A Melbourne recycler switches things up with an electric shredder.
Inspiring the next generation to harness the power of proper recycling.
“RETHINKING EDUCATION AND REIMAGINING IMPACT MEANS MOVING BEYOND ONE-SIZE-FITSALL SOLUTIONS.”
Cate McQuillen, Co-Founder, mememe production
How
A week’s worth of
in a jar. Could you do it?
A Victorian school
How
e role of
Behind the doors of Western Australia’s
Incinerator
An anaerobic digestion and composting collaboration.
Why Eriez products are a force to be reckoned with.
Jobs that care for people and the planet.
Turning the tide on bike waste, one ip at a time.
A Melbourne recycler switches things up with an electric shredder.
Shredders that are helping to put waste back to work.
Komatsu
Helping Australian recyclers change the landscape for waste tyres. 44
2024 was a landmark year for Fornnax Technology.
e beginning of the year marks the start of a powerful new partnership.
ReGen, Australia’s Circular Resource Expo to make its debut.
What’s in store at the 2025 Australian Organics Recycling Association annual conference.
Behind the scenes of a successful litter project.
Mind your language From the Editor
Words can convey meaning, nuance, and even power depending on the context and audience.
So, in a time when Australia is transitioning to a circular economy and encouraging communities to reset the way they consume and value resources, is it time to change the language around waste?
Waste’s very de nition: a material, substance, or by-product eliminated or discarded as no longer useful or required after the completion of a process – is poles apart from what Australia has been advocating – for materials to be reused, recycled and recovered.
It’s a sentiment industry has expressed for years and a call to action that appears to be gaining momentum.
In February, the leading national representative for the waste and recycling industries – the National Waste and Recycling Council (WRIC) – changed its name to the Australian Resources Recovery Council (ARRC).
It’s a bold move to lead a change in the narrative about how waste is viewed in Australia and re ect the impact and value of the industry.
Australia’s largest industry trade show has also rebranded to re ect the growing importance of circular resources. e Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) is now ReGen, positioning it as a progressive hub for circular economy solutions, rather than just waste and recycling.
And one of the key takeaways from a symposium in Western Australia earlier this year to look at the state’s burgeoning energy-from-waste industry, was the importance of the language used when talking about the technology.
In this edition we take a closer look at the rebrand and the symposium.
Our cover story also deals with resource recovery and encouraging the next generation to view waste as an opportunity. Ecobatt has teamed up with mememe productions to create an educational program for school children nationwide.
We also examine an infrastructure project setting the standard for sustainability, celebrate diverse programs helping people nd meaningful employment in the industry and look at some of the latest technology on o er.
Waste Management Review is available by subscription from the publisher. e rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher
ARTICLES
All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. e Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.
COVER Cover image: Ecobatt
COPYRIGHT
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. e Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every e ort 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. e opinions expressed in Waste Management Review are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.
On the right track
A METRONET project demonstrates how environmental, social and economic principles can align to deliver greener outcomes.
Infrastructure is responsible for a signi cant portion of the global carbon footprint, with estimates suggesting it’s linked to almost 80 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Environment Programme.
In Australia, buildings and infrastructure are directly responsible for almost one third of the nation’s total carbon emissions, and indirectly responsible for over half of all emissions.
But consumer demand for eco-friendly options and a move to circular economy principles is driving sustainability e orts in the built environment.
Buildings and infrastructure are being designed and built to minimise their environmental impact by e ciently using
resources such as energy and water, using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and considering the social and economic implications of projects throughout their life cycle.
METRONET, a multi-government agency that manages the expansion of Perth’s rail network, is leading by example with a program of works aimed at creating a sustainable legacy by embedding environmental, social and economic principles and practices while planning and delivering each project.
A METRONET spokesperson said the METRONET Ellenbrook Line, which opened in December 2024, is an example of how infrastructure projects and precincts themselves can be
shaped to consider current and future sustainability principles.
“ e goal of introducing these circular economy elements was to set a baseline for the next generation of sustainable stations across METRONET.”
e Ellenbrook Line is a 21-kilometre line connecting the city’s north-eastern suburbs to train services and includes ve new stations.
All stations were built to a high sustainability standard with Ellenbrook and Ballajura stations formally certi ed as 6-star-green-star (as built) which is regarded as world leading by the Green Building Council of Australia.
Founded by Green Building Council of Australia in 2003, Green Star
The FOGO trial area at Whiteman Park Station.
was developed for the Australian environment and is an internationally recognised rating system setting the standard for healthy, resilient, and positive buildings and places.
e Ellenbrook Line was certi ed 6-stars for its use of innovative materials, reduced energy and water consumption through construction and operation, incorporating Indigenous design and native plants, and design elements to ensure the station is safe and accessible.
Virginia Castellano, METRONET Project Sustainability Lead, acknowledged the e orts of the team in achieving the rating.
“ is outstanding achievement demonstrates that we are delivering world-leading sustainable transport infrastructure right here in Western Australia,” Virginia says.
“It’s a testament to the e orts of everyone involved, and it is through team collaboration that we have set a new standard for sustainability excellence in Australia.”
PLANTING THE SEED
One of the seven targets set out in the National Waste Policy Action Plan is halving the amount of organic waste sent to land ll by 2030. Key to this is Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling, creating compost and additives to regenerate soils.
e Ellenbrook Line initiated a FOGO trial, with a commitment to use 20 per cent FOGO in imported topsoil for the project’s landscaping.
As FOGO compost is not typically used for native plants (and natives are used in project landscaping), the trial was introduced in a small, landscaped area near Whiteman Park Station. It will continue for multiple seasons with di erent compositions of FOGO/soil conditioner blends monitored across sample native plants.
e root growth of the plants will be carefully recorded, enabling teams to compare all plant and soil compositions, address any concerns, and ultimately identify the most suitable one for longterm sustainability and project durability.
A collaboration between landscaping contractors, regional councils, recovery facilities and soil scientists, the trial is expected to set a precedent that supports the use of FOGO on future projects, giving teams con dence to embrace this and other new materials.
A METRONET spokesperson said that given the limited data available on FOGO compost use on station precincts, speci cally for native plants that are sensitive to high organic content and phosphorus, the data captured will be critical for guiding future use across METRONET projects.
e FOGO trial commenced in March 2024 and used a variety of soil blends, plant species and varied FOGO concentrations. Overall, 460 tonnes of FOGO was used in the trial.
e Byford Rail Extension and Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Projects are reviewing preliminary results to see how they can replicate FOGO blends in guiding their landscaping decisions.
Overall, 460 tonnes of Food Organics and Garden Organics compost was used in landscaping along the METRONET Ellenbrook Line. Images: METRONET
“The goal of introducing these circular economy elements was to set a baseline for the next generation of sustainable stations across METRONET.”
CRUSHING IT
Crushed recycled concrete (CRC), made of concrete debris from construction and demolition projects, is gaining popularity in road bases, pathways, back ll material and as a sub-base for foundations due to its cost-e ectiveness and sustainability compared to virgin aggregates.
CRC is being trialled for the base asphalt layer in Ballajura and Noranda station car parks on the Ellenbrook Line. e use of CRC reduced both materials going to land ll, as well as carbon emissions – it’s estimated that about 0.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are saved by substituting about 16,000 tonnes of virgin crushed rock used as basecourse with CRC.
METRONET says the ongoing trial will be monitored and will facilitate the
wider uptake of CRC in applications that have typically been considered higher risk.
Portland cement is the most common type of cement in general use around the world as a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar and other materials. Its use is responsible for more than eight per cent of global carbon emissions and was one of the Ellenbrook Line project’s most carbon intensive materials.
METRONET aimed to replace a minimum of 30 per cent of Portland cement on poured concrete mixes used on the project. Teams exceeded the target, achieving a 53 per cent replacement rate on average by using recycled content, known as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). SCMs, like ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), a waste
by-product of steelmaking and energy production, reduce the embodied carbon of concrete while providing technical bene ts such as durability, increased strength and reduced early heat.
e project replaced more than 14,596 tonnes of Portland cement with GGBFS, helping exceed targets by more than 20 per cent.
SOUND OF SUCCESS
e amount of traditional concrete used on site was further reduced by installing a hollow core noise wall system that contains 30 per cent less embodied carbon than standard noise wall panels.
About 770 hollow core panels were installed from Gnangara to Ellenbrook.
Aside from carbon reductions, the hollow core walls resulted in a 50 per cent reduction on transport and associated emissions due to their reduced weight.
