COVER FEATURE
TAKING CONTROL OF RECYCLABLES With that in mind, the Councils undertook a detailed assessment of the proposed MRF option, and this was carefully weighed against the alternative of continuing to rely on the private sector to process recyclable materials. Both Councils were very clear in their support for the establishment of the new MRF, which will be owned on a 50:50 basis by the two organisations. While for some, the decision to establish a ‘council-owned and operated MRF’ may appear to be a case of ‘Back to the Future’ (many councils around Australia owned and operated their own MRF’s when kerbside recyclables collections were first established over 30 years ago), the decision to ‘take back control’ has been widely lauded by residents and ratepayers as a significant step in the right direction. “Our community is incredibly supportive and overwhelmingly positive about this initiative,” said City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans.
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Waste + Water Management Australia | November 2019
“With so much focus on the impact we all have on the future of the planet, being able to lead the charge in recycling, is so important for our communities.” “Our residents and ratepayers want to know where their recyclables go. The integrity of the kerbside recycling process is critically important to them and to us,” Mayor Evans continued. “The decision to establish our own MRF sends an important message to our residents; that we are serious about providing leadership in waste management and ensuring their waste is being recycled as it should be.” “This new MRF will enable both Councils to directly demonstrate to our ratepayers how we process and sell our recyclable materials, so we can be more accountable to them about how their rates are spent, and where their recycling goes,” Mayor Evans added. The comments were echoed by City of Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Claire Boan, who also spoke about the strong
community support for recycling. “Kerbside recycling is our most visible and valued service to our communities. There are significant reputational, environmental and economic benefits through managing our recycling in our local area,” Mayor Boan said. “Our residents have been incredibly supportive. They want their Councils working hard to improve social and environmental outcomes from the kerbside recycling process.” Growing the Circular Economy was a strong motivating factor for both Councils, especially in terms of the positive impact and opportunities that the MRF can have on the local economy – including opportunities to partner with local businesses to buy locally made recycled products. “Both Councils have a strong commitment to being more sustainable and accountable with our recycling - including promoting and growing the circular economy,” Mayor Boan said. “Through ownership and operation of the MRF, the Councils can direct materials to local recyclers. This will, for example, enable us to sort and process our recyclable waste streams so they can be used in asphalt for local roads, and as the decking planks on some of our accessibility ramps.” Importantly, the shift in focus from a ‘sort and export’ to an on-shore circular economy not only looks set to deliver significant economic benefits, it will also help to reduce the overall environmental footprint of the recycling operations. “We will move as quickly as we can towards a fully on-shore model, while supporting local businesses and local jobs in the recycling industry,” Mayor Boan said. “Both Councils will be continuing to explore opportunities to work with local recycling businesses, to grow the circular economy by turning waste into usable commodities.”