Waste Management Review December 2023 by Prime Creative Media

Waste Management Review

DECEMBER 2023

2023 | DECEMBER | ISSUE 80

Rags to riches

Sandro Accetta is driving National Resource Recovery’s national aspirations.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au

FEATURES

SOILCO expands its footprint Speedy separation Making hay Celebrating an industry

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

PMS 380 PMS 376 PMS 355

Garbage guts. Carry bigger payloads than the competition.

Isuzu’s FVY Dual Control We’re about to make a big splash in trash, because we’ve just launched a new range of dual control trucks. With lower tare weights than similar models from our competitors, these new trucks can carry bigger payloads. Up to 300kgs per trip! Apply that across a fleet and you’ll see huge boosts in efficiency and reduced operating costs. Visit isuzu.com.au/waste

FSA/ISZS1059

COVER STORY

RAGS TO RICHES

46 ON THE RISE

GCH is a family business that has become a serious player throughout the Geelong region.

Sandro Accetta is determined National Resource Recovery will realise its national aspirations.

“WE WANT THIS BRAND TO BE A MAJOR PLAYER IN OUR SPECIALISED FIELD AND WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO OFFER CUSTOMERS NATIONAL COVERAGE.” - Sandro Accetta, General Manager, National Resource Recovery

In this issue

Features 08 THE BREAKDOWN

Industry decision-makers have their say on the latest issues.

10 RAGS TO RICHES

National Resource Recovery makes a move to realise its national ambitions.

14 GIVING LIFE TO SOIL

SoilCo expands its footprint with the acquisition of Corkhill Bros.

CHANGE MOTIVATORS

NSW EPA takes a deep dive into the attitudes and behaviours around food waste recycling.

18 SPEEDY SEPARATION

24 LIQUID ASSETS

A partnership with DAF Trucks and PACCAR puts a family business on the road to success.

27 SHOWCASE

48 SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY

THE RIGHT TRACTION

50 ON SOLID GROUND

SMARTER SOLUTIONS

The Waste and Recycling Equipment and Machinery Showcase – a resource tool for anyone involved in waste and recycling. Australian Tyre Recyclers Association is stepping up to help shape the future of end-of-life tyres.

Wastech Engineering is at the cutting edge of separation technology for organic materials.

CJD Equipment and Volvo CE offer a selection of machinery tailored to meet the demands of the waste management industry.

CALL FOR CONTROL

Australian Organics Recycling Association calls on Federal and State governments to implement PFAS controls now.

MAKING HAY

Elders is developing a new revenue stream for the most organic of waste products.

4 / WMR / December 2023

46 ON THE RISE

RMD Industrial Services leverages its knowledge to create bespoke hazardous and liquid waste solutions.

TURMEC AND PLASTICS

Global experience helps propel a sustainable revolution for container deposit schemes.

Alex Fraser launches a new asphalt plant and a second Sustainable Supply Hub. Remediation sites the ideal proving ground for the new generation BOMAG soil compactor.

52 LEADERS APPLAUDED

The 2023 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards provide a platform to celebrate industry achievements.

54 FACING CHALLENGES Waste Expo Australia 2023 hailed a success.

56 CLOSING THE LOOP

Plastics: From frustration to a path forward.

44 BIN AROUND THE BLOCK Regulars A glimpse at how Isuzu trucks are boosting better waste solutions around Australia.

58 LAST WORD

“ANY ISSUE IS FIXED STRAIGHT AWAY. THAT’S THE BENEFIT OF A LOCAL SUPPLIER WITH FULL TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND BACK-UP.” STEVE MORRISS, CLOSE THE LOOP, SOMERTON, VIC

At Applied, our number one priority is ensuring that our customers across the country get the machinery they need, with the support they expect. With nearly 30 years’ experience, and thousands of satisfied customers across the country we’re here for the long term. We’re a true machinery partner – just ask Steve Morriss. Real Service. Real Support. Real People. That’s Applied Thinking. Call: 03 9706 8066 Email: sales@appliedmachinery.com.au Visit: appliedmachinery.com.au genoxmachinery.com.au

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

PUBLISHER

Sarah Baker sarah.baker@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

Mike Wheeler mike.wheeler@primecreative.com.au

From the Editor

Making hay

As we approach the end of 2023, it’s a time to reflect on the past year and look towards the challenges and opportunities in the future. The waste and resource recovery industry has faced several challenges in 2023 – a lack of infrastructure, slow progress toward waste targets and regulatory red tape are common grievances. The organics sector is no exception. If Australia gets organics recycling right there’s a good chance of meeting national and state targets to reduce waste, landfill and carbon and transition to a circular economy. There are also huge economic benefits. But the peak body for the sector fears the industry is being put at risk. In this edition of Waste Management Review, former Chair of the Australian Organics Recycling Association, Peter Wadewitz, says proposed controls on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by federal and state governments are not going far enough, soon enough. Despite the challenges, many opportunities have also arisen in the sector and will continue into 2024. Among them, a chance for New South Wales local governments to roll out a successful and widely used food organics garden organics (FOGO) service. The state’s Environment Protection Authority has taken a deep dive into household attitudes and behaviours toward food recycling to bring together an education campaign for councils starting on their FOGO journey. On the technical side, Wastech Engineering is bringing a suite of equipment to assist with the separation of organic material from other waste to minimise the impact on landfill. And Elders, with help from CEA, is trying to develop a new revenue stream from the most organic of waste products. Also in this edition is the annual Waste and Recycling Equipment and Machinery Showcase, designed to connect industry with equipment and machinery providers for waste streams across Australia. On behalf of theWaste Management Review team, I wish all our readers, advertisers and associations a happy holiday season and look forward to an interesting 2024. Happy reading.

Lisa Korycki

EDITOR

Lisa Korycki lisa.korycki@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALIST

Chris Edwards chris.edwards@primecreative.com.au

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

ART DIRECTOR

Blake Storey blake.storey@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN

Louis Romero, Kerry Pert

BRAND MANAGER

Chelsea Daniel chelsea.daniel@primecreative.com.au p: +61 425 699 878

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au

ACCOUNT CO-ORDINATOR

Marina Milisavljevic marina.milisavljevic@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OFFICE

Prime Creative Pty Ltd 379 Docklands Drive Docklands VIC 3008 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 f: +61 3 9682 0044 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.wastemanagementreview.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

ARTICLES

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

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

6 / WMR / December 2023

WMR Fu

M&J PRESHRED 4000M MOBILE SHREDDER

The M&J PreShred 4000M is a large waste shredder capable of effectively and reliably shredding virtually any type of material. This waste shredder is designed to meet the special needs of plants in which the incoming material varies greatly in terms of size and composition and can contain unknown quantities of steel, stones, and concrete. Examples include recycling plants for refuse derived fuel (RDF), incinerators, and large hazardous waste plants with challenging inputs such as household waste, bulky waste, construction and demolition waste, chemical waste, industrial waste, tree stumps, carpets, mattresses, railway sleepers and refrigerators, as well as compacted waste bales.

Brisbane | Sydney | Melbourne Adelaide | Perth tuttbryant.com.au

WMR Full Page DEC 2023.indd 1

1300 658 888

13/11/2023 12:58:05 PM

OPINION

The Breakdown

‘The Breakdown’ is a monthly column giving industry leaders and decision makers a chance to share their views on topics central to the sector. This month we asked: “Should there be national harmonisation of battery recycling standards and regulations?”

Libby Chaplin Chief Executive Officer Battery Stewardship Council

Brett Lemin Executive Director Elect Waste Contractors & Recyclers Association of NSW

Alison Price Chief Executive Officer Waste Recycling Industry Association (QLD)

Richard Kirkman Chief Executive Officer Veolia Australia and New Zealand

The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) is proud of the success of B-cycle but given the recent increase in fires in general waste and recycling infrastructure, we see the need for urgent change. BSC advocates for regulatory reform to compel importers to participate in a Battery Stewardship Scheme such as B-cycle. This would allow industry to take responsibility for their products and at the same time be accountable for safe collection and recycling outcomes. We advocate Battery Rules are established under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 to address the core market failure of free riders, providing necessary funds for the urgent and responsible recovery of batteries.

Australia should undoubtedly pursue national harmonisation of battery recycling standards and regulations (among others). Such a move would provide invaluable benefits, including consistency, enhanced efficiency, investment, improved environmental outcomes, and economic growth in the battery recycling sector. In addition to those advantages there would also be the added benefit of enhanced safety, reduced fire risk and lower insurance premiums. The advantages of a unified national approach make a compelling case for a nationwide harmonisation of battery recycling standards and regulations. Nevertheless, achieving this goal will require navigating political complexities and addressing potential regulatory concerns to ensure a successful transition.

Definitely. The problem is the same in every state, consumers and businesses need consistency on this important issue. A well funded national approach and national battery recycling scheme would be invaluable.

The obvious answer is yes, because the amount of batteries passing through our resource recovery facilities are increasing, the fire hazard is growing and they contain precious metals that we must recycle in a circular economy. But the idea of national harmonisation of recycling standards and regulations shouldn’t stop at batteries, it should extend to all parts of the waste and resource recovery sector. Every state in Australia should have consistency among waste levies, kerbside bin requirements, standards for contamination in our waste streams, regulations around product stewardship, CDS, plastic bans, and energy from waste. We need consistent national standards from product design through to resource recovery and disposal upfront. Batteries are just one small piece of a much wider issue.

If you or someone at your organisation is an industry leader and would like to be a part of this monthly column in 2024, please get in touch with Editor, Lisa Korycki lisa.korycki@primecreative.com.au

8 / WMR / December 2023

The priority for batteries right now is to get batteries out of waste bins. The reason we have seen a spike in fires in waste trucks, MRFs and Transfer Stations is the increase in batteries and particularly lithium rechargeable batteries. B-cycle, the national product stewardship scheme for batteries, is really well run, but it is voluntary and it doesn’t have enough teeth. The Federal Government needs to make B-cycle mandatory. All makes and types of batteries should be in the B-cycle scheme and it should raise sufficient funds from battery manufacturers to ensure the recovery and recycling of all batteries. Simple.

Mike Ritchie Managing Director MRA Consulting

David Clancy BINGO Industries, Chief Executive Collections

ACCC recently noted that there has been a “six-fold increase” in media coverage relating to lithiumion battery incidents between February 2021 and February 2023. We’re also seeing an increase of batteries in our waste streams. More needs to be done to safely dispose of and manage batteries to keep our industry, communities, and environment safe. ACCC has identified that the existing regulatory framework to deal with electrical safety issues is “fragmented”. Furthermore, there is an absence of nationally consistent requirements for testing, certification or labelling of Li-ion battery products. If a harmonisation of rules is to be considered, we suggest also exploring a national framework for battery recycling standards and regulations. That would increase confidence, consistency, and clarity to increase recycling capacity to divert battery waste from landfills.”

Volvo Ew200E Material handler Do more jobs with just one machine your partner in smarter solutions The Volvo EW200EMH Material Handler’s specifications read like a dream for operators in the waste industry. Equipped with three versatile boom and arm configurations, it offers flexibility like no other. The Volvo EW200EMH material handler boasts a weight of 22.6 tonnes and is powered by a robust Volvo D6J 6-litre Tier 4 final engine, delivering a formidable 173hp (129kW). The EW200MH also comes equipped with a specially adapted hydraulic system, enabling these machine to find the optimal balance between engine RPM and hydraulic performance.

Big Enough to Trust, Small Enough to Care

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH FOR MORE INFORMATION CJD.COM.AU | 1300 139 804

COVER STORY

Rags to riches

National Resource Recovery simplifies waste management to help businesses meet their sustainability goals.

t’s not your traditional tale of a rise from poverty to wealth. Nevertheless, the National Resource Recovery story is one of rags to riches. That is, waste rags to environmental riches. The family business in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, was established 30 years ago, operating in conjunction with the state’s Environment Protection Authority to dispose of and recycle automotive waste. It’s since expanded its operations to become a leader in providing waste management services across a range of industry sectors and waste types. Now Sandro Accetta, General Manager, is determined to realise the company’s national aspirations. “Our goal is to take National Resource Recovery to the next level,” Sandro says. “As the name suggests, we want this brand to be a major player in our specialised field and we want to be able to offer customers national coverage.

Sandro Accetta, General Manager, National Resource Recovery.

10 / WMR / December 2023

We want this business to stand above the rest.” The National Resource Recovery team is not unfamiliar with standing above the rest. The company was one of the first to begin recycling oil filters and was a key voice in advocating for them to be classified as hazardous waste. In the 1990s, National Resource Recovery founder John Isherwood’s primary focus was the recycling of oil filters. He was driven to keep harmful waste out of landfill. By the beginning of 2000, the company pushed into the wider hydrocarbon space which included, but was not limited to, soiled rags, empty metal containers, part washers and hot wash units, plastic containers, aerosols, absorbent waste, and waste oil collections. Over the years the company has organically grown and improved its processes and now collects and transports a wide range of liquid and packaged reportable priority waste (RPW). The team is proud of the company’s reputation for prioritising landfill diversion and recycling. All waste collected is either transported to National Resource Recovery’s licensed facility in Bayswater, or to an alternative EPA-licensed facility where it’s sorted, treated, and converted to various products for reuse. The aim is to deliver integrated waste and environmental solutions through waste management, resource recovery and product recycling. Sandro says that as business owners

The company collects and transports a range of wastes.

increasingly look to minimise waste and maximise resource use, National Resource Recovery continues to expand its services. He wants to take the business to the next level, offering the entire suite of services in the hazardous waste space. “We are looking to expand to ensure the waste streams we manage are given every opportunity to be diverted from landfill and recycled into a pure, clean material for reuse,” Sandro says. “We continue to invest in more technology and innovations with the view to increase our recycling rates. We are tracking at 93 per cent but my focus is to increase this to the point that every waste stream that is managed by National Resource Recovery will be diverted to recycling pathways and away from landfill.” He’s confident that those targets can be met with National Resource Recovery’s ability to look for new

solutions and the rapid advancement of the industry. Sandro brings 24 years’ industry experience to his role as General Manager, including a long-term stint as Operations Southern Region Manager for Thiess Waste Management System, which was later purchased by REMONDIS and rebranded Integrated Management Systems. He’s seen many changes during his time, particularly around accountability, compliance, and social governance, and is invigorated by the challenges and opportunities that come with specialising in hazardous and prescribed waste services. “The industry is now tapping into areas that only a few years ago were thought of as way off into the future,” Sandro says. “The waste and recycling industry is pushing into those areas that were once unfeasible. “Diversion and sustainable solutions are being developed time and time again as Australia strives to transition to a circular economy and reach waste to landfill diversion targets.” While he believes the future is bright for the industry, there are still challenges and one of the biggest challenges right now is end-market use. National Resource Recovery is playing its role in diverting as much waste from landfill as possible and is looking for alternative options. However, Sandro says Australia needs to develop stronger and wider local markets, particularly when it comes to plastics. He says local markets are too small and cannot cope with the copious volume being generated. Government support and policy is needed to drive local markets to invest in technology that supports reuse. “There has been some work done in this space but more needs to be done,” he says. He’s also still surprised by the lack of understanding by some business when

it comes to appropriate disposal of their waste. Despite greater education and media awareness, he says some customers still believe it is appropriate to dispose of hazardous waste as a general waste stream. “I understand the importance of commercial engagement but equally, the environment has to take high priority,” Sandro says. “We must look after this precious land we occupy. We need to continue to provide ongoing education to better use this valuable resource while preserving our environment.

“We’ve seen some industry players manage business waste in inappropriate ways that have been catastrophic to the environment, as well as local communities. We have to ensure that doesn’t continue to happen.” If Sandro has his way, the company will play a key role in helping businesses acknowledge the resources available and reach their environmental goals while ensuring compliance remains front and centre. Not only will the company offer the entire stream of hazardous waste collection and recycling services, but

National Resource Recovery is built on the back of providing waste solutions for the automotive industry.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 11

COVER STORY

Reuse, recycle and recover are core company values.

will manage reporting, compliancy, and governance of waste streams so its customers can focus on their main operations. “We want to reach the highest recycling rates for our customers. This is a key driver for many of our corporate customers, small, medium and large,” Sandro says. Those corporate customers include REMONDIS, VEOLIA, Waste Services Group, MG Waste, Nationwide Waste and Capricorn, to name a few. The relationships extend over many years and have strengthened as the company has grown. It’s National Resource Recovery’s ability to adapt to customer needs, Sandro says, that offers a point of difference, and while there are numerous customers who can attest to National Resource Recovery assisting in a pinch, one job stands out. Sandro says that during a site visit to find a solution for one waste stream for a potential client he noticed several other “difficult waste streams” around the facility. Further investigation revealed that waste had been on site for at least three months because the company couldn’t find a suitable resolution.

National Resource Recovery aims to expand the waste types it can process.

Sandro says National Resource Recovery turned the job around within three days. As a result, it has been asked to take over all the hazardous waste services. “Customers need prompt and efficient service, particularly when dealing with hazardous waste,” he says. “We provide an end-to-end, compliant process adhering to regulatory obligations and commitments. “We are nimble and capable of adapting to customer needs when it comes to collections and reporting to ensure they comply with their internal reporting metrics. “There is no need for customers to be jumping through hoops. Our customers want flexibility, and we are here to deliver.” Sandro says every business needs effective recycling as a waste management tool. The National

Resource Recovery team has expertise in dealing with varied waste streams and identifying easy-to-implement waste management plans. Recycling services can be customised to a business’s requirements including size and workflow, thereby reducing work disruption. “Our waste recycling team works towards consolidating, optimising and simplifying waste management systems in order to meet sustainability goals,” Sandro says. “There is still so much work to be done if we truly aim for zero waste to landfill across all waste streams. “The ambition for me is that anyone looking for a provider to handle all hazardous waste, immediately thinks of National Resource Recovery.” For more information, visit: www.nationalresourcerecovery.com.au

12 / WMR / December 2023

AFG357

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

BUILDING GREENER ROADS. asphalt . aggregates . roadbase . sand phone: 136 135

AFG357_2023_GreenRoads_FP_Ad_WMR.indd 1

alexfraser.com.au

13/11/2023 12:29 pm

FEATURED TOPIC - ORGANICS

Making hay from turned manure

Managing manure can be a challenge. That’s particularly the case at Killara Feedlot in outback New South Wales, where Elders is trying to develop a new revenue stream for the most organic of waste products.

n the outskirts of Quirindi, New South Wales, lies Killara Feedlot, a licensed 20,000-head beef cattle feedlot operated by Elders. More than 340 kilometres north-northwest of Sydney, the Killara Feedlot has invested significantly in equipment to better manage its manure. Andrew Talbot has been with Elders for more than 20 years and has been the director of Killara Feedlot since the middle of 2021.

The issue of manure is an important one for him. “It’s well known that too much manure in pens significantly impacts cattle performance,” Andrew says. “We need to continue cleaning them regularly.”

HOW TO MANAGE MANURE In previous years, the management of manure at the Killara Feedlot was outsourced to a third party. Based in the prime cropping area of the Liverpool

Use of an over-the-top turner has revolutionised Killara Feedlot’s manure pad.

22 / WMR / December 2023

Plains, Killara has been selling and using its manure for many years. The latest investment will bring all the processing in-house, ensuring it is more streamlined and has a higher concentration of manure in the end product. “It was at the beginning of 2023 that we started reaching out to companies,” Andrew says. “The idea was to get some equipment, training and understanding of the equipment. Ultimately, we wanted to manage the equipment and the manure ourselves.” This resulted in Komptech CEA working directly with Elders and Killara Feedlot. Andrew talks about the importance of face-to-face discussions with Komptech CEA representatives. “We were pretty green in understanding what we would need for a fully integrated manure processing business,” he says. “I spoke to several companies, but I found Jay, the New South Wales territory manager for Komptech CEA, to be very approachable. He filled in a few gaps regarding the technical information and skill base we lacked.”

THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT Jay drove from Sydney to meet with Andrew and operations manager David Barnes. The discussion started on the capabilities of the Komptech CEA screener. Once that was understood, Jay helped identify the best device that

would support the goals of Elders and Killara Feedlot. “We talked about what was needed for annual turnover, moisture in the manure, and what our customers wanted,” Andrew says. “We got the machine based on Jay’s advice, and the screener did a fantastic job for us. However, it showed that we needed more than just a screener. To do the job properly, we also needed an over-the-top turner. This was a significant investment, but it has revolutionised our manure pad.” The company has purchased a Volvo loader, a Komptech 5000 over-the-top turner, which can turn about 1000 cubic metres per hour, and a Komptech Nemis 2700 screener. The latter sifts out gravel and other contaminants. The screen is 14 millimetres, rather than the standard 25 millimetres. “The manure is turned over four to five times over two to three weeks,” Andrew says. “We found that the Komptech machines go through a 150-metre row of manure in about 15 minutes. Once we’ve done each row four to five times, we run the manure through the screener. We have found that about 90 per cent is less than 14 millimetres. The remaining 10 per cent is separated and can be sold as an oversized product. The machines work seamlessly together, between 20 and 30 tonnes per hour.”

CUSTOMER RELATIONS He says that with the better processing of manure, the customers buying manure from Killara Feedlot are much happier with the output. It’s a better quality product with far fewer rocks in each load. “Now that we are processing and screening the manure, we have a far superior product,” Andrew says. “Before this, we were screening it through a 25-millimetre screen. It had a lot of rocks in the final product, resulting in a lot of frustration from many customers. We were losing a lot of business.”

The Komptech over-the-top turner can turn about 1000 cubic metres per hour.

Elders spent a lot of time communicating with its customers about the change. “There was initially a fair amount of scepticism about the product, considering we had to increase the price to account for the investment,” Andrew says. “Once they saw the product, there was no concern about the price increase. We spent six to eight months communicating the change, and we have now also seen an increase in customers.”

FUTURE FOR KILLARA FEEDLOT Killara is currently selling the manure by the truckload to other farms in the area, with plans to put in a bagging facility in the next two years and sell 25-kilogram bags as garden fertiliser. “We are currently turning over about 60,000 tonnes of manure,” Andrew says. “We’re very interested in exploring the possibility of investing in some bagging machines. There’s a bit of research going

on to determine the market potential. We want to look at the opportunities through supermarket chains or hardware stores. We think there is potential for us to use 20 to 30 per cent of our production capacity.” Such an investment is significant, and there is the potential to use automated machines to achieve this goal. The opportunity to spread organic fertiliser further afield from its existing markets is encouraging for Andrew. “Farmers are seeing the benefits from a financial and sustainability view,” he says. “Now that we are screening the manure down to 14 millimetres or lower, we are delivering a product that looks good and isn’t putting rocks back onto the country. We can provide volumes that farmers need, five days a week, irrespective of weather conditions.” For more information, visit: www.komptechcea.com.au www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 23

FEATURED TOPIC – HAZARDOUS AND LIQUID WASTE

Liquid assets

RMD Industrial Services is the go-to tank cleaning specialist in Western Australia. It’s now leveraging its knowledge to create bespoke hazardous and liquid waste solutions.

merican astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon. In the waste industry, Neil Armstrong is piloting a new era of hazardous waste solutions. As the General Manager of Technical Services in Western Australia for Pure Environmental, Neil is part of a specialist team of scientists, engineers, and professionals delivering complex waste services. Pure’s acquisition of RMD Industrial Services in 2022 has opened the door to growing the company’s waste management capacity and capability. One that Neil, along with Barry Kingsley, Manager for RMD Industrial Services, and Ged Styles, General Manager for Business Development and Operations in Western Australia, are keen to explore. “Hazardous waste treatment is a constant evolution. There are new waste streams and new contaminants,” Neil says. “We’re looking at new streams we can target and treat.” Based in Rockingham, RMD Industrial Services began operating in 2005. It now employs about 20 staff, predominantly in the Perth area, with the ability to cover Western Australia. With its origins in the marine sector, the company specialises in tank cleaning and liquid waste removal. It has held contracts in the marine sector for the past eight years and is the general ‘go-to’ for any high-risk industrial cleaning and waste removal work. Customers

24 / WMR / December 2023

include large multinational defence and commercial contractors, chemical manufacturers and refineries. Ged says the company has evolved from taking waste fuel from commercial and Navy vessels to providing services such as high-pressure water blasting and confined space entry (CSE) specialist tank cleaning. A fleet of hazardous waste tankers range in size from 5000 to 26,000 litres, with ability to collect liquids and sludges. The fleet transports the waste to RMD’s treatment facility for treatment or recycling. “The Rockingham plant, a hydrocarbon liquid treatment facility, was constructed to process and dispose of the associated contaminated water and effluent from the cleaning of tanks with hydrocarbons,” Ged says. “We’re treating the water to a standard that can be discharged to trade waste and removing hydrocarbons for recycling.” Oily water, sludges and general wash waters are the main focus of the facility. However, RMD can collect, transport and dispose of the vast majority of hazardous wastes. Barry says that with the knowledge in the business, it has dealt with every imaginable situation, including several fast responses to hydrocarbon and chemical spills this year. A lot of that knowledge comes from Barry himself; he’s been involved in the industrial service space for 25 years, beginning at 16 years old in his father’s business in the United Kingdom.

The RMD Industrial Services team are experts in specialist waste removal.

He joined RMD after it was acquired by Pure Environmental to help drive the business forward. Equally at home on the tools or liaising with clients, Barry is keen to find new opportunities to expand the company’s services. “We’re effectively a one-stop shop for industrial services,” Barry says. “We can provide skilled labour, specialised modern equipment, and highcapacity disposal facilities; not many companies in this area can provide the whole package. “But this space is growing, and expansion is a significant area of focus for us. We aim for a more diverse client and industry base, such as mining, mineral processors, refining processes and the oil and gas sector, while building up our treatment plant capability and capacity. “The Rockingham plant is licensed for up to 23,000 tonnes per annum of

hazardous waste. RMD plans to remain a stable and quality provider to our current customers and look at bringing on new clients and helping them with their waste disposal needs.” As with many industries, attracting skilled labour is one of the main challenges. Add high-risk work and hazardous materials in confined spaces to the mix, and the challenge is exacerbated. Ged says RMD is focused on compliance and safety. A key area is looking at ways to automate processes, to improve the safety of staff while improving customer outcomes. One of the current projects is adapting tank head cleaning for smaller confined spaces. “We keep a close eye on emerging technology,” he says. “It’s continually evolving,

A fleet of hazardous waste tankers collect and transport waste to RMD’s facility for treatment or recycling.

especially for complex tasks and in high risk environments. “We’re always analysing the way we work. “This industry requires a unique skill set, but with the collective experience between us, when something out of

the ordinary comes up, we have the experience and know-how behind us to deliver a bespoke solution for our clients.” For more information, visit: www.Rmdis.au and www.purenv.au

DO YOU KNOW A DRIVER OF CHANGE? WOMEN IN INDUSTRY NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN. Now is your chance to nominate an industry leader who you believe is advocating for positive change and deserves to be recognised.

Thurs 20 June, 2024 womeninindustry.com.au PROUDLY PRESENTED BY MHD Supply Chain Solutions

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

Australia

BUILDING SMARTER EQUIPMENT TO HELP MINIMISE THE WORLD’S WASTE TROMMELS

STACKERS

SHREDDERS

SCREENERS

Wastech Engineering is the distributor of McCloskey Environmental in Australia.

wastech.com.au

1800 465 465

SHOWCASE

Industry guide

The Waste and Recycling Equipment and Machinery Showcase is a comprehensive resource tool for anyone involved in waste and recycling.

The right machinery and equipment is vital for recycling and resource recovery facilities.

elcome to Waste Management Review’s Waste and Recycling Equipment and Machinery Showcase, compiled to be an easy reference point for anyone searching for waste and recycling equipment and machinery. Australia’s waste and recycling industry is leading the way as the nation transitions to a circular economy, finding new ways to recycle materials and reduce a reliance on landfill. Equipment and machinery specialists are keeping abreast of research and

technological advances worldwide and are often the gateway to new solutions, from single pieces of equipment to complete builds. The Recycling Equipment and Machinery Showcase aims to be a one-stop shop to connect industry with equipment and machinery providers for waste streams across Australia. Whether it’s kerbside collection equipment, material handlers or specialised recycling machinery, there’s a wide network of experts and manufacturers available to put you on the right path.

While the team at WMR has done its best to include all the companies in the waste and recycling equipment and machinery sector, it takes no responsibility for omissions. The data has been collected through a variety of measures including mailouts, website survey collection points, and emails to comprehensive databases, as well as organically from companies themselves. This collection of data will be published online at a future date. www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 27

SHOWCASE

Aaron Farm Enterprises

Beem Group

BK Sales Australia P/L BlackBio

Brentwood Recycling Systems BRT HARTNER GmbH

CEMAC Technologies Compost Revolution

Container Deposit Systems

Delta Mobrey Ltd Diverseco Drycake

East West Engineering Eco Guardians Pty Ltd

EcoBox Solution Pty Ltd

EDGED GROUP NATIONAL PTY LTD

•

Equipco PTY LTD

Attachments

Trucks

Sweepers

Skip Loader

Side Loader

Sensors

Rear Loader

Landfill Compactors

Hook Lifts

Front Loader

Excavators

Bins

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

Finlay Waste and Recycling

•

Fire Rover

•

Garwood International Pty Ltd

•

28 / WMR / December 2023

•

Fargo Planet Recycling Company FIMIC srl

•

• •

•

Enviroplas Recycling Envirosuite

•

Emmans Granulators Pty Ltd enrich360

•

EEA group

Elephants Foot Equipment

Attachments

•

EcoGroup

EDGE Innovate

• •

CORPS

Custom Enzymes

What waste collection and transport equipment do you provide?

•

Agrotech Automation Pty Ltd ATON-HIGH TECH

VIC

TAS

QLD

NSW

Business Name

What state or territories do you operate in?

ACT

Contact Information

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• • •

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• • •

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

Wood Chippers

Windsifter

Trommel Screens

Shredders

•

Turnkey Solutions

•

Moving Floors

Food Waste Digestors

Grapples

Grinders

Granulators

Drum Screens

Depackaging Machines

Crushers

Compactors - Stationary

Compactors – Mobile

Ballistic Separators

Balers

Wheel Loaders

Weighing Equipment

Side Loaders

Trommel Screens

Tro

Picking Stations

Optical Sorter

Moving Floors

Material Handlers

Magnetic Sorter

Landfill Compactors

Landfill Covers

Landfill Liners

Front Loaders

Excavators

Eddy Current

Drum Screens

Compost Turners

Conveyors

Ballistic Separators

Attachments

Trucks

What waste handling/sorting equipment do you provide? What waste processing equipment do you provide?

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 29

SHOWCASE

•

Graham Lusty Trailers

•

GreenQuip

•

Hino

•

Hydroxy systems

•

JDM Aust

•

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia)

Justcleanit

•

JVA Engineering

• •

•

KEITH Walking Floor Australia Pty Ltd

•

Kiverco Ltd

•

Kobra Shredders Australia Pty Ltd

•

Komatsu Forest

•

KOMPLET PACIFIC

•

Litter Nets Australia

•

Mastershred

•

Matsol Pty Ltd

•

• •

•

• •

•

Multiworks Environmental Pty Ltd

•

Nederman Mikropul

•

OLEOLOGY PTY LTD

•

Onetrak

•

Orez

•

Orez Solutions (CEA)

•

Pacific Materials Handling

•

Radicle Agriculture Pty Ltd

•

• •

•

30 / WMR / December 2023

•

Rangedale Drainage Services Pty Ltd

•

Kaeser Compressors Australia

M&J Recycling

Attachments

•

Trucks

Global Composting Solutions

Sweepers

•

Skip Loader

•

Side Loader

•

Sensors

VIC

•

Rear Loader

TAS

•

Landfill Compactors

•

Hook Lifts

QLD

•

Front Loader

•

Excavators

NSW

GCM ENVIRO

What waste collection and transport equipment do you provide?

Bins

ACT

Business Name

What state or territories do you operate in?

Attachments

Contact Information

•

• •

•

• •

• Drum Screens

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• • Landfill Compactors

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• • •

• •

•

Wood Chippers

Windsifter

Trommel Screens

Turnkey Solutions

Shredders

Moving Floors

Food Waste Digestors

Grapples

Grinders

Granulators

Drum Screens

Depackaging Machines

Crushers

Compactors - Stationary

Compactors – Mobile

Ballistic Separators

Balers

Wheel Loaders

Weighing Equipment

Side Loaders

Trommel Screens

Tro

Picking Stations

Optical Sorter

Moving Floors

Material Handlers

Magnetic Sorter

Landfill Covers

Landfill Liners

Front Loaders

Excavators

Eddy Current

Compost Turners

Conveyors

Ballistic Separators

Attachments

Trucks

What waste handling/sorting equipment do you provide? What waste processing equipment do you provide?

•

• •

•

• •

•

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 31

SHOWCASE

Smart Waste Solutions Step Global Pty Ltd

Telford Smith Engineering Terex washing systems

The Environmental Group Limited TOMRA Recycling

Tutt Bryant Equipment UNTHA Veolia

•

Wastech Engineering Wastedrive Pty Ltd

WastePro Gear Pty Ltd

•

Attachments

•

Trucks

•

Sweepers

Landfill Compactors

Excavators

Bins

•

• •

•

• • •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

Write Solutions Australia Pty Ltd

32 / WMR / December 2023

Attachments

•

William Adams

Zhengzhou Zhongan Eco Co., Ltd

•

Vintec Equipment Waste Initiatives

Skip Loader

•

Total Rockbreaking Solutions Trident Plastics (SA) Pty Ltd

Side Loader

•

Total Plastics Machinery Supplies Tricon Environmental

Sensors

•

T&A

Tarpomatic Australia

•

Rear Loader

•

Sierra Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

Smart Environmental Equipment Pty Ltd

Hook Lifts

•

Safe and clean for environmental services

SKALA Environmental Pty Ltd

•

RPG Australia

Sanland Equipment

•

Respose Waste Management and Research Pvt Ltd

Rice Lake Weighing Systems _ Dini Argeo Oceania Pty Ltd

What waste collection and transport equipment do you provide?

Front Loader

RECYCLING INITIATIVES

VIC

TAS

QLD

NSW

Business Name

What state or territories do you operate in?

ACT

Contact Information

•

• • •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• • •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• • •

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

• • •

• •

•

• • •

• •

•

Wood Chippers

Windsifter

Trommel Screens

Turnkey Solutions

Shredders

Moving Floors

Food Waste Digestors

Grapples

Grinders

Granulators

Drum Screens

Depackaging Machines

Crushers

Compactors - Stationary

Compactors – Mobile

Ballistic Separators

Balers

Wheel Loaders

Weighing Equipment

Side Loaders

Trommel Screens

Tro

Picking Stations

Optical Sorter

Moving Floors

Material Handlers

Magnetic Sorter

Landfill Compactors

Landfill Covers

Landfill Liners

Front Loaders

Excavators

Eddy Current

• Drum Screens

Compost Turners

Conveyors

Ballistic Separators

Attachments

Trucks

What waste handling/sorting equipment do you provide? What waste processing equipment do you provide?

• •

• • • • • •

•

• •

•

• •

•

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 33

CAPABILITY STATEMENT

COMPANY OVERVIEW Tutt Bryant Equipment is the equipment sales and after-sales support (parts and service) division of Tutt Bryant Group. Tutt Bryant Equipment exclusively represents several leading global brands in Australia. Industry specific equipment includes Sumitomo and Yanmar excavators, BOMAG heavy and light compaction equipment, Metso:Outotec mobile crushing and screen equipment, M&J Recycling shredding equipment, Gehl wheeled and tracked skid steer loaders, Venieri and Yanmar wheel loaders, Okada hydraulic hammers and demolition equipment, diesel generator series from AJ Power and used equipment. There’s also a range of cranes from leading international manufacturers such as Kato, HSC Cranes and SANY. Berco undercarriage and Combi Wear Parts (ground engaging tools) ensure the longevity of equipment. Tutt Bryant Equipment is also proud to welcome 600 Cranes Australasia into

the family. 600 Cranes is the national distributor of Fassi knuckle boom truck loading and marine cranes, Marrel hooklifts, Jekko mini crawler cranes and Idrobenne grapples and clamshell buckets.

CORE CAPABILITIES Tutt Bryant Equipment’s core capability revolves around its supply and support of a broad range of products from which customers have come to expect performance, day-in day-out. These machines come from powerhouse European manufacturers with decades of product refinement in their design and engineering. Coupled with the Tutt Bryant national footprint, vast parts holding, trained and dedicated service teams located throughout the country, you have a winning combination. Many of Tutt Bryant’s OEM’s have chosen to remain their partners for many years and as the largest multi-franchised supplier in Australia, Tutt Bryant can supply and support almost all the equipment required at a waste facility.

Tutt Bryant Equipment has been proven to support the ever-demanding waste industries with BOMAG Landfill Compactors. The ability to oscillate and articulate, as well as the propulsion delivered by four wheels hydraulically driven, makes it a true performer.

RECENT PROJECTS Since becoming the local M&J Recycling Tutt Bryant has provided three M&J 4000-8 shredders to Cleanaway and one to BMI Group and SBI Group. These private waste companies have seen the value in shredding to reduce air voids at their landfill sites to extend landfill life. In Nyanda a BC473EB-3 Soil Compactor has been engaged. North West Services recently added a BC772RB-2 and a BC773RB-5 to its stable. The company relies heavily on the performance of BOMAG Landfill Compactors to support the businesses growth. BRANDS • AJ Power Diesel Generators • B omag Heavy and Light Compaction Equipment • Combi Wear Parts • Berco Undercarriage • M etso: Crushing & Screening Equipment • M&J Mobile Shredding Equipment • Yanmar and Sumitomo Excavators • KATO, HSC and SANY Cranes • O kada Hydraulic Hammers and attachments • Yanmar and Venieri Wheel Loaders • G ehl Wheeled and Tracked Skid Steer Loaders Contact details

P 1300 658 888 E equipment@tuttbryant.com.au W www.tuttbryant.com.au 34 / WMR / December 2023

CAPABILITY STATEMENT

COMPANY OVERVIEW Applied Machinery is one of Australia’s largest suppliers of quality recycling machinery. More than 30 years industry experience enables the delivery of turnkey solutions for all manner of recycling applications across Australia. We don’t just sell machinery; we have specialist service engineers who install the machinery and, most crucially, train customers and their staff to use it efficiently and safely. PRODUCTS & SERVICES • Shredders and granulators • P lastic washing, tyre, and e-waste recycling plants

• Pelletising systems/screen changers

BRANDS • Genox • Meyer CORE CAPABILITIES Applied Machinery has the capability to service the smallest single machine requirement, through to the largest of multi-site, staged installations and complete recycling line, turnkey projects. We supply some of Australia’s largest recycling organisations. A wide range of shredders and granulators are always in stock for quick delivery.

RECENT PROJECTS D & M Waste Management, Perth Complete plant installed to recycle waste plastic pipes. The waste pipes are shredded, granulated, washed, dried and pelletised to produce clean dry pellets. These are then fed into a plastic pipe extrusion line that produces a range of corrugated pipes for stormwater drainage applications. Contact details

55-61 Nissan Drive Dandenong VIC 3175 Peter Koueik: Sales Manager – Recycling Division P 03 9706 8066 E sales@appliedmachinery.com.au W www.appliedmachinery.com.au

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 35

CAPABILITY STATEMENT

COMPANY OVERVIEW GCM Enviro is a leading distributor of waste management and recycling equipment, from landfill compactors and shredders through to screeners and compost turners. Formed in 2004, GCM Enviro is 100 per cent Australian owned and aims to provide customers with cutting-edge technology in solid waste management, combined with state-of-the-art control and monitoring systems. Throughout the country, the company has sold more than 3200 machines that have earned a reputation for robust design and reliability. The objective is to help customers improve their business and increase revenue – “from waste to value”. CORE CAPABILITIES • Landfill compactors

36 / WMR / December 2023

• • • •

Shredders Trommel screen Biomass processor Windrow turners

BRANDS • TANA • SIEBOTEC • JENZ • GREMAC • METBERG • eWender • VORTEX RECENT PROJECTS Industrial shredding campaign: Veolia travels thousands of kilometres to collect waste from the Copper Basin to then be processed at the Santosowned and Veolia-operated waste management facility based in Moomba, South Australia.

In 2020 the shredding campaign was started to help extend the current cell life of the landfill while also reducing recyclable volumes in preparation for transport. Troublesome incoming materials included tyres, pallets, pond liners, and large plastic drums. GCM installed a TANA 440DT which allowed a massive reduction in the size of the recyclable product. This resulted in significant savings on transport costs while also reducing the carbon footprint by decreasing the number of trucks on the road due to volume reduction. Contact details

34 Beaumont Road, Mount Kuring-Gai, NSW 2080 P 02 9457 9399 Name: Adam Krajewski E sales@gcenviro.com.au W www.gcmenviro.com

CAPABILITY STATEMENT

COMPANY OVERVIEW Komatsu Forest is one of the largest manufacturers of forest machines globally and is represented on six continents by a network of dealers and own sales companies. Komatsu Forest’s head office is in Umeå, Sweden, and there are two manufacturing units in Sweden and the USA. Sales companies are located in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Austria, France, United Kingdom, Russia, USA, Australia and Brazil. A network of dealers represent the company on all other important forestry markets. Our extensive service organisation takes care of the machines, ensuring they perform their best throughout their service lives. We have workshops throughout the world, service vehicles for quick assistance, in-house machine and methodology instructors to help maximise productivity, and support functions for everything related to the machines and services.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES We offer products and services that increase productivity while simplifying the working day for you as a machine owner. We combine all our services under our Customer Care concept. This is our promise that you will enjoy the benefits of Komatsu Forest’s investments in research, development, servicing, support. logistics and innovativ services. These combined resources are at the very heart of Komatsu Forest’s offer. Our goal is to make your working day as safe, problem-free and profitable as possible, no matter where in the world you operate. Let us show you that by choosing Komatsu, peace of mind and accessibility can become a natural part of your working day. BRANDS • Komatsu – Komatsu Forest Log Loaders • A stec – Peterson Grinders and Chippers • TimberPro – Track Log Loaders

CORE CAPABILITIES We know how important it is to be close to service and maintenance. Therefore, we have a market-wide network of trained service professionals that knows your Komatsu, Peterson and TimberPro machine in every detail. They are in constant contact with the Komatsu Forest head office so your needs are never more than a call away. WE OFFER • Workshops and field services throughout Australia & New Zealand • Qualified personnel with knowledge of Komatsu and affiliated machines • Field Service that enables us to remain close to you and your machine • Maintenance agreements with fixed maintenance prices and other benefits Contact details

AUSTRALIA Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd 4/11 Ave of Americas Newington, NSW 2127 P +61 2 9647 3600 E info.au@komatsuforest.com

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 37

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TYRE RECYCLING

Getting the right traction

With the Federal Government flagging product stewardship across several waste streams, the Australian Tyre Recyclers Association is stepping up to help shape the future of end-of-life tyres.

he peak body for Australia’s tyre recyclers is calling for in-depth industry-wide consultation before any decision is made about the future of product stewardship for end-of-life-tyres. The Australian Tyre Recyclers Association (ATRA) held a national summit in November, bringing together state and federal government representatives, tyre collectors, recyclers, and representatives from international extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes.

Australia has a large active tyre recycling industry with developed markets.

38 / WMR / December 2023

Rob Kelman, ATRA Executive Officer, says it’s important tyre collectors and recyclers have a voice in any possible scheme or other regulatory intervention that “massively impacts the sector”. “We want to make sure the government understands that there is already a large active recycling industry in Australia,” Rob says. “To overlay a whole new product stewardship scheme on an industry that has established commercial investment, markets, and a 98 per cent collection

rate for passenger, truck and bus tyres may be unnecessary and there are several other options to shift the dial and resolve outstanding issues.” End-of-life tyres were added to the Minister’s Product Stewardship Priority List in October 2022. At the time, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, said the priority list made it clear, if industry doesn’t act, government will. State and federal governments doubled down at the June 2023 Environment Minister’s meeting, agreeing to

develop national principles for tyre product stewardship. Jim Fairweather, ATRA President and Chief Executive Officer of Tyrecycle, says the association supports measured and sensible steps to improve tyre recycling outcomes but is cautious of over-regulating a sector where there is no market failure. “We have a well-functioning market. We’re collecting, recycling and appropriately managing that waste stream to its end point – either as fuel or tyrederived products to be used in roads,” Jim says. “The danger is that if you have a market performing and functioning to that level, then have an overreach of government into that market, it diminishes sector confidence. “You end up with an undercapitalised sector, a lack of innovation and we end up driving the lowest resource recovery outcomes rather than the highest.” Both Rob and Jim agree tyre recycling outcomes in Australia can be improved. They support ensuring all tyre manufacturers, importers, and retailers are contributing to improved environmental outcomes for end-of-life tyres; a nationwide ban on all landfilling (except residual material from recycling processes), burying, and stockpiling of tyres, including off-the-road (OTR) tyres; and increased enforcement action on existing export bans. They’re also calling for representation of tyre recyclers in any new or updated tyre stewardship governance framework; more comprehensive data reporting requirements for retailers and data sharing obligations for importers; and government procurement targets for recycled tyre products while maintaining crucial export markets. “The challenge with stewardship schemes is the orientation towards a focus on supply – scooping up and supplying the product to recyclers. Whether it be a voluntary, co-regulated or full extended

ATRA members collect, recycle and manage waste tyres to their end point – either as fuel or tyre-derived products for roads.

producer responsibly (EPR) scheme, demand then for the recycled offtake product will always be a key driver,” Jim says. They believe that while there are several policy and regulatory levers available to improve recycling outcomes without overhauling the existing stewardship model, they’re not opposed to shifting from a voluntary to a co-regulated tyre stewardship scheme, registered under the Commonwealth’s Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. Jim says a major difference in this approach would be that all manufacturers, importers, and retailers must contribute to the scheme via a per tyre levy. “With full coverage of all tyre imports and sales, a co-regulated scheme levy could be adjusted from the current price of 25 cents per tyre to allow the sector to achieve even better recycling outcomes,” he says. “Increased levy revenue could also support regulators in delivering their monitoring and enforcement obligations.” Rob says a new approach could also allow tyre recyclers to maintain the markets and customer bases they have developed over several decades. Doing so will also maintain the economic environment that has underpinned the investment of hundreds of millions of

dollars in recycling infrastructure, research and development and equipment from Australian recyclers in service of the tyre recovery market. They say that with a strengthened mandate to operate, the custodian of the current voluntary scheme, TSA, would also be a beneficiary of a coregulated approach. This would include the inclusion of several new importers and brands who have so far opted not to participate in a voluntary scheme. “Tyre recyclers in Australia have invested heavily based on a competitive, open market through which they can grow their businesses independently, to create value and contribute to an effective circular economy for end-oflife tyres,” Rob says. “Any changes to tyre stewardship in Australia should be measured and take into consideration the high performance of the majority of the sector, the existing open-market-based investments, end market development and leadership of recyclers over the past 30 plus years. “It’s important all parts of the supply chain contribute to the debate, otherwise decision makers risk being presented only with a narrow view of the world.” For more information, visit: www.atra.asn.au www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 39

WASTE MANGEMENT IN ACTION – MATERIAL HANDLERS

Smarter waste solutions

Together, CJD Equipment and Volvo CE offer a selection of machinery tailored to meet the distinctive demands of the waste management industry.

ustralia has experienced increasing environmental demands regarding waste disposal and recycling. The heightened expectations are being placed not only on those engaged in waste management but also providers of equipment for collecting, sorting, processing, and disposing of the ever-increasing volume of waste. Among the offerings tailored to meet the demands of these challenging environments is the Volvo EW200EMH, a robust material handler.

A boom float function and boom cylinder dampening enhance the machine’s stability.

40 / WMR / December 2023

Following the success of the EW240EMH material handler, the EW200EMH, its compact counterpart, has gained popularity among construction professionals seeking a more agile and versatile solution for material handling. With its unique features, specifications and support from CJD Equipment’s 24/7 national parts and service assistance, this machine has been described as a game changer for the industry.

UNMATCHED FUNCTIONALITY With many standard features developed to withstand the rigors of challenging environments, Volvo material handlers are known to tackle a substantial volume of waste efficiently and safely. What sets the Volvo EW200EMH material handler apart from its counterparts is its design and functionality set. This machine boasts a weight of 22.6 tonnes and is powered by a Volvo D6J 6-litre Tier 4 final engine, delivering 173 horsepower (129kW). To maintain high productivity and efficiency, the EW200EMH is equipped with a specially adapted hydraulic system. Finely tuned to complement the Volvo engine, the hydraulic system enables the EW200EMH to discover the optimal balance between engine RPM and hydraulic performance. Features such as the boom float function and boom cylinder dampening reduce vibrations and secure the grapple firmly in position, enhancing

overall stability. The machine also has an adjustable arm-in limitation designed to prevent collision between the cab and the grapple. Equipped with three versatile boom and arm configurations, the Volvo EW200EMH offers flexibility like no other. The straight boom can be paired with a four-metre gooseneck arm or a 3.5-metre sorting arm, granting a reach of up to 10 meters. These specifications empower operators with the tools to tackle a wide range of tasks quickly and efficiently.

INTELLIGENT FUEL-SAVING The EW200EMH demonstrates its intelligence and fuel efficiency through its operational strategies. It incorporates features such as auto idle – which lowers engine speed to idle when controls remain inactive for a redefined duration – and an auto engine shutdown mechanism, which reduces fuel consumption. Additionally, the automatic activation of ECO mode further enhances fuel efficiency for the operator. Volvo’s ECO Mode is a new technology that controls pump flow to prevent wasteful overflow through overload relief valves while ensuring robust digging capabilities and peak swing efficiency. This approach reduces flow and pressure loss, culminating in up to a five per cent enhancement in overall efficiency. ECO Mode’s precision and resource-conscious

The EW200EMH is popular among waste managers seeking an agile and versatile solution for material handling.

design are a stride towards greener, more economical, and environmentally responsible operations. Volvo designed the EW200EMH with seamless maintenance and uninterrupted operation in mind. Greasing points are grouped for easy access, while filters are placed behind wide-opening engine doors, ensuring ground-level accessibility across all E-series wheel excavators. Enhanced accessibility to areas like the pump compartment simplifies maintenance. Moreover, an optional waste package is available, featuring protective screens and a reversible fan to maintain the cleanliness of the cooling system.

ELEVATING SAFETY The EW200EMH offers various convenience features, making it a top operator choice. Accessing and exiting the cab through the outriggers simplifies the work process. The cab’s ability to elevate up

to five metres provides an optimal bird’s eye view of the job site. This machine features double-damped cab mounts, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride and enhancing operator comfort. Furthermore, the Comfort Drive Control allows joystick steering at speeds up to 19 kilometres per hour, improving manoeuvrability. With cab and outriggers controlled directly from the joystick, this material handler streamlines operations, making it a versatile and efficient machine for various tasks. Incorporating a height limitation function adds another level of protection, particularly in indoor working environments. The inclusion of conspicuously coloured handrails and the integration of additional steps into the outriggers have improved cab access for operators. CareTrack, a telematics and fleet management system developed by Volvo CE, which now comes standard with new Volvo GPPE machines, provides

customers with connected solutions in the most efficient way possible. Customers can now benefit from realtime insight into how their machine is performing, presenting an opportunity to get the most out of their machines. CareTrack also offers customers insights into the performance of their machines including onboard weighing (OBW), geofencing, anti-theft tracking system, and portal access to review the machine’s fuel consumption, utilisation percentage, and excessive idling. Together, CJD Equipment and Volvo CE offer a selection of quality machinery tailored to meet the distinctive demands of the waste management industry. These solutions encompass productivity, fuel efficiency, and safety solutions for a highly productive operation. CJD Equipment has an extensive national support network. For more information, visit: www.cjd.com.au www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 41

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – PLASTICS

Turmec and plastics C

Recycling plant solutions and equipment provider Turmec is using its global experience to propel a sustainable revolution.

ontainer deposit schemes are a success story around the globe, helping to stem the tide of plastic pollution and improve recycling rates. While Australia is poised to become the only continent to be fully covered by drink container refund schemes, producers and retailers across the United Kingdom are ramping up efforts to realise a circular model for packaging. Driven by the EU Initiative, most governments have committed to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) by 2024-25. The DRS is tipped to transform the way consumers think about empty drinks bottles and cans. It’s hoped the refundable deposit will incentivise consumers to return these containers so producers can make new bottles out of old bottles and new cans out of old cans, saving materials, energy and reducing litter. Despite a faltering start, the UK DRS scheme will be relaunched in Scotland for plastic and aluminium drinks containers only, where a 20p deposit will be added to all single use drinks containers which is refunded through reverse vending machines (RVMs). Originally planned to be rolled out in June 2023, the scheme is now planned to be rolled out in October 2025. As part of the Scottish DRS, Turmec supplied the equipment for three counting centres to receive containers collected from RVMs, the first of their kind in the UK. In Germany, the DRS includes PET plastic, metal cans (aluminium and tinplate) and glass containers, with a volume of 100ml to three litres. Germany has one of the world’s highest container deposit values, at €0.25 flat for

42 / WMR / December 2023

each single-use container. All producers and everyone selling single-use drinks containers are required to participate. Empty drinks containers can be returned by consumers across the counter at retail outlets and by using RVMs. Turmec is a global leader in the engineering and recycling industries with more than 50 years’ experience. Geoff Bailey, Chief Executive Officer, says the company is well placed to support recycling facilities with the roll-out and operation of the new DRS. “The Deposit Return Scheme is an exciting new, circular economy initiative but it’s also a massive undertaking for producers and retailers,” Geoff says. “Our experience is dedicated to finding the best recycling engineering solutions for our clients’ requirements, giving them peace of mind with tried and tested approaches. “We can upgrade or build recycling facilities to handle the various materials for this scheme including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), coloured (jazz) plastic,

non-ferrous metals, steel and glass.” Geoff says offering designed consultancy is an integrated part of Turmec’s services. “Turmec works in partnership with its clients as it works through its plant design process: it all starts with understanding the materials to be processed, the desired outputs and plant performance,” he says. “Waste Flow Diagrams, mass balance analysis, technology selection and plant layout are all key design steps in reaching the optimal solution in terms of performance and budget. “We design for results and efficiency on each project because we know what works.” He cites a recent plastic’s project with Sterling Polymers as an example of Turmec’s experience bringing ambitious plans to fruition. Sterling Polymers, which took over a former paper recycling plant based in Hartlepool, UK, engaged Turmec to redesign the plant and reconfigure it into one of the largest film-storing plants in Europe, processing post consumer film collected from supermarkets and retail

Turmec can upgrade or build recycling facilities to accomodate the Deposit Return Scheme.

chains and post industrial films. As part of the upgrade, Turmec incorporated as much of the existing equipment as possible to minimise costs. Geoff says most of the components were reused in the film sorting plant, with the optical sorters particularly suited to film sorting. They were equipped with DVI (digital visual interface), turbo sorters and metal detectors. The greatest challenge was dealing with the sheer volume of materials. The process of throughput is both effortless and meticulous. Upon arrival at the site, the baled film is stacked in the designated area for incoming waste reception. Subsequently, the material undergoes a manual de-wiring process before being loaded onto the slat conveyor and fed into the shredder. Once shredded, the waste travels under the overband magnet to remove any ferrous metals such as baling wire from the film

fraction. Those metals are dropped into an adjacent skip. The remaining product is then separated into a range of different bunkers. Turmec supplied two permanent magnets, three ballistic separators, seven bunkers and one slat conveyor. Other equipment that was supplied included three new optical sorters. One optical sorter was part of the existing set up. All original conveyors were used in the plant for the upgrade, which was successfully carried out around existing works. The film processed in the sorting plant is then transferred to a washing drying and pelletising plant to produce polyethylene pellets for reuse in plastic bags. In addition to this Turmec has recently entered another contract to build a plastic bottle sorting facility in the Southwest of England. Scheduled to be installed in

2024, this 16tph plastics sorting plant will sort kerbside collected plastics from local authority contracts. These facilities form part of a pipeline of infrastructure projects in readiness for both DRS and the UK government’s Simpler Recycling strategy set to be launched across the UK in March 2026 where materials such as paper and cardboard are collected separately from plastics, glass, metals and importantly, plastic film. Simpler Recycling aims to increase recycling rates by including more types of material into the collection mix. Geoff says that Turmec is truly part of the global circular economy and its track record in delivering recycling plant installations is something of which it can be proud. For more information, visit: www.turmec.com

MARKETPLACE

BUY. SELL. HIRE. AUSTRALIA’S NEW ONLINE PORTAL DEDICATED TO BUYING, SELLING AND HIRING WASTE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY EQUIPMENT.

Scan the QR code to find out more. For advertising opportunities, contact ben.coleman@primecreative.com.au or call 0466 545 664

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TRANSPORT

Bin around the block

A glimpse at how Isuzu trucks are boosting better waste solutions.

aste is often viewed as unsightly and undesirable, but it’s also an unavoidable outcome for any commercial or private industry. The management of waste is changing in Australia, with greener, cleaner options and businesses who aim to provide clever solutions to collect, recycle, and reduce the volume going to landfill. To keep the wheels turning and the compactors churning requires quality equipment, including reliable vehicles that can take a beating around the block.

GROWING GREEN Garden and recycling experts Jeffries in South Australia is an example of a business that has had hands in the soil for generations – ever since the Jeffries family first moved to Australia in the 1800s. The company has built a transport fleet around a core of Isuzu trucks fitted with compactor bodies that collect organic material from grocery stores and produce suppliers, which is compacted on-board for later processing at the Jeffries’ facility. This material becomes compost, soil,

Rory Crundall, Director of Jumbo Skip Bins, is a proponent of having a fleet that is fit for purpose.

44 / WMR / December 2023

mulch, and fertilisers to be used at farms and vineyards across South Australia. There’s a constant juggle between payload, power and manoeuvrability to consider with each truck purchase. Jeffries prizes versatility, choosing Isuzu’s FVY 240-300 medium-duty platform to support a diverse range of applications across the transport side of the business. The newest acquisitions are mediumwheelbase FVY 240-300 autos with green waste compactor bodies, recently collected from Northeast Isuzu in Adelaide. They join the existing fleet of medium-and heavy-duty Isuzu trucks including a swathe of FVY 240-300 compactors, tippers, trailer and water trucks, an FVY 240-300 with agitator, a Gigamax EXY 260-520 fitted with a quad dog trailer and tipper body, and an additional Gigamax for the heaviest of grunt work. “We need our Isuzu compactor trucks to be able to manoeuvre in the CBD, but we also want to have maximum payload, so that we don’t make unnecessary trips back to the site to load up,” says Lachlan Jeffries, Executive Chairman of the Jeffries company. “We think we play a key role in moving Adelaide towards a more circular process where items are either reused or recycled. Our purpose is to create value out of that material and also provide value for our customers who find a home for their organic materials.” WASTE WRANGLERS Also seeing the value of a medium-duty transport solution are waste and skip bin experts North East Bin Hire, based at Albury Wodonga on the New South Wales-Victorian border.

North East Bin Hire has a fleet of 15 trucks used in construction and commercial waste removal, disaster relief and recovery.

North East Bin Hire has a hardworking fleet of 15 trucks used in construction and commercial waste removal, as well as disaster relief and recovery when needed. Fresh on the roster is a newly minted Isuzu FRR 110-240 which assists in tackling jobs on the trickier routes and terrain of the Albury-Wodonga hillsides. Owner-operators Tom Hogan and Shannon Miles manage their 20 team members and capital assets including 900 skip bins in a feat of self-described ‘organised chaos’ aiming for a holistic approach to waste management. “At North East Bin Hire we try to give a complete service to our customers,” Tom says. “Whether it’s local builders, renovators or homeowners, we provide them with skip bins, then process those through our sorting pads, diverting as much waste as possible from landfill and recycling steel and timber. “The waste industry is great to be involved in and Albury has such a great landscape, so it’s a fun place to work and drive.” Taking on the business of North East Bin Hire in 2020, Tom and Shannon

found themselves in possession of a mixed truck fleet that they say was overworked, and ageing. To maintain efficiency and reliability of service they sought a new truck with a generous payload that could fit their Merrill skip lift mechanism. “With the lifting mechanism on the tray and needing to carry skip bins, payload was extremely important for us with the new Isuzu truck,” Tom says. The rugged FRR 110-240 is delivering nicely with a GVM of 11,000 kilograms and GCM of 16,000 kilograms, supported by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing maximum power at 177 kW @ 2400 rpm and 765 Nm @ 1600 rpm torque. “In terms of size, the FRR is fantastic, and the manoeuvrability was a huge selling point.” RESOURCE RECOVERY Rory Crundall, Director of Jumbo Skip Bins, is a proponent of having a fleet that is fit for the purpose of waste recovery. The business covers a service area of Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, offering residential and domestic hire, and specialising in construction and

demolition disposal in the commercial sector. Rory has experienced it all firsthand, having started as an owner-driver with a solo chain lift truck, working seven days a week to get the business going. Jumbo has taken delivery of two new chain lift trucks within the past six months – a FXZ 240-350 and a FVR 165-300 both fitted with best-in-class West-Trans body equipment. This takes Jumbo’s fleet up to nine Isuzu trucks from a fleet of 10, ranging from a mediumduty FSR 140-260 chain lift skip loader through to heavier FXZ 240-350 chain lift and FXZ hook lift trucks. “In the skip bin industry, we are constantly reversing around curves and in tight spaces, so the Allison auto transmission in the Isuzu trucks is definitely the way to go,” Rory says. “I had intentions to grow into a large fleet and did a lot of research, asking mechanics and other trucking companies which brand they preferred and the answer I got was Isuzu about 90 per cent of the time. “As a business owner, I wanted peace of mind and comfort, so Isuzu’s warranty

and roadside assistance terms are a massive incentive.” In addition to working a full roster with Jumbo, the fleet is commandeered for double duty collecting concrete waste in sister company, Moreton Bay Recycling, which Rory became CoOwner and Director of in 2022. This creates a circular operation that offers cleaner, greener outcomes for clients in the construction sector. “Historically, we’ve found that most construction companies haven’t been interested in how much of their waste is being recycled but that is changing. I have always had an interest in environmental outcomes and have been willing to make the effort to deal with waste, separate it and recycle it into different streams,” Rory says. “Our customers at Jumbo often need products that are produced from the recycled concrete, so we’re able to fill it up at Moreton Bay facility, then drop it off with their Jumbo skip bin, which saves them the cost of an extra delivery.” For more information, visit: www.isuzu.com.au

Jeffries in South Australia has built a transport fleet around a core of Isuzu trucks fitted with compactor bodies that collect organic material. www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 45

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION - TRANSPORT

Waste removal on the up

GCH is a family business that has grown in size, becoming a serious player throughout the region. This growth can be, in part, connected to its partnership with DAF Trucks and PACCAR.

CH is part of Geelong and Coastal Hire. The hire arm of the business has existed since the 1980s and was growing rapidly. In the late 2000s, the company started its Commercial Waste operations as part of its movement into site amenities. Ben Friel is the General Manager at Geelong and Coastal Hire. He has seen the family business change markedly. “We have seen significant growth in the waste removal industry,” Ben says. “The waste side of the business now represents about one dollar in three for us. Five years ago, it would have been a tiny fraction of that. We’ve seen considerable growth in that side

The DAF vacuum truck has been essential to the growth of Geelong and Coastal Hire.

46 / WMR / December 2023

of the business in the past decade. That growth saw us purchase our first vacuum truck. We have since bought three of these trucks, with a fourth coming soon. It reflects the organic growth we have experienced in the region. “There’s enormous scope for the industry going forward.”

DAF TRUCKS This is where DAF Trucks comes in. Through one of its dealers in Melbourne, DAF Trucks has been helping GCH expand its truck network. Currently, GCH has a DAF CF450 and is due to receive an LF290 early in 2024.

The DAF CF range redefines versatility. It includes two, three and four-axle configurations. The range is designed for specialist applications such as concrete pumpers, waste, tippers and tankers. While the exterior dimensions of DAF CF cabs give it excellent manoeuvrability in tight situations, its interior provides a driver environment like no other. Ben is among the many users who understand the difference. He says the DAF CF is the ultimate allrounder and makes an already superior truck better, setting the standard and delivering pure excellence. “We’ve been really happy with DAF Trucks,” says Ben. “I was chatting with the dealer the other day, and we’re looking to get a third truck in soon.” The DAF CF driveline delivers industry-leading fuel economy. The DAF CF features an efficient MX-11 or MX-13 PACCAR engine with enhanced electronics, an optimised TraXon automated gearbox or Allison automatic gearbox and PACCAR high-efficiency rear axles. The DAF CF delivers higher torque at lower revs, resulting in increased fuel efficiency over a wide range of applications and fuel savings that help reduce total cost of ownership. The DAF LF compact design adds to optimal manoeuvrability. Its wheel angles give it the smallest turning circle in its class. The galvanised steel bumper means low susceptibility to damage. The

Under Ben Friel’s leadership, Geelong and Coastal Hire is going from strength to strength.

covers of the new headlights, which can be equipped with optional Day Time Running Lights, are made of highimpact resistant Lexan. “DAF and PACCAR have been great to work with,” Ben says. “We required something that was reliable on the road within three months. In the middle of COVID, that was unheard of. They truly went above and beyond in our dealings. Since then, their after-sales service has been on point. We have never had an issue with them.”

FUTURE IS GREEN Ben believes that the future of the waste industry will be green fleets. He has seen the biggest players in the sector spending considerable sums to invest in improving their environmental footprint. “From what I’m seeing, there’s a desire to minimise the environmental impact,”

he says. “That looks like it will take the form of hydrogen or electric vehicles. I’ve seen several larger multinational companies spending time and money working out how to introduce those vehicles into their fleets.” He also believes that customer interest will drive the shift into a greener industry. It’s entirely possible that local governments could impose European-style emissions standards, starting at Euro 6. These regulations examine various emissions, including nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particular matter. Each of these must be below the stated levels under Euro 6. “They would be enforcing Euro 6 as a minimum standard, which would force some of the older vehicles off the road,” Ben says. “That might push the big multinational companies to

invest further into hydrogen or electric trucks.” The other side of the waste management industry will be the growth of recycling facilities. “I’ve also seen considerable money from the private sector being used to develop recycling facilities,” Ben says. “This is a big shift from everything winding up in landfills. The goal is to recapture everything and repurpose as much as possible, to minimise the environmental impact.” He believes that industry could see more automation, whether in the recycling of materials or the types of vehicles. “I’d assume that there’s going to be a lot of private investment in recycling facilities and technology to help minimise the impact on the environment.” www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 47

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION - CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION WASTE

Sustainable supply A

Alex Fraser has launched its state-of-the-art asphalt plant, co-located with its Epping Recycling Facility in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The commissioning of the new plant has enabled the company to establish its second Sustainable Supply Hub.

lex Fraser’s $15 million stateof-the-art asphalt plant in Epping was commissioned in early 2023. Built alongside the recycler’s 800,000 tonnes per annum C&D recycling facility, the new asphalt plant is the finishing touch to the company’s second Sustainable Supply Hub – a fully integrated facility providing Melbourne’s construction industry with the complete suite of highrecycled materials to build greener roads and rail. The newly commissioned asphalt plant, designed and supplied by Benninghoven, is producing high-recycled, sustainable asphalt – diverting tonnes of waste from landfills and generating more than 30 new local jobs.

“This new plant is already providing Victoria’s infrastructure projects with a reliable supply of quality, recycled materials,” says Peter Murphy, Alex Fraser Managing Director. “Our latest asphalt plant has been specially designed to maximise sustainability outcomes. It can produce high-recycled content asphalt mixes containing up to 70 per cent recycled materials, including reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), glass sand, recycled tyre products, and plastics.”

THE JOURNEY SO FAR Constructed beside its sister plant – a high-volume construction and demolition recycling facility – the production facilities work in tandem to recycle demolition materials into quality

construction materials such as roadbase, aggregates and asphalt. Together, they have created a world-class, integrated, sustainable materials supply hub, further increasing recycling capability and accessibility to sustainable products for Victoria’s Big Build. In addition to the 800,000-tonne capacity of the recycling plant, the new asphalt plant produces up to 350,000 tonnes of Green Roads Asphalt per annum. That makes ‘The Hub’ one of the biggest producers of recycled construction materials in Melbourne’s north. It’s an ideally located source of the recycled roadbase, aggregates, sand and asphalt needed for municipal works throughout Hume, Banyule, and Whittlesea municipalities. It also makes Alex Fraser is a leader in the production of high recycled content asphalt needed to build greener roads.

48 / WMR / December 2023

practical ways to use recycled products in volume to build quality, greener infrastructure,” Peter says.

Alex Fraser’s new asphalt plant in Epping is producing sustainable construction materials and employment pathways.

the site perfect for local Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) and major road projects such as Sunbury Road and Epping Road. “Facilities like these play an important role in reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfill and enable the practical implementation of initiatives like Victoria’s Recycled First Policy,” Peter says.

SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY Civil construction contractors are using Alex Fraser’s Northern Sustainable Supply Hub to source the full range of Green Roads Construction Materials to help achieve the sustainability targets on their projects. Alex Fraser continues to experience strong demand for its sustainable construction materials from major projects, having supplied more than 465,000 tonnes of its Green Roads products to Victoria’s Big Build in the past year. As well as supplying to a wide range of existing projects, the recycled asphalt, roadbase, and aggregates produced at the new ‘hub’ is ideally positioned to support future projects to achieve their infrastructure sustainability targets, such as the Northeast Link and surrounding level crossing removals. SUNBURY ROAD The Sunbury Road Upgrade, by Major

Road Projects Victoria, has resurfaced road sections between Bulla-Diggers Rest Road and Jackson’s Creek. The new road contains up to 40 per cent recycled materials – diverting more than 18,000 tonnes of waste from landfill. Major Road Projects Victoria estimated that 10 Victorian jobs are created for every 10,000 tonnes of waste material kept out of landfill. That will lead to about 3900 jobs over the next decade. The Green Roads Asphalt used to pave Sunbury Road was produced nearby at Alex Fraser’s northern Sustainable Supply Hub and incorporates more than 20 million recycled glass bottles and reclaimed asphalt pavement, reducing carbon emissions by 585,000 kilograms. “The Sunbury Road Upgrade is the latest example of how Victoria is finding

FUTURE OF THE FACILITY A further $13 million upgrade is underway at Alex Fraser’s existing recycling facility. The goal is to improve processing efficiency and enable mass recycling of reclaimed asphalt pavement. This new high-capacity recycling facility will be responsible for feeding the new asphalt plant; helping to ensure it achieves the maximum throughput and consistently high-quality asphalt products. Alex Fraser is well known for its worldclass environmental management and operating standards. As a leader in the production of sustainable construction materials they dedicated to maintaining operational excellence on every site to ensure only positive impacts on the communities they reside in. Awarded by the Clean Air Society for their air quality management approach, Peter says Alex Fraser applies the same principles to managing its sites’ buffers, acoustics, biodiversity, water and energy use, safety, and traffic management in and around its facilities. For more information, visit: www.alexfraser.com.au

The supply of high-recycled asphalt to the Sunbury Road project helped reduce the use of natural resources and the project’s carbon footprint.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 49

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – COMPACTORS

On solid ground

Remediation sites across northern New South Wales and Queensland are shaping up to be an ideal proving ground for the new generation BOMAG soil compactor.

ne bobcat and a small truck gave Nathan Stokes a foothold in the earthworks and demolition industry. Twenty years later and his Queensland-based company Nyanda boasts a fleet of 70 machines – including one of the first new generation BOMAG soil compactors in Australia. The BOMAG BC 473 was put through its paces on site in October and was given the nod of approval by seasoned operators. “When you’re doing heavy-duty work, you need heavy-duty equipment to be productive and efficient. It needs to perform,” Nathan says. “The amount of material the BC 473 can push out exceeded expectations. Durability, build quality and performance are all standouts. “A week on the job and all the talk from operators is positive for what this machine can do and what it’s doing.” BOMAG is a recognised name in compaction technology, providing a range of machines for the compaction of soil, asphalt, and refuse. It also offers solutions supporting recycling, horticultural and earthmoving industries. John Glossat, National Business Development Manager for Tutt Bryant Equipment, sole Australian distributors of BOMAG, says the new generation

The BOMAG BC 473 in action.

50 / WMR / December 2023

BC 473 is an all-rounder that sets new standards in compaction. “BOMAG is at the forefront of cuttingedge developments,” John says. “The BC 473 is equally at home on landfills, with a slight wheel and blade configuration change, or large construction sites, and virtually any material. They also effortlessly cope with highly cohesive soils and rain.” The compactor is designed to compact material in thin to medium layers. It can be adapted to requirements on site with a choice of compaction wheels and dozers. John says only clean tools can guarantee consistent compaction and traction. The BOMAG compaction concept with scrapers, polygon rings and toothed wheels ensures continuously clean working. “The articulating and oscillating centre joint ensures the optimum load distribution and traction on all four wheels,” he says. “Thanks to the wheel offset, the entire surface is covered. Gaps left by the wheel are closed completely on the second pass. “A low centre of gravity and a wide wheelbase provide the necessary stability.” Working across Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Nyanda moves and reuses large volumes of soil and material for site remediation. Getting the right compaction is paramount. Nathan says the technology of the BC 473 is making the job easier for operators. “BOMAG TELEMATIC can track the work the machine is doing, retrieving location and operating data at any time,” he says “Over time, it can define the material you’ve pushed out, can track

where you’ve worked and whether it’s at a suitable compaction so you can move on. “It means you’re not overworking an area and burning more fuel and more time.” BOMAG TELEMATIC automatic reports also provide transparency on fuel consumption, idle times, and potential fleet optimisation, as well as service planning and history. When it comes to servicing, big maintenance doors and easily accessible platform make for short servicing times. Aside from performance, serviceability and aftersales support are why Nathan has put his trust in BOMAG and Tutt Bryant Equipment for the past 17 years. He says a strong working relationship with Tutt Bryant and a “good run” with other BOMAG machinery prompted the recent compactor purchase. He’s experienced little downtime or breakage of BOMAG machinery over the years and says if there is a problem it’s fixed quickly. “We’re straight on the phone and the problem is fixed – you’re not a number down the line,” Nathan says. He encourages anyone in the market for a compactor to look with their eyes open and see what the BOMAG has to offer. “Definitely give it a test drive – get in one and see if it’s the right fit for you. “When you’re buying bigger equipment, it needs to last more than 10 years and be able to do the same job it did the day it was new. We’ve made the right choice with BOMAG.” For more information, visit: www.tuttbryant.com.au

YOUR New GREENER GREEN BIN Service coming soon THE nEW HOME FOR YOUR FOOD SCRAP and Garden Waste EPA.NSW.GOV.AU/SCRAPTOGETHER

WASTE INNOVATION AND RECYCLING AWARDS

Leading the way R

The 2023 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards provided a platform to celebrate industry achievements.

EMONDIS’ Chris Wade claimed the Leader of the Year award at the 2023 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards. The award, sponsored by COG Advertising, capped off a big night for REMONDIS, which also won the Operational Excellence award for its Wollongong facility. The Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards salute the companies and people who make a difference to the industry. Several hundred people joined the 2023 celebrations at a gala presentation hosted by podcaster and comedian Veronica Milsom in Melbourne. Chris, the manager of REMONDIS Wollongong, has long thought that supporting the interests of employees pays dividends for individuals, the wider team and community. Under his watch, the branch supports a range of charitable, community groups and events.

Merri-bek City Council won Outstanding WARR Project: Metro award for its Kerbside Waste Reform (KWR) Project.

52 / WMR / December 2023

Accepting the award, Chris paid tribute to the team he works with. “What we do daily, it’s all about the community,” he said. “It’s a terrific business and I’ve got magnificent staff. “To me, being a leader is about doing everything I can for everyone who works for me. I’ve found if you do as much as you can for your staff, they’ll do as much as they can for you and your business will thrive.” Other winners on the night were:

OUTSTANDING WARR PROJECT: REGIONAL Winner: Disaster Waste Management Project, Scenic Rim Regional Council The Disaster Waste Management Project has delivered a Disaster Waste Management Plan and Waste Services Resilience Road Map, believed to be the first of its kind, to support Scenic Rim Regional Council in reducing the impact of natural disasters on the community.

OUTSTANDING WARR PROJECT: METRO Winner: Kerbside Waste Reform (KWR) Project, Merri-bek City Council. Merri-bek’s KWR Project team planned for and delivered the new four-bin kerbside collection service over a 12-month period. This standardised service is now aligned with Victorian Government requirements. OUTSTANDING FACILITY AWARD — proudly sponsored by CDE Winner: ReSource. Innovative Recycling Solutions, ReSource Pty Ltd ReSource processes all types of e-waste and in many instances, diverts up to 90 per cent of raw materials for reuse. ReSource’s facilities are large enough to handle up to 30 per cent of Victoria’s total e-waste, including low-value materials typically sent to landfills. It has introduced AI-driven battery sorting, proper recycling of alkaline and zinc carbon batteries and high-efficiency recycling for low-value items. It’s the first company in Australia to implement dual-stage activated carbon filters to stop heavy metal or volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions entering the atmosphere during processing. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUCCESS OF THE YEAR — proudly sponsored by Visy Winner: FOGO success with engaged community, Maroondah City Council In May 2023, Maroondah City Council introduced its combined food and garden organics collection service. Subsequent results include a resource

valuable products of recovered carbon black, tyre-derived fuel oil, steel and gas, replacing the need for virgin resources in manufacturing.

Susie McBurney, Executive General Manager - Operations, REMONDIS Australia, and Shiloh Ainuu, Young Professional of the Year.

recovery rate of 69 per cent (from 55 per cent), low contamination and one of the highest participation rates in Australia. The service has seen a 20 per cent diversion of food from landfill.

SMALL CONSULTANCY OF THE YEAR Winner: Oleology LARGE CONSULTANCY OF THE YEAR Winner: KPMG OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD Winner: REMONDIS Wollongong REMONDIS Australia’s Sustainability Targets and Objectives for 2023 commit to working towards zero lost time injuries, reducing injury severity and operational impact, from a 2022 baseline, and reducing Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), from the 2020 baseline. REMONDIS Wollongong currently has an LTIFR of 0.00 and, at 20 August 2023 was 6412 days LTI free. YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR — proudly sponsored by REMONDIS Winner: Shiloh Ainuu, BINGO Industries

Shiloh Ainuu, Operational Excellence Manager, manages a team of more than 30 women at BINGO and has been a voice for women within the industry and BINGO for the past seven years. Shiloh was instrumental in the design and project management of six remotely operated weighbridges, allowing BINGO to service customers 24 hours, six days a week. She has project managed improvements to the material processing plant that resulted in a 10 per cent increase of recycling rates and led a committee of eight people overseeing more than 250 actions from tip floor improvements, maintenance, contractual plant improvements and training improvement to automated settings.

INNOVATION AWARD — proudly sponsored by VEOLIA Winner: Entyr ELT Thermal Conversion Process, Entyr Limited Entyr has developed a low-emissions thermal baking conversion process – rather than the burning of toxic waste – that is controlled within an atmospherically sealed vessel with no chemical intervention. The process has been used to repurpose almost 100 per cent of an end-of-life tyre (ELT) into commercially

WOMAN OF WASTE — proudly sponsored by Re.Group Winner: Jelena Hercegovac, Repurpose It Jelena has a passion for sustainable and environmentally sound solutions. She supports the Repurpose It business in all facets of environmental compliance, risk management and sustainability best practice in her role as General Manager of Environment and Sustainability. Jelena works in collaboration with the Victorian Environment Protection Authority and industry associations to ensure Repurpose It operates as a business set on revolutionising waste management and resource recovery. WIAR Workplace of the Year — proudly sponsored by BINGO Winner: SMEC Australia, Pty Ltd SMEC provides technical expertise and advanced engineering services to resolve complex challenges within roads, highways, rail, metro, airports, ports, urban, water, hydropower and renewable energy markets. It’s consulting expertise is delivered across the project life cycle, from concept, feasibility, planning and design through to construction, commissioning and operation. Leader of the year — proudly sponsored by COG ADVERTISING Winner: Chris Wade, REMONDIS Wollongong Under Chris’ watch the Wollongong branch supports a range of community groups and events including Meals on Wheels, and Lake Illawarra PCYC Indigenous youth programs. Chris has participated in the St Vincent De Paul “Vinnies Sleepout” since 2014. www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 53

WASTE EXPO AUSTRALIA

Facing the challenge L

From standing-room only conference sessions to the bustling exhibition floor, Waste Expo Australia 2023 has been hailed a success.

earn, source, connect – three key words that embodied 2023 Waste Expo Australia. Held in Melbourne across two days in October, the expo was the ultimate showcase of the waste and resource recovery sector, according to Exhibition Director Samantha Martin. Post-COVID, the industry is back stronger than ever – a trend reflected in visitor numbers that were more than 30 per cent higher than 2022. “The waste management and resource recovery industry is on the precipice of significant change that will drive growth in the industry,” Samantha says. “We love hearing from multiple exhibitors and speakers about the encouraging conversations they’ve had at Waste Expo Australia 2023, and the fantastic turnout points to the industry’s strong future. “It’s exciting to see businesses take the opportunities presented to them at events like Waste Expo and really drive their own growth.” Opening the expo, new Victorian Environment Minister Steve

Attendance numbers at Waste Expo 2023 were more than 30 per cent higher than last year.

54 / WMR / December 2023

Dimopoulos said he was keen to progress the work of his predecessors, and those in attendance, to advance the industry towards sustainable recovery. “Right now, as we seek to design waste out from the beginning, improve and increase recycling, and reduce the environmental impacts of production and consumption, the recycling and resource recovery sector are essential to achieving reform,” Dimopoulos said. “There’s a lot of innovation, passion, and ingenuity in this space and to be able to share it at a forum like this moves the needle forward.” Themed Advancing Towards Sustainable Resource Recovery, the conference picked up on important industry topics: local government and policy, commercial demolition and commercial and industrial (CD&CI), circular economy and waste innovation, and waste-to-energy/energy-from-waste. Conference MC Sally Williams, also known as Sustainable Sally, chaired the local government stream and says the tone of the conference and enthusiasm of the attendees was outstanding. “Waste Expo Australia is about collaboration, sharing information and learning from industry leaders,” Sally says. “It’s the perfect environment to meet and talk with people who have tried and tested incredible innovations and to learn from their experiences. “The increase in numbers this year says it all: it’s the perfect forum for the waste and resource recovery sector to showcase how it is working towards developing circular solutions.”

Sebastian Chapman, Executive Director CDS of Recycling Victoria, says the highlight of the conference was in seeing people think about product stewardship schemes and the growing awareness of the circular economy. On the eve of the launch of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, Sebastian spoke on a panel along with leaders from TOMRA Cleanaway, Return It, Visy and MRA Consulting. “It’s always an exciting opportunity at Waste Expo Australia for people to come together – there’s lots of people doing amazing things across the whole of the circular economy and our waste and recycling systems,” Sebastian says. “It provides those opportunities to network, connect and innovate, but also from the government point of view, it’s valuable because it allows us to speak with the sector, from academics to business, community groups and experts. It’s those connections that are so important if we’re going to be successful in building Victoria’s circular economy.” Samantha says it’s important for Waste Expo Australia to be reflective of industry changes and provide a platform for decision makers to come together and solve social issues. “Waste Expo Australia will always enhance the content at the event by targeting new streams as well as the latest technology because I think that’s really going to drive the growth in this sector.” Waste Expo Australia 2024 will be held on October 23-24. For more information, visit: www.wasteexpoaustralia.com.au

CMY

Pure Environmental - Inside Waste Ad_ December Edition.pdf

24/10/2023

2:42 pm

Transforming the Circular Economy C

CMY

Innovative, Sustainable Waste Management Solutions

Scan Code

Pure Environmental is a wholly Australian-owned company founded with the mission to transform the circular economy through advanced resource recovery. We believe in pushing boundaries and challenging norms in waste management, providing exceptional, innovative, and sustainable solutions.

Hazardous & Regulated Waste

1300 652 774

Packaged Chemical Waste

Resource Recovery & Re-Use

info@purenv.au

Organics Recycling

www.purenv.au

PLASTICS AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONFERENCE

Closing the loop on plastic

The atmosphere at the 2023 Plastics and the Circular Economy Conference shifted from frustration 12 months ago to identifying paths forward.

ustralia and Europe are two jurisdictions with potential to achieve full plastics circularity, according to John Richardson. Speaking at the packed 2023 Plastics and Circular Economy Conference, organised by the Society of Plastics Engineers: Australia – New Zealand Section (SPE-ANZ), John said Australia could take advantage of a challenging global economy for polymers if the right policy settings are put in place. The international chemical industry consultant with ICIS (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services) was speaking about the realities, facts and trends in plastics, and fixing the gaps in supply chains. “Global polymers are at the end of their conventional cycles,” John said. “Squeezed margins are a huge issue for industry. It’s facing the biggest supply crisis it’s ever faced. As we see fewer players emerging and industry consolidating, resource holders will dominate global plastic production.” Hamed Ghajarnia, SPE-ANZ President, says this was a marked development from the first conference held in 2022 during which participants released a Communique calling for actions to prevent the loss of another vital industry from Australia. “The 2022 Communique displayed industry’s frustration at a lack of vision, leadership, and government policy, resulting in ‘spinning wheels’

56 / WMR / December 2023

of wasted effort and billions in investment potential,” Hamed says. “There was palpable concern that the industry would close, recycling would fail, and manufacturing would move offshore exposing Australia to great loss and vulnerabilities. “One year later and conference audience debates turned from frustration to concern that more actions are needed and faster to transition industry to a circular low emissions future.” The 2023 conference ran for two days in Melbourne and two half days online. It featured a program of discussion with international leaders, presentations, and debate on required actions for recycling and packaging targets, staged rollout, and levers to improve supply, market pull and economics for plastics and recycling. In opening the 2023 Conference, Helen Millicer, program curator, said it was the only event in Australia that brings together the whole plastic supply chain. “If we have any hope to achieve any circularity, we have to talk as a group, because we know material goes between sectors,” she said. Rating progress on the required actions listed in the 2022 Communique, she noted governments, businesses and industry groups have started, or revealed, potentially generational improvements and investments in policies, targets, infrastructure, stewardship programs and accountability. However, the biggest gap is still improving the economics for effective

management of plastics, both packaging and products. Throughout the conference, panel discussions and keynote presentations described the challenges as megaplants come online overseas, offering more virgin plastic resin and products at low prices that undercut Australia’s manufacturing capacity. The challenges in decoupling plastics production and societal use from high greenhouse gas emissions and virgin oil and gas was also discussed, and there was support for the introduction of betterdesigned products and packaging for long life, reuse and recyclability. This included phasing out non-recyclable polymers, colours, labels and adhesives to improve recovery rates and lower losses and costs. There was also support for extended producer responsibility and collaboration in industry sectors. The voice of the conference participants was captured through activity boards that allowed participants to vote for new recovery and recycled content targets by polymer, consider targets for applications beyond packaging, and suggest a new landfill fee of $200 per tonne for recyclable materials. An analysis activity will be published on the SPEANZ website. The Plastics and the Circular Economy Conference will return October 2024. For more information, visit: www.plastics.org.au

DAF PURE EXCELLENCE

Versatility that’s good for business

Versatility is what distinguishes the DAF range from other trucks in its class. So you need a tipper with performance on challenging terrain? There’s a DAF for that! Whether your needs are long-distance haulage, city distribution, construction transportation, bulk or tank transport, the versatility of DAF keeps you moving, and that’s good for business. Discover more, visit DAF.COM.AU/VERSATILITY

A PACCAR COMPANY DRIVEN BY QUALITY

SEE DAF VERSATILITY IN ACTION

LAST WORD

Cards on the table A

Ken Dickens, Victorian Waste Management Association President, reflects on a successful industry breakfast

panel of senior public executives faced questions about kerbside bin standardisation, regulation, funding and web tools, at a Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) industry breakfast on the opening day of Victoria’s Waste Expo in Melbourne. After delivering the opening speech, Lee Miezis, Chief Executive Officer of Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority, joined a panel discussion with Lorna Mathieson from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Deb Cailes, Recycling Victoria; and Matt Genever, Sustainability Victoria. Lee discussed the importance of a collaborative approach between industry and the EPA in relation to environmental crime – where legal operators are undercut by as much as 50 per cent. Ken says that a fully compliant waste management company cannot provide services at that level of pricing and in 100 per cent of cases where this occurs there is illegal dumping involved. “There has not been one instance in my 40 years in this industry where price has not been an indicator of illegal activity,” he says. “This practise undermines the trust the community has not just in our industry but also the regulators charged with the protection of community environmental health and safety. Not to mention taxpayer-funded clean-up costs that could potentially run in to the hundreds of millions.” Lorna spoke about the standardisation of bins across Victoria which the industry believes is an important move. As people

58 / WMR / December 2023

Ken Dickens, President, Victorian Waste Management Association.

and families move from one council area to another, they will know what material goes into what coloured bin. While it may seem unimportant to the general public, Ken says there is merit in simplifying and standardising kerbside bins across the state. Deb took the audience through Recycle Victoria’s progress in its regulatory regime and the management of the introduction of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme. With the waste and recycling industry now reporting to two regulators, Ken says there’s still work to do to ensure red tape and confusion between responsibilities does not get in the way of progress and innovation. “I have faith that between the VWMA and the two regulators we can work hand in glove to ensure few roadblocks are placed in the way of members as innovation and infrastructure is needed to divert waste from landfill,” Ken says.

Finally, Matt, discussed the little funding that is left in the landfill levy pot. He was honest in his assessment that there will not be much funding (if any) for the industry over the coming year and potentially longer. “To say the VWMA is disappointed with this is an understatement given the waste levy was sold to industry as a pool of funds that would be hypothecated to industry to assist in building the much-needed infrastructure to divert tonnes from landfill and recycle as much material as possible,” Ken says. “Now the newly legislated Circular Economy Act has been passed and is the responsibility of Recycle Victoria, the capital required to meet targets set will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. “It’s important that the definition of waste between the Circular Economy Act and the recent EPA Act, be urgently reviewed as at it stands they have the opposite meaning.”

Waste Management Review 2023 | DECEMBER | ISSUE 80 www.wastemanagementreview.com.au

We love what we do Right across Australia, REMONDIS supports 24,000 commercial and industrial customers to meet their waste collection, processing, recycling and circular economy ambitions. Since 1982 we’ve grown to 1,100 employees across 39 branches from Gladstone to Wingfield, Henderson to Seven Hills. We have the scale and expertise – both local and global – to make a difference and, best of all, we love what we do. T 13 73 73 // remondis-australia.com.au

J-6860 - REMONDIS - WMR full page ad (design).indd 1

23/2/2023 5:12 pm