Reduced installation time, compared to standard noise walls, resulted in a reduction of other environmental impacts such as construction noise, vibration and air quality.
e hollow core panels also had less defects and less wastage compared to standard noise wall panels.
Hollow core noise walls installed along a section of the line contain 30 per cent less embodied carbon than standard noise wall panels.
With its multi-rotor design the Genox J-series pipe shredder easily shreds HDPE pipes of all sizes. When combined with a Genox washing plant and Genox pelletising system, you can truly close the loop on HDPE pipes. Pipe to pellets. Pellets to pipe. This is the circular economy in action. Genox make world-class recycling solutions, for real-world recycling applications.
Challenge accepted
Could you contain your weekly waste in a single jar?
Meet a young woman who took on the challenge and succeeded.
Rosie Starr tries to be mindful of sustainability but admits when she took on Keep Australia Beautiful’s ‘Contain Your Waste’ challenge, she “turned it up a notch”.
roughout the week-long challenge, the 28-year-old from Maryborough, in central Victoria, looked for products with the least amount of packaging –that meant bread in a paper bag from the local market and taking her own container to the butcher.
Plastics, glass, and cardboard were recycled through the council’s kerbside collection, food scraps were composted at home, and elastic bands or bubble wrap were kept for reuse. At the end of the week, Rosie’s entire waste – mostly soft plastics – t inside an empty pickled cucumber jar.
“I was surprised by how little waste we had,” she says.
“I do as much as I can to be sustainable, but the challenge made me
more aware of those cognitive things I do, to excuse myself from not choosing those options all the time.
“It made me think about how much waste I’m producing and how many small choices I’m making every day that produce waste.”
And that, says Laura Carrazza, Head of Community Programs at Keep Australia Beautiful, was the purpose behind the Contain Your Waste challenge.
“ e challenge sparks those ‘aha moments’,” Laura says. “It encourages people to rethink purchasing habits, reduce excessive consumption, and make mindful bin choices.”
Australia generates around 75 million tonnes of waste annually, with 14 million tonnes coming from households and councils alone. Much of this ends up in land ll, where it releases methane – a potent greenhouse gas that harms the environment.
“Australia’s waste problem can feel overwhelming, but as consumers, we’re not just part of the problem – we’re the key to the solution,” Laura adds.
At the same time, litter from singleuse items such as takeaway containers, co ee cups, and plastic packaging, pollutes public spaces and endangers wildlife when improperly disposed of.
e national Contain Your Waste challenge ran from 18-24 November 2024 and invited Australians to rethink
Rosie Starr fit a week’s worth of rubbish in a single jar during the Keep Australia Beautiful ‘Contain Your Waste’ challenge. Image: Keep Australia Beautiful
“Together, we can reduce landfill pressure, conserve resources, and drive change.”
Laura Carrazza Head of Community Programs, Keep Australia Beautiful
consumption habits by aiming to t an entire week’s worth of waste inside a single container of their choice –whether it was a bin, box, or a jar. e challenge was open to individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and community groups. Participants were encouraged to track their waste reduction e orts, share their experiences on social media, and inspire others to join.
participation across social media
highlights how strongly people embraced the challenge.
“When we collectively choose sustainability, like opting for recyclable or compostable packaging, we send a powerful message to industries to adapt,” she says.
“Together, we can reduce land ll
waste footprint. She says seeing the results of the challenge did result in a mindshift.
“We have a big bin at home and haven’t really stopped to think about how often we empty it,” Rosie says. “It was interesting to see how much space our waste took up and I wanted to try and focus on minimising my waste even further.
“I do believe individual actions make a di erence. By doing challenges like this and talking, other people are made aware of issues. It’s one of the ways individuals can create a ripple e ect.”
Rosie aims to bring the same level of intensity to this year’s challenge by
A class act
A regional Victorian primary school is in the early stages of its sustainability journey to become a ResourceSmart school.
For two years, pupils at Poowong Consolidated Primary School in Victoria’s Gippsland region have been learning about sustainability.
At the beginning of 2023, science teacher and sustainability lead Lauren Dobie signed the school and its 115 pupils, from prep to grade six, up to the ResourceSmart Schools program, a Victorian Government program that supports schools to embed sustainability across campus, curriculum and community.
e program can help cut waste, reduce energy and water use, save on bills, incorporate sustainability into the curriculum and bring a new aspect to learning about science.
“Sometimes science can be dry when it’s taught, and because schools and teachers are so busy it can be easy to resort to teaching the same
curriculum on worksheets and repeated experiments,” says Lauren.
“ ose can be fun, but the kids have done them before. So, I have enjoyed using the ResourceSmart curriculum to mix things up.”
e program recognises and rewards schools through Sustainability Certi cation in the form of stars. A star is obtained through the completion of 30 – 40 modules per topic.
ere are ve stars to be collected based on core work, biodiversity, energy, water and waste.
Lauren decides which modules to focus on and when, to t in with the school’s curriculum.
“Some of those can include demonstrating learnings in school assemblies, sharing learnings in newsletters and reaching out to local community groups,” she says.
“We prefer to focus on one area at a time as long as it takes the school to achieve, for the moment for Poowong, that is waste.”
Lauren says since interlacing the curriculum with the ResourceSmart modules she has noticed the children become more engaged and interested in the topics.
“We started o with some of the modules we thought would be easiest for us to do and engage the kids with the program, while ensuring it makes sense for them so they can see the reward instantly,” she says.
“Since working on waste and biodiversity the kids seem to be paying more attention to nature, animals, rubbish and the general condition of the school.
“As part of the biodiversity module we completed an assessment on the health
Poowong Consolidated Primary School has installed several compost bins around the school. Image: ronstik / stock.adobe.com
of our local river, the Bass River. We took a water sample and tested to learn about the health of the water.”
Students from grade two through to six can apply to be part of the studentled green team.
Lauren says this team incorporates student ideas into the school community and everyday practice.
“In 2023 the grade two students implemented compost bins around the school and last year the grade ves and sixes worked on the school’s bin system,” she says.
“ e best part about being a small school is we can all discuss the progress easily and be part of each other’s work.”
WASTE STAR
In anticipation of receiving its rst star for completing the waste section of the program, Lauren says the school is excited about the success of the program.
“Waste is in all of our lives, but you don’t really consider it until it all stacks up in front of you,” she says.
“We have conducted several waste audits across all year levels, which have been amazing. ese audits have been eye-opening for all of us, myself included.
“ e main nding was discovering how much food scraps are discarded in bins, which then kickstarted our compost journey.”
e school now has a compost bay and compost bins which, Lauren says, are actively being used every day.
“In addition to practical work, the students undergo in-class learning to uncover what happens to our food when it goes in the bin,” she says.
Other whole school activities have included participating in the nationwide Clean Up Australia Day event for a second time, as well as an in-school waste free Wednesday.
“ e four school houses are in a competition to have the most waste free lunch boxes in a term. At the end of
the competition the winners will earn a waste free cooking session with me, which they love doing,” Lauren says.
Lauren has enjoyed the steady progress of the program without time constraints to complete modules. She believes this is the best way for schools to implement sustainability without feeling the pressure.
“I love how easy ResourceSmart is to use, and how it can be focused on when convenient for the school,” she says. “It is so easy to keep on track and stay grounded
with it, it is also a great tool to get school parents and the wider community involved.”
Lauren started a parent committee to help keep parents in the loop about upcoming activities and progress.
“ is group has been amazing and very helpful, it has changed the school community in such a positive way,” she says.
“ e group meets regularly to discuss how they can support the school; we are always hoping to get more parents involved.”
The school is about to receive its first star for waste. Image: Poowong Consolidated Primary School
A battery-powered movement
How Ecobatt is inspiring the next generation to harness the power of recycling.
Every day, millions of batteries power our lives – keeping devices running, tools working, and gadgets entertaining. But what happens when they run out of charge?
Too often, they end up in land ll or forgotten in drawers, becoming an unseen yet growing environmental threat. e good news? Recycling them is one of the simplest and
most impactful ways to protect the planet.
at’s where Ecobatt comes in. As one of Australia’s leading battery recycling companies, Ecobatt is tackling this issue
Instilling the importance of recycling from a young age ensures that sustainability becomes second nature rather than an afterthought. Images: Ecobatt
head-on, operating the nation’s largest battery collection network.
But its mission extends beyond recycling – it’s about education and innovation, inspiring the next generation to be loud and proud recyclers.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Batteries are everywhere – from power tools and toothbrushes to wireless earbuds – yet they’re often forgotten once they reach the end of their life.
