the council, we can then focus on that from an education perspective. It gives us all engagement with the communities.” The data also provides an insight into what other streams of recycling could be introduced. Eugenie cites one participating council that had no solution for polystyrene. “We knew, because of the data from other councils, that polystyrene was an issue. Now, after working with the council, it is possible to get polystyrene recycled in the area.

“The main take away of waste we collect are soft plastics and clothes. These are the waste streams that are really building quickly for councils. Previously a lot of people were putting those in the recycling bin which contaminates it.” But Eugenie says the data is not just helpful for councils, individual users can track their own recycling journey. “When a user logs into their account they can see how much waste they have diverted from landfill in terms of kilograms and what type of waste,” she says. “It gives an indication of what habits they can change at home to try and reduce their waste. “That’s the end goal – developing good habits.” For more information, visit: www.recyclesmart.com

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TYRE RECYCLING

Labour pains SIX MONTHS AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF AN EXPORT BAN ON WHOLE BALED TYRES, TYRECYCLE IS MORE DETERMINED THAN EVER TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JIM FAIRWEATHER EXPLAINS.

egislation banning the export of whole baled tyres is the most far-reaching action Australia has introduced in the tyre recycling sector for years and should be applauded, according to Jim Fairweather, Tyrecycle Chief Executive Officer. Jim says that six months after the ban was implemented, one of the biggest challenges for the market is access to labour. “One thing that COVID-19 has proved is how reliant we are on overseas labour,” he says. “About 20 per cent of our current roles are unfilled because of an inability to get labour and the labour we can get is incredibly expensive. “Fitters, engineers and skilled plant labour are incredibly hard to get. As the mining sector picks up again, it’s causing extra stress on the availability of candidates. “That’s the thing causing the biggest pressure on tyre collection in Australia – from my perspective.” He says that overall, the industry has responded well to the bans that came into effect on December 1, 2021. However, there is some frustration at what is seen as a “lack of compliance and enforcement” for those still baling tyres and sending them offshore. He says the financial inequity between those who are investing in capital to comply with the bans, compared with illegitimate collectors, is trickling through the entire market. “When you have these illegitimate operators, you end up with a market

52 / WMR / July 2022

Tyrecycle is in the middle of the biggest capital expansion in its 30-year history.

“With companies being pushed on their environmental, social and corporate governance reporting and their sustainability outcomes, this is the perfect storm, in a positive way, for us to start cranking up consumption of TDF in the domestic Australian market.” Jim Fairweather, Tyrecycle Chief Executive Officer

that is dramatically undercapitalised because the profit margins aren’t there for the collector or recycler. Therefore, the money isn’t there to invest in the market,” he says. “There’s been a huge amount of government money allocated to the Recycling Modernisation Fund to assist with people gearing up for the Council

of Australian Governments (COAG) waste ban. For governments to invest that amount of money into the market only to see the ban not enforced is paradoxical at best. “Before the ban we could always say it was immoral to send our products overseas, but it wasn’t illegal. Now it’s illegal. To continue to send whole baled

tyres to poor environmental and social outcomes in Second and Third World markets is morally reprehensible.” Jim, and Tyrecycle (part of the global resource recovery group ResourceCo), take their role as market leaders in tyre recycling seriously. Jim says it’s even more incumbent on the company to do the right thing now and do it better. “To lead by example and show you can run a legitimate recycling business of scale in Australia, and to do it in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner, is absolutely our responsibility. As CEO of Tyrecycle, I take that personally.” Jim is leading Tyrecycle through the biggest capital expansion of its 30year history. Phase one, construction of Australia’s largest and most sophisticated tyre recycling plant in Erskine Park, New South Wales, was completed in 2021. The company hopes to have a new facility in the Pilbara region operating by June 2023 and a facility in Perth soon after. A new facility is expected to be built and operating in Adelaide by December 2022, while redevelopment of the Melbourne site, and extension of the Sydney site, are expected to be finished by the end of 2023. Jim says the level of expansion and development of both the company, and Australia’s, capability and capacity to recycle tyres would not be possible without the Recycling Modernisation Fund. He is hopeful of some success in the Queensland Government’s round of RMF funding. “It’s really exciting,” Jim says of the company expansion. “We will make more value-added products out of tyres than we have ever before. We will improve our capability to make more rubber crumb and smaller sizes of Tyre-Derived Fuel (TDF), which is undoubtedly the direction the market is heading.”

Tyrecycle is pushing for an increase in consumption of Tyre-Derived Fuel.

Jim sees opportunity for partnerships between manufacturers with high energy and thermal energy requirements in Australia, allowing for a push for local consumption of TDF. “TDF is an extremely good fuel from an energy generation perspective and an environmental standpoint,” he says. “It’s a great fossil fuel replacement, yet all the TDF we make still gets sent offshore. “We have production environments in Australia that use a lot of thermal energy. Rather than sending it offshore, we can use it here to replace fossil fuels such as coal and gas. We can help our customers decarbonise their business by doing that. “Every tonne of TDF that is substituted represents a greenhouse gas saving of 234 kilograms CO2-e and 137 kilograms CO2-e compared to using the equivalent amount of brown coal and black (bituminous) coal.”

Jim says ResourceCo is working on partnership opportunities and believes that within 24-48 months Australia can have “massive amounts” of TDF being consumed in Australia. He says Australia is entering a phase where TDF can compete with fossil fuel on a cost basis and beat them for carbon footprint. “With companies being pushed on their environmental, social and corporate governance reporting and their sustainability outcomes, this is the perfect storm, in a positive way, for us to start cranking up consumption of TDF in the domestic Australian market,” he says. “That, for me, is the big thing on the horizon now. We don’t have to turn all of our tyres into rubber crumb and put it in our roads. That market will take 10 years to develop. We can find TDF users now.” For more information, visit: www.tyrecycle.com.au

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 53

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – POST CONSUMER RECYCLING

Film stars THE TEAM AT OLYMPIC POLYMERS IS MAKING A MARK IN THE PLASTIC FILM RECYCLING INDUSTRY.

aniel Leeson likes fixing issues. By his own admission, the Managing Director of Olympic Polymers sees problematic materials as a challenge. It’s that never-give-up attitude that has the post-industrial recycler breaking new ground with material “nobody else wanted”. Daniel and his business partner have developed a way to clean and process the tonnes of contaminated irrigation tube (T-tape) left idle on farms around Australia into plastic resin. The endproduct is so clean it’s suitable to remanufacture down to 30um garbage bags or other film products. The success of the T-tape process has opened the door to a new market. Daniel says Olympic Polymers is working with Dairy Australia to recycle silage film back into a film with 30-40 per cent recycled content. “The wash plant has changed the way we’re doing things,” he says. “We’ve gone from a company that was just recycling industrial film, to now recycling all different plastics.

The ZERMA ZHS-2000 PLUS Shredder processes several tonnes of old irrigation tube daily.

“We’ve taken a problematic material that nobody knew what to do with and it’s put us into a new market where we’ll be able to grow.” The T-tape process has been a twoyear project with plenty of “trial and error”, Daniel says. He drew on nearly 15 years’ experience in every facet of the business to make it happen. And it was his love of a challenge that got the ball rolling. Daniel initially said no when a tube manufacturer approached him

A TELFORD SMITH washing plant installed at Olympic Polymers.

and asked if there was anything that could be done to recycle the tonnes of irrigation tube just sitting in paddocks around Australia. But the problem kept niggling at him. It was while he was working on another recycling line that a plan began to form. “We have a contract with a bottling company to receive bottles of water that are damaged or too thin,” Daniel says. “We were getting seven to eight tonnes of water weekly. Everything was recyclable – the bottle, lids and labels – except the water. “I thought we could use the water supply to try and wash the T-tape. “Now we store the water and use it in the wash plant. Everything is recyclable. We’re very proud of that.” Daniel and his business partner began a trial process with equipment from Telford Smith. They used various materials and plant set-ups before finding the best way to clean the T-tape. Within the past 12 months they’ve purchased TELFORD SMITH washing plants and mechanical dryers, a ZERMA

54 / WMR / July 2022

WM Ad .

ZHS-2000 heavy duty shredder for central recycling and a ZERMA wash granulator to expand the line. Daniel says for any granulation or shredding equipment, Telford Smith is the first name that comes to mind. “Telford Smith is one of the most highly recommended machinery manufacturers in Australia,” he says. “When we were doing this project, we needed specific items. Telford Smith were happy to modify and adjust one of their machines to do what we needed it to do. “They do a lot of research to know what products are on the market and they don’t skimp on metals or size. Telford Smith equipment will give you the strength and reliability that you need. Being Australian made makes the decision a lot easier.”

Daniel praised Olympic Polymers’ Operations Manager Rod Dodd for playing a key role in the trial process. He says there were a few hiccups in the early days because of contamination and water density or there were silicon problems. “The tubes are out in the farm for two to three years in direct sunlight, so they tend to try and break down,” he says. “We had to rejuvenate the plastic to get it right to blow it into film. “But now we’re running material through. We’re getting tube in one day and it’s going out the next.” The biggest hurdle now, Daniel says, is transport costs. Most of the T-tape is from Queensland and South Australia, with some from Perth. Getting it to Olympic Polymer’s Victorian facility is expensive, particularly for a familyowned business.

Shredded agriculture pipe.

“Without government funding or a stewardship, it’s very hard for a player of our size to fit in with the whole of the Australian market. About 7000 tonnes of T-tape goes to farms annually and about 2000 tonne is recycled,” he says. “That’s another 5000 tonnes we need to get our hands on.” For more information, visit: www.telfordsmith.com.au

$2.5 billion worth of brand new household goods end up wasted each year according to new Deloitte report > Download the report now Join Good360’s Circle of Good and be part of the solution

visit good360.org.au

WM Ad .indd 1

31/5/2022 11:13 am

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – LAND DEVELOPMENT

One-stop shop for development KLM SPATIAL COMBINES EXPERIENCE AND A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO HELP RESOURCE RECOVERY PROJECTS OFF THE GROUND.

hen government funding for a proposed biomass boiler in Victoria hinged on strict approval and development time frames, the project owners called in KLM Spatial. Nick Jay, KLM Spatial Planning Manager, says the land development consulting service successfully negotiated with authorities to get approval well within time and ensure funding was secured. The boiler project, which aims to generate energy from woodchip derived from timber packaging waste to power pallet heat treatment kilns, is in further development. Another KLM Spatial client required planning approval for the development of a plastics recovery facility that had received a grant from Sustainability Victoria. That project is set to help Victoria reach State Government recycling targets outlined in the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Implementation Plan 2016. Nick says it’s projects like these where the team at KLM Spatial shines. “We have the skills and resources to help clients get their projects off the ground – from small to largescale commercial and industrial development as well as subdivisions in urban, regional and greenfield locations,” he says. “We have long-standing clients in the waste sector because we can take their plans all the way from

Nick Jay, KLM Spatial Planning Manager.

conception and infancy to delivery. We help people navigate relevant authorities and planning schemes to hopefully reduce the time frames and get approvals.” The KLM Spatial team has expertise in town planning, land surveying, building design, civil engineering and civil construction management. The company has been in operation for more than three decades and is located within Dandenong, working on numerous projects across the south-east of Melbourne, the Greater Melbourne area and regional Victoria. Nick says while the company has a history in the waste industry, there is an increasing demand to

help establish material recovery and processing facilities. “Generally, clients need our services to get development and use approval from local councils. “They come to us with a vacant site and need approval for development and use. We’ll do due diligence on the planning controls and schemes that affect that site and its use. One of the biggest issues facing clients, says Nick, is the lack of appropriate sites for a MRF to be located because of zoning and land availability. “We’re in Dandenong South, which is designated as a national employment and innovation

56 / WMR / July 2022

WasteMa

cluster,” he says. “State and federal governments recognise it as an area where ‘dirty’ uses should be located. KLM Spatial understands the importance of site proximity for the resource recovery sector and is actively lobbying the State Government for the release of more industrial land in the south east. The company is steering several large-scale industrial subdivisions in the Officer-Pakenham corridor. For those who do have a site in mind, Nick describes KLM Spatial as a ‘one-stop shop’. Land surveying underpins many of the services offered and can include site mapping such as topographic surveys, neighbourhood and site description, surface scanning and 3D modelling and virtual reality. Accurate mapping also helps with

underground services such as water and sewerage. A project engineering team provides technical support and advice at the planning and development stage, while civil engineering design will unlock the potential of a development site for access, drainage and essential services. “Our team holds the necessary experience and accreditation to undertake design for municipal road and drainage, VicRoads road and drainage, regional water authority assets, regional drainage infrastructure, wetlands, pump stations, AS3500 plumbing code works and a range of other site specific design solutions,” Nick says. “KLM Spatial’s project administration service is set up to guide clients through regulatory

procedures, monitoring the necessary applications, agreements, deeds, fees, bonds, levies, and reimbursements that may apply to a project. “We’re experienced in navigating the complexities of the planning system.” KLM Spatial is also an accredited Enviro-Development company through the Urban Development Institute of Australia. Enviro-Development is a scientifically based assessment scheme that independently reviews development projects and awards certification to those that achieve outstanding performance across four or more elements such as ecosystems, waste and energy. For more information, visit: www.klms.com.au

EQUIPMENT FOR

TYRE RECYCLING Easy maintenance Low wear costs

www .el da

High capacity

WasteManagementReview_1I2_200x135_211221.indd 1

g.com yclin c re n

21-12-2021 08:40:20

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – COMPANY PROFILE

United for a purpose

Autocycle’s Altona plant is being commissioned.

THE TEAM AT NEW VICTORIAN TYRE RECYCLER AUTOCYCLE INTERNATIONAL IS DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

ax Lam is drawing on years of experience in environmental consulting and land remediation works to create a tyre recycling business that is as sustainable as possible. The Director of Autocycle International is just as committed to creating a healthy and safe work environment and culture for employees and the community. “We want to ensure we are a people first business, from the welfare of our employees to the safety of truck drivers,” Max said at the launch of Autocycle International earlier this year. “Profits are important, but

58 / WMR / July 2022

it shouldn’t be the most important thing.” As Autocycle’s new Altona plant gears up for production, Max has assembled a team that share’s his vision for a cleaner, greener tyre recycling industry.

TIM MCKENZIE-MCHARG Operations Manager, Tim McKenzieMcHarg says it was Max’s passion that drew him to the role. “He sells a story very well,” Tim says. “His vision for the future, and what he believes Autocycle can bring to recycling and the circular economy in Australia, is very strong.”

With six years’ experience in tyre recycling, Tim is familiar with the industry but says starting a new venture has been a learning curve. “It comes with a lot of opportunities and new challenges, building everything from the ground up. But it also means there’s a lot to do and there’s no playbook on how to do it. We’re still figuring out how to use the machines,” he says. COVID-19 has presented obstacles, delaying the arrival of machinery, and now a labour shortage. However, with the Altona plant being commissioned Tim is excited about the future. “We’re trying to lead from the front,” he says. “The equipment is

Bryan Costantino, Maintenance Manager

state-of-the-art and we’re looking to alternative fuel sources and as much green energy as possible to run the plant. We’ll be granulating and crumbing end-of-life passenger tyres. All the products we’re developing are being reused in one way or another and we’re focusing on domestic outlets, which will also drastically decrease our carbon footprint. “We’re trying to optimise our efficiency and minimise our impact on the environment.” Tim says a national export ban on whole baled tyres introduced in December means there is plenty of feedstock available for Autocycle. And he believes there’s a shift within the industry to consider social outcomes and do the right thing. “Max is leading the way,” he says.

BRYAN COSTANTINO Maintenance Manager Bryan Costantino has “seen all kinds of things” working in the oil and gas sector. He was drawn to the recycling sector as part of a soil remediation team with SOLVE and is keen to continue to make a difference. “It feels good to come to work knowing you’re doing something good for the environment,” he says. “As a

Tim McKenzie-McHarg, Operations Manager

start-up, everyone at Autocycle is very conscious about doing things right the first time. I love getting out in the environment, but I think the rate we’re travelling, we’re not doing our planet any favours and I wonder what we’re leaving behind. “It feels good to be trying to do something to put a stop to that. “Max is very environment focused. Once I had the interview I realised the character of the people I was working with and knew these were my sort of people.” It’s Bryan’s role to ensure equipment works and to understand the weak points in the system and how to mitigate any problems. He says throughout the plant’s commissioning phase he’s learning every day. While he’s keen to iron out any kinks and be in full production by August, he’s also thinking long term. “Max’s idea is to keep moving forward and setting up businesses elsewhere. That’s when this will get interesting,” he says. “He’s got big ideas and big hopes for the future. It’s exciting to be a part of it.”

SANDRA RAINER Office Manager Sandra Rainer has been in the commercial

“We want to ensure we are a people first business, from the welfare of our employees to the safety of truck drivers. Profits are important, but it shouldn’t be the most important thing.” Max Lam, Director of Autocycle International

construction game for decades. She says sustainability and Green Star ratings were gaining impetus in the construction industry but working in tyre recycling is giving her an entirely new perspective, as is working for a start-up. “The whole process, from Max’s view on what he wants to achieve, to working for a start-up, definitely interested me,” she says. “I’ve never been involved in that side of things. It’s exciting to watch it unfold. “I’ve always been aware and careful of waste and what I buy and the impact it has on the environment. But working with Max, he’s really taking a risk for something he believes in. “I like his ideas. I think Autocycle is something we’re going to be proud of in the long run.” For more information, visit: www.autocycle.com.au

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 59

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – SKIPLOADERS AND HOOKLIFTS

Hooked on a classic The MULTILIFT XR14T hooklift has a turning pivot point on the hookarm which minimises wearing parts.

WATM CRANE SALES AND SERVICE IS EXTENDING ITS REACH IN THE WASTE MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY.

hen you combine a globally recognised heavy machinery manufacturer with a distribution and service centre that has built its reputation on reliability, you know you’re on a winner. WATM Crane Sales and Service in Western Australia has spent the past 48 years supplying the state with high quality products and services. In 1997 WATM became the exclusive distributor for HIAB, which encompasses the Multilift and Moffett brands, providing local industries with cranes, truck-mounted fork lifts, hooklifts and skiploaders. Anthony Lazenby, WATM Managing Director, says HIAB equipment is

60 / WMR / July 2022

known for its resilience in tough working conditions. “They’re a very robust, reliable product,” he says. “HIAB, established in 1944, is known for its safety, technology, experience and serviceability. “You can confidently buy a HIAB Multilift Hooklift from WATM today knowing that you are buying from a strong, sustainable business that’s around for the long haul.” Stephen Molloy, WATM Sales Executive, says HIAB Multilift hooklifts and skiploaders offer smart control systems and a variety of options to suit load handling challenges. Digital HiVision technology combines external cameras and sensors with in-

cabin viewing technology and controls, meaning safety and productivity are not compromised. Obstacle detection software minimises the risk of injury or damage to equipment. “The operator has complete vision of the external environment and can manoeuvre the truck and hooklift precisely into place, all from the safety of the cabin,” Stephen says. “Using 3D technology and touch screen controls, the driver can smoothly and quickly attach a load and drive away in a fraction of the time of traditional methods.” Additional control system equipment includes a warning buzzer inside the control box that indicates when the

body locks open or the middle frame is not down. There’s also an emergency stop, friction relief with middle frame body rollers and automatic sequence control. A pneumatic hook latch can be controlled with the cabin controller or with the radio controller for safe, easy and fast operation. While durability and reliability of the product is important to WATM, another key aspect of the company’s service is the after sales support. Anthony says WATM has spare parts valued at more than $3.5million in stock and a support team available seven days a week, 24-hours a day right across Western Australia. “We understand the nature of the waste industry and that downtime costs money,” he says. “We also understand the tyranny of distance and work toward solving a problem as efficiently as possible. We believe we are the only company in this space to have the capability to send technicians anywhere in the state overnight if need be. “All our technicians are experienced in resolving issues. We understand you need to have the right person, the spare part and the capability to fix a problem. They’re not mutually exclusive.” WATM has worked with HIAB to ship hooklifts and skiploaders direct to WA rather than send them to Melbourne first. A move, Stephen says, that will reduce the price point for customers. “WATM is always striving for the most competitive solutions and reliability of stock as we navigate the current challenging global supply chain,” Stephen says. “WATM has also been in negotiations around further reducing pricing in WA, understanding that it’s a price sensitive market. Combined with HIAB’s class-leading two-year warranty on all parts and five years on steel, it’s hard not to look past the HIAB Multilift.” It’s all part of extending WATM’s reach into the waste industry. “Waste management in Western Australia is getting bigger and bigger,” Stephen says. “We’ve been in the waste market but feel it’s time to branch out in a strong way. When customers think of waste management equipment, we want them to think of us.” For more information, visit: www.watm.com.au The HIAB Multilift offers a variety of options to suit load handling challenges.

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION - LANDFILL COMPACTORS

Don’t count out the little guy CATERPILLAR’S LEGENDARY 816 LANDFILL COMPACTOR IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED FOR ITS HEAVIER SIBLINGS. SELECT CIVIL’S RENAUD CHAUVET EXPLAINS WHY THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE.

he Cat® 816 model 26 tonne landfill compactor is globally recognised in the waste management industry. The 816 has been in production since 1972, and was the first landfill compactor Caterpillar produced. Through various incarnations, refinements and evolutions in the 50 years since, it has earned its reputation as an agile and efficient workhorse in waste management. The most recent iteration of the 816 was launched in April 2021 with a range of updates and improvements to efficiency, durability and versatility, as well as an updated cabin design to optimise operator comfort and safety. Though dwarfed by the larger 826K and 836K models, the 816 will always have its advocates. One such advocate is Renaud Chauvet, Managing Director of Select Civil, a civil contracting, plant hire and waste management services company based in Kembla Grange, an hour south of Sydney. Across its landfill and equipment rental operations, the company runs multiple fleets of Cat machines such as dozers, track loaders and landfill compactors – including multiple 816s. Caterpillar has earned Renaud’s confidence over the years with its distribution network, and availability of parts.

62 / WMR / July 2022

The Cat 816 is ideal for small to medium-sized regional councils.

“The waste industry runs 24/7, it never stops. Whether it’s raining, or there’s a natural disaster, there will still be rubbish at the gate every morning,” he says. “We need to be able to order a part at five o’clock in the evening, get it at six, and have our machine going again the next day. Caterpillar can do that for us.” Renaud believes Select Civil, along with its parent company Groupe Poisson, are among the biggest buyers and distributors of Caterpillar machinery worldwide. He says this has allowed him to develop a keen insight into the ebbs and flows of waste management trends during his 17 years in the company. One uniquely Australian trend that has recently piqued Renaud’s interest

is what he sees as a lack of interest in smaller 26 tonne compactors, such as the 816, among small to medium-sized regional councils. The 816, on paper, should be the optimal choice of landfill compactor for these councils’ volume of waste and yet, they are often overlooked in favour of larger 40 tonne compactors, Renaud says. “In North America, especially Canada, most small municipalities really like the 816, and we sell a lot of them there,” he says. “Yet very often in Australia we keep hearing the same message – that these regional councils want heavier models based on the assumption that heavier means better compaction, which is not necessarily how it works.”

Renaud says heavier compactors such as Cat 826K and 836K have their place and are indispensable for larger metropolitan landfills. But the key difference is in tonnage and volume of waste, rather than better compaction. “Small municipalities and councils in Australia ask for an 826, when they’re sometimes dealing with less than 30,000 tonnes per year, which is definitely 816 territory,” he says. “The Cat 816 is a very reliable machine that is easily capable of handling 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes a year – much more economically than its bigger siblings.” Between the cost of the compactor, ongoing maintenance, parts and fuel burn differential, Renaud estimates councils could be burying hundreds of thousands of dollars with no material

benefit – simply by overcapitalising on the wrong compactor for the job. Not to mention the added fuel emissions. “These days, with all the attention on the environmental impact of what we do, this attitude is dangerous,” he says. Renaud says Caterpillar is invested in supplying the right products for the job, so needlessly upselling to larger compactors wouldn’t be in the company’s best interests. Caterpillar is also invested in the future of the environment, having recently updated its enterprise strategy with a renewed focus on sustainability. “Our long-standing commitment to sustainability inspires us to continue reducing greenhouse gas

emissions from our operations while also developing innovative products, technologies and services to help our customers achieve their climate-related objectives,” writes Jim Umpleby, Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive in the strategy. With this in mind, Caterpillar aims to balance performance with longer life and lower emissions in the latest iteration of the 816. A combination of new longer-lasting radiant air filters, improved operator interface, cabin comfort, and streamlined maintenance access all contribute to minimise downtime, while the Cat C7.1 engine ensures maximum fuel economy and increased power density. For more information, visit: www.cat.com/en_AU

26-27 October 2022 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre wasteexpoaustralia.com.au

Face-to-face with over 6,200+ focused buyers

Waste Expo Australia 2019 at a glance

6,268* visits

*(CAB audited figure)

$142,000,000

combined value of purchasing authority from visitors at Waste Expo Australia

Interested in Exhibiting? Contact Us

Sherri Pearson

Account Manager P: +61 3 8669 3265 E: sherri.pearson@rxglobal.com

80%

visitor growth in 2 years

120+

brands on display

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – MACHINERY

Power and performance KOMATSU FOREST EQUIPMENT TAKES THE HASSLE OUT OF THE DAILY GRIND.

f Jeffries Group finds something good, it sticks with it. Which is why, says Managing Director Martin Jeffries, the fourth-generation family business has maintained a 25-year working relationship with Komatsu Forest. “From our point of view, they’re good reliable machinery,” Martin says. “We go around the world to as many trade shows as we can to see machinery working and to get an idea of what advancements are coming up. But we also try and use companies we like dealing with and who provide good back-up service and good equipment. “We’re quite happy with the service and back-up we get from Komatsu Forest.” Jeffries Group manufactures composts and soil improvers from green organics received from most of metropolitan Adelaide’s council kerbside collections,

as well as supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. Large quantities of tree trimmings, street sweepings and endof-life wooden pallets make up much of the clean green and timber inputs. A Peterson model 2710C grinder purchased in 2013 and a 5710C grinder bought in 2014 have been put through their paces and are still going, says Martin. The 5710C operates four days a week and handles the initial grinding for larger material, while the 2710C regrinds oversize pieces and is operational up to three days a week. “Having them for eight and nine years and running them quite hard – they’re value for money,” Martin says. “You get longevity with them.” Brenton Yon, Komatsu Forest National Sales Marketing Manager, says the 5710C is designed for operations requiring high production and demanding endproduct specifications.

The Australian version is powered by a Tier 11 Caterpillar C32 839kW (1125hp) engine and provides the highest power to weight ratio of any Peterson grinder. The upturn three-stage grinding process provides good material fracturing and a more consistent product, particularly to produce lighter mulches. The 2710C is designed for mobility and high production. It has a large feed opening for a large range of materials. Brenton says both models have Peterson’s unique patented Impact Release System air bags which provide uniform grinding and protection from contaminated feedstock. There’s a second line of defence of urethan cushions and shear pins which help protect the mill from catastrophic damage in the event of a severe impact from contaminants in the feedstock. “For a high-speed grinder, there’s a lot of momentum,” Martin says. “It’s designed to

Jeffries Group has relied on Komatsu Forest equipment for 25 years. 64 / WMR / July 2022

smash up trees. But when it hits another bit of steel or other big contaminant, spinning at that speed, it can be damaging. “The airbag takes that cushioning then the breakaway system shuts the plant down to lessen the damage. You still might break a hammer or loosen a few bolts, but that can be easily fixed. “A lot of grinders over the years have hit something like that and you always know it’s going to be expensive to fix. With the Peterson it can still get damaged, but you can get going again quite quickly.” Martin says from an operational view, ease of use is as important as performance. He says while the grinders are “amazingly powerful” they are relatively easy to use and learn. “While you still need good operators, they do have that forgiveness,” he says.

The Peterson horizontal grinder in action.

A Peterson model BTRA85 Blower Trailer, used for landscaping jobs such as council playground top-ups and spreading mulch on roadsides has been part of the Jeffries Group stable of Peterson machines since 2012. Martin says one of the key reasons for sticking with Komatsu Forest for so long, is the back-up service and supplies it provides. “We know all machines break down and have issues that need to be sorted out. It’s the nature of the waste industry,” he says.

“For us, Komatsu Forest has gone out of its way to try and get a part, whether it’s in Australia or the US. They’re always asking, ‘how can we best source that as quickly as possible’ or thinking about how to get the machinery back up and running. “That’s key for a business. You’re making a profit when these machines are running.” For more information, visit: www.komatsuforest.com.au

EVENTS

Waste 2022: A new normal THE 2022 COFFS HARBOUR WASTE CONFERENCE WAS A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO RELATIVE NORMALCY. CONFERENCE CONVENOR GREG FREEMAN EXPLAINS.

ince 1996, the Coffs Harbour Waste Conference has developed into one of the waste management industry’s most highly regarded events. As the sector has continued to evolve in scale and complexity, the annual conference has evolved with it – blending global trends with local knowledge, technological advances with education. In keeping with global trends, last year’s conference was underscored by a sense of COVID-19-induced trepidation and compromise. After a virtual offering in 2020, Waste 2021 trialled a hybrid of limited in-person participation, live broadcasts and interactive events. Waste 2022, from 3-5 May, continued the format, though now balanced out with the return of crowds and an expanded outdoor trade show which encompassed the newly introduced ‘Equipment & Technology Expo’. Greg Freeman, Conference Convenor and Director of Impact Environmental, says the success of the live broadcasts and hybrid events provide new opportunities and challenges to consider for the future of the conference. “I think one of the benefits of COVID-19 is it accelerated the shift to technology, which we’ll keep using going forward,” says Greg. He says ongoing virtual accessibility is also a win for regional councils and waste management players from the far reaches of Australia and beyond.

66 / WMR / July 2022

Greg Freeman, Conference Convenor and Director of Impact Environmental, delivers the opening address.

“Running the conference in a regional area, we are very mindful of councils that aren’t as well-endowed as metropolitan ones, both in a financial and resource sense. So, if we can help them get access to our conference, that’s really important.” Regardless of its form, Waste 2022 couldn’t have come at a better time for the waste management industry, according to Greg. He says ongoing post-pandemic challenges, the uptick in floods and fires across the country, and the interlinked discourse on climate action all culminated in an event marked by a feeling of urgency – for the industry and beyond. “Coming through COVID-19 and coming through disasters really focused our attention on disaster management in a waste management context,” he says. “We did have a few

presentations that dealt with that. Cate McQuillan [Creative Producer/Owner of children’s television production company One Story], who gave one of the opening keynotes, talked about the resilience that communities need in the face of these disasters. We had speakers from the Lismore and Shoalhaven city councils on a disaster waste management panel. I think these are very stark reminders of how closely disasters and waste management are linked.” McQuillan’s keynote presentation set the theme for the rest of the conference when she, along with co-presenter (and well-known Gardening Australia host) Costa Georgiadis invited delegates to imagine the ideal future world of 2030, and what positive action could be taken now to make it a reality. The most consistent theme across the

C S

   

k T m S D

conference’s three days – if not for the whole sector itself – was the pursuit of a circular economy. “When the concept was first introduced four or five years ago, not many people understood it – but now, I think they do,” Greg says. “The idea that you really need to design products to stay in the system longer. Recycling is a bit of an end-of-pipe solution by itself, but circular economy is more of a whole system solution.” He says day two’s keynote followed this theme, addressing circularity through product stewardship. Claire Kneller, Executive Director of WRAP Asia Pacific, explained the importance of rethinking the design, use, consumption and disposal of products in developing a new paradigm for sustainability across all industries.

CONSULTING SERVICES  Town Planning  Surveying  Civil Engineering  Building Designers klms.com.au T: 03 9794 1600 manager@klms.com.au Suite 1, Building 2, 3 Ordish Road, Dandenong South VIC 3175

Further panels on extended producer responsibility, container deposit schemes and energy from waste continued conversations along this theme. With the aid of a grant from Destination NSW, Waste 2022 also introduced the new ‘Equipment & Technology Expo’. An outdoor marquee adjacent to the existing outdoor exhibition provided a space for a selection of exhibitors to pitch their products through a series of scheduled presentations. “We wanted to enable exhibitors to have the opportunity for a more structured sales pitch,” Greg says. “We’ve been at pains over the years not to push products and services too hard within the conference itself, just to avoid detracting from the quality of the knowledge. So, we thought we’d

provide that as a space by itself. With a lot of the technology that’s emerging in the waste industry, it’s important for the people selling these products to be able to explain what they do. A lot of the delegates don’t otherwise get that opportunity to be exposed to it.” Despite the growth in challenges facing the waste management sector, Greg is excited for the future of the conference and the industry. “What started in 1996 as a conference about landfilling, waste collection and a bit of recycling is now a multi-faceted event that deals with 30 or so issues. It’s moved more into resource recovery than waste management,” he says. For more information, visit: www.coffswasteconference.com.au

Delivering practical solutions for the Waste and Resource Recovery Sector We have many years of experience assisting a diverse range of clients from our base in Dandenong South. Our strong authority relationships across Victoria further allow us to achieve practical and timely outcomes.

Our services include - Development Co-ordination - Planning Negotiations and Approvals - Concept Design and full Building Drawings - Site Environment Management Plans - Stormwater Management Plans - Utility service assessment

COUNCIL IN FOCUS

Fast-tracking FOGO CITY OF NEWCASTLE HOPES TO DELIVER A MORE SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO ORGANIC WASTE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY, IN LINE WITH COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS.

plan to increase the capacity of City of Newcastle’s new Organics Processing Facility (OPF) will fast track its ability to accept food scraps by four years, diverting an additional 24,000 tonnes of waste from landfill. The City plans to expand the facility’s capacity to 50,000 tonnes per annum at the initial construction stage, which would allow it to process both garden and food organics from its first year of operation. To be constructed at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, the fully enclosed facility will use new technology to process the waste into compost for reuse. A City of Newcastle spokesperson said the proposed facility, together with the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), will form the cornerstone of creating a resource recovery hub not only for City of Newcastle but for the Hunter Region. “Summerhill Waste Management Centre is the second largest and most regionally significant waste management facility in New South Wales with over 100 years of landfill capacity,” the spokesperson said. “Owned and operated by City of Newcastle, the facility is strategically positioned to support the waste processing needs of the Hunter’s growing population and is set to capitalise on the renewed state and federal focus on waste and recycling.” City of Newcastle receives about 23,000 tonnes of garden organic waste at Summerhill each year, which is then transported on a 173-kilometre round trip to Ravensworth for further

68 / WMR / July 2022

City of Newcastle will process organic waste into compost for reuse.

processing. Food and organic waste generation has significant seasonal peaks due to climate and weather conditions and the proposed facility has been designed to cater for this demand. “The proposed OPF at Summerhill was first designed with a staged approach, and a capacity of 32,600 tonnes. Initial designs proposed the processing of green waste only, with an additional upgrade required in year four of operations to cater for food waste and population growth,” the spokesperson said. “By expanding the OPFs capacity to 50,000 tonnes per annum from day one at the initial construction stage, the facility would be able to process both garden and food organics in its first year of operation. “Over a 25-year period, the OPF will divert about one million tonnes of food and garden organics from landfill; slash greenhouse emissions by one million tonnes; save ratepayers $25 million in operational costs; reduce the section 88 levy paid to the NSW Government by $180 million; and generate about 400,000 tonnes of compost.” The spokesperson said the OPF will also allow for the processing of more

than double the organic waste that Summerhill currently receives. The OPF will be a fully enclosed facility using new technology to process the waste into compost for reuse, from start to finish. The entire building will be designed under negative pressure to avoid the escape of odorous air. Any air generated from the facility will then be treated by chemical scrubbers and a biofilter, before being exhausted. “A full cycle of the composting process takes three months from start to finish,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson says the City of Newcastle consulted with the community in late 2021 and feedback indicated that most respondents were supportive of the proposed facility. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being finalised in preparation for the Development Application (DA) submission. The project is classified as a regionally significant development so responsibility for the determination of the DA falls with the Joint Regional Planning Panel. The development application for the organics facility is expected to go on public exhibition this year.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

SEPT 2022

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS WOMEN IN INDUSTRY.COM.AU P R O U D LY P R E S E N T E D B Y

MHD Supply Chain Solutions

S I M O N . C O B U R N @ P R I M E C R E AT I V E . C O M . A U

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

MATERIAL RECOVERY SOLUTIONS, GODSWILL TWIN RAM BALER – GB1075TR GB1075TR series balers are designed to bale high memory materials with automatic tying, most typically plastic bottles, low-density polyethylene (LDPR) .and hard plastics up to five, six and eight-tonne per hour respectively. While the TR series is designed to bale high memory materials, Godswill balers can also handle an array of other material types. Material sizing, makeup, feed type and required throughput should be considered to ensure a baler with suitable specifications. Options from 40hp to 180hp are available, depending on throughput. Finished bale size is 1.1m x 0.8m x 1.5m ~ 1.6m. Bales are sized to fit two wide by three high into a high cube container with maximum payload. All balers are equipped with WiFi enamel touchscreen for data logging and status reporting. All parts are bolt able for easy maintenance, while hardened steel chambers and rollers

GB1075TR balers are designed for high memory materials.

maximise longevity and durability. Godswill has been part of the recycling industry for 35 years, supplying quality baling press machines worldwide since 1987. Godswill balers are exclusively represented in Australia and New Zealand by Material Recovery Solutions. Contact - Material Recovery Solutions P (07) 5629 0092 E Sales@MaterialRecoverySolutions.com.au W www.materialrecoverysolutions.com.au

ELDAN RECYCLING, SUPER CHOPPER SC2118/SC2109 - FREQUENCY DRIVE Eldan Super Choppers are heavy-duty pre-choppers designed as the first step in any recycling process. The Super Choppers are versatile and can be used for pre-chopping most materials including tyres (without prior debeading), aluminium scrap, cables, electronic and electrical waste, refrigerators, municipal solid waste, wind turbine wings, plastics and more. They are powered directly by either planetary gear and frequency converter, or a hydraulic motor and power unit, both ensuring automatic reverse for overload protection and minimising knife damages. The large Super Chopper model has adjustable knife clearance, which optimises the cutting function. The knives can be reground multiple times on a “flat-bed” grinder to ensure long life and low operation costs.

The Eldan Super Chopper

The unique rotor, with either 18 or 9 flying knives, is manufactured and designed for minimum wear. Rough screening bars ensure reduced output size with the option of reducing output down to less than 100mm. Contact - Eldan Recycling P +45 21 49 19 67 US P +1 716 731 4900 ext. 101 E cn@eldan-recycling.com W eldan-recycling.com

IFM EFECTOR, SM8 SERIES - MAGNETIC-INDUCTIVE FLOW METER Thanks to its optimised measuring pipe, the new magneticinductive flow metre of the SM series, now covers measuring ranges of up to 150l/min. Temperature and total quantity are also measured in addition to the flow. The SM type flow metre has a high-temperature resistance of up to 90oC, allowing operation in applications where the cooling water reaches very high temperatures. When tools, welding guns, or ovens are overheated, it can lead to increased wear and eventually production downtime. Downtime due to excess temperature is a thing of the past, as the SM series continuously monitors water cooling, ensuring reliability of applications requiring intensive cooling.

70 / WMR / July 2022

Magnetic-inductive flow meter. Contact - ifm efector P 1300 365 088 E sales.au@ifm.com W www.ifm.com/au

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

KOMPTECH CEA, NEMUS 2700 DRUM SCREEN The Nemus 2700 Drum Screen.

In modern material management, screening continues to be a major process step. The Nemus combines the practiceproven virtues of its predecessors with new solutions for more convenience and performance. The Nemus 2700 is suitable for a wide range of applications including compost, woody biomass, soil and gravel and shredded bulky residual waste. Controllable hopper and drum rotation speeds allow precise material alignment. Overfilling of the drum is prevented by load-dependent hopper control. In the drum itself, a screw conveyor ensures full use of the screen area. Steep hopper sides prevent bridging, and a conveyor with T-cleats feeds the

material into the drum reliably. Extended discharge belts allow for high piles, and with a width of up to 1000mm there are no blockages on the conveyor belt. The Nemus 2700 takes the drums of its predecessor machine, the Mustang, as well as drums from the Doppstadt SM 620 screen. For residual waste screening, a special drum with anti-dirt strips is also available. Large side doors and flaps provide simple access for cleaning and servicing. Numerous details reduce maintenance such as the simplified diesel engine radiator cleaning, easier hopper belt replacement, the fines collection belt that comes out as a one piece cartridge, and the elimination of rubber wear elements on the discharge belts. The Nemus 2700 is available in semitrailer configuration. Contact - Craig Cosgrove P +1300 788 757 E c.cosgrove@cea.net.au W www.komptechcea.com.au

LOADRITE SCALES

Loadrite scales.

Get a competitive advantage over other haulers with ESG waste data reporting on Loadrite scales. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting is growing in Australia and New Zealand. Major supermarket chains have embedded it into their investor and customer

relations. But it is very difficult for waste producers to measure waste. Waste production data collected on your Loadrite refuse truck scales presents an opportunity to use it as a non-discounting point-of-difference for both existing and new customers. Loadrite scales collect waste data that is accurate, is collected automatically (no interaction from the driver required) and empowers producers to take actions. Contact - SmartTech Australia

Loadrite New Zealand

P 1800 655 860 W www.smarttechaustralia.com.au/

P 0800 493 444 E info@loadritescales.co.nz W www.loadritescales.co.nz

TELFORD SMITH – BALERS AND COMPACTORS EX STOCK TELFORD SMITH supply, service and support ORWAK balers and compactors that meet waste handling needs across multiple markets. From restaurants and shops to hotels and warehouses, our quiet and sophisticated systems are designed to work for you – the right size, design, capacity, and functionality for your business and your requirements. COMPACT BALERS (ex-stock) • ORWAK - 3110 - 50kg Cardboard 70kg Soft Plastic • ORWAK - 3115 - 60kg Cardboard 85kg Soft Plastic • ORWAK - 3120 - 100kg Cardboard 130kg Soft Plastic POWER BALERS (ex-stock) • ORWAK 3325 - 400kg Cardboard 450kg Soft Plastics • ORWAK 3420 - 400kg Cardboard 450kg Soft Plastics • ORWAK 3500 - 500kg Cardboard 450kg Soft Plastic HORIZONTAL BALERS (Made to Order)

TELFORD SMITH has a comprehensive range in stock.

• ORWAK Horizontal – Semi Automatic • ORWAK Horizontal – Fully Automatic *NOTE: Used balers are also available ex stock Contact - TELFORD SMITH P 03 6792 9777 W www.telfordsmith.com.au

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 71

TAKING CONSTRUCTION

TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

250,000sqm of exhibits / 130,000 attendees / 1,800 exhibitors / 150 education sessions

MARCH 14-18 / 2023 / LAS VEGAS / NEVADA

No matter what sector of construction you’re in, you’ll leave CONEXPO-CON/AGG with new ideas, new relationships, and new opportunities to grow your business, and your place within the industry. This isn’t just North America’s largest construction trade show, it’s taking construction to the next level.

LEARN MORE AT CONEXPOCONAGG.COM CECA-2023-PRNT-SHOW-MISSY-210x279mm+3mm_Bleed.indd 1

2020 Attendee Missy Scherber, T. Scherber Demolition & Excavating

1/5/22 3:53 PM

erber, vating

22 3:53 PM

LAST WORD

Activating effective product stewardship ROSE READ, DIRECTOR, PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, SAYS IT’S TIME FOR A POLICY THAT ACTIVATES NATIONAL PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP SOLUTIONS ACROSS DIVERSE PRODUCT TYPES.

roduct Stewardship has been a key part of the Australian Government’s policy response to achieving the goals of the National Waste Policy Action Plan. While a change of government might mean a change in policy emphasis or funding, most sides of politics see product stewardship and circularity as an important waste reduction tool. Most product stewardship initiatives in Australia (to date) are what could be considered as extended producer responsibility (EPR), where the focus is at the post consumption stage where product manufacturers and brands are responsible for the take-back, recycling, and final disposal of the product. EPR aims to shift the responsibility for disposal of products upstream, toward the producer and away from local, state and territory governments. The original impetus for this shift was two-fold: to relieve municipalities of some financial burden of waste management, and to provide incentives for producers to reduce resources, use more secondary materials, and design environmentally improved products. However, product stewardship goes further than EPR. It is a whole of life-cycle approach to managing products that incorporates circular economy principles. It is about applying systems thinking to prevent negative environmental and social impacts from products as they cycle through the

Product stewardship initiatives across the lifecycle

economy from design, manufacture and use, through to end-of-life. This means those companies involved in placing products on the market have a responsibility to ensure they are designed, manufactured, used and disposed of in a way that does not negatively impact the environment, human health or safety. Indeed, product stewardship can move beyond ‘less harm’ and focus on waste avoidance, elimination of hazardous substances, durability, reuse, repair and remanufacturing as well as dematerialisation and new business models that enable sharing, leasing and collaborative consumption. There are many initiatives that government can encourage companies to do individually or collectively to meet their stewardship responsibilities during the production, consumption and post consumption stages (see diagram).

At the production stage companies can implement design changes to make products more durable repairable, reusable and recyclable, including removing chemicals of concern. Much of these changes overseas are driven by regulatory frameworks such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive and REACH. Such regulatory frameworks create a level playing field, clarity and certainty for manufacturers and brands. An equivalent government measure in Australia is the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard. At the consumption stage it is important for brands and retailers to educate their customers on how to optimise the use of their products and prevent environmental harm. This is where product labels such as energy and water star ratings, the Australian Recycling Label and the French

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 73

LAST WORD

Rose Read, Director, Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence.

Repairability Index are important consumer education tools. Providing consumers access to affordable repair services is also part of the mix, as evidenced by the consumer appetite for increased repairability. At the post consumption, or endof-life stage, manufacturers and brands must take responsibility for the collection and processing of their products eg. EPR in action through the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS), Product Stewardship for Oil, drumMUSTER, Paintback and MobileMuster. Companies also need to decarbonise their products across the life cycle by using recovered and/or renewable materials in production, making products more energy efficient, electrifying products and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The creation of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence was one of several measures former Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management Trevor Evans, put in place as a resource to assist and empower businesses to avoid waste and recover resources. Other measures included the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund (NPSIF) which has provided an unprecedented level of federal government funding to businesses to design and establish industry-led and businessfunded solutions to waste problems

74 / WMR / July 2022

that have sat in the too hard basket for a long time. Product types supported under the NPSIF include clothing and textiles, agricultural plastics, commercial furniture, bedding, batteries, passenger vehicles, sporting goods, childcare safety seats, resilient floor coverings, as well as a range of challenging packaging formats such as soft plastics, cosmetics, coffee capsules, compostable packaging, and oil containers. If all 24 funded projects are successful, Australia could see the number of collective product stewardship initiatives (schemes) almost double in the next two years. This is a positive step, and the need to learn from the successes and failures will be paramount. The Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence is supporting several of these nascent collective schemes by helping them use the right resources and providing more specialist scheme design input. In addition to collective schemes, individual company-led initiatives are growing in prominence. These provide important market opportunities to differentiate product and company performance based on measurable stewardship services. At the same time, we need to remain wary of unsubstantiated environmental claims and the presence of greenwashing. The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney, along with the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, are evaluating the effectiveness and benefits of product stewardship and EPR activities. This project is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment as part of the National Waste Policy Action Plan. The project is focused on how product stewardship activities are measured and reported on by both collective schemes and individual company initiatives.

Data and project findings will be shared online through a product stewardship gateway, along with a series of case studies, fact sheets, webinars and report evaluating the benefits and effectiveness of product stewardship and EPR. From conversations with product stewardship members and experts and research on product stewardship collective schemes and individual initiatives, it is clear product stewardship will continue to evolve and grow. There is a passion within product stewardship organisations to better engage and educate consumers, to bring innovation to how collective schemes are designed and operated and look to digital technology to improve efficiency. A strong message from nearly 60 one-on-one conversations with scheme operators, industry associations, businesses, service providers, local government and policy makers, is the view that regulation needs to play a bigger role in creating a level playing field for businesses and getting better outcomes, faster. The recent government regulatory reforms and funding have stimulated many businesses to take greater responsibility in developing product stewardship solutions to reduce the environmental and social impacts of their products. However, the focus to date on voluntary, industry-led product stewardship has not solved the free-rider challenge, which remains a barrier to effective stewardship for several product classes. If Australia is to enjoy a timelier and more universal adoption of product stewardship, then the Australian Government must implement more dynamic yet proportionate regulatory instruments that prevent freeriding, provide business certainty as well as reward and encourage positive outcomes. In short, Product Stewardship 2.0.

Product stewardship? We can handle it REMONDIS Australia knows product stewardship. Right now, we partner with accredited or industry led Product Stewardship Schemes Paintback, Big Bag Recovery and Containers for Change to recover resources for social, environmental and economic good – and we love doing it. Our Integrated and Managed Services division is Australia’s largest environmental managed services provider, with the people and the networks to deliver complex, national projects with ambitious goals, just like these. T 13 73 73 // remondis-australia.com.au

DELIVERING A GREENER FUTURE Komptech CEA is a leading supplier of machinery and systems for the treatment of solid waste through mechanical and mechanical biological treatments, as well as the treatment of biomass as a renewable energy source. Komptech CEA is proud to provide innovative solutions for handling waste and biomass. Komptech CEA’s extensive range of products cover all key processing steps in modern waste handling. At Komptech CEA the focus is always on innovative technology and solutions ensuring maximum benefit to the customer. Like to know more? why not speak to one of our team today?

SHREDDERS

TROMMEL SCREENS

TERMINATOR Where Function Meets Technology A slow-running, single-shaft shredder suited to all types of waste.

CRAMBO Less Fuel, More Power Ideal for shredding all types of wood and green cuttings.

STAR SCREENS

WINDROW TURNERS

MULTI STAR Screening with a Star Makes waste wood and biomass processing highly efficient.

NEMUS Robust and Reliable Combining the practice-proven virtues of its predecessors with new solutions for even greater performance.

TOPTURN X

AXTOR

The Ideal Combination of Performance and Design

Shredding and Chipping Made Easy

With a sturdy frame, powerful hydraulics and large drum, the Topturn X is ready to handle any work situation.

One of the most versatile machines around for processing wood and green cuttings.

1300 788 757 komptechcea.com.au