www.insidewaste.com.au
ISSUE 98 | OCT/NOV 2020
The RMF comes as a much needed boost to the industry.
INSIDE 26 Waste 2020 Conference 32 Technology 35 Young Professional
States have waste in their sights AUSTRALIA’S ground-breaking Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) arrived to much applause from the WARR industry in July. Yet, the release of funds is dependent on state governments and industry matching the $191 million Federal commitment, and many of the critical projects it underwrites won’t be realised for another five years. Inside Waste talked to Australia’s state and territory Environment Ministers to gauge the status of their budgets and plans, and how swiftly they can move projects to aid the country’s COVID battered economy. In Victoria, the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio has been tackling a major transformation of the way the government manages the state’s waste, while also enduring the extended Victorian lockdown.
$300 million commitment
Record investment The Victorian Government has announced a record investment of nearly $100 million for industry and infrastructure investment. This includes $49.5 million to strengthen Victoria’s waste and recycling industry and infrastructure, so the state can process more materials locally. This package will initially target investment in infrastructure to collect, sort and process priority materials including plastic, paper, cardboard, glass and chemical waste. In February, the Recycling Victoria Infrastructure Fund (RVIF) made available an immediate investment of $28 million targeting priority materials such as plastics, glass and paper.
Applicants developing business cases D’Ambrosio said that the process for the Recycling Victoria Infrastructure Fund is underway and following the expressions of interest that were
submitted in February, shortlisted applicants are currently developing business cases for their projects. “This package will invest in infrastructure to collect, sort and process priority materials including plastic, paper, cardboard, glass and chemical waste. The package will also consider the infrastructure required to process organic materials, textiles, and tyres. “These are due to be submitted in the coming weeks and until this process is completed, we cannot identify the projects, or the funding requested,” she added. Meanwhile, she believes that the state government is well positioned to continue to drive investment and outcomes in the sector as a result of its record investment. “We will continue to work collaboratively with the Commonwealth and our industry partners to deliver these critical infrastructure projects in a timely manner. “Despite the challenges of current circumstances (COVID), Victoria has continued to drive the delivery of projects outlined in Recycling Victoria, the delivery of household recycling reforms, options for a container deposit scheme that meets Victoria’s needs, the start of our education program on how to recycle effectively, and significant institutional reform,” she added. (Continued on page 22)
A COMPREHENSIVE investigation from the Changing Markets Foundation has revealed a disturbing lack of will by global plastics producers to accelerate their recycling activities in the face of an unprecedented plastic pollution crisis and growing public pressure to address it. In this review of the report, Inside Waste covers the methodology, findings and positive recommendations for policymakers and companies. Badged Talking Trash: The Corporate Playbook of False Solutions, the report spanned 15 countries and regions across five continents and analysed voluntary commitments from the largest plastic polluters, dissected the most prominent group initiatives and revealed how companies across the plastic supply chain, from the oil industry to consumer brands and retailers, act privately. It was prepared by a team of global investigative journalists, researchers and experts, as well as sourcing literature reviews, interviews, freedom of information (FOI) requests and on-theground investigations. The Changing Market Foundation is a global organisation working in partnership with NGOs, other foundations and research organisations, to create and support campaigns that shift market share away from unsustainable products and companies towards environmentally and socially beneficial solutions. (Continued on page 24)
PP: 100024538
ISSN 1837-5618
D’Ambrosio told Inside Waste that Victoria had committed more than $300 million to transform the state’s waste and recycling system through the Recycling Victoria policy and action plan. “As part of the launch of Recycling Victoria, in February we announced close to $100 million to drive research, expand the local processing and manufacturing industry, create more products from recyclable materials and
support new local jobs. “In order to deliver these landmark reforms, we will continue to work closely with the industry, community sectors and local government on these programs. I’d like to thank industry groups and businesses for rolling up their sleeves and getting on board to transform waste and recycling in Victoria,” she said.
Plastic study reveals deep intransience to change
Primary and Secondary systems for Off the Road (OTR), Truck and Passenger tyre recycling Whole tyre export ban opportunities…want to know more? | info@focusenviro.com.au