Doug Rowe, Ecobatt’s Managing Director, says there are still too many people unaware of the risks associated with improper disposal or the environmental harm caused by failing to recycle batteries.
When discarded in land ll, batteries can leach toxic chemicals into the soil and waterways, polluting ecosystems and endangering public health.
Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, present a serious re hazard, with an increasing number of land ll and rubbish truck res linked to batteries that were incorrectly disposed.
“Raising awareness is key to addressing this growing challenge,” Doug says. “By recognising the hidden batteries in everyday devices and ensuring they’re recycled correctly, we can protect our planet, reduce re risks, and recover valuable materials that would otherwise go to waste.”
ACCESSIBLE RECYCLING
With more than 6500 collection points nationwide, Ecobatt aims to make battery recycling easier and more convenient than ever.
Its dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure Australians not only have the infrastructure but also the knowledge to dispose of their batteries responsibly. Doug says that by doing so, Ecobatt is helping to shift public perception – after all recycling shouldn’t feel like a burden, but a shared
responsibility that bene ts all. However, convenience alone isn’t enough. He says awareness and behavioural change are crucial to closing the gap between battery usage and responsible disposal.
Despite Australia generating millions of used batteries each year, only 15.3 per cent are recycled, according to the latest B-cycle Positive Charge Report 2023-24 – a gure that lags behind world leaders such as the European Union (EU). By comparison, in 2022, 46 per cent of portable batteries and accumulators sold in the EU were collected for recycling, marking a signi cant advancement. Since 2009, the volume of collected batteries has doubled, re ecting sustained progress in recycling e orts. Doug says this success is proof that Australia can – and must –do better.
Encouragingly, data from the B-cycle scheme shows that 2,934,533 kilograms of batteries were collected for recycling in 2023-24, highlighting the progress being made. But there’s still a long way to go. at’s why Ecobatt continues to advocate for stronger regulations and greater public participation, driving
Australia towards a future where battery recycling isn’t an afterthought – it’s the norm.
SHIFTING THE MINDSET
ink about the batteries used every day. When the TV remote stops working or a child’s favourite toy runs out of power, we instinctively head to the shop for replacements. We put in the e ort to purchase and use them, so why does recycling them often feel like an afterthought?
It shouldn’t, Doug says. Recycling batteries should be as natural as replacing them.
“ e environment – the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that sustains our food – depends on responsible disposal. Batteries contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused, yet when discarded incorrectly, they pose serious environmental risks,” he says.
While companies such as Ecobatt work to remove barriers and make battery recycling easier and more accessible, true change requires a collective e ort.
Ecobatt has more than 6500 battery recycling collection points nationwide.
Doug says governments, industry leaders, and national recycling schemes must step up to strengthen regulations, improve infrastructure, and drive public awareness.
“Only by working together can we make battery recycling the norm –transforming sustainability from a burden into a simple, everyday habit – one that bene ts both people and the planet.”
BATTERIES IN DEVICES
With battery consumption rising in the digital age, safely collecting and recycling these hazardous materials is more vital than ever.
Ecobatt’s comprehensive recycling process ensures that batteries are recycled responsibly, allowing valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel to be recovered and reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle.
is form of urban mining not only reduces reliance on newly mined resources, but also minimises the
carbon footprint associated with battery production.
To tackle the growing challenge of recycling batteries in devices, Ecobatt has invested in an industry-leading plant speci cally designed to process Batteries in Devices, known as BIDs waste. BIDs waste consists of items such as hearing aids, electric shavers and toothbrushes, wireless headphones, smartwatches and more. is investment ensures that BIDs waste is managed safely and e ciently, preventing hazardous materials from polluting the environment while supporting the transition to a circular economy.
“By keeping battery processing within Australia, Ecobatt is not only improving environmental outcomes but also driving economic bene ts,” Doug says.
“ is includes bolstering Australia’s recycling infrastructure, recovering valuable materials locally, creating jobs, and strengthening supply chain resilience – reducing reliance on overseas processing.”
THE FUTURE
e challenge of battery waste is only growing, and Ecobatt is committed to staying ahead of it. As technology advances and battery usage increases, so does the urgency to develop smarter, more e cient recycling solutions.
Ecobatt is expanding its collection network, investing in cutting-edge recycling processes, and working closely with industry leaders to drive real and meaningful change.
But infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Doug says shifting mindsets is just as critical. Ecobatt is working to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to make battery recycling second nature –a seamless, accessible habit that’s ingrained in everyday life. From introducing specialised recycling bins in more locations to advocating for stronger regulations.
“At Ecobatt, we’re turning discarded and end of life batteries into something valuable again – because the future depends on how we recycle today,” Doug says.
Ariya and Zayden prepare used batteries for safe disposal.
PARTNERSHIP FOR CHANGE
Doug has long been driven by a passion for environmental stewardship – a commitment that led to a meeting with Cate McQuillen, the visionary changemaker behind mememe productions.
eir shared dedication to protecting the planet for future generations ignited a partnership built not on corporate box-ticking, but on genuine action and a desire to drive real change.
rough this collaboration, Ecobatt has joined forces with mememe productions, a creative powerhouse renowned for its engaging, educational content. Together, they are working to reshape how young Australians think about recycling – transforming it from an obligation into an empowered choice. eir mission? To inspire the next generation to proudly declare, “I’m a recycler.”
THE NEXT GENERATION
rough nature-led and fact- lled content, Ecobatt and mememe productions strive to inspire children and their families to act, understanding the simple yet powerful impact of recycling.
e partnership aims to instil in young minds a sense of ownership over their role in protecting the environment, turning passive consumers into active participants in the sustainability movement.
“Rethinking education and reimagining impact means moving beyond one-size- ts-all solutions. It’s about making it matter, starting with caring for nature, connecting that with caring for ourselves,” Cate says.
“It’s about taking a hyperlocal approach – creating change that sticks because it becomes part of identity, culture, and community-driven action. If we’re serious about a climate-safe future and a thriving circular economy, we must go deeper. Fridge magnets and stickers don’t cut it anymore.
“ e story needs to be richer, more relevant, and embedded where real life happens. at’s why we’re excited to partner with the visionary team at Ecobatt – because they get it. With the growing urgency of batteryfuelled res, pollution, and toxic waste, this work isn’t just important, it’s essential.”
Ecobatt and the team at mememe productions recognise that shaping the recycling habits of future generations is key. Children have a crucial role in driving environmental change. Instilling the importance of recycling from a young age ensures that sustainability becomes second nature rather than an afterthought.
By creating a captivating and unique educational program, which they hope to bring to school children right across Australia,
Ecobatt and mememe productions are working towards making the process of learning about battery recycling and the recycling of all the various waste streams, fun, accessible, and engaging. rough the proposed school program, children will be equipped with the knowledge
they need to become recycling advocates in their own homes and schools.
POWER OF RESPONSIBILITY
Doug says the future of battery recycling in Australia depends on education, accessibility, and collective action. Ecobatt is working to make recycling easier, safer, and more e cient, but real change requires everyone – governments, industry, and individuals – to step up.
“By recognising the impact of improper disposal, supporting innovative recycling solutions, and instilling lifelong habits in the next generation, we can turn waste into opportunity and protect our planet for years to come,” he says.
“Ecobatt and Cate share a collective vision for every Australian to embrace this responsibility, taking pride in recycling and making it a seamless part of everyday life.”
e hope?
“To hear people across the country stand together and proudly declare, ‘I’m a recycler’.”
For more information, visit: www.ecobatt.com.au
Cate McQuillen, Co-Founder of mememe productions. Image: mememe productions
Transforming waste management
Luke Holt, Director for Energy in Asia Pacific at Ramboll, discusses the role of energy-from-waste and bioenergy in Australia’s waste journey.
As Australia strives towards an ambitious goal of achieving an 80 per cent recovery rate by 2030, energy from waste (EfW) projects are poised to play a central role.
Luke Holt, Director for Energy in Asia Paci c at Ramboll, says EfW facilities are not only crucial for advancing waste management strategies but also serve as catalysts for broader industrial development and decarbonisation. By facilitating operational synergies and recovering valuable materials
and energy, these projects represent a comprehensive approach to waste management that aligns with the nation’s sustainability goals.
With two projects in Western Australia nearing completion, Luke says the industry is witnessing a burgeoning pipeline of initiatives at various stages of development along the eastern seaboard.
However, inconsistencies in regulatory frameworks across states and a lack of operational references pose challenges.
Key considerations for project success include a thorough understanding of all approval pathways for the facilities and e ective management of recovered resources, such as grid connections and the reuse of aggregates.
Additionally, as waste composition is anticipated to evolve with the implementation of new waste management schemes and regulations, such as food organics and garden organics (FOGO), selecting the appropriate technology and ensuring
The Kwinana Energy Recovery facility. Image: Kwinana Energy Recovery team
design exibility are vital for the longterm success of these projects.
“Understanding future changes in waste composition and incorporating adaptability into project design allows EfW facilities to adjust to evolving regulations and waste streams,” Luke says. “Learning from the implementation of carbon capture and district energy systems in European facilities can also o er a strategic advantage.”
Luke says integration of an EfW facility into a wider waste management or industrial precinct unlocks synergies and e ciency improvements in how the recovered resources are used and how waste is treated. By planning for these innovations now, projects can achieve lower implementation costs in the future and ensure sustainable operational success.
Ramboll, a global leader in engineering and consultancy, has been at the forefront of supporting EfW initiatives worldwide and in Australia.
“Our comprehensive involvement in EfW projects underscores our commitment to advancing EfW technology and providing solutions that align with Australia’s decarbonisation strategies,” Luke says. “As the industry evolves, we stress the importance of creating an ecosystem where all stakeholders – technical experts, commercial entities, and regulatory bodies – collaborate seamlessly to foster the growth and success of EfW projects.”
Alongside EfW, interest in bioenergy, particularly biomethane, has surged. Bioenergy o ers a sustainable solution for managing organic waste streams. Ramboll’s competency team has successfully executed more than 200 bioenergy projects globally, and it is now extending its expertise to Australia.
Luke says recent consultation papers from Victorian and New South Wales state governments underscore the potential for bioenergy to revolutionise food and organic waste management in the country.
Bioenergy projects o er dual bene ts: managing organic waste and producing renewable energy. e energy can take the form of electricity or upgraded biogas for grid injection, as demonstrated in Australia.
By producing electricity or biomethane from organic waste, these projects help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Luke says the growth of the bioenergy sector in Australia opens new avenues for waste management solutions and economic opportunities, including the development of new industries and jobs.
e challenges facing bioenergy in Australia include feedstock sourcing and the siting of projects in relation to feedstock and o take locations. He says it is paramount that feedstock considerations are understood from the early stages of project development.
Advanced technologies such as pyrolysis and gasi cation are increasingly applied to various waste streams locally and internationally. ese technologies enable the conversion of di erent types of waste, such as plastics and organic matter, into valuable products like syngas, bio-oil, and char, which can be further used for energy production or as industrial inputs. As these technologies evolve, they o er promising new methods for sustainable waste management and energy generation.
Luke says Australia’s journey towards achieving its waste recovery and decarbonisation goals is supported by the strategic adoption of EfW and bioenergy
solutions. However, realising this potential necessitates a collaborative e ort from the entire industry.
Technical innovation, commercial viability, and supportive regulatory frameworks are essential to unlocking the full potential of these technologies.
“Ramboll is committed to contributing to Australia’s sustainable future through global experience and local presence. Its comprehensive support for EfW and bioenergy projects spans feasibility studies, design, project implementation, and operational optimisation,” Luke says. “We are dedicated to providing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the Australian waste industry.
“As we move forward, Ramboll calls upon industry stakeholders to join forces in cultivating a thriving ecosystem for EfW and bioenergy. e collaboration between government, private sector investors, and the community is essential to drive progress and achieve a shared vision of a sustainable and decarbonised future.
“By harnessing the transformative potential of EfW and bioenergy, Australia can lead the way in innovative waste management and renewable energy solutions. Together, we can pave the path towards a resilient and sustainable waste industry, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
For more information, visit: www.ramboll.com
Full conversion of Amager power plant in Denmark from coal to biomass, supporting the Danish capital’s carbon neutral goals. Image: Fotograf Carsten Andersen
Invest in the Best to Maximise Revenue
Eriez patented the world’s first Eddy Current Separator in 1969. Today, our full range of recycling equipment can be found all over the globe, increasing recoveries and maximising revenues. Eriez. Always the Right Choice. Eddy Current Separators from Eriez effectively remove non-ferrous metallics from automobile shredder residue (ASR), municipal solid waste (MSW), plastics, glass cullet, electronic scrap, and more.
AMyth busters
A tour of Australia’s first large-scale energy-from-waste facility aimed to set the record straight on concerns surrounding the technology.
ustralia is on the brink of a waste crisis. Without action, New South Wales is predicted to run out of land ll by 2030. It’s a similar scenario in Victoria, where – on current trends –approved land ll will reach capacity in the mid 2030s.
State and Federal governments have poured billions of dollars into projects to increase Australia’s recycling infrastructure and capacity, yet a gap remains when it comes to how to treat residual waste.
Energy-from-waste (EfW), also referred to as energy recovery facilities (ERFs) is proven technology to reduce a reliance on land lls for non-recyclable
or non-recoverable waste. Communities globally have embraced the technology to generate energy and reduce the need for fossil fuels.
When properly managed, EfW plants can emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional land lls, especially when considering the methane emissions that would otherwise be produced.
Yet it is a divisive topic within Australia. Many energy recovery projects have stalled as communities and politicians voice concerns about potential air pollution and health risks.
In 2023, City of Greater Geelong Council wrote to the Victorian planning minister to convey community concerns
regarding a planning application for an EFR facility in Lara, in the state’s northeast. A development licence has been granted for the facility, but community opposition continues.
In 2021, the New South Wales Government released its Energy From Waste Infrastructure Plan outlining where ERFs facilities can and cannot proceed, identifying the West Lithgow Precinct, Parkes Special Activation Precinct, Richmond Valley Regional Jobs Precinct and Southern GoulburnMulwaree Precinct as priority locations to host these operations.
At the time, then Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith welcomed the focus on
The Western Australian event attracted almost every major environmental regulatory agency in Australia, recycling bodies and international waste and recycling commercial providers. Images: Brett Lemin
Parkes, saying identifying priority areas will “give certainty for community and investment”.
However, Lithgow Council continues to battle the decision to include Lithgow as a priority precinct and has made representations to the Deputy Premier, the Minister for Environment and senior bureaucrats.
With Australia’s rst large-scale facility – Kwinana Energy Recovery –now accepting non-recyclable waste in Western Australia, the peak state waste and recycling bodies are keen to dispel the myths surrounding the technology. e Waste and Recycling Industry Association of Western Australia (WRIWA), and Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association (WCRA) New South Wales, hosted an in-depth tour and brie ng at Kwinana on energy recovery in January. e event attracted almost every major environmental regulatory agency in Australia, recycling bodies and international waste and recycling commercial providers.
Brett Lemin, Executive Director, WCRA, says the attendance highlighted the importance peak bodies are placing on energy recovery facilities
“We had so many stakeholders who will in uence ministers and their colleagues in the industry around the table,” he says. “It was clear they are trying to move the industry forward, together, but also maintain the intricacies of state-based federations.
“ ere are myths and rumours that energy-from-waste is a dirty beast that has no place in Australia – it’s quite the opposite. ey’re clean, e cient and help recover material that will otherwise be lost to land ll. It’s part of a cleaner, green future.
“ is symposium put a lot of things in context. is industry is complex and dynamic. A lot of the time you can’t truly understand how a particular piece of technology or process works until you see it, touch it or smell it – hands on is the best way to do it.”
“ e day encompassed a spectrum from the micro to the macro, featuring a range of informative sessions and no question was o the table.”
e event included a technical tour of the 17-storey Kwinana Energy Recovery facility. Owned by Acciona, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy solutions, it is the rst
of its kind in Australia that integrates recovery and reuse of non-recyclable waste with the generation of electricity.
Following the tour, Alistair Jones, Director General of the Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), attended the morning tour, and Adrian Wiley, Executive Director Circular Economy (DWER) gave the afternoon’s key note presentation on the state’s energy recovery regulatory framework.
Attendees were given an insight into Tellus Holdings’ geological repository at Sandy Ridge, which will manage the Air Pollution Control residue (APCr) from the East Rockingham EfW plant, and Blue Phoenix Australia’s incinerator bottom ash processing plant.
Andy Dormer, Ramboll’s Lead Commissioning Engineer for EfW in the Asia-Paci c, also gave an overview of the extensive use and social acceptance of energy recovery plants in Europe – many of which are in major cities.
Michael Bobrowicz, WRIWA Executive O cer, says social licence and location of EfW plants are major hurdles facing proposals in Australia. He believes Western Australia has “uniquely solved the problem” and will be a litmus test for future national projects.
“Western Australia made the decision back in 2011 to locate the facilities in Kwinana. It’s a heavy industrial area with a huge bu er around it. It’s only 38 kilometres from Perth, which is within easy reach for waste companies, but acts as a ‘safe harbour’ for residents.
“We have a lot of con dence that this was absolutely the appropriate place to put it. is plant is going to establish whether there is social licence for similar plants right around Australia.
“ e Western Australian community has accepted that, which means we not only have an opportunity to establish Australia’s rst ever energy
Michael Bobrowicz, Executive Officer, WRIWA, and Brett Lemin, Executive Officer WCRA, on site at Kwinana Energy Recovery Plant.
recovery facility, but we’re starting to establish social licence about where plants can be located. Inevitably, we’re going to see plants not in such protected environments.”
Michael says the use of language also is important when talking about energy recovery. He says the term energy recovery emphasises the value and resourcefulness of the process and highlights the recovery of energy from waste as a sustainable practice, rather than focusing on the disposal of waste.
Ramboll was the owner engineer for the Kwinana project, acting as the owner’s technical advisor. Andy says the global engineering company takes an active role in educating the waste management industry and its associated stakeholders about energy recovery
Participating in the industry tour of Western Australia’s energy recovery ecosystem reinforced the immense
potential the technology holds in advancing Australia’s decarbonisation and resource recovery goals.
“As the nation’s rst large-scale energy recovery facility in Australia, Kwinana Energy Recovery sets a pioneering benchmark and showcases how innovative solutions can address the dual challenges of waste management and energy production,” he says.
“One key takeaway visitors often take from a tour is the transformative potential of energy recovery technology for Australia and the importance of a collaborative approach for success.
e sheer scale of the facility, the high degree of advanced automation, and the complexity of the technology in operation provide a compelling perspective for both regulators and industry stakeholders underscoring the innovation driving this sector forward.
“ e Kwinana facility, which attendees had the opportunity to visit, exempli es what can be achieved when an ecosystem of committed stakeholders collaborates towards a common goal. e journey ahead requires a concerted e ort from the entire industry ecosystem – technical experts, commercial entities, and regulatory bodies –to foster an environment conducive to widespread energy recovery adoption.”
Brett concurred that collaboration is key to moving forward.
“Energy recovery is incredibly important for our members and the state of waste and recycling across this country. We need to embrace this technology,” he says.
“We were very aware that we were hosting the key stakeholders who will be shaping the future of energy recovery in Australia.”
Energy-from-waste plants across Europe are part of the landscape. Image: Inga Nielsen / shutterstock.com
Aggregate gains
Using aggregate derived from waste can raise questions about quality and safety.
Blue Phoenix United Kingdom’s Technical Director Neil Nolan talks about the testing and processing protocols for incinerator bottom ash aggregate.
Energy-from-waste (EfW) has been described as one of the many strategies for Australia to deal with the waste it generates.
For decades, global waste management company Blue Phoenix has assisted energy-from-waste plants realise circular economy outcomes.
Blue Phoenix designed and developed technology that treats incinerator bottom ash (IBA) – the residual material that remains after waste is treated in EfW plants – to extract ferrous and non-
ferrous metals that can be circled back into the economy.
e removal of metals allows Blue Phoenix to transform IBA minerals into a sustainable source of aggregates (IBAA) that can be used for construction and civil engineering projects as a replacement for primary material.
Not only does this reduce the volume of waste that goes to land ll, but it also reduces the demand for the mining of primary resources.
In 2024, Blue Phoenix icked the switch on Australia’s rst IBA plant in Kwinana, Western Australia.
Ian Lynass, Managing Director of Blue Phoenix Australia, has been the driving force behind the plant and developing sustainable and responsible pathways for the reuse of IBAA in Australia.
He and his colleagues in the industry have established the Manufacturers of Incinerator Bottom Ash Aggregate of Australia Association to bring together industry players. e association has created an industry-led Code of Practice for the use and application of IBAA (aggregate) currently being produced in Kwinana Western Australia.
Ian believes IBAA will play a role in road and civil construction. But, he says, there’s a lot of work to ensure it’s done responsibly and sustainably.
“While there’s a willingness to consider recycled material for road building and, construction works and cement-based products, we need to work with regulators to create the most appropriate pathway for reuse,” he says.
“Current collaborative work with industry peers and regulatory bodies is very encouraging in practice, yet much work still needs to be done to create the fully circular approach to this industry.”
Blue Phoenix United Kingdom’s Technical Director Neil Nolan has released a series of social media posts to answer frequent questions about the quality and safety of incinerator bottom ash aggregate.
Ian Lynass, Managing Director of Blue Phoenix Australia. Images: Blue Phoenix
What types of waste are typically incinerated to produce incinerator bottom ash (IBA)?
Municipal Solid Waste makes up 80-90 per cent of the waste that goes into an energy from waste plant – this is the everyday household waste.
e remaining 10-20 per cent consists of commercial and industrial waste, which may include packaging materials, textiles and other nonhazardous residues from manufacturing and businesses.
What materials is incinerator bottom ash aggregate (IBAA) typically made of?
e main constituents contained in IBAA are glass, ceramics, concrete and masonry.
Does using waste mean the resulting IBAA is hazardous?
IBAA is not hazardous. IBA can only be processed into IBAA after it has been tested and con rmed to be non-hazardous.
Strict environmental and safety standards must be met before IBA is allowed to undergo processing, ensuring IBAA is safe for use in construction and other applications.
How does the processing of IBA affect its properties?
Blue Phoenix’s innovative process removes metals, organics, paper and plastic while sizing the material to meet various speci cations.
Splitting the material into various fractions enables more e cient processing and these can be recombined to achieve a grading suitable for use as an unbound material in road sub-base, capping and pipe bedding and as a bound material in concrete based manufacture products such as blocks and pavers.
How is IBAA tested for quality and safety?
IBAA is regularly and routinely tested to ensure that it meets the necessary requirements and standards. is includes testing for plasticity, density, residual aluminium and water absorption.
Ian says Neil’s commentary is
particularly important as Australia embarks on its IBAA journey.
“Blue Phoenix is always keen to share knowledge to develop responsible and sustainable pathways for reuse of IBAA in Australia.”
For more information, visit: www.bluephoenix-group.com
The journey of waste – from household waste to incinerator bottom ash aggregate (IBAA).
Incinerator bottom ash minerals can be transformed into a sustainable source of aggregates that can be used for construction and civil engineering projects.
Sustainable success
An anaerobic digestion and composting project by Sustainable Generation has set a benchmark for municipalities seeking innovative and environmentally responsible waste management solutions.
In 2022, driven by legislation in California (SB1383), Santa Barbara County’s Anaerobic Digester Facility (ADF) began operating to generate renewable energy from the organic portion of municipal solid waste (MSW).
e waste was processed and recovered at the County’s Materials
Recovery Facility (MRF) located at the Tijiguas Land ll.
At the ADF, the organic material underwent a 28-day digestion process during which 50 per cent of the material was recycled back to the beginning of the process, while the remaining 50 per cent was sent for further composting using an open windrow
method. e goal was to convert the residual digestate into high-quality, sellable compost.
Management recognised the need to retro t the operation due to site constraints related to odour control, stormwater management, and litter management associated with open windrow composting methods.
e retro t aimed to eliminate odours and enhance process control. Since odour reduction was the most critical issue, Sustainable Generation, which features the SG MOBILE System with GORE Cover, was selected to run a pilot study.
Brian Fuchs, Global Business Specialist at W.L. Gore & Associates, says GORE Cover has more than 20 years’ experience composting digestate as an additive to existing composters for food organics and garden organics (FOGO), as well as acting as the postAD treatment for nishing digestate to control odour, moisture, re-hygienize, and produce high-quality compost.
TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
Santa Barbara County conducted a rigorous evaluation comparing the SG MOBILE System with GORE Cover against existing open windrow technology and a competing Aerated Static Pile (ASP) system. e study focused on ve key objectives: Odour
The project aimed to convert residual digestate into high-quality, sellable compost. Image: V&P Photo Studio/ stock.adobe.com
mitigation, stormwater control, litter control, recipe optimisation and compost quality.
Brian says the competing system failed to meet performance expectations and could not provide performance data.
In February 2023, Sustainable Generation delivered a demonstration unit, and composting operations began within days. Over a 90-day period, multiple batch tests were conducted to validate the system’s e ectiveness.
Brian says third-party independent testing con rmed 97.5 per cent odour reduction, 98 per cent reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and clear separation of stormwater from leachate during adverse weather events, including atmospheric rivers from the Paci c Ocean.
e system maintained PRFP temperatures and produced stable, high-quality compost.
“ ese results demonstrated the system’s ability to transform organic waste into premium compost while mitigating environmental impacts,” Brian says.
FULL-SCALE IMPLEMENTATION
Following the success of the pilot project, Santa Barbara County moved toward full-scale implementation.
Within ten months, the site transitioned to a fully operational 20-heap SG MOBILE System processing 100,000 tonnes per year.
Brian says the upgraded system improved site conditions, addressed odour concerns, minimised litter accumulation, and enhanced stormwater management.
“As of December 2024, county o cials reported that the odour issues associated with the composting process had been e ectively eliminated,” he says. “Additionally, the project has reduced ecological impacts on
the surrounding coastal area while increasing operational e ciency, setting a new standard for sustainable waste processing.”
A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE
“In the fast-evolving landscape of technology and business, swift decisionmaking is paramount,” says Scott Woods, Founder and Chief Executive O cer of Sustainable Generation
“ e SG MOBILE System addresses this necessity by providing a robust solution designed for rapid deployment and expedited data collection. is system aids in proof-of-concept processes
and accelerates economic buyer decisionmaking. Coupled with our extensive professional services sta and remote serviceability platform, the SG MOBILE System ensures e cient speed-tomarket decision-making anywhere in the world.
“ e rapid shift from a pilot project to full-scale implementation in Santa Barbara County highlights the e ectiveness of Sustainable Generation’s technology and the bene ts of proactive collaboration.”
For more information, visit: www.sustainable-generation.com
A pilot study compared the SG MOBILE System with GORE Cover against existing open windrow technology and a competing Aerated Static Pile system.
Third-party independent testing confirmed 97.5 per cent odour reduction and 98 per cent reduction in volatile organic compound emissions at the Santa Barbara County site. Images: Sustainable Generation
Bare metal
Why Eriez products are a force to be reckoned with, across the recycling industry.
Electronic waste in Australia is growing rapidly, expanding up to three times faster than general municipal waste, according to the Victorian Environment Protection Authority.
Projections indicate a potential increase of nearly 30 per cent by 2030.
While environmental agencies and governments across Australia are working to reduce e-waste, their composition – including valuable
resources such as gold and copper, hazardous substances, and plastics –means they can be di cult to recycle.
Magnets can play a crucial role, enabling the separation of ferrous metals such as iron and steel from other components; essentially acting as a primary sorting mechanism to isolate magnetic materials from non-magnetic ones such as plastics and aluminium.
Eriez, a global leader in separation technologies, has positioned itself as a driving market force, providing solutions across a range of industries including recycling, packaging, aggregate, mining and food.
Among its innovations are suspended magnets, both permanent and electromagnetic, designed to tackle the tough challenges of the recycling industry.
Typically mounted or suspended over conveyor belts, electromagnets remove large pieces of metal that can damage or tear expensive conveyor belts or downstream equipment such as crushers, mills, pulverisers and grinders.
e strength of the magnet also improves product purity for recyclers. Eriez has 23 magnet sizes, 69 standard models and has customised hundreds of special designs for unique applications.
Suspended electromagnets are available in manual cleaning or selfcleaning models. Self-cleaning models have a short belt conveyor built around the magnet to allow automatic removal of metal from the magnet face.
Suspended permanent magnets require no power and have proven to be most e ective for the removal of metals from material on fast moving conveyor
An installed overband magnet. Images: Eriez
belts, including removing nails and screws from waste wood and recovering steel cans from municipal solid waste.
Suitable for separation of wet or dry, as well as ne or coarse materials in large or small tonnages, they can be tted to mobile crushing, screening and shredding machines. e uniquely designed magnetic circuit is long and at, providing a greater area of magnetic coverage with a maximum depth of eld, also with less head room required, thanks to the electromagnet.
Operating advantages include eliminating the possibility of accidental shutdown and shutdown due to power failure, which means the magnet strength never varies.
Features include 200-400-millimetre suspension heights, multiple magnet circuit designs, hydraulic and electric motor options, and a range of sensors
available to suit 500-2000-millimetrewide conveyors as standard, with larger units available upon request.
Two models and con gurations are available – CP permanent magnets and TP permanent magnets. CP magnets use a permanent magnet circuit to provide a continuous and uniform magnetic eld across the feed belt to optimise separation of metal.
e magnet is placed across the conveyor belt. A moving continuous belt surrounds the magnet box. Ferrous material is attracted by the magnet and is held on the belt. As the belt moves clear of the magnetic eld, ferrous metals fall away into bins for collection and disposal.
e TP magnets incorporate a higher strength, dual pole magnet design to o er improved separation of smaller metal.
Self-cleaning models are available in a variety of sizes to meet installation requirements, while manual cleaning models are lightweight and suitable for con ned installations.
For more information, visit: www.eriez.com
Driving the circular economy. Connecting businesses. Building a sustainable future.
Exhibit your sustainable solutions and connect with key buyers and industry leaders from across Australia to drive new business.
Suspended magnets, both permanent and electromagnetic, are designed to tackle the tough challenges of the recycling industry.
Building connections
Social enterprise Green Connect is connecting former refugees with work in the waste industry, delivering on its mission to create jobs that care for people and the planet.
Since its inception, Green Connect has had a strong commitment to the environment and diverting waste from land ll.
e not-for pro t social enterprise, based in Illawarra New South Wales, was formed in 2011 in a bid to solve two of the region’s biggest problems –unemployment and waste.
Under the banner of national notfor-pro t organisation Community Resources, Green Connect has placed hundreds of people in work through an ethical labour hire business in partnership with waste industry organisations.
Over time, many have found direct employment. A great outcome and cause for celebration, says Robert Servine, General Manager for Green Connect.
“We know there are ample work opportunities in the waste industry for people with basic labouring skills, yet it’s meaningful work which contributes to reducing the collective environmental impact,” says Robert.
“When our sta are litter picking local parks, they’re stopping rubbish from ending up in waterways. When they’re standing at a food organics and garden organics (FOGO) picking line, they’re helping produce healthy compost.
“And when sorting waste at a large festival, they’re ensuring waste streams are uncontaminated and successfully diverted from land ll. ese are all meaningful jobs and deserve to be celebrated.”
Green Connect runs work readiness training programs in-house. When trainees are con dent and ready for work experience, they are partnered with waste companies to give them opportunities to apply their training, or they gain rst-hand experience of waste handling by working with Green Connect’s Zero Waste Services, including tasks like waste audits.
Green Connect has placed hundreds of people in work across the waste industry. Image: Green Connect
Robert says many also get a start in the waste industry by working at a public event as a waste educator, engaging with the public and guiding them on what bins to use.
“Some might like this role, or others might prefer to be back of house at a large event, working hard with a team to sort through waste and organise it into recycling, container deposit scheme (CDS) return, land ll and increasingly, food waste,” Robert says.
“Although we work across Sydney, we started in Illawarra. We were fortunate that the original founders of SOILCO wanted to help former refugees by providing work in their plant and opened their doors to our sta . SOILCO remain one of our staunchest supporters, providing us with weekly shifts and over time, have even directly employed some of our people.”
Readiness training covers what Fair Work means, what are Awards, Workers’ Rights, superannuation, Centrelink, work health and safety, workers’ compensation, personal protective equipment and how to wear it properly, how to use a rostering app and how to work as a team.
Robert says it’s 101 information, but it’s protective too.
“While they’re engaged with us, we can ensure their safety, but once they’re out in the labour force we want them to be safe and con dent,” he says.
“Once we’ve covered the ‘soft skills’ we teach them how to litter pick a site, how to separate waste into di erent streams, how to stand at a waste collection point and advise the public on what waste goes where.
“We also cover outdoor labouring skills so sta can elect to work in the waste industry, landscaping or as garden labourers.”
Zero Waste Services is one of Green Connect’s primary enterprises. It conducts waste audits for companies keen to meet their environmental and
sustainability goals. A team of Green Connect casual sta will work with Zero Waste Coordinators to go through volumes of waste to provide objective data that is used to provide clients with a comprehensive waste assessment and strategy on how to reduce waste.
e guidance may result in improved signage, on-site waste education, linking in with recycling companies for managing di erent streams, site management training etc.
“Organisations that commit to engaging us for their waste audits accelerate their move towards a low or zero waste goal, as well as provide our casual sta with meaningful work,” Robert says.
“In addition, our Zero Waste Services operate at public events. We’re often in the basement or back of house rapidly sorting waste into uncontaminated waste streams, educating the public on what to do with their rubbish and litter picking a site after the party winds down!
“Highlights for us have been providing our services for the UCI Road Championships – 100,000 attendees over 17 days generated tonnes of waste. We were able to divert 4.8 tonnes from land ll, as well as donate the proceeds from 20,000 CDS items.”
ere have also been other highlights. In 2024, in collaboration with Mirvac, Green Connect won the Social Traders National Gamechanger Award for the best Social Procurement Impact Partnership.
A national level award organised by member association, Social Traders, it recognised the strong partnership between the two organisations. Since 2020, Mirvac has engaged Green Connect to conduct more than 80 waste audits across its New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory assets.
Employing about 250 casual sta , these audits have provided job opportunities for individuals facing
barriers to employment, including former refugees, and have helped Mirvac reduce waste and mark progress towards its goal of zero waste to land ll by 2030.
In 2024 Green Connect also received a NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Business Food Waste Partnership Grant to work with 125 food businesses in New South Wales shopping centres and educational establishments to avoid, reduce and source separate food waste.
Robert says Green Connect’s casual sta cohort will gain food waste auditing work skills in the rollout of this project and he hopes the organisation can partner with another large shopping centre chain to expand the program to help more food businesses, while providing work opportunities for sta .
“Green Connect, from its inception, has worked to support former refugees nd work in their new homeland. Despite having endured trauma and unimaginable hardship, the majority of our sta are extraordinarily hardworking and keen to get ahead,” Robert says.
“We’ve worked for Cleanaway, Veolia, SOILCO, Select Civil and others, often partnerships which are enduring and result in weekly shifts for our cohort. rough waste industry work, our sta have collectively contributed to positive environmental outcomes that are inspirational.”
Based in the Illawarra, Green Connect has been awarded an Australian Government grant which has allowed it to expand into Western Sydney. Robert says the organisation is making connections with Western Sydney’s waste industries and hopes to nd new opportunities for its sta .
For more information, visit: www.zerowaste@green-connect.com.au
Breaking the cycle
As one of the largest bicycle refurbishers and recyclers in the country, Brainwave Bikes is turning the tide on bike waste, one flip at a time.
Leaving the bike to rust in the backyard doesn’t have to be a reality anymore, thanks to Victoria’s largest recycler and retailer of recycled bikes –Brainwave Bikes.
More than one million used bikes are taking up space in greater Melbourne, half of which end up in land ll, creating more than six million kilograms of waste. Brainwave Bikes was started to take advantage of this “free resource” and to create circular outcomes for unwanted bikes.
Located in Dingley Village, Victoria, the social enterprise, under the umbrella of Brainwave Australia, receives about 50-80 bikes per week to be either recycled and sold through its shop and online,
or to be dismantled for spare parts.
Brainwave Bikes is the work of Paul Bird, Chief Executive O cer of Brainwave Australia, who previously managed more than 900 donation bins across 17 Brotherhood of St Laurence stores, where bikes were not accepted.
In the almost three years it has been operational; Brainwave Bikes has refurbished nearly 7000 bikes – 42 per cent have been resold, the rest have been dismantled for parts and recycled.
Paul says as communities are encouraged to embrace a circular economy, they should be actively looking at reusing bikes.
“Only now are people seeing their bike as something that deserves a second
life and not something to keep stuck in the shed or around the backyard rusting away,” he says.
Brainwave Bikes combines Paul’s admiration for Brainwave Australia, which supports families and children with brain injuries and illnesses, and a desire to tap into the resource of unused bikes.
Unemployed young people supported by Brainwave Australia are given real work experience, training and employability skills to help them transition to mainstream employment.
“I’ve always felt the best intervention we can give young people with various disadvantages is enabling them to get into mainstream employment,” Paul says.
“Over the course of six to nine months, we engage them in a real work environment with training. From day one, they’re treated as workers, not as a program participant, with role modelling from the professional sta team.
“ is type of social enterprise is proven as the only way to break the cycle for unemployed disadvantaged young people.”
THE START LINE
Brainwave Bikes began with an initial partnership with Mercedes-Benz, 99 Bikes, waste management company Cleanaway and WISE Employment.
Cleanaway separates bikes from its usual rubbish collection and delivers them to Brainwave Bikes’ Dandenong storage facility.
Bikes are now increasingly sourced through donations from Mercedes-Benz dealers and 99 bikes stores. Regular
Kieran McMahon, Brainwave Bikes Manager, at the second-hand bike store in Dingley Village. Images: Brainwave Bikes
pop-ups are also hosted at Melbourne University, Monash University, Queen Victoria Market and the RMIT City Campus.
Brainwave Bikes received a grant from Sustainability Victoria to work with all Greater Melbourne local governments and conducted a survey to nd out what each council does with bicycle waste.
“We discovered most Local Government Areas didn’t have bikes listed in their A-Z recycling guide, so we worked with them to include bikes and educate their residents, while attending community events,” says Paul.
“We get involved with all councils to varying degrees, depending on how they would like to promote recycling. Some councils are more active than others.”
Brainwave Bikes has attracted a range of volunteers who are interested and competent in xing bikes – from the local men’s shed, to men recovering from mental health issues to students.
“We also have corporate volunteers who join us. ey are always looking for volunteering opportunities for their teams,” says Paul.
“Our volunteers can undergo basic tasks including dismantling the bikes, cleaning them, moving them around the shop, and pricing them.”
Leading the team is Brainwave Bikes Manager, Kieran McMahon and workshop leader, Vince Attree, Founder of St Kilda Cycles.
Paul says the success of Brainwave Bikes is an example of how initiatives can support both individuals and the wider community while building a circular economy.
Since its origins, the program has diverted 51 tonnes of used bicycles from land ll and saved 600 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
With each purchase made, the team does its best to educate about the importance of a circular economy, especially for hard-to-recycle items.
“Cheaper bikes made overseas and sold at large retail stores are less well made and are a lot harder to recycle because they don’t design them with the intent to change parts easily,” says Paul.
“Similar to the fast fashion world, the quality is so poor that they don’t last that long. at is the biggest challenge.”
With a big push on circularity, Paul believes bike recycling will grow tremendously in the next ve years.
He expects big brands to follow in the footsteps of Decathlon, a French sporting goods retailer that was the rst to o er a program for customers to exchange their old Decathlon bike for credit towards a new bike.
“Progress in Australia is slow, but I think in ve to 10 years it will be commonplace for the cycling industry.”
RIDING SUCCESS
He says 90 per cent of people who enter Brainwave Bikes leave with a bike and are amazed by the quality of the stock.
“People often come in and don’t realise they are used bikes. e store is really a tool to change the attitudes
of people toward buying second hand bikes.”
Paul says customer patterns can be assessed by the 80/20 rule – 20 per cent of people care about a circular economy and want to buy from charities to support a cause, however, if the product or service isn’t any good, they will buy it once, and then not come back again. at’s called the ‘pity purchase’.
It’s the 80 per cent, people who aren’t particularly bothered about buying second hand but want to receive good service and a good product at a good price, that Paul and the team are trying to build.
“We typically have four types of customers. We have students, families, older people returning to cycling and eco conscious people,” says Paul.
“We have a really good product; we just need to nd the best way to provide the service to the market.”
at could include opening a second store in Melbourne’s inner city, opening more pop-up locations, or partnering with more neighbourhood houses and repair cafes.
The Dingley Village warehouse is the hub from where to buy second-hand bikes and is where the team repairs donated bikes.
A smarter approach
A Victorian resource recovery specialist is switching things up with its first electric shredder and it’s proving to be a game-changer.
For more than 27 years, Smart Resources Group has been at the forefront of recycling in south east Melbourne, transforming waste into valuable resources and driving sustainable practices.
Spread across 35 acres, the company handles timber, green waste, builder’s rubble, and concrete, employing 90 sta to turn these materials into products such as boiler fuel, landscaping mulch, and wood bre for particle board manufacturing.
Managing Director Ward Petherbridge says the company’s vision has always been to stay ahead of the curve, and its latest investment – the UNTHA XR3000 electric shredder –is a testament to that philosophy.
“Over the years, we’ve tried just about every type of shredder,” Ward says. “We’ve used horizontal grinders, tub grinders, and diesel-powered machines, but the UNTHA XR3000 is our rst electric shredder. It’s a whole new ball game for us.”
e decision to introduce the XR3000 to operations wasn’t made lightly. Smart Resources Group needed a solution that would not only enhance e ciency but also align with its commitment to safety and sustainability.
“We process about 25,000 tonnes of timber waste annually, and the XR3000 has been a game-changer,” Ward says.
“It’s powered by our 100-kilowatt solar installation, so it’s incredibly e cient. Even though we’re currently running it on a generator while we
Smart Resources Group process about 25,000 tonnes of timber waste annually, Images: FOCUS enviro
install a substation, it’s already far more economical than the diesel machines we’ve used in the past. Once it’s hardwired, the cost savings will be even greater.”
Safety was another critical factor. With wood bre and dust, re risk is always a matter of concern. e XR3000 has no combustion engine, which reduces that risk.
Ward says it’s also quieter and creates less dust because of its slowspeed operation, which makes it safer and more pleasant for the team to work around.
e machine’s performance also has exceeded expectations, particularly when it comes to maintenance.
“Other than adjusting the anvil gap slightly, there’s been virtually no maintenance. It’s the lowestmaintenance shredder we’ve ever operated.”
roughout the process, the team at FOCUS enviro provided outstanding support, ensuring the XR3000 is integrated seamlessly into Smart Resources Group’s operations.
“ e partnership with FOCUS has been fantastic,” Ward says. “Ryan and Robbie have been incredibly responsive – whether it’s servicing or answering technical questions, they’re just a phone call away.
“ e machine’s remote monitoring system is another great feature, letting us troubleshoot issues quickly, often with help from the Austrian team. But honestly, thanks to FOCUS, we haven’t needed much support because everything works so well.”
is reliability is crucial as Smart Resources Group positions itself to meet the rising demand for boiler fuel, a product made from recycled timber that’s increasingly being used to power bioenergy boilers following a big shift away from LPG.
“Boiler fuel is a key focus for us – it’s being used in agriculture, for things
like heating greenhouses, and in industrial applications,” Ward says.
“We expect this market to double or even triple over the next decade.”
As Smart Resources Group looks to the future, the XR3000 is a key part of its strategy to innovate and expand.
“For us, it’s about more than just processing waste. It’s about turning that waste into something valuable and doing it in a way that’s sustainable and e cient. e UNTHA XR3000 has helped us take that to the next level,” Ward says.
Ryan McPartland, FOCUS enviro Product Specialist, says Smart Resources Group’s success with the XR3000 highlights the versatility and reliability of FOCUS enviro’s product range.
e industrial equipment supplier o ers an extensive line-up of waste shredders including slow speed, high speed, single shaft, twin shaft, static, mobile, or even hybrid shredders
to suit various shredding and budget requirements.
“Working with an innovative company such as Smart Resources Group has been a privilege,” says Ryan.
“ e UNTHA XR3000 has transformed their operations by reducing costs, enhancing safety, and aligning with their sustainable goals. It’s exciting to support a business leading the way in resource recovery.”
Ward’s passion for innovation is clear as he re ects on the company’s journey.
“We’ve been in this business for nearly three decades, and we’ve learned a lot along the way,” he says.
“One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to staying ahead of the curve. e XR3000 is helping us do just that.”
For more information, visit www.focusenviro.com.au
The UNTHA XR3000 electric shredder has exceeded expectations.
Cutting waste down to size
Finlay Waste & Recycling shredders are helping to put waste back to work.
As Australia transitions to a circular economy and reduces waste to land ll, demand for products made from recyclable materials is on the rise.
Innovative recyclers are nding ways to recycle what was once considered ‘unrecyclable’. Even consumers are looking at their purchases di erently, with a product’s end life gaining importance.
From garden pots to rubbish bins and ooring, all are recyclable. e challenge is breaking them down into a manageable size.
It’s here that Finlay Waste & Recycling excels. A specialist provider of crushing, screening and processing equipment for waste recycling, mining and quarrying industries, Finlay o ers a range of solutions to e ciently manage waste, ensuring materials are processed as e ectively as possible.
Shredding to size is a critical rst step to ensure materials can be further pelletised, exported, extruded, or even treated for energy-to-waste purposes.
At the front end of the process, slow speed shredders generally provide an output size of 125 millimetres to 150 millimetres with the right settings, but it is often di cult to get
a consistent output, according to a Finlay spokesperson.
A designated mid-speed shredder can achieve uniform sizes at less than 50 millimetres.
e Terex Ecotec TDS V20, distributed by Finlay Waste & Recycling, is a designated mid-speed shredder. Its ability to produce a controlled product size in one pass is of huge bene t to the operator, saving both time and fuel.
e versatility of the TDS V20 means that it can be used as a primary or secondary shredder should the need arise.
Two shafts draw material into the Vecoplan shredding chamber and then over a cutting knife. is gives the material the time and cuts it needs to pass through a series of screens located under the shredder and on the side doors.
Material that doesn’t pass through the screens is reprocessed through the chamber, resulting in consistent material sizes. If the feedstock is not suitable, the inbuilt tramp relief system will alert the operator.
e cutting counter knife sits on an airbag system that drops under unexpected pressure, saving costly repair bills. If a tooth face on the knife
is damaged it can be easily turned with a single bolt.
Access to the shredding chamber is easy and safe. e side doors to the chamber cannot be accessed while the machine is running.
e shafts constantly turn inwards unless programmed otherwise but will reverse when required to allow material to pass in high load. Settings are easily changed depending on material density and load.
e TDS V20 will easily process high-volume amounts of plastics (hard and soft), timber, pallets, green waste, and compost oversize.
A Finlay spokesperson said eld studies and customer feedback point to ferrous recovery being best in class when shredding pallets and compost oversize.
“For those composting and handling large amounts of oversize, it is now not an issue,” the spokesperson said.
Reducing the amount of feed to the machine, allows the TDS V20 to be used as a primary shredder, still producing the same uniform size.
e Ecotec TDS V20 is available as a diesel hydraulic and electric version.
For more information, visit: www. nlay.com.au
The Terex Ecotec TDS V20 cuts through wood waste. Image: Finlay Waste & Recycling
Leading the path to sustainable solutions
With extensive technical expertise, deep local knowledge in Australia, and a proven global track record in pioneering projects, Ramboll is proud to lead the green energy transition in collaboration with our clients and partners.
Over 100 multidisciplinary experts in Australia based in Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne.
Over 50 years of experience in Waste-to-Energy globally.
Has worked on advanced residual waste and anaerobic digestion projects in more than 55 countries.
More than 2500 projects covering services of feasibility study, technical advisor, technical due diligence.
Fully loaded
Designed to be low impact and low emissions; Komatsu Forest equipment underscores a commitment to innovation in forestry machinery.
Cutting edge technology, impressive stability, ergonomics and economy. Four words that have driven the success of Komatsu Forest excavators.
As a leading manufacturer of forestry, construction, mining, and utility equipment, the company can attribute its longevity, in part, to an ability to evolve to meet industry needs.
Komatsu Forest long recognised that the potential of hydraulic excavators for forest/timber applications had not met its true potential. is was especially the case with Komatsu excavators which had a unique compensated load sense hydraulic system suitable for demanding
applications. To enhance these capabilities, the company established a close association with renowned New Zealand companies EMS and Active Engineering. Both brought extensive experience in providing guarding packages, certi ed forest cabins, high/wide undercarriages, and modi ed booms to suit various loading applications.
Unfortunately, over time the demand for superior excavator modi cations led to increasing costs, reaching the point where Komatsu Forest lost its cost advantage over purpose-built track machines.
In response, Komatsu Forest Australia approached Komatsu
Ltd in Japan to collaborate on developing factory-built excavators speci cally suited for forestry, including loading applications.
Factory-installed forestry options would o er a more cost-e ective solution and signi cantly reduce lead times, a growing concern given the high demand.
“With rising local costs, pursuing a factory solution became the clear choice,” says Brett Jones, Managing Director of Komatsu Forest, who has been instrumental in advancing factory-developed solutions. e rst step was to design and manufacture a high-wide track frame with essential features, a relatively
The PC300LL is factorybuilt specifically for forestry. Image: Komatsu Forest
“With
Brett Jones Managing Director of Komatsu Forest
straightforward task, as the PC270LC-8 and PC300LC-8 models already share a standard track frame.
Following this, Komatsu’s factory developed two appropriately sized boom sets for the PC270LL and PC300LL models.
“ ese major enhancements have been game-changers in adapting excavators for forestry applications,” Brett says.
e factory high-wide track frames and boom sets have been installed and eld-tested since late 2020 with
Komatsu Forest receiving exceptional feedback from customers.
e company went on to introduce a heavy-duty cooling package and develop specialised factory-supplied guarding packages.
Brett says the collaboration between Komatsu Forