Waste Management Review December 2021 by Prime Creative Media

DECEMBER 2021

Fit for purpose Repurpose It CEO George Hatzimanolis shares his vision to revolutionise Australia’s organics recycling industry.

FEATURES Preparing the next generation The three keys for FOGO Big wheels keep on turning A game changer in fire safety

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FIT FOR PURPOSE

Repurpose It CEO George Hatzimanolis outlines his plans to transform Australia’s organics recycling industry.

FEATURED NEWS Endeavour Group’s beer can clip reuse program satisfies a thirst for sustainable solutions – one beer at a time.

“THERE’S A LOT MORE CONSCIOUSNESS NOW ABOUT RECYCLED CONTENT AND TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OUR WASTE..” – Repurpose It CEO George Hatzimanolis.

In this issue Features

27 IN IT TOGETHER

Cleanaway works with Coles to find a food waste solution.

40 ROAD TO RECOVERY

Tyre Stewardship Australia turns its attention to Off-the-Road tyres.

TO 30 BRIDGING CONTINENTS 42 SHOULDERS THE WHEEL HAAS Recycling’s three decades of experience pays dividends for Australian customers.

THE 32 PREPARING NEXT GENERATION

Biomix highlights the importance of education to increase organic recycling rates.

THE THREE KEYS FOR FOGO

Source Separation Systems shares three key learnings for implementing FOGO.

COMBINED EXPERIENCE

CEA Speciality Equipment partners with Christiaens Group to assist organic waste management.

THE 38 MAINTAINING MOMENTUM

Australian Organics Recycling Association looks ahead to one of the most important years for the sector.

OzTyre Recyclers unlocks opportunities in tyre recycling.

44 IN THE LINE OF FIRE

Wastech Engineering introduces a pre-emptive solution for fire detection.

LAYING THE 46 PLONG GAME

Brad Lemmon joins ResourceCo as the new CEO of the Recycling and Waste business.

48 LEADING BY EXAMPLE

The Econic by Mercedes-Benz Trucks supports refuse collection in the waste and recycling industry.

HE FLEXIBLE 50 TPERFORMER

Iveco’s Eurocargo model truck helps improve efficiency.

52 SUPPORTING DIVERSITY

Veolia Australia introduces internal programs to support industry diversity.

54 GOT YOU COVERED

The tarpARMOR Tarp Deployment Systems make life easier for landfill operations.

56 MAXIMUM PRECISION Liebherr’s material handling equipment is the machinery of choice for InfraBuild Recycling.

OWER AND 58 PACCURACY

JCB’s TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader is purpose-built for the waste industry.

60 COUNCIL IN FOCUS

Hobart City Council empowers the community to make positive change and aim for zero waste.

Regulars

62 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 65 LAST WORD

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 3

PUBLISHER

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

Sarah Baker sarah.baker@primecreative.com.au

EDITOR

From the Editor

Lessons for the future The three Rs were once an abbreviation for basic skills taught in school – reading, writing and arithmetic. In recent times, the phrase is better known as a formula for sustainability. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are now common household terms as we are all encouraged to play our role to help reduce our waste. And as we learn more about the benefits of a circular economy, there’s another two ‘Rs’ we are becoming aware of – refuse and repurpose. It’s something Repurpose It Chief Executive George Hatzimanolis knows plenty about. While many of us have been playing “catch-up”, George has been leading by example for years, turning what was once considered untreatable waste into usable products. In this edition of Waste Management Review, he shares his journey towards creating a closed loop for resource recovery in Australia and his vision to leave something for the next generation (page 22). George is determined Repurpose It will be a leader in social responsibility, and he’s in good company. For the past 12 months researchers at Monash University have been working to develop better ways to measure the benefits of reuse. Matt Allen, a Research Associate at Monash, says it’s not just how much waste is diverted from landfill that matters, but how we can create a better world in the process. The research team spoke with dozens of community leaders from countries where the reuse sector is thriving. Matt shares some findings on page 11. Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) is tackling repurposing on a larger scale – turning its attention to sustainable outcomes for the almost 114,000 tonnes of Off-the-Road tyres buried, stockpiled or sent to landfill annually (page 40). In October, TSA claimed a major victory with leading tyre importers signing on to the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme from January 2022. But it’s not just with the big guys that TSA is notching up wins. Melbourne-based tyre recycler OzTyre Recyclers credits TSA with helping it find a new wheelhouse as export bans are implemented (page 42). OzTyre Recyclers’ Tony Patti says it’s not just something businesses should be looking at today, “it’s something that has to be looked at for the future”.

Lisa Korycki

4 / WMR / December 2021

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TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS. TODAY

News

Organic waste converted into energy Brisbane-based engineering company Finn Biogas will transform the way organic waste is disposed, thanks to a $1 million grant as part of the Federal Government’s Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII). Propelled by the grant, a renewable energy prototype dubbed the Micro Modular Anaerobic Digester (MMAD) System – a small-scale energy recovery waste management solution – will turn organic waste into energy. Jason Hawley, Finn Biogas Founder and Managing Director said the MMAD System was the first of its kind in Australia and would empower businesses to divert organic waste from landfill.

“Through innovative technology, we are optimistic that together we can make waste work and embrace a brighter future and circular economy through restorative and regenerative energy,” Hawley said. “Organic waste management is already highly developed at an industrial scale however, it is difficult to manage at an urban scale, as waste generally comes in small volumes and is segregated across the city. “The design of our MMAD system is triple layered and provides both social and environmental benefits, including the diversion of waste from landfill, a reduction in greenhouse gases and the production of nutrient-rich fertiliser which would have otherwise gone to waste.”

Hawley said food waste is often comingled with general waste, creating health hazards for the community and negatively impacting the environment with greenhouse gas emissions. “Our MMAD System transforms organic waste into energy and a fertiliser substitute, which can be used in green spaces around the city.” Hawley said Finn Biogas’ fleet of MMAD Systems, comprising of five precincts, would divert about 1000 tonnes of waste from landfill and mitigates almost 2700 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions. Construction of the MMAD System is expected to start in early 2022 and it will be fully operational from mid-2022.

Wastewater recycling tested in homes A wastewater recycling system that could reuse between 25 to 45 per cent of household water is being trialled by Sydney Water. Hydraloop is a grey water recycling system that treats wastewater from baths and showers, which is then suitable for use in flushing toilets, watering gardens and topping up swimming pools. Each day, the average Sydney household uses about 500 litres of tap water, with shower usage accounting for about 25 per cent of total household demand, followed by toilets (17 per cent) and gardens.

6 / WMR / December 2021

Sydney Water believes through installing Hydraloop, property owners could achieve average reductions in household tap water of between 25 per cent to 45 per cent – between 1000 and 1700 litres a week – or the equivalent of saving upwards of $1000 a year on water bills. For every 16 Hydraloop units that are installed, Sydney Water is expecting a saving of about 1ML/year or $16,600 per year. Nicola Nelson, Sydney Water Research And Innovation Manager said it was exciting to be at the forefront of using innovative technology.

“We are always looking for ways to improve water efficiency, as well as recycling. This trial will allow us to really hone-in on what Hydraloop can do in the Australian housing context and how this will help our customers save water. “While we are still working through the installation phase, the opportunity to be able to trial this water-saving technology is a significant achievement as it will effectively generate a new climateindependent water supply for homes and businesses.” Hydraloop units can accept wastewater from showers, baths and washing machine rinse water.

News

$10.2 million to transform kerbside organic waste recycling The Victorian Government is helping to turn food and garden organic waste collected through kerbside recycling into high quality organic material. A $10.2 million Recycling Victoria Organics Sector Transformation Fund will support the recycled organics sector to reduce waste sent to landfill. Kerbside recycling reform and improved recovery of commercial and industry organic waste have resulted in a growing supply of organic waste, making it important to increase Victoria’s reprocessing capacity and improve product quality. The fund will also support the improvement of recycled organic products, such as compost, soil blends and mulches, by removing contamination.

The first round of grants is open to organic processing businesses to support new or enhance existing organics processing capacity, improving capability to remove contamination and produce a higher quality product. Over the next decade, Victoria will cut waste generation by 15 per cent and halve food and organic waste going to landfill under Recycling Victoria, the state’s $380 million action and investment plan that is transforming the recycling sector and setting Victoria up for a more sustainable future. Successful projects will be eligible for further funding under the Australian Government’s national Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund.

Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change said the funding will help overcome contamination in organics reprocessing and increase the quality of recycled organics products. “Projects like this will help us reach the goal of halving the amount of organic waste going to landfill by 2030, while supporting jobs in the waste and recycling sector and tackling climate change.” Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Agriculture said the funding is good news for farmers. “We know that contamination is the main barrier to growing the use of recycled organics. I look forward to seeing how this improves our sustainable agriculture sector.”

Green light for recycled plastic noise walls A new technical specification that allows for recycled plastic noise walls will help support cleaner, greener transport projects across Victoria. The game-changing specification follows the successful installation of the world’s first 75 per cent recycled plastic noise panels on the Mordialloc Freeway project. Major Road Projects Victoria is delivering the freeway project and developed the specification with the Department of Transport and the Australian Road Research Board.

8 / WMR / December 2021

Dr Scott Taylor, MRPV’s Director of Engineering led the development and described it as an example of Victoria’s circular economy in action. “The panels installed on the Mordialloc Freeway were made using 570 tonnes of plastic waste – around the same amount collected kerbside from 25,000 Victorian households in a year,” Dr Taylor said. “At the end of the panels’ design life, they can be recycled again to form new plastic products, including new noise panels.”

The technical specifications include considerations such as acoustic performance, design life, structural durability, fire performance, UV resistance and graffiti removal. “This is an exciting example of how we are seeking new ways to push the sustainability envelope,” Dr Taylor said. The Victorian Government’s Recycled First Policy is helping to leverage the success of projects such as the Mordialloc Freeway, as it requires bidders on transport projects to optimise use of reused and recycled materials.

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FEATURE NEWS

Search for social good NEW RESEARCH IS UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF NON-PROFIT AND REUSE ORGANISATIONS TO HELP CREATE A STRONGER CIRCULAR ECONOMY. WASTE MANAGEMENT REVIEW EXPLAINS.

he real challenge of the circular economy for Matthew Allen, Research Associate Industry at Monash University, is not just how much waste we can divert from landfill, but how we can create a better world in the process. Reuse is generally recognised as an important part of the circular economy, sitting with repair and refuse at the top of the waste hierarchy. However, Matt says an inability to accurately track and measure reuse activity has meant that Australia lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to targets and strategies for increasing the amount of goods that are reused, repaired and recirculated back into the economy. For the past 12 months, Matt and a research team at Monash University, led by Dr Ruth Lane, have been working to develop better ways of measuring the benefits of reuse. In partnership with Charitable Recycling Australia, the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Green Industries South Australia and Sustainability Victoria, the team wants to ensure reuse plays a central role in Australia’s journey to a more circular economy. “The economy isn’t just a machine, it’s made up of people and lives and communities,” Matt says. “It’s easy to lose that in the search for maximum waste diversion from landfill.

Charitable Recycling Australia operates several charity shops, adding to the reuse community.

“In the United Kingdom and Ontoria and New Zealand, they’re looking very carefully at what kind of work they’re creating when building a circular economy. “This can also be done in Australia and to do so would be a real benefit.” Working in the not-for-profit sector for more than 15 years, Matt recognised “an enormous potential” for reuse communities to create jobs and a socially and emotionally responsible circular economy. “One of the main criticisms of the circular economy is that it tends to focus on action at an industrial, rather than community, scale. It is also argued that more thought needs to be given to how the circular economy can help to build a more fair and equal, as well as environmentally-sustainable, world,” he says. “In our research, we found that community reuse

organisations are very good at taking a holistic perspective on their work, encouraging people to take action on waste reduction at an individual and community level while also using their platform and resources to provide support and opportunities to disadvantaged community members.” Matt says there is much to be learned from the community reuse sector when it comes to measuring the social, environmental and economic benefits of reuse. The research team reviewed dozens of publications and spoke with community leaders from six countries where the reuse sector is thriving. They found that community reuse organisations are increasingly adept at measuring the benefits and impacts of their work, and that in many cases, work closely with government policymakers to ensure that specific reuse-related targets

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 11

FEATURE NEWS

are included in national and regional circular economy strategies. “Every community reuse organisation we studied was engaged in measuring environmental impacts in some way. Typically, this included accounting for the amount of material diverted from landfill through reuse, but also extended to more sophisticated assessments of the carbon emissions reductions, embodied energy conservation, and avoided virgin material usage associated with reuse,” Matt says. “Beyond the volume of materials diverted from landfill, many organisations chose to measure the impact of their engagement with community members, with every interaction seen as an opportunity to educate the public about their role in the circular economy. “Social impacts were also a key concern of the organisations we studied, with the most popular measures being those that related to providing meaningful work experience and job opportunities, particularly for those experiencing unemployment and/or disadvantage.” Matt says of similar importance to many organisations was the broader

social impact of their work, often funded through sales; these impacts typically focused on addressing unmet needs, or stepping in where marketdriven and public policy solutions were not working effectively, such as addressing homelessness or disability. Economic contributions were taken into account, with many groups advocating that community reuse provided benefits to local communities by recirculating funds and resources, encouraging people to ‘shop local’, and revitalising town centres. As Australia makes progress towards developing a circular economy, Matt says it is important to consider how progress is measured and to set targets. Community reuse organisations are an invaluable source of knowledge and insight because they are proof that it is possible to accurately measure reuse in a way that contributes to government policies and targets. They demonstrate an approach that seeks to educate the community and uplift people experiencing disadvantage. He hopes reuse will one day be seen as something similar to recycling, that

Matthew Allen is a researcher at Monash University and The Yunus Centre Griffith University.

Graphics source: Charitable Impact Study 2020

is available to everybody. “The need to reduce our impact on the planet, and to build a more equitable and inclusive society, has never felt more pressing. Community reuse is just one part of the solution – but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore,” he says. Omer Soker, Chief Executive of Charitable Recycling, says the research Monash University is undertaking is invaluable. “We already know charitable reuse enterprises divert a million tonnes a year from landfill and generate almost a billion dollars towards the social good,” Omer says. “But with the right research, with measurement as the key to engage governments to support an even greater business case to accelerate reuse, there is no reason why the sector couldn’t double their waste diversion from one to two million tonnes and double their income towards social good from one to two billion dollars a year.” The research team presented its findings at an academic conference Re-Opening the Bin earlier this year. In 2022, the team is hoping its field work will focus on Australian-specific indicators to measure reuse. For more information visit: www.monash.edu/arts/social-sciences/ measuring-the-benefits-of-reuse-in-thecircular-economy

12 / WMR / December 2021

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Sustainability, one beer at a time ENDEAVOUR GROUP’S BEER CAN CLIP REUSE PROGRAM IS SATISFYING A THIRST TO FIND A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR AN AGE-OLD PROBLEM.

n 2019, more than 74.6 million litres of beer were available for consumption domestically, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. With every case sold, packaging components such as cardboard, plastic and paper make their way into the community, and often landfill. Diarmaid O’Mordha, Endeavour Group Quality and Sustainability Manager says that the opportunity to create a sustainable market for one of these components is an exciting prospect. In an Australian first, Endeavour Group is partnering with the Independent Brewers Association (IBA), East Coast Canning, Visy Recycling and PakTech to launch a new re-use and recycle program for leftover can clips. “I had been doing some work regarding sustainability of packaging in the wine industry,” Diarmaid says. “Looking across to the beer industry, there was definitely an opportunity to do something similar in this area.” Can clips are used to hold four or six cans together. Because of the sturdiness of the material used in each clip, they can be difficult to recycle. However, Endeavour Group is establishing a collection system in participating BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores which will result in can clips being reused. Currently 20 stores across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are participating.

All Inn Brewing is supporting the program as part of its sustainability commitments.

Under the program, used beer can clips can be handed back at store collection points. Once collected, the clips can be re-used more than 50 times before they reach their end-of-life. Diarmaid says the scheme, still in its infancy, has been launched on a small scale to assess its success. He says the clip material provided a unique opportunity to base the program on both a re-use and recycle objective. “When we looked into it, we discovered material recycling facilities at their current form are not designed to recycle the clips,” Diarmaid says. “Knowing that there were limited options for recycling we spoke to

Visy Recycling. Visy Recycling now collect all of the clips, put them in a bin which goes to their HDPE (highdensity polyethylene) recycling plant in Smithfield, which is specially set up to melt down the material and turn it into resin, which can then be sent to PakTech.” Clip manufacturers PakTech convert the resin into more beer can clips, effectively creating a circular process for the product.

SUPPLIERS FOR SUSTAINABILITY East Coast Canning, Australia’s first mobile canning company, provides labelling, packaging, and consultation

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 15

FEATURE NEWS

services to breweries nationwide. Chris Kelly, Founder and General Manager at East Coast Canning says the can clip program reflects recent efforts from the supplier to promote sustainability within its own operations. “We supply a really significant amount of pre-labelled cans each month, we also supply packaging such as PakTech clips – the four and six pack clips which are involved in the program,” he says. “Internally at East Coast Canning we’re on a pretty large environmental push. One of the things that we really wanted to look at was circularising PakTechs and we have been doing a lot of work as a business.” Chris says it was this push towards sustainability, and co-incidence, that led to the company joining the program. “We reached out to Endeavour Group and basically said that we have these ideas, but we are not sure how to pull them off. All we needed was a source of materials and we could do the rest. “I reached out and Diarmaid knew straight away that I wanted to talk about PakTech clips. It just so happened that a few days later a meeting was kicking off to discuss the final look and feel of the program with Visy, IBA and Endeavour so we jumped into that first meeting.” Chris says that East Coast Canning’s role in the program will be to satisfy the treatment requirements of the significant supply of clips coming in from customers. “The way that we fit in is our ability to batch process large amounts,” he says. “We sell hundreds of PakTech clips each month. The idea is that we take that excess and re-sort and re-capture it into a product that we will be able to sell, along with the rest of our PakTech offering.”

16 / WMR / December 2021

Chris says that being able to support a sustainable program has been met with a sense of pride from East Coast Canning staff. “For us, there is that feeling that we can contribute to the cause. We also reckon that the program may be able to create jobs for the long-term future, depending on what the pilot program looks like one year or more from now,” he says. “As an industry everyone is aware, and the vast majority of people want to do more, in terms of sustainability and the environment.”

LOCAL ACTION Another participant of the program, All Inn Brewing, is supporting the scheme in the hope of giving back to its local community. Situated in Banyo, Queensland, All Inn Brewing is focused on procuring quality beer and sustainable outcomes while supporting the local community. Luke Philips, Head of Sales says the brewery has quite a local following. “We’re only as strong as the people that support us,” he says.”We want to look after our own guys, so we do a lot of support with local football clubs, local bowls clubs.” He says the beer can clip program presented an ideal opportunity to invest further in collection services. “We already have a small program that people can drop off products to the brewery, so this was an opportunity for us to expand that and contribute to the program,” he says. “A lot of these products are just going to landfill, so we’d like to stop that and grow the awareness around that.” All Inn Brewing will help with the circulation of the clip back to suppliers. “We go around to the stores, and we collect the clips.

Collection points can be found in 20 stores across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

“We only use black PakTechs ourselves, so any other colours get sent to Visy where it can be melted down and then recycled,” Luke says. “We sort through them, if they are not physically damaged, we put them through a washing process. The clips are then tested to make sure that there isn’t any chemical residue on them or anything unsafe. “We will then re-sticker them with barcodes and put them back into circulation.” For Luke, the program is further proof of the breweries efforts to improve the local community. “We want to be this brewery that thinks about the local community and thinks about what we can achieve,” he says. “Not just to produce amazing beers, but also have a positive influence on what is happening in the community.” For more information, visit: www.endeavourgroup.com.au

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Sparking change for waste from e-products EWASTE WATCH IS EXPECTING THAT A NEW DISCUSSION PAPER WILL START A CONVERSATION ABOUT E-WASTE TREATMENT AND SOLUTIONS THROUGHOUT QUEENSLAND.

ustralians generate 23.6 kilograms of e-waste per person, the equivalent of 574,000 tonnes a year, but only 50,000 tonnes is recycled annually. There are also more than 25 million unused mobile phones sitting idle in Australian homes. Ewaste Watch, a supporter of sustainable options for e-waste, is keen to see an action plan in place to help bring down those statistics. The non-for-profit organisation aims to inform industry, government, and the public on innovative and cleaner strategies for avoiding waste from electrical and electronic products (e-products), as well increased levels of reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling. E-waste includes electrical and electronic products such as those used for entertainment, healthcare or work. John Gertsakis, Director and Co-founder says, the sustainable treatment and reuse of e-waste would benefit greatly from

a multi-pronged approach, rather than a singular focused solution. “While recycling has a valuable place, it alone does not provide a sustainable and waste-free solution,” he says. “Change can be daunting, but we should see this as an exciting time for innovation, positive disruption and better product design.” Ewaste Watch’s paper, Rethinking E-waste in Queensland was released in October, with a focus on answering key questions relating to e-waste. The paper begins by encouraging electronic goods consumers to reflect on their consumer choices, such as the number of devices used within a household and how previous items were discarded. According to the paper, at least 9.3 million mobile phones are imported each year, contributing to Australia being the fourth highest

generator of e-waste per capita globally. Ewaste Watch is partnering with the Queensland Government to co-design an E-Products Action Plan to address issues related to the waste. The plan is funded by the Department of Environment and Science. John says the plan aims to define how waste avoidance and reduction can be converted into circular economy actions. It will also identify goals and objectives for action from stakeholders, such as manufacturers and retailers of e-products. John says that input and participation from decision makers will likely influence the greatest change to better managing e-waste and diverting it from landfill. “From those who make and sell these products, consumers and repairers to those who collect, repair, repurpose and recycle them, everyone should be having a say in how to address the wasterelated impacts resulting from e-products,” he says.

Ewaste Watch hopes a new paper will help address waste in the state. 18 / WMR / December 2021

DESIGN AND REPAIR The role of design in waste production is one of the areas discussed in Rethinking E-waste in Queensland. The paper states that products with smarter designs that include an extended product and reuse life, will likely lead to a reduction in waste volume, as there is a reduce need to replace them. “E-products have typically had a linear lifespan. They are made, bought, used and disposed of, often going to landfill,” John says. He says that a transition from a “take, make and dispose” model, into a closed material loop will contribute to establishing a circular economy for electronic products. Repair is another area where change is needed. The paper states that some technological companies guard the repairs of products as intellectual

property. But Ewaste Watch wants to see a circular approach which allows consumers to repair products in a safe and cost-effective matter. LEADING CHANGE A CHOICE “consumer pulse” survey, found 85 per cent of Australian consumers wanted products that were durable. But 39 per cent said that they found it difficult to make decisions about environmental factors for products. John says that such statistics are a positive sign that change is coming. “There is ample evidence that consumers’ expectations, attitudes and preferences are quickly changing around the world and that some manufacturers and retailers are responding,” he says. “You can never underestimate the power of the marketplace as a driver of change.”

E-waste is already being collected and recycled in Queensland in schemes including the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme and MobileMuster. While larger white goods such as fridges and dishwasher are recovered for steel recycling across the state, the Action Plan will aim to cover solutions to keep smaller appliances, solar panels and other e-products out of landfill. For more information, visit: www.ewastewatch.com.au John Gertsakis is Director and Co-founder of the Ewaste Watch Institute, Adjunct Professor (Industry) at the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures and a Director of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence.

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FEATURE NEWS

Maggots and robots: a waste solution NEW START-UP GOTERRA IS COMBINING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND INSECTS TO PROVIDE A CIRCULAR ECONOMY SOLUTION FOR FOOD WASTE.

n Australia, 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted annually, with the majority going to landfill. Methane produced by rotted food waste is contributing substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste management company Goterra is thinking outside of the box to create a sustainable solution to help its customers manage what it calls a “food waste crisis”. Olympia Yarger, Founder and Chief Executive of Goterra, says combining modern technologies and insects to treat waste is a reality. “We’ve built systems, which in its simplest form, is an insect farm. They operate basically like a trash compactor on site,” Olympia says. “We use autonomous robotics, essentially we make robots that get insects to do a job. “With our infrastructure technology we can create a circular economy which can cater for large [waste treatment] plants or smaller facilities. We are equally equipped to support the needs of both regional and metro communities.” Goterra’s Modular Infrastructure for Biological Services (MIB) units consist of black soldier flies, members of the Stratiomyidae fly family. Food waste is put into the system by using a bin lifter. The autonomous unit treats and feeds the insects within the system.

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Goterra’s Modular Infrastructure for Biological Services unit.

Black soldier fly larvae convert food waste into protein and fertiliser within 12 days. From there, the product can be used on food crops for human consumption. SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES An MIB unit is set to be installed in Albury-Wodonga. Olympia says the unit complements the efforts of the Albury-Wodonga region to increase its food waste treatment capabilities. “We know that the Albury City Council is passionate about sustainable outcomes that can generate value to their community, and they have a long history of doing that,” she says. “We have a unique technology that can get into locations quickly for stakeholders such as Albury City Council and can deliver a true and valuable outcome which is affordable for the community.”

Olympia says the versatility of the MIB units help to cater for the needs of different regions. “The units can offer capacity flexibility. If clients need more, they can add it. If they need less, they can take it away,” she says. “What we’ve built is infrastructure that can be used like a Lego block. “At Albury City we are sending one unit, connected to a de-packager. We can accept all different kinds of food waste in the Albury City community – from packaged waste through to manufacturing waste, farming waste or post- and pre-consumer food waste from restaurants or hotels.” Goterra installs the units with travel logistics in mind, ensuring that the systems are deployed as close to the food waste producer as possible. “If we think about the challenge of food waste, it isn’t finding a supply as there is plenty of food waste to manage, but it comes in different

“We are starting to see the benefits of technology that delivers a circular economy. That is a major game changer when you think about managing waste streams efficiently.”

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forms and volumes,” Olympia says. “By placing these units as close to the food waste supply as possible we’ve changed the logistics requirements.” Olympia says systems which can optimise the treatment of waste can make significant contributions to forming a circular economy. “We are starting to see the benefits of technology that delivers a circular economy. That is a major game changer when you think about managing waste streams efficiently.” REDUCING EXTERNAL IMPACTS So why the black soldier fly, instead of maggots? “This fly is a naturalised, non-pest, non-vector species,” Olympia says. “What’s important about that is if these bugs get loose from the unit, they cannot turn into a pest species or a vector for disease. We have this very safe species to domesticate that isn’t harmful to humans or to the wider insect population. “It also eats aerobically, which is a unique feature within the fly category. Because the bug eats aerobically the smell is almost negligible, you do have some odours, but they are no worse than the odours which come from a general waste bin.” Olympia says that the black soldier fly’s role is dedicated to the treatment of food waste. “You’ve got this really unique species, which is designed to eat food waste – it is the specific job of the black soldier fly larvae,” she says. “There are the added benefits of the bugs not being a pest.” For more information, visit: www.goterra.com.au

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COVER STORY

Fit for purpose SEEING OPPORTUNITY WHERE OTHERS SEE ROADBLOCKS IS SECOND NATURE FOR REPURPOSE IT CEO GEORGE HATZIMANOLIS. HE SHARES HIS VISION TO REVOLUTIONISE AUSTRALIA’S ORGANICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY.

eorge Hatzimanolis has always been a forward thinker. When the construction industry was heavily reliant on natural resources about 10 years ago, George challenged the system. His Victorian resource recovery company Repurpose It, makes quality usable products from what was once considered untreatable waste. Repurpose It is built on George’s ability to see things differently and view waste as a resource.

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Now the chief executive officer is positioning the company to be a leader in Australia’s organics recycling sector. Organics represent Australia’s second largest waste stream, after masonry, according to Trevor Evans, Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management. Recognising the importance of the growing sector, in September 2021, the Federal Government launched a $171 million fund to take 3.4 million tonnes

of food and garden waste out of landfill each year and return it to soil. “Food and garden organics are a huge emerging market,” George says. “Food and organics in landfill are significant greenhouse gas emitters. The opportunity to divert that waste stream from landfill is something that excites me and it’s something we’re positioning ourselves for. “In any business venture, timing is really important. For us, we’ve timed this really well.”

The purchase of Bark King gives Repurpose It a direct-to-consumer market.

Repurpose It’s 150-acre Epping site has previously been declared a site of strategic importance in the state’s resource recovery. It’s the home of Australia’s first construction and demolition washing plant facility, built in partnership with the Victorian state government. The $8.5 million plant treats residual waste and processes it into materials for the civil construction industry, with a focus on reducing the reliance on excavated materials. More than 70,000 tonnes of CO2 are diverted from the facility each year and that number is growing as the company invests in advanced resource recovery technology. George, and Repurpose It, now aim to divert all organic waste from landfill to ultimately eliminate the state’s waste problem. A new 3000 square metre organics facility being built on site will be the first in Australia

to use best practice depackaging technology from Europe. A transfer station and decontamination building are under construction at Epping. Composting tunnels are expected to be operational by the middle of 2022. At completion, the organics facility will process 200,000 tonnes annually of packaged and unpackaged food waste into bio pulp, which will be fed into anaerobic digestors to create renewable energy. “Unfortunately, a lot of food waste is contaminated. Having a way to deal with that is important,” George says. “We really see an opportunity to deal with more challenging products. “One of the main advantages of the Epping facility is it will deal with packaged and unpackaged food waste. That type of depackaging doesn’t exist in Australia.”

Repurpose It set the standard in demolition waste recovery.

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COVER STORY

Repurpose It has secured an organics contract with the City of Whittlesea, and as more councils take on Food Organics and Green Organics (FOGO), George sees it as an opportunity to grow. CREATING A CLOSED LOOP However, he’s not just investing in resource recovery. George wants to ensure there are sustainable end markets for the products produced. In July, Repurpose It acquired organic landscape supplier Bark King, giving the company a directto-consumer market. The acquisition expanded Repurpose It’s geographical footprint, with two new sites in South East Melbourne, and Bark King’s distribution networks. George says it gives Repurpose It a touch point from receiving waste right through to distributing the resources recovered to the end consumer. “It’s not about securing more organics. The Bark King acquisition is specifically because we wanted an avenue to get products back out to the community. We see the importance of end markets – it’s unique to our approach.” Uniqueness is embedded in Repurpose It’s foundations.

George Hatzimanolis, Repurpose It CEO.

“I was thinking from a different angle as people in the industry back then,” George says of Repurpose It’s beginnings. “It used to pain me that the industry was so reliant on things so harmful to the earth. Understanding there were things like glass, and all these other waste resources out there, opened my thinking. “When I went overseas looking for world best practice, I looked at how they’ve been dealing with the resource shortage industry a lot longer than Australia. I could see some approaches were a lot more ahead of where we were as a country.” George continues to find opportunities to bring best practice to Australia with an emphasis on

The Repurpose It Epping site.

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investing in areas that are for the “greater good” of the environment and local community. “Our social impact, economic and environmental impact is something that’s important to me,” he says. “We always look to drive a better outcome. What is the impact more broadly to our community, the people we engage with and the people we service? They’re the values instilled in the business.” To that end, Repurpose It has established partnerships with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Outlook Environmental Services and St Catherine’s Primary School. The company is building an education centre at Epping to share its knowledge with school groups and is establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with Melbourne Polytechnic to drive onsite educational courses. As part of an innovative relationship with Foodbank Victoria, Repurpose It has committed to providing one million meals for people in need. It will also take packaged perishable food from the hunger relief charity to turn it into soil and renewable energy at the organic’s facility. “We’re effectively taking the facility off the grid,” George says. “It’s something we’re really excited about.”

“We always look to drive a better outcome. What is the impact more broadly to our community, the people we engage with and the people we service? They’re the values instilled in the business.” George Hatzimanolis, Repurpose It Chief executive

A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE The renewable energy will initially power the Repurpose It Epping site, but George says there is potential to trade biogas with a neighbouring company. He admits there is some community fear about Waste to Energy but believes it’s important to look at the work being done around the world and what is being achieved. George says younger generations understand that resources are finite

and are demanding more action to protect the environment. He’s also seen a huge shift in sentiment from 10 years ago when industry was “very confined with specifications”. “I’ve never seen a push as much as I have in recent times to change things. Major road authorities now have a dedicated division to look at getting more recycled products. “It’s a huge shift from when I started. It makes me feel proud

of the industry and excited to see where we’re going. “There’s a lot more consciousness now about recycled content and taking accountability for our waste. As we ask more questions about where our waste is ending up, I think that’s a huge step in the right direction.” George says he has a “clear vision” for the Epping organic facility and sees an opportunity to establish a reference point for a business that has a significant impact on its local community. “A business that is sustainable from every aspect of its operations – its contribution towards the environment, material flows, end markets, its growth – that’s where we’re heading as a business. “Leaving something for the next generation.”

For more information visit: www.repurposeit.com.au

Repurpose It sees processing organic waste as an opportunity to grow.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 25

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Together to zero waste REDUCING FOOD WASTE IS A KEY FOCUS OF COLES’ “TOGETHER TO ZERO WASTE” AMBITION.

From left, Cleanaway Resource Recovery Specialist, Sarah, with Coles Customer Service Manager, Isabelle, and Coles team member, Tanya at the Willawong depackaging plant.

very year in Australia millions of tonnes of food is disposed of in landfill but leading waste management company, Cleanaway, is working with one of its major customers, Coles, to find a sustainable solution for this waste stream. Although Coles’ preference is to donate unsold, edible food to food rescue organisations such as SecondBite and Foodbank, it has other waste solutions to manage food that cannot be donated. Cleanaway collects packaged food waste from more than 900 Coles supermarkets, Coles Express sites and Coles distribution centres across Australia and removes the packaging, leaving organic material which is

processed into compost for farmers rather than sent to landfill. In addition to the organics service, which has expanded since its inception four years ago, Cleanaway also provides information to Coles team members about recycling, conducts waste audits, and worked with Coles to produce a waste and recycling guide. Wade Mosse, Coles’ Head of Resource Recovery, says the partnership with Cleanaway has helped Coles reduce its tonnage of general waste sent to landfill by 10.5 per cent in the 2021 financial year and increased diversion of solid waste from landfill to 80.6 per cent in the same time. “We’re passionate about reducing our environmental impact and, by

working with customers, suppliers and industry partners like Cleanaway, we aim to increase food security, reduce waste and conserve valuable resources,” Wade says. Andrew Crosling, Cleanaway’s Strategic National Account Manager, says Cleanaway is proud to partner with Coles to help it realise its ambition to become Australia’s most sustainable supermarket and work together towards its ‘Together to zero waste’ aspiration by reducing waste. “At Cleanaway we see all waste as a resource and, by working with our customers like Coles to divert waste from landfill, we are contributing to the creation of a circular economy, which is consistent with our mission

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FEATURED TOPIC - ORGANICS

“At Cleanaway we see all waste as a resource and, by working with our customers like Coles to divert waste from landfill, we are contributing to the creation of a circular economy, which is consistent with our mission of making a sustainable future possible.” Andrew Crosling, Cleanaway Strategic National Account Manager

of making a sustainable future possible,” Andrew says. He says diverting waste from landfill also reduces the impact of government levies and assists with addressing climate change, as food breaking down in landfill produces greenhouse gas emissions including methane, which is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Since its contract with Coles began in 2017, Cleanaway has been expanding its organics service to more sites and, by the end of the 2021 financial year, was collecting food waste from 558 Coles supermarkets, 14 distribution centres and 347 Coles Express sites. Coles Express has introduced a recycling service for packaged food products that are unsold, unusable and beyond their use-by dates. The packaged organics collection service captures food waste that cannot be donated to community groups, farmers and animal sanctuaries or used as animal feed. EDUCATION AND AUDITS Recycling is a key focus when Cleanaway’s in-house experts provide customised education sessions to Coles’ team members to help them manage waste in-store and implement

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initiatives for food that cannot be sold, including donations. More than 750 education sessions were delivered in store and via phone in the 2021 financial year. Team members are encouraged to follow the Coles food waste management hierarchy, which ranks the principles from most preferable to least preferable: reducing, reusing, recycling and reprocessing, and disposal. Cleanaway has also assisted Coles to develop customised posters and bin stickers, which are displayed in stores, including bin rooms.

“The effectiveness of education is demonstrated by the increase in diversion of waste in the period after these sessions, noting an uplift of more than two per cent following an education visit,” Andrew says. Cleanaway also conducted more than 100 audits of waste bins in Coles supermarkets and Coles Express sites in the financial year to determine if waste was being put into the correct bins and whether processes needed to improve. WASTE & RECYCLING GUIDE The education toolkits available to team members were strengthened with the development of a waste and recycling reference and training videos, which supplemented Cleanaway’s portfolio of education tools, including the Greenius interactive online training modules. The Coles Waste & Recycling Guide is a one-stop reference document covering all waste services available to Coles supermarkets, information about Coles’ waste diversion strategy and establishing efficient waste processes. Each section of the guide is dedicated to a waste stream across food, plastic, and cardboard and paper, with images and graphics for ease of reference as well as highlighting the layout of

Cleanaway has developed customised posters and bin stickers.

bins, stickers, posters and processes to ensure every stream is optimised and without contamination. The guide highlights Coles’ food waste hierarchy. It also covers aspects independent of Cleanaway such as Coles’ partnership with SecondBite, Coles’ relationship with Goodman Fielder which turns bread waste into animal feed, Coles’ soft plastics collection program in partnership with REDcycle, as well as Coles’ donations to farmers, animal shelters and zoos. DEPACKAGING UNITS In 2019 Cleanaway installed an industry-leading food organics depackaging facility at its South East Organics Facility (SEOF) in Melbourne to remove food from packaging such as fruit, vegetables, bread and grocery items collected from Coles and other

commercial and industrial customers. The unit, consisting of a turbo separator and industrial green shredder, removes packaging, including plastic, bottles and cardboard, leaving a slurry-like organic waste which is mixed with garden organics at SEOF to produce high-grade compost for sale. Cleanaway installed a similar facility at its Willawong recycling and transfer station in Queensland in 2020, and has been using similar third-party facilities in other states since 2017. “The depackaging unit is a key recycling capability for large retail customers like Coles because it allows us to separate inedible but recyclable food from packaging. Without the ‘depack’, food including meat, bakery, delicatessen and other grocery items would go to waste because the nutritious organic

material can’t be separated from the packaging,” Andrew says. Cleanaway provides organics services to more than 1750 customers and, in FY21, provided 146,732 tonnes of material for composting, up from 135,521 tonnes the previous year. At other facilities the food waste is converted into renewable energy using anaerobic digestion technology. “We all know that the benefits of keeping food waste out of landfill are huge but in practice it’s a big shift. Working with Coles we can see what’s possible when you combine leadership, technology and education to change the way people think and make a sustainable future possible,” Andrew says. For more information visit: www.cleanaway.com.au

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FEATURED TOPIC - ORGANICS

Bridging continents for wood recycling HAAS RECYCLING FROM GERMANY HAS SUPPLIED SOLUTIONS FOR WOOD AND ORGANICS RECYCLING FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES. WITH INSTALLATIONS AND MACHINES ACROSS THE GLOBE, ITS SYSTEMS HAVE ALSO BEEN USED IN AUSTRALIA FOR OVER 10 YEARS.

recent installation at CUP Recycling, Germany, deals with up to 60,000 tonnes of waste wood. Since 1997, CUP Recycling GmbH in Goldbach has been part of the WERNER group of companies (WERNER RC GmbH), a family-run company in the waste disposal industry. CUP operates a processing plant for C&D waste, waste wood and green waste. These materials are professionally cleaned of impurities and shredded into all standard grain sizes. Valuable raw materials are returned into the economic cycle. The new waste wood plant was needed to process an annual volume of 30,000-60,000 tonnes of all grades A to C. Ralf Berninger, Technical Operations Manager at WERNER RC GmbH/ CUP Recycling GmbH talks about the challenge. “Our end-product specifications were, firstly, a high-quality chip 0-100mm for reuse in the chipboard industry, and secondly, a pre-shred 0-300mm for thermal recovery (generation of process steam and electricity). However, the processing building had already been built and the available space had therefore already been determined,” Ralf says. “The system is designed by HAAS in a way that we can process

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Every HAAS system is custommade, adapted to the process specifications and available space.

pre-shredded material separately, which means that the remaining part of the plant (almost 70 per cent) is not in operation during this time. This guarantees a minimisation of costs in terms of wear, maintenance and energy consumption.” Several people and departments at HAAS are always involved in the planning of a technical concept. Taking the specific requirements into account, Sascha Kloft and Patrick Szubrin designed an individual layout. A technical design engineer then drew up the final drawing, which was optimised in further meetings with CUP. The experienced mechanical engineers manufactured the individual plant elements from high-quality materials and components. All electrical and hydraulic installations were also completed in-house at HAAS.

Maik Fischer, service engineer at HAAS, and his team installed the system within a couple of weeks. “Every HAAS system is custom-made, adapted to the process specifications and the available space,” Maik says. “All components fit precisely, and subsequent welding or flexing on site is eliminated. In this plant, for example, we have integrated a large number of solid maintenance platforms so that access is possible to all relevant points. The construction on high platform pillars also ensures ground floor accessibility where needed, even with forklifts and lifting platforms. “About 120 tonnes of steel and 100,000 screws are in this system.” The TYRON 2000-E XL 2.0, equipped with fine tools 9/9-4, preshreds the waste wood. The following electric overband magnet separates

the exposed coarse iron parts. A bidirectional conveyor transports the preshredded waste wood (0-300mm) either to the storage bay outside the building, or to the ARTHOS 1600-E hammermill for secondary shredding. The ARTHOS shreds up to 40 tonnes of pre-shredded waste wood per hour to a size less than 100mm. The ballistic chute removes hard and heavy items and guarantees trouble-free operation, while protecting the hammermill. As such, downtimes are minimised. A heavy chain conveyor equipped with an automatic chain tensioning and chain lubrication system transports the material to the non-ferrous separator. The reversible screw conveyor underneath the separator enables a special fraction to be discharged directly into processing building or, alternatively, the end-product to be transported onwards to the fully

automatic storage bay filling. Finally, the end-product is transported with a movable conveyor belt to the required storage bay (in total five bays). The entire plant is equipped with a dust suppression system. Misting technology binds existing dust. The plant is controlled from a control room located in a container in the processing building. In addition, two mobile tablets enable flexible control and operation of the plant. During commissioning, the CUP Recycling team was trained in operation and maintenance of the system. Michael Völker, of WERNER says it was perfect timing from HAAS. “We at CUP were just starting the project planning for the new waste wood recycling plant when HAAS introduced itself to us. “At that time, we were already in contact with other companies and

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had already received various plant concepts,” Michael says. “Patrick Szubrin (Sales Manager Plant Technology) and Sascha Kloft (Managing Director) finally convinced us with the individual plant layout as well as various planning details. “We visited a couple of already installed HAAS systems and were convinced of the performance of the systems. Already at that time, we have been impressed by the compact design and the construction. The performance of the systems was outstanding.” In Australia, HAAS Recycling is partnering with CEMAC technologies, based in Melbourne. CEMAC closes the gap for all local requirements such as engineering, installation, service and repairs, as well as spare parts supply. For more information visit: www.cemactech.com

FEATURED TOPIC - ORGANICS

The power of combined experience A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN CEA SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT AND COMPOST ENGINEERS CHRISTIAENS GROUP IS SET TO DELIVER A FULL PACKAGE OF SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT WITHIN AUSTRALIA.

ith more than 50 years’ experience in organic composting, Christiaens Group knows first-hand the challenges the industry faces. Over the years it has evolved from mushroom compost production to developing In Vessel Composting (IVC) plants that treat a range of organic solids, including waste, in facilities worldwide. The Netherlands-based company’s proven track record in designing and building compost solutions makes it ideally placed to help Australia as it aims to increase the food and organic waste recycling rate across the nation. In partnering with CEA Specialty Equipment, Christiaens Group is looking to break into the Australian market and bring together “the power of combined experience”. “CEA Specialty Equipment is well known in Australia. It knows the potential customers and culture having a national footprint of company-owned branches and dedicated waste staff. Furthermore, it already provides preand post-processing equipment for the organics industry,” says Marco GroszeHolz, Christiaens Engineering and Development Business Development Manager Waste. “Together with Christiaens Group’s IVC technology and equipment the two companies can provide a complete package for waste treatment.”

A Christiaens Group compost plant.

IVC systems ensure that composting takes place in an enclosed environment, such as tunnels, with accurate temperature control and monitoring. The Christiaens Group has set the standard in compost facility design. Using best available technique in air treatment, the group’s IVC systems include multi-stage acid scrubbers with bio filters that are designed for low energy consumption and a more than 96 per cent reduction in ammonia. Plant capacity can vary from 10,000 to 360,000 tonnes per year and incorporate from 6 x 30-metre tunnels up to 12 x 65-metre tunnels. In total, the company has built more than 1 million square metres of tunnel surface worldwide. All key components, from air handling systems and duct work to control panels and systems are designed and built by the Christians Group internally, resulting in cost-effective

builds. Some low-tech components are produced at the company’s factory in China. The company has worked with major mushroom growers across Australia and New Zealand, including Parwan and Elf Farm Supplies. It has also been involved in a waste project at Shellharbour. While the group is mostly known for its mushroom composting, Marco says the same technology can be employed to treat organic waste. “Waste is a more industrial approach, whereas mushroom composting is agrobusiness,” he says. Christiaens Group waste plants are concentrated across Europe and Canada where there is the “biggest demand” but Marco says Australia’s current focus to divert organics from landfill offers an ideal opportunity to expand. For more information visit: www.komptechcea.com.au

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 37

FEATURED TOPIC - ORGANICS

Maintaining the momentum PETER OLAH, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AUSTRALIAN ORGANICS RECYCLING ASSOCIATION, LOOKS AHEAD TO WHAT HE SAYS WILL BE ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S MOST IMPORTANT YEARS.

s we come to the end of a most interesting year, it is instructive to take a look back and important to look forward. The year 2021 has been economically and socially challenging for many Australians. Even more so than 2020, lockdown fatigue has worn down many of our friends and led to the destruction of many previously viable businesses. Few industries have found themselves exempt from these painful realities, but many would agree that the Australian organics recycling industry is among them. Our industry’s resilience is one reason for this, but so too are good luck and good timing. Lockdown has seen an increase in home cooking and

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gardening, leading to an increase in organics collections at kerbside. At the same time, demand for product has increased for several reasons, including government spending on major projects to boost the economy. Our industry has reaped the benefits and many organics recycling facilities are operating at record levels. For AORA as an industry association, the conditions have remained challenging. Our most obvious offerings – member events – have been curtailed through lockdowns and other restrictions. Despite this, in June we delivered the largest and most successful national conference our industry has ever seen. We have also rolled out a more comprehensive

program of member webinars. We intend to build on both these strengths over the coming year, even as we return to delivering a strong program of faceto-face events. Most importantly, we have worked hard to influence governments at all levels to change the rules of the game in favour of our industry. And the results are starting to show. Major policy and budgetary announcements have come from the Federal Government and several states, and we are starting to see a strategic alignment between the long-term goals of the three tiers of government and our industry in many places. It’s not consistent and not always as strong as we’d like, but the direction is right

AORA plans to build on breakthroughs made this year to deliver on some big-ticket projects throughout 2022.

“In 2022, AORA members will see us deliver the widest-ranging and important series of projects in our industry’s history.” Peter Olah, National Executive Officer of Australian Organics Recycling Association,

and the momentum is real. Most importantly, the organics recycling industry – through AORA – has been at the core of kick-starting this momentum, and we will work even harder to maximise the benefits and opportunities in 2022. We will do so not just by working with governments, but by innovation and collaboration at many levels. In 2022, AORA members will see us deliver the widest-ranging and important series of projects in our industry’s history. We will roll out a national product certification

system after a detailed program of collaboration with farmers and their representatives. We will deliver an industry-led carbon credit scheme delivering funds to AORA members firstly for their diversion of organics from landfill, and then for other carbon saving measures. We will launch the second edition of our industry contribution study, which in two years has become the go-to dataset for planners in the industry and government nationally. We will deliver an international collaboration

which will plug our members into a global network of industry knowledge-sharing and resources such as the industry has never seen. We will introduce changes to make AORA membership more relevant and flexible than ever. And we will keep driving governments to ensure the best possible ecosystem for the growth of our industry. The next 10 years will deliver the greatest change and growth our industry has experienced, with boundless opportunities on offer. It starts in 2022 and I look forward to sharing the exciting journey with AORA members everywhere. On behalf of all of us at AORA, I wish you, your families and work teams a joyous Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2022.

For more information visit: www.aora.org.au

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 39

FEATURED TOPIC – TYRE RECYCLING

Shoulders to the wheel OZTYRE RECYCLERS’ TONY PATTI IS HOPING TO TURN AN AUSTRALIAN EXPORT BAN ON TYRES INTO AN OPPORTUNITY. WITH THE HELP OF WASTE INITIATIVES, HE’S PUT THE WHEELS IN MOTION FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

s a “young bloke” Tony Patti was taught if you’re going to recycle, you should be able to take a product and recycle it into something else. Family business OzTyre Recyclers is “not there yet”, but is well on the way. The company has set an ambitious target to be one of the first in the sector in Australia to recycle 100 per cent of used tyres and have an Australian market for the endproduct. Waste Initiatives is helping it reach that target. Waste Initiatives’ approach has always been to pair innovative Australian recyclers with the best equipment that can be sourced

The tyre shredder at OzTyre Recyclers is a new design developed over two years.

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globally. They recognise that this often requires some creative “outside the box” solutions. Tony is pivoting the company to tyre shredding and crumbing, with the aim of providing rubber for a more diversified market such as shoe soles and gym mats. “We want to get away from exporting rubber products,” Tony says. “We want to show the industry that it can be done. “China, at the moment, is punishing Australia in many ways, so there’s a shortage of supplies that are rubber-based. “Let’s make Australia self-sufficient and do recycling 100 per cent in Australia.” While the idea to diversify has been

brewing for some time, Tony says the export ban on tyres, particularly baled tyres, was the kick-start the family needed to take the next step. To get them there, Tony’s son Jaidyn found Jason Sargeant at Waste Initiatives. Waste Initiatives has designed and supplied waste management equipment and recycling systems since 1975. OzTyre Recyclers set them a new challenge – one shredder that could do the work of two. Jason Sargeant, Waste Initiatives Equipment Consultant – Waste Projects, says the OzTyre Recyclers shredder is a new design developed over the past two years. The result is a tyre shredder with an integrated rotary screen. The turnkey system includes infeed and outfeed conveyors, controlled by a main PLC control station. It’s been designed and engineered to take whole tyres down to 50mm chip, suitable for export and reuse as Tyre-Derived Fuel (TDF), and for further processing. Jason says Waste Initiatives worked closely with Tony to get the desired outcome. “For OzTyre Recyclers, the output size needed to be 50mm, which can be used as a Tyre-Derived Fuel and is an exportable product. But it can also be taken down to the next stages – a 25mm piece, from there a granule and crumb. “There was some back and forth and we’ve made a few improvements here and there. Some things we custom designed. We’ve worked on

tyre equipment for many years but it’s only the past couple of years, with the export ban coming, that we’re seeing a change for this equipment. There’s certain equipment we can buy in from overseas ready to go. We can tweak that, customise and tailor it to make it more cost effective.” Tony knows others in the tyre recycling industry who are diversifying to meet export ban requirements and is pointing them in Waste Initiatives’ direction. “I’m telling them if you want a machine, just ring up Jason. Waste Initiatives will be with you for the long-term. The partnership between Waste Initiatives and OzTyre Recyclers has been fantastic. “We told Jason what we wanted and how many tyres we needed to produce an hour. He came up with a lot of different options until we have the shredder we have now. “This is an entirely new machine and, like anything developed from scratch, there’s always going to be small modifications. Waste Initiatives is great for that – we come up with ideas, they implement them. It’s a partnership that talks to each other.” And it’s a conversation that is ongoing. Tony says Waste Initiatives regularly checks in on the performance of the shredder and is “only a phone call away”. “If we think we’ve got a problem we ring Jason. When you spend so much money on a machine, you want to take care of it today, rather than tomorrow. “I find people like Jason are willing to talk to me and understand what I want in the machinery. That helps a lot.” The shredder has exceeded expectations. The old baling equipment was processing 400 tyres an hour and Tony wanted

The shredder is designed to take whole tyres down to 50mm chip.

Up to 550 tyres an hour can be processed on the new shredder.

an equivalent workflow with the new equipment. He says they’ve gone past that to 550 tyres an hour. The success, and world market influences including a shortage of shipping containers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have prompted Tony to fast track the next stage of OzTyre Recyclers’ evolution. OzTyre Recyclers has bought forward plans to install a crumbing plant and hopes to have it operational by April 2022. Jason is currently working on designs for the plant. Unlike many tyre recyclers who are looking to sell tyre crumb to road builders, Tony is searching for a new wheelhouse. “I’ve looked at what other areas you can use tyre crumb in,” he says. “There’s a lot of small factories

Output size can be reduced to 25mm, and from there to a granule and crumb.

and manufacturers that use actual rubber crumb. As members of Tyre Stewardship Australia, they have helped us with the local requirements and advised us what is happening with tyre recycling overseas. “That’s what helped us order the shredder we needed. “It’s opening my eyes to what’s happening around the world in tyre recycling. “This is not just something we’re doing for today, it’s something that has to be looked at for the future.” Tyre Stewardship Australia is a product stewardship organisation that provides accreditation to tyre recyclers and collectors. For more information visit: wasteinitiatives.com.au/recyclingsystems/tyre-recycling/

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – FIRE PROTECTION

In the line of fire AN EARLY FIRE PROTECTION SOLUTION THAT CAN DETECT AND EXTINGUISH FIRES BEFORE THEY START IS COMING TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. WASTECH ENGINEERING CEO SCOTT RUSSELL EXPLAINS.

ires continue to be a problem at all levels of waste and recycling facilities across Australia, from collection through to transport, processing, storage and disposal. In October, an Australian government report Waste Fires in Australia: Cause for Concern? recommended that regular reporting, risk management strategies and effective guidelines be implemented to prevent both the occurrence and severity of future waste fires. Scott Russell, Wastech Chief Executive Officer, says while there’s heightened awareness around the impacts of fires and the complexities of transporting, storage and handling of recyclable and waste streams, the safety technology in eliminating fires “hasn’t increased at the same rate”. Until now. Wastech is the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor of Fire Protection Solutions’ Fire Rover which, Scott says, will be a “game changer” for the waste sector. “At some facilities, it can take days and weeks for a fire to be brought under control,” Scott says. “This technology has the potential to stop it before it becomes a potential catastrophic event. “Being in the waste industry, I’ve seen the impact of fires not only on the environment but local communities and the operators of the facilities. Current technology is really geared at fire suppression; the Fire Rover solution mitigates the fire before it gets out of control. “The Fire Rover certainly seems

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The Fire Rover is described as a “game changer’’ in fire protection.

like a key piece of the puzzle to reducing major fires.” The Fire Rover uses military-grade thermal detection and high-definition cameras to pinpoint and detect fires in their infancy and identify hotspots during an incident’s incipient stages. Once a heat abnormality is detected, alarms received from the detectors are transmitted to Fire Rover’s UL certified central monitoring station, where a Fire Rover agent verifies if it’s a false report or if it’s a threat and action needs to be taken.

If action needs to be taken, the Fire Rover agent alerts the facility, the fire department and authorities, then aims and shoots an environmentally-friendly cooling, fireproofing and extinguisher agent from the Fire Rover’s nozzles onto the hot spot to eliminate a fire before or after it starts. This allows ample time for fire crews to arrive on scene and for the facility operator and The thermal camera of the Fire Rover is housed in a ruggedised IP66 enclosure for reliable performance.

fire crews to provide an appropriate response to the level of hazard. The Fire Rover has superior suppression, partially because of the targeted and elevated water density delivered when compared to a typical sprinkler system and partially because it is controlled from a remote central monitoring station. Scott says the Fire Rover is currently geared toward material recovery facilities, transfer stations, waste stockpiles, C&D, WtE, electronic scrap and more. A landfill-specific version called the OnWatch has recently been launched in America to early detect and verify fires on the working face of a landfill, outdoor stockpiles, windrows and wild fires. He says the application of the Fire Rover’s technology can be expanded to “anywhere there’s risk of a major catastrophic fire”. Ryan Fogelman, Fire Rover’s Vice President, says there has never been a catastrophic event that started in an area they protect at the more than 250 sites where a Fire Rover is installed across America and Canada. The company responded to 69 fire incidents at client operations in September 2021, along with an average of 82 fire incidents from the previous four months. “If fire incidents aren’t detected and managed early, they can trigger a domino effect, presenting further risks to employees and facilities [infrastructure],” Ryan says. “Traditional firesuppression methods such as water sprinkler systems and deluge systems may not be the best option to stop

The Fire Rover is designed to detect, extinguish and protect.

a fire at a facility where there’s a lot of activity such as a materials recovery facility, transfer station or waste-toenergy facility due to the amount of material, moving vehicles and the issue of false alarms. “Fire Rover combats fires and explosions within moments from ignition. This system is specifically designed for the waste and recycling industry and has eliminated thousands of fires in waste and recycling facilities across the US and Canada in the past seven years.” Ryan describes the work of the Fire Rover as “fighting the fire for customers”. “We are their fire-brigade until authorities arrive. We can get in early, quickly and go. Our solutions contain each incident, protecting the public and the fire professionals that arrive on scene to a manageable or nonexistent incident.” Due to the ever-increasing demand and processing of lithium-ion batteries, in 2020, Fire Rover added a “quick connection” for fire professionals, which allows fire crews to take a defensive approach to fighting fires effectively while remaining safely outside a facility. The Fire Rover team has also designed and installed a box-less solution for waste-to-energy and industrial facilities that uses the operators’ existing water infrastructure.

In North America, the WtE and Industrial solution received the National Waste & Recycling Association’s 2020 Innovator of the Year – Recycling Equipment Award. The award celebrates innovation in design and manufacturing that increases the effectiveness or efficiency of recycling equipment and operations. Fire Rover is custom designed to suit specific sites. It can be retrofitted to existing facilities or incorporated into new builds. A demonstration unit is being installed in Wastech’s Victorian headquarters in Hallam. An in-house fire expert is heading up Wastech’s Australian and New Zealand project to ensure fire protection compliance. Scott says the Fire Rover solution brings “critical layers of protection” to the waste industry where there is an inherent risk of fires. “Wastech has nearly 30 years in providing the industry with design solutions and products,” he said. “The Fire Rover is a good fit and a logical extension of that. We know the industry-base. This is an added product to protect those key infrastructures. “The Fire Rover is revolutionary. It’s an opportunity to be part of bringing innovative safety solutions to Australia and New Zealand.” For more information visit: www.wastech.com.au

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – PROFILE

Playing the long game RESOURCECO’S ABILITY TO LOOK AHEAD PUTS IT IN GOOD STEAD FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES IN THE WASTE RECOVERY SECTOR. AS DETAILED BY BRAD LEMMON, THE NEW CEO OF THE RECYCLING AND WASTE BUSINESS.

aving spent many years in the construction material industry, Brad Lemmon brings a unique perspective to the table in his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Recycling and Waste business. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing the construction materials and manufacturing sectors, Brad is excited at the opportunity to help provide sustainability solutions to the industry, in a rapidly changing environment. “There are many aspects of this business that are not dissimilar to what I’ve come from” Brad says. “I understand the challenges from a manufacturing side of things. That insight will be helpful in developing and expanding our capability.” ResourceCo is a recognised pioneer in the resource recovery sector, with operations spanning across Australasia. As the world moves away from a make, use, dispose model, the company is determined to play a role in the recovery, recycling and repurposing of products otherwise destined for landfill, delivering tailored solutions across a range of industry sectors, driving progress towards a circular economy. “The ResourceCo team is agile and forward-thinking, enabling the group to respond to opportunity and

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ResourceCo delivers tailored waste recovery solutions across a range of industry sectors.

challenges as they emerge, but with an innate ability to recognise shifts in the strategic environment and respond accordingly,” Brad says. ResourceCo has a 30-year history of taking construction and demolition (C&D) waste and converting it into useable materials, reducing the materials that would otherwise go to landfill. Recycled pavement materials, aggregates, concrete and sand are being used in major civil engineering projects and road construction. Brad says while those activities are now being carried out world-wide, ResourceCo’s advantage is its market

reach, strong customer relationships and an excellent distribution network. He aims to further strengthen the company’s privileged market position, seeking to expand the range of materials and deliver improved conversion into value added products. “It is an evolution,” he says. “We are continually looking to be more efficient and to produce a broader suite of usable products. “ResourceCo has very experienced people. We have a good instinct on how to turn a waste product into useful material.” For example, the company is currently looking at converting

Brad Lemmon, CEO of ResourceCo’s Recycling and Waste business.

waste glass into products for the construction industry. Carbon abatement is also a challenge for many companies as they work toward net zero emissions. Brad says ResourceCo, a pioneer of trading carbon, with more than two million tonnes effectively regenerated

over the course of its history, is well placed to help others meet those challenges. “We continue to work with companies with shared goals for greener supply chains by decarbonising through credible transition plans. “The core of all we do, that conversion of waste materials back into usable products, not only provides economic benefits and the diversion from landfill, but it also has the specific benefit of not creating more impact on the environment,” he says. Brad says he’s excited to join ResourceCo at a time when the resource recovery industry is changing rapidly. He says there’s a broader recognition around sustainability and he’s keen to play a part in

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this exciting phase. “There’s now a greater sense of awareness of the real cost associated with the production of waste and the inefficiencies of generating waste materials,” he says. “For a long time, the focus had been about core manufacturing and producing materials, without necessarily considering the broader, long-term impact. Now with heightened focus on sustainability, and a growing consciousness within the wider community, the emphasis is shifting to ‘how can we produce the materials more effectively and close that loop?’ “ResourceCo has been doing that for many years – we are proud to be a part of the solution” For more information visit: www.resourceco.com.au

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TRANSPORT

Leading by example

The Econic by Mercedes-Benz Trucks is leading the charge in driver and environmental safety.

THE ECONIC BY MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS IS SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR REFUSE COLLECTION IN THE WASTE AND RECYCLING INDUSTRY.

eaders push boundaries, challenge the norm, and make changes to drive progress. Mercedes-Benz is drawing on those qualities with the development of the Econic, providing the waste industry with safer, more efficient and comfortable trucks. The economical Econic also delivers sustainable solutions to the growing emissions burden in urban areas, and

48 / WMR / December 2021

provides ideal working conditions for the refuse collection driver and crew. LEADERSHIP IN SAFETY Providing trucks that are safe for not only the driver and the goods they are transporting, but the wider community at large, is an ongoing endeavour for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The low-entry concept of the Econic means there are only two steps up

into the cab, which means getting in and out is easy and safe. On a busy working day, that means less climbing up and down compared with other trucks. Also good for the back and the joints is the full air suspension with raising and lowering function on all axles. The walk-through cab allows the driver to enter and exit the cab from the traffic-free side of the road using

the inward-opening folding door. Optimum vision of the road, and reducing blind spots, is an important strategy to ensure all road users are kept safe. The Econic allows drivers to see other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, at eye level, thanks to the DirectVision cab. The low seating position of the driver, the glazed cab and the additional safety assistance systems make for a better view of the road and pavements in all directions – compared with regular trucks, that’s an advantage in busy inner cities and complex situations where waste truck drivers are negotiating narrow streets, traffic and pedestrians. The DirectVision cab provides drivers with optimal support and ensures greater safety on the road. The Econic can be equipped with as many as 10 safety assistance systems

with the aid of cameras, sensors and additional lighting systems, designed for urban operations. These assistance systems range from Sideguard Assist, pre-installation for Reversing Assist, Active Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and the blind spot camera. EMISSIONS SOLUTIONS The efficient Euro VI OM936 7.7l engine platform, offered as standard in the Econic range, exceeds current regulatory requirements for emissions standards in Australia with outputs ranging from 200kW (272hp) at 2200rpm, to 260kW (354hp) at 2200rpm. The Euro VI engine platform minimises particulate emissions and nitrous oxides produced from traditional Euro V engines, as well as minimising fuel and AdBlue consumption at the same time.

IDEAL WORKING CONDITIONS The Econic’s spacious cab offers great freedom of movement and is designed to deliver ideal working conditions. There is room for up to three passengers. When pulling away, the folding door on the passenger side closes automatically. Depending on the field of operation, a hinged door can also be installed. Users can also choose between a high and a low cab height. For more information visit: www.mercedes-benz-trucks.com/ en_AU/models/econic.html As a sponsor of the Waste, Innovation and Recycling Awards, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is proud to be recognising individuals in the waste industry who have shown strength in leadership over the past year. Drive-Cage Patent Pending

OWN THE WORKFACE Unlimited tarps with exchangeable spools CAD/FEA engineering and stress analysis One operator in the cab No spotters Compatible with existing spools Full visibility camera system

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TRANSPORT

The flexible performer The Iveco Eurocargo model features dual control for operators.

IVECO’S EUROCARGO MODEL IS ALREADY ONE OF EUROPE’S BEST-SELLING MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS. WITH ITS VERSATILITY AND MANOEUVRABILITY, IT’S ALSO GAINING POPULARITY WITHIN AUSTRALIAN WASTE OPERATIONS.

ight streets, pedestrians and parked cars can present a range of nuisances for waste collectors. Iveco is aiming to take the pain out of domestic waste collections for operators, with its dual control Eurocargo model truck. Dave Hancock, the National Fleet Manager at Solo Resource Recovery, understands what is required from modern machinery to optimise a

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collection operation. He says Solo Resource Recovery’s trial of the Eurocargo has so far showed the value of what it can bring to an existing operation. “The Eurocargo will be doing a full domestic collection run, anything from 1000-1500 bins a day in a fairly restricted area,” he says. The Australian-owned company has been operating under the name Solo Resource Recovery since 1992.

With 16 workshops nationally and about 750 units in its fleet, the company has offered household, business, council waste solutions, and business recycling services for more than 80 years. In that time, urbanisation has changed the waste collection landscape. Dave says higher density living has, in many cases, altered what is required by waste collection services.

“Operators have to sit in it eight to 10 hours a day, so it is very important to keep drivers happy. From what our records show, the Eurocargo has held up really well.”

The Eurocargo cabin is designed for comfort and offers a high level of visibility.

Dave Hancock, National Fleet Manager at Solo Resource Recovery

“We have an extremely tight area to pick up waste in Darebin, Melbourne,” he says. “We have a depot in Coburg which services this area. It is a very congested area. “Small streets, along with on-street parking, can present challenges to collection. We have been doing that job since November and it is becoming an issue while using a fullsized truck.” Dave says that the volume of collections required in the area means an operation must run efficiently to get the job done. The Eurocargo truck was designed for just those circumstances. A compact design, featuring smaller dimensions than previous models, along with a shortened wheelbase of 4455 millimetres, gives the Eurocargo more manoeuvrability than other compactors.

A reduced turning circle allows easier access for operators in tight areas. The Eurocargo also offers a 15-metre cubed compactor body, with five tonnes of payload, to ensure that performance is not sacrificed despite the smaller design. Dave says that the Eurocargo’s capacity, as well as optional modifications, has allowed it to fit seamlessly into Solo Resource Recovery’s fleet. “We’ve got a fairly large body on the truck,” Dave says. “We have had to put more work into the capacity of the body so we don’t overpack the recycling. The unit has coped really well with the change.” The Eurocargo model also features an optional Allison S3000 five speed-automatic transmission. Just one of the many features that satisfy Iveco’s Eurocargo offers greater manoeuvrability than conventional compactors.

Dave and Solo Resource Recovery’s requirements for machinery. Functionality also extends to the Eurocargo’s cabin, providing increased comfort for operators. “I have driven it myself; it is very comfortable to sit in,” Dave says. “It also handles very well and is very economical. The visibility is exceptionally good out of the cabin, and it has a nice driving position. “Operators have to sit in it eight to 10 hours a day, so it is very important to keep drivers happy. From what our records show, the Eurocargo has held up really well.” Dave says that Solo Resource Recovery’s appreciation for Iveco machines is not purely based on performance, but also what the company is giving back to Australian industry. “We’ve been a very big supporter of the Iveco product. Their Dandenong assembly is keeping local workers in jobs,” he says. Solo Resource Recovery will use the Iveco Eurocargo trucks within its operation as part of a multi-year trial agreement. For more information, visit: www.iveco.com.au

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – DIVERSITY

Alex Moreau, Chief People and Safety Officer Veolia.

Supporting industry diversity VEOLIA AUSTRALIA IS IMPLEMENTING NEW PROGRAMS TO INSPIRE MEANINGFUL CHANGE ACROSS ITS SERVICES, INCLUDING THE WASTE INDUSTRY.

eolia Australia’s portfolio spans multiple industries including water, energy, industrial and waste. Across all sectors there is one common goal – to further develop and support the organic growth of its operations and workforce. Alex Moreau, Chief People and Safety Officer says the company’s vision is not about satisfying the status quo but aiming to inspire meaningful change within industry.

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“It is important to understand that diversity is not just gender based, it also includes age, ethnicity, disability, and we are trying to address these different factors,” Alex says. Alex is French-Canadian and has worked for Veolia for nine years. He moved to Australia 13 months ago following his work as a Human Resources Director for Veolia in Canada and says he’s passionate about driving meaningful programs for diversity in the Australian

and New Zealand markets. “One of these programs is Women on Wheels, which very much targets the gap we have seen in the demographic of waste drivers in the business,” he says. “The initiative developed naturally within the business itself through a request from the field. The idea aligned with our strategic vision, so we built the concept and launched the program which is really exciting.” The Women on Wheels program aims to increase female employment

within the waste industry, particularly when it comes to waste collection. Alex says that reducing the gap between male and female employment in this space is partially reliant on changing the perception around the industry, while also supporting female employees. “The driver workforce across the waste industry, in some cases, is very male dominated. We identified that we need to have more gender diversity in this space. There are female drivers interested in the roles, and we’ve now found a way to better support them to reach their full potential,” Alex says. “The program has been launched in Tasmania as a trial. Six to eight women will be selected for the program and we will help them to develop accreditations needed to become a registered and recognised driver within the waste business. “Throughout the program, the participants will be exposed to different areas of the business, such as operations and customer service roles, including sales, to understand the behind-thescenes operations.” Alex says that providing knowledge around the goals and ambitions of the company can help to develop a positive working culture. He says that providing a sense of accomplishment is also essential to

“Throughout the program, the participants will be exposed to different areas of the business, such as operations and customer service roles, including sales, to understand the behind-the-scenes operations of the waste business.” Alex Moreau Chief People and Safety Officer Veolia

attract new employees to the business. “Ultimately if people do not understand our organisation across water, industrials, energy or waste then they are coming in to do their work, but they cannot feel part of that purpose and end goal that we are trying to achieve,” Alex says. “You can copy and adapt programs to suit other roles within the company. For now, Women on Wheels is the focus, but the same structure and foundation of the program can be applied elsewhere.” ATTRACTING TALENT Providing a supportive network for employees is one of the key factors for Veolia when attracting new talent. The company is aiming

Veolia is aiming to increase diversity within its operations, through its internal programs.

to attract employees from a range of backgrounds. Alex says that setting a clear vision for the future can give potential employees an opportunity to contribute. “It is critical for us to have that strong purpose, because it will help to create a sense of belonging,” he says. “We are here to achieve ecological transformation and to fight against climate change, so that we can create a better future for everyone. Having that ethos, I believe, is a major factor in creating a sense of belonging.” Alex says this also applies to attracting talent from a range of ages. “Different generations have shown us that we need to adapt our discussions and conversations with each of them, to make sure that we can attract them differently,” he says. “Nowadays people are asking questions, such as ‘is this job in line with my values’. I think this is where we differentiate ourselves as a company. “We can say that we are actually working towards a goal, such as netzero. It’s showing our current and future employees that we are actually making a difference, and you are helping us to achieve these goals.” For more information, visit: www.veolia.com

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – LANDFILL TECHNOLOGY

Providing a waste advantage TARPARMOR TARP DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS ARE PROVING TO BE AN EFFICIENT ALTERNATIVE WASTE COVER FOR LANDFILL OWNERS.

or landfill operators such as Dylan Julius, maintaining landfill sites while also adhering to industry compliance are two main priorities to sustain a day-to-day operation. As the Operations Manager at Select Civil in Sydney, Dylan uses tarpARMOR Tarp Deployment Systems (TDS) distributed and serviced in Australia by Jaylon, to ensure the business stays in line with regulation. “We provide landfill services to mainly SUEZ, across some of their sites in Australia. We currently have six sites in operation,” Dylan says. “Once waste comes onto site we deal with customers and enforce compliance. “The tarps are essential when we are talking about compliance with EPA regulations. At the end of each day, all of the waste needs to be covered. We can’t have any exposed waste. To do this we use a combination of

The tarpARMOR Tarp Deployment Systems can be rolled out in less than 30 minutes. 54 / WMR / December 2021

VENM (virgin excavated natural material) on trafficable areas for customers, but on the working face we use tarps.” tarpARMOR TDS provide operators with a sustainable alternative to ground and dirt cover – you can use the same tarp over again, rather than rely on a supply of soil. Select Civil is using four tarpARMOR TDS, which are easily put in place using wireless remote control with engine stop, engine start, spool load, spool unload, spool wind and spool unwind commands. The new XS-series of TDS, with interchangeable spools, comes in both 30 feet (9.144 metres) and 40 feet (12.192) options, providing flexibility to operators. Dylan says the tarpARMOR TDS has enabled Select Civil to reduce its impact on the environment.

“This is really important when we are wanting to save airspace. The tarps are rolled out and deployed every night and rolled up every morning,” he says. “They’re key for us to stop wind blowing litter around our sites, as well as reducing odours and lowering emissions coming from the landfill site. They are also used to diminish the generation of leachate,” he says. Dylan says maintaining optimal airspace is important for an operation such as Select Civil’s. “If you cover an area using dirt, it is very hard to reclaim that material on a tip face,” he says. “If you are using tarps they don’t take up any airspace because you just take them off each day. That is a huge win to the landfill owner. “They are also handy to keep some water out of landfill in case it does rain.”

A single operator can roll out the tarps, without the help of a spotter.

“I really can’t fault Jaylon’s service for our applications, I wouldn’t have any hesitation in recommending them to someone else. We have recently just ordered a XS multi spool unit, so I look forward to seeing that in operation.” Dylan Julius, Operations Manager at Select Civil in Sydney

A self-aligning spool drive cage on the XS series TDS allows spools to be easily interchanged by one operator without requiring assistance. The efficient and timely set-up is one of the biggest benefits, says Dylan. “Typically, a TDS deployment system is quick to deploy, usually as little as 30 minutes. For the benefits that the tarps give you, it is very quick,” he says. “It’s been six or seven years that we have been using the tarps. Tarps are definitely the way to go, there really is no comparison in terms of alternatives.

“If you were to talk to our guys on the ground you would get positive feedback. It’s rare that we have downtime for faults or repairs. They are a quality and reliable machine.” The tarps can also be set up when there is minimal light, thanks to the TDS 174 Watt Cree LED 4 Lamp Lighting System. Additional features of the XS series include a cab camera that provides full visibility and a remotecontrol engine stop-start function. The system can also be rigged to a range of bulldozer models,

including those which process 100 tonnes or more a day. Select Civil has been supported by tarpARMOR TDS distributors Jaylon and will order further units to boost the existing fleet. “It really comes down to quality, the quality of the tarps is just better than others on the market,” Dylan said. “The service is always really good from Jaylon. I really can’t fault Jaylon’s service for our applications, I wouldn’t have any hesitation in recommending them. We have recently just ordered a XS multi spool unit, so I look forward to seeing that in operation.” For Select Civil, the use of tarps for its landfill operations is an obvious choice, Dylan says. “For anyone who did a cost-benefit analysis, it really is a no-brainer,” he says. “The tarps more than pay for themselves in the long run, even with having to replace tarps each year. It is better than using alternatives such as dirt cover.” For more information, visit: www.jaylon.com.au

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – EQUIPMENT

Maximum precision LIEBHERR PRIDES ITSELF ON TACKLING CHALLENGES HEAD-ON. THE LATEST MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT IS NO EXCEPTION.

iebherr credits itself on focusing today on the challenges that customers will face tomorrow. One of the biggest challenges it foresees is dealing with an increasing amount of waste. The equipment manufacturer has witnessed a steady growth in the demand for material handling machines as the recycling sector continues to grow in response to more awareness of climate change. Paul Findlater, National Key Accounts Manager for Liebherr-Australia’s Earthmoving and Material Handling Division, says recycling is becoming “more and more important” both internationally and domestically. He says the LH 40 M material handler is particularly suitable for recycling operations including waste, scrap and timber. “Liebherr has mastered key technologies so that it can offer its customers tailor-made solutions,” Paul says. “Every member of the team brings individual passion and unique ideas to find the right solution for every job, no matter what the challenges may be. “There’s a shared goal of pushing the limits of what is possible for each customer.” Paul says the sturdy design of the LH 40 M makes it ideal for pre-sorting of household, bulky and industrial waste, loading and unloading of trucks, shredding plants and containers and feeding sorting plants. The material handler has high load capacities and long reach, due to optimised properties and

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The LH 40 M material handler in Unanderra, New South Wales.

robust construction. The latest engine and hydraulics technology, developed in-house by Liebherr, means the focus is on fuel efficiency, while enhancing material handling performance. “One of the basic prerequisites for precise work and maximum handling performance is the overall stability,” Paul says. “The design of the Liebherr undercarriage minimises the application of force to the components and optimises their load and surface footprint. “The technically-advanced componentry optimises the centre of gravity of the entire machine, thus enabling greater payloads.” Equipment options for Liebherr material handlers include straight or

angled booms in varying length, along with various stick configurations, including tilting kinematics for sorting grapple use, or industrial stick for suspended attachments. The optional hydraulically adjustable boom is also available in the smallest material handler for special applications in recycling where space is critical. The modern cab design of Liebherr material handlers provides conditions for healthy, focused and productive work in maximum comfort. The colour touchscreen display, controls and operator’s comfort seat are all co-ordinated to form an ergonomic unit. The large windows and range of cab elevation versions, particularly the optional 30° tilt function cab, provide

“Liebherr always places its focus on customer satisfaction. Customer focus doesn’t just extend to the company’s products but also to its services.” Paul Findlater, National Key Accounts Manager for Liebherr-Australia’s Earthmoving and Material Handling Division

the operator with greater visibility together with a low fatigue seat position which prevents neck pain. “Precision control of the material handling machines are especially important in applications such as waste separation or scrap recycling,” Paul says. “Thanks to the standard proportional control, even such demanding operations can be mastered in style.” InfraBuild is a leading integrated steel recycling manufacturing and distribution business in Australia, that processes 1.4 million tonnes of recycled steel per annum and supports 15,000 customers across 150 locations through the country. As one of the largest processors and distributor of steel long products, InfraBuild commits to the safe, efficient and sustainable construction of Australia’s infrastructure and sustainability now and into the future. Adam West, InfraBuild’s National Recycling Operations Manager says the steel manufacturing distribution and recycling business has relied on Liebherr products since 2008, when it purchased an A 934 C material handler. Adam says the Liebherr material handlers meet the technical, health and safety requirements of the business. “Productivity, efficiency and uptime is also important, even more reason why we purchase Liebherr equipment,” he says.

While fuel efficiency, operator comfort and whole of life costs are an advantage of Liebherr products, Adam says national support has also played an important role in the relationship. InfraBuild has purchased in excess of 50 Liebherr machines to date, including 10 LH 50 M, 17 LH 40 M material handlers that operate at multiple sites across Australia such as Hemmant, Hexham, Laverton, Port Adelaide, Chipping Norton, Mackay and Gold Coast just to name a few. Adam expects as the business continues to expand and machinery is replaced or updated, more Liebherr material handling equipment will be considered. The design of Liebherr material handling equipment guarantees short servicing times, thus minimising maintenance costs. All the maintenance points are easily accessible and easy to reach due to large, wide-opening service doors and hatches. The enhanced service concept places the maintenance points close to each other and reduces their number to a minimum. This means that service work can be completed even more quickly and efficiently. “Liebherr always places it focus on customer satisfaction,” Paul says. “Customer focus doesn’t just extend to the company’s products but also to its services.” “This particular customer is a very large user of the Liebherr material

handlers. They have been using the product since 2008,” he adds. “Our machines are highly specialised and suited for their sites, which are demanding. In some applications the machines are used up to 18 hours a day at major sites.” Paul says that fuel efficiency, performance and productivity are all key factors in Infrabuild’s choice to select Liebherr machinery and the service. “I started with Liebherr in 2004 and have helped to service the needs of Infrabuild since their first purchase,” he says. “We make sure that the customers’ needs are met, as spec requirements are getting much higher these days due to the standard of Occupational Health and Safety requirements.” Operators, along with the people who are working in the approved safe surroundings to the machine are the number one priority for safety Paul says. As a result, the machines are highly configured with components such as high impact glass, additional guarding on the cabin, multiple cameras and sensors plus other features to protect the operators and machine. “We have built up their trust in the years, along with their trust in the product. They require the machines for a fixed term, which is then fully supported by a maintenance and repair agreement,” Paul says. “These machines are supported from the time they are delivered, up to the agreed time. “The criteria for safety have increased over time, but fundamentally safety has been an expectation of Infrabuild from the start. We have always gone above and beyond for the expectation of their machines,” he says. For more information visit: www.liebherr.com/en/aus/products/ material-handling-equipment/materialhandling-equipment.html

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 57

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – EQUIPMENT

JCB’s TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader has a maximum lift capacity of 4100 kilograms.

Power and accuracy JCB’S TM420 TELESCOPIC WHEEL LOADER PROVIDES A COMBINATION OF FEATURES, INCLUDING THOSE OF A TRADITIONAL TELEHANDLER, TO PROVIDE A FLEXIBLE AND DURABLE WHEEL LOADING SOLUTION.

s National Product Manager JCB CEA Deon Cope explains, creating a blend of existing products has led to the development of the flexible TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader. “The TM420 is a crossover between a wheel loader and a telehandler, by combing the two you get a lot of the positives without all of the negatives,” Deon says. “When it comes to heavier and increased duty cycles, the wheel loader category offers a more durable platform.” Featuring a maximum lift height of 5.45 metres and maximum lift capacity of 4100 kilograms, the TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader

58 / WMR / December 2021

provides users with the capability of doing difficult lifts. “It also has the ability to load over greater heights. This helps operators to load hoppers, high side trucks and trommels,” Deon says. “Having a telescopic arm is a massive advantage over a conventional wheel loader, as they would require a high lift arm or high dump / toe tip bucket, both of which can have their own challenges when operating.” To support its lifting limits, the TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader contains a purpose-built engine. Deon says JCB’s production process aims to ensure that operators can have an engine platform which can stand the test of time.

“Unlike a lot of other manufacturers who rely on third party components for their engine and drivelines, JCB has designed the driveline to suit the machine, rather than design the machine to suit the driveline. With a JCB engine, transmission and axles, the The industry was consulted during the development of the wheel loader, to better understand operator needs.

wheel loader is designed to handle heavy workloads. “It runs the JCB engine, matched with the JCB transmission, providing greater synergies and performance between the driveline and then through to the JCB axle. “JCB engines are designed to be used on off-highway applications. They feature a heavy cast block and an advanced cylinder head design that JCB pioneered, which means the engine can handle higher temperatures while offering best in class fuel efficiency when working on more intensive applications.” OPTIMISING ERGONOMICS

The TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader features an original cabin designed purely for operator comfort. Referred to as the Command Plus design, the layout was first launched with the wheel loader platform. Deon says that industry members were consulted during the design phase to find a balance between comfort and ease of operation. “JCB has spent thousands of hours designing a cab around the operator, which included testing with industry operators,” Deon says. “The result was a focus on ergonomics, such as seat comfort, hand placement, user interface. The cab has been developed with the operator in mind. People talk about converting automotive cabs for

TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader contains a purpose-built JCB engine.

construction machinery, but JCB has designed its own architecture so that the cabin is not only ergonomic and comfortable, but also durable and rugged.” A seamless glass design also offers unobstructed vision for operators who are handling loads. This is complemented by the boom positioning, which is featured in line with the centre of the machine, rather than on the side of the cabin. The cab also avoids a reliance on touch screens, allowing operators to use the screen layout without using dirty hands. Deon says that safety has also been incorporated into the design of the TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader. “There is a feature called adaptive load control, as the machine reaches its limit of stability, adaptive load control proportionally slows the boom speed and the hydraulics stop softly, this is a patented system and is only offered by JCB,” he says. “JCB partners with European hydraulic manufacturers to deliver some of the most accurate hydraulic systems on the market.” REDUCING OWNERSHIP COSTS

The TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader design aims to reduce downtime for operators, for both maintenance and re-fuelling.

As Deon explains, two aspects help to improve the experience for the operator, while reducing the reliance on after sales support. “The big thing here is commonality between parts. If users are operating machinery which has a JCB engine and they have other JCB machines, there is commonality between the filters, the oils and the servicing intervals. All of which is very convenient,” he says. “JCB machines are also fuel efficient, the JCB engine has an advanced cylinder head design, which was developed in 2014. “Fuel emissions are treated at the cylinder head, there is a more efficient burn at combustion, removing the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) on T4i engines. This also removes the need for DPF maintenance”. Deon says that at its core, the TM420 Telescopic Wheel Loader’s performance can be summarised with just two words. “There’s power and accuracy. “With JCB machines, users have plenty of power, while also having the accuracy of hydraulics particularly when lifting at height,” he says. For more information, visit: www.jcb.com

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 59

COUNCIL IN FOCUS

Taking responsibility SIX YEARS AGO, THE CITY OF HOBART SET AN AMBITIOUS GOAL OF ZERO WASTE TO LANDFILL BY 2030. LORD MAYOR ANNA REYNOLDS SHARES HOW THE COUNCIL IS EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE TO REACH ITS TARGET.

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(Picture: City of Hobart)

ord Mayor Anna Reynolds is “very much” looking forward to the day the council can permanently decommission and rehabilitate the landfill facility nestled in bushland at the foot of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. She says the council’s ambitious goal of zero waste to landfill by 2030 comes down to “the choices our residents make about their waste”. To help influence those choices the council is working to make low-waste options easier, cost-effective and more convenient, targeting the four top household waste streams – disposable nappies, food, plastic and textiles. One of the most recent initiatives is a rebate program to put cash back into the pockets of parents who switch to reusable nappies. “Disposable nappies were invented for convenience and most of us have become used to the ‘throw it away’ lifestyle over the years,” Anna says. “We know the ‘ick’ factor is also of concern, but becoming a more sustainable community means a return to taking responsibility for our own waste and understanding the impacts our choices have. “Even though the long-term cost of disposable nappies is greater than that for cloth, many parents are deterred by the upfront cost of reusable nappies. By offering a cashback program, it can help make that initial cost a little less daunting – and the risk of trying something new a little more acceptable.”

McRobies Gully Waste Management Centre.

A child requires an average of 6000 disposable nappies from birth to toilet training. By comparison, it takes about 24 reusable cloth nappies to fulfil the same needs. Even substituting one nappy a day can divert more than 1000 individual nappies from landfill over a child’s life. The city offered 100 residents a 50 per cent rebate (up to $50) on the price of cloth nappies to help them make the switch from disposables. It also partnered with local business, Tiny Footprints, to run workshops for parents to bust the myths around hygiene, ease of use and the quality of the nappies. Hannah Leitch is a big advocate of cloth nappies. The mother of two began using cloth nappies following the birth of her son 20 months ago. She’s now also using them for her youngest, who is just 11 weeks old. She said the thought of all the waste created by nappies going to landfill

was enough encouragement for her to “give it a go”. “I started right from newborn and, in all honesty, I find them quite easy,” Hannah says. “They’re so much better now than they used to be. If you follow the instructions, they should last right through to toilet training and can be used again.” Hannah says she’s noticed more people using cloth nappies. In fact, there’s social media groups dedicated to advising and supporting parents who choose to use cloth. “There’s a lot more consciousness of the environmental impact of using disposables, people are more aware,” she says. “Disposables were invented for convenience but there’s a cost to them. “I know a lot more people who are using them now, I’d like to think that more and more people are doing it.” Reducing environmental impacts isn’t the only benefit of people making

(Picture: City of Hobart) Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds.

the switch to cloth nappies. Hannah says while the initial outlay may be expensive, cloth nappies can “save you a lot of money” in the long-term. She says incentives such as the council’s rebate are a great opportunity for people who are unsure of making the switch to try cloth nappies without a big initial outlay. “It’s especially good for people not sure if they want to commit to cloth nappies. They can buy a few and see how they go. It gives them that opportunity to try.” If you do decide to use cloth nappies, Hannah suggests buying second-hand to keep the cost down and help create a circular economy, and to look for Australian brands. The nappy rebate follows on from a similar project called The Undies Project, which was initiated by Women’s Health Tasmania and funded by a City of Hobart Urban Sustainability Grant, to provide reusable period underwear to residents on low incomes.

City of Hobart is offering cash back for parents to switch to cloth nappies.

“Even though the long-term cost of disposable nappies is greater than that for cloth, many parents are deterred by the upfront cost of reusable nappies. By offering a cashback program, it can help make that initial cost a little less daunting – and the risk of trying something new a little more acceptable.” Anna Reynolds, Lord Mayor of Hobart

Anna says the concept has been expanded through the nappy subsidy, with the purchase of reusable menstrual items also eligible for the rebate. It’s incentives such as these that have helped the City of Hobart slash the amount of waste going to landfill by 60 per cent in the past decade. One of the major drivers was the introduction of a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection. “When a waste audit showed us that food and organic material made up more than half of all residential waste, we introduced a FOGO collection to convert this waste into compost, replacing the previous green waste service,” Anna says. “In its first year, an additional 500 tonnes of organic waste was composted and diverted from landfill.” Anna says the success of the program continues to grow as the community gains a better understanding of how to use the service, and more businesses get on board. Last year, Hobart became the first Australian city to enact a ban on singleuse plastic packaging for takeaway food. Council officers worked with the local

business community for more than 12 months to transition to compostable packaging before the law was enforced on 1 July, this year. “This initiative alone is expected to remove up to 600 tonnes of single-use plastics from landfill each year,” Anna says. “We’re receiving excellent feedback since the changes came in. Most businesses found the transition easy and they take real pride in being leaders in the shift towards more sustainable methods.” Anna says the final top four item, textiles, is possibly the most difficult to address. “Clothes and other fabrics are disposed of into landfill in Australia at an alarming rate. It’s something that a lot of people simply aren’t aware of – it’s somewhat of a forgotten contributor to landfill,” she says. “We are working with textile recycler SCR Group to establish a pilot recycling program in Hobart.” For more information visit: www.hobartcity.com.au

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

KOMATSU D71EXI-24 DOZER Komatsu has released its D71EXi/PXi-24 dozer line – a new class of hydrostatic dozer for the company – that combines iMC 2.0 (intelligent Machine Control) enhancements and Tier 4 Final emissions technology to deliver industry-leading levels of performance, versatility and low operating cost. In the same size class as its popular D65EX-18 dozer, the 23 tonne D71EXi-24 (also available in swamp dozer configuration as the D71PXi-24) is the largest hydrostatic drive dozer on the market to incorporate iMC capabilities. It is also one of the first machines to feature Komatsu’s just-released iMC 2.0, a significant update that delivers major productivity, efficiency and cost saving advantages to its latest model “intelligent” dozers. Power for the new dozer comes from a Komatsu SAA6D114E-6 Tier 4 Final-compliant engine rated at 179 kW, through a fully hydrostatic transmission. According to Komatsu Dozers Product Manager Pat Munro, the move to hydrostatic drive has allowed for a significant redesign of the D71EXi/PXi-24, making it more versatile, productive, manoeuvrable, and with unmatched visibility to the blade edges.

Komatsu’s D71EXi-24 Dozer.

“While it’s in the same size class as our D65 series dozers, moving to hydrostatic has allowed us to adopt a cabforward design. This, combined with our ‘super-slant’ nose design, gives incredible visibility to the work area,” Pat says. Contact - Komatsu

P 1800 280 884 E info@komatsu.com.au W www.komatsu.com.au

APPLIED MACHINERY GENOX S-SERIES RASPERS The S-Series Rasper is mainly used in waste tyre recycling, providing a second “crushing” of material which has been preshredded by a twin shaft shredder. The Rasper uses cutting and squeezing principles with rotor/counter knives to separate the steel wire from the crushed material, achieving a separation efficiency of more than 98 per cent and processing capacity of up to five tonnes an hour. The easily replaceable DC53 cutting tools are bolt mounted, with knife supports and fixing wedges, ensuring long life and low operation costs. D2 counter knives can be adjusted individually to maintain consistent cutting clearance, while V-belts and a large flywheel ensure energy-efficient medium-speed cutting. The casing and screen bracket are controlled by hydraulic drive, so that knife and screen replacement is convenient and quick. A two-piece chamber, fitted with wear-plates to process abrasive materials, also provides easy access for maintenance. An independent bearing seat helps to prevent dust and debris from entering the bearing, avoiding blockages and extending the service life of the bearing. A dual-motor drive means the S-Series Rasper can be used as a high-power single-motor drive, reducing the impact of the motor on the power grid when it is started.

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The S-Series Rasper. Contact - Applied Machinery

P 03 9707 8066 W www.genoxmachinery.com.au or www.appliedmachinery.com.au

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

CATERPILLAR AUSTRALIA MH3040 MATERIAL HANDLER Delivering the power and reliability required for the most demanding material handling applications in scrap, waste, and mill yard operations, the new Cat® MH3040 builds on the successful legacy of the M325D L MH model. The boom, sticks and other high-stress areas feature thick, multiplate fabrications, castings and forgings to withstand wear and deliver years of durable operation. Specially designed mountings on the upper frame support the new heavy-duty cab. The material handler’s new 151-kW (202-hp) Cat C7.1 engine meets EU Stage V emissions standards with an after treatment system that requires no maintenance or downtime. New Smart Mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to reduce fuel consumption, while Power Mode constantly provides maximum power to optimise productivity. The fuel-efficient engine can run up to B20 biodiesel and offers up to 25 per cent lower fuel consumption than the M325D L MH. Offering a 12 per cent faster swing speed, the MH3040 reduces cycle times and allows operators to move more material in the same amount of time. The advanced hydraulic system features valve priority to direct pressure and flow to where it’s needed. The handler’s new heavy lift mode boosts lifting capacities and improves controllability. Its auto warm-up features reduce the time it takes for hydraulic oil warming in cold temperatures to prolong component life. The MH3040’s larger premium cab design includes sound suppression to reduce operating noise levels inside the cab.

Cat® MH3040 Material Handler.

Smaller cab pillars, combined with large tempered windows, deliver all-round visibility. Rear view and right-side cameras are standard. A larger, 254-mm (10-in) high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog-dial offers easy navigation of the intuitive operator controls. Joystick controls are ergonomically located within easy reach to reduce operator fatigue, while joystick settings and preferred power mode are quickly set to a specific user ID via the monitor. Offering a maximum 15.5m (50.8-ft) reach, multiple configurations are available for the flexible MH3040 material handler to meet customer needs. Contact - Caterpillar Australia

P NSW/ACT WesTrac 1300 881 064 VIC/TAS William Adams 1300 923 267 Western Australia WesTrac 1300 881 064 QLD/NT Hastings Deering 131 228 South Australia Cavpower 08 8343 1600 NZ TERRA 0800 93 39 39 W www.cat.com

CJD EQUIPMENT SDLG L958F WHEEL LOADER The all-round L958F Wheel Loader is built for Australian operations. Popular in waste and recycling, quarry operations and material handling, it combines reliability, versatility and high performance to get the job done. The high torque, high-performance and fuel-efficient engine is connected to a tropical cooling package which allows it to work at full capacity in tough conditions. It’s rated at 217hp/162Kw with a maximum torque of 980Nm. A heavy-duty transmission with kick-down function is designed to work in all applications, while easy-to-access service check points make daily operations more efficient. The spacious cab has a focus on comfort, ergonomics and practicality including wrap-around pillarless front and rear windscreens for greater depth of vision. The L958F Wheel Loader is rated for a 5000kg load and operating weight of 17,560kg.

The all-round L958F Wheel Loader.

Contact - CJD Equipment P 1300 139 804 E marketing@cjd.com.au W cjd.com.au

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

KOMATSU FOREST PETERSON 2710D HORIZONTAL GRINDER Peterson offers a full-line of horizontal grinders from 339–894 kW, in both diesel and electric applications. The Peterson 2710 horizontal grinder is designed for mobility, high production, and frequent moves between jobs. The 2710D Australian version is fitted with a powerful Caterpillar Tier II C18 570kW (765 hp). The 2710’s large feed opening allows it to manage a big range of materials. Measuring 153 x 81cms, when boosted by Peterson’s high lift feed roll, the feed opening’s maximum lift of 11cm, is one of the largest in its class. Upturning rotors perform more of the reduction process through shearing and cleavage fractures in the wood, using less energy and making them more productive. Urethane cushions and shear pins help protect the mill

The Peterson 2710D Horizontal Grinder.

from catastrophic damage in the event of a severe impact from contaminants in the feed stock. Contact - Komatsu Forest P + 61 2 9647 3600 E info.au@komatsuforest.com W www.komatsuforest.com.au

ELDAN RECYCLING IN-LINE STEEL CLEANING SYSTEM IL4000S Steel wire from waste tyres is of high quality, yet the price for uncleaned steel wire is not very high. By processing the steel fraction in an Eldan Steel Cleaning System, the steel wire can be upgraded and compacted to achieve a higher price. The in-line system is designed to be an integrated part of an Eldan Tyre Recycling line. The system screens the steel output, sorting out liberated steel and sending back pieces that are too big to re-granulated. The system has low running costs and requires minimal operator control once running. When fully operational it can ensure up to 98 per cent pure steel, depending on the input fraction size, and can process up to 3000 kilograms per production hour. The cleaned steel is of high quality and suited for baling due to its density of 300-400kg/m3. Designed to easily integrate into an existing tyre recycling

The In-Line Steel Cleaning System.

plant, the In-Line Steel Cleaning System can be tailored to processing needs. Eldan Recycling also offers a stand-alone version which can be integrated into an Eldan Tyre Recycling line or operated as a separate unit. and upscaled in the future. Contact - Eldan Recycling P +45 21 49 19 67 E cn@eldan-recycling.com W eldan-recycling.com

JCB HYDRADIG WASTEMASTER The JCB Hydradig Wastemaster wheeled excavator is designed for the waste sector, more specifically for sorting purposes. Power is provided by JCB’s own EcoMAX engine, which meets T4i engine emissions regulations and produces a maximum output of 109hp. It doesn’t use a diesel particulate filter, which is ideal in the waste industry. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the JCB Hydradig is the 360-degree vision from the cab. A world first for wheeled excavators, JCB has moved major components including engine, colling pack and pumps into the lower chassis, away from the revolving upper body. The cab sits higher and gives the operators an unobstructed bird’s-eye view of surroundings while offering increased stability. When working in confined spaces, manoeuvrability is of

64 / WMR / December 2021

The JCB Hydradig Wastemaster.

utmost importance. JCB has this covered with the Hydradig’s multiple steering modes. Front-wheel steer, four-wheel steer and crab steer are standard. All Australian models offer reverse steer as standard. Contact - CEA / Deon Cope E d.cope@jcbcea.com.au W www.jcbcea.com.au

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New laws for waste tyres AS THE WASTE TYRE INDUSTRY FACES NEW EXPORT BANS AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY VICTORIA SAYS IT’S IMPORTANT TO DEVELOP INDUSTRY UNDERSTANDING.

ictorian businesses engaged in the transportation, storage, management and disposal of end-of-life tyres need to become familiar with their new obligations under the Environment Protection Act 2017 (EP ACT). The new Act came into force on 1 July 2021 and Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has been liaising with business groups such as Victorian Farmers Federation and Tyre Stewardship Australia to develop industry understanding. “It’s important for waste tyre generators and everyone in the disposal chain to understand how tyres and tyrederived products are regulated for the size of operation they are undertaking,” says Mark Rossiter, Executive Director Operations EPA Victoria. “In particular, they need to know how waste tyres and tyre-derived products are classified, their obligations for transporting them, their obligations for receiving them on site and their obligations for managing risks on site. “This gains additional importance as the export ban on all whole used or baled tyres comes into effect on 1 December 2021.” Mark says operators need to become familiar with the new EPA Waste Tracker system (www.epa.vic.gov.au/ for-business/waste/transporting-waste/ waste-tracker/sign-up-to-waste-tracker).

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EPA aims to ensure all waste tyres are accounted for.

“Everyone in the waste chain; those who generate the waste, transport it or receive it, have a duty to ensure that the material is legally disposed of at a lawful place,” he says. “The new laws allow for harsher penalties but EPA’s goal is to ensure all sectors of the waste industry understand how to comply with them. “Reportable Priority Waste (RPW), the waste classification for tyres, will be tracked to ensure their origin and destination are captured. Transportation is different from other RPW in that the transporting vehicle does not need to be specifically permitted to carry tyres, but EPA’s intention is to ensure all waste tyres are accounted for. “There has been significant public expense incurred to clean up waste tyre sites such as those at Numurkah and Stawell. Both created a considerable fire risk

and EPA will not tolerate that occurring again. “Under the new EP Act, there is also a General Environmental Duty (www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/ new-laws-and-your-business/generalenvironmental-duty) that states everyone must reduce the risk of harm from their activities to human health and the environment and from pollution or waste. “Stockpiled tyres can create an unacceptable fire risk. EPA and the Victorian community have a no tolerance approach to businesses that allow that to happen and we have been actively inspecting. Most businesses will already be doing the right thing but EPA will take enforcement action where necessary to ensure proper regulation of the waste tyre industry.” For more information visit: www.epa.vic.gov.au

New laws for waste tyre exports On 1 December 2021 new regulations were introduced for waste tyre exports. This means: 1. Waste tyres must meet standards before export 2. You must hold an export licence 3. Each consignment must be declared Whole baled tyres can no longer be exported. To find out now what this means for you, scan the QR code Apply for a licence now: awe.gov.au/wastetyres/apply

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?

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Waste Management Review December 2021

Articles inside

COUNCIL IN FOCUS

POWER AND ACCURACY

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

MAXIMUM PRECISION

GOT YOU COVERED

SUPPORTING DIVERSITY

THE FLEXIBLE PERFORMER

PLAYING THE LONG GAME

IN THE LINE OF FIRE

SHOULDERS TO THE WHEEL

BRIDGING CONTINENTS

MAINTAINING THE MOMENTUM

ROAD TO RECOVERY

IN IT TOGETHER

COMBINED EXPERIENCE

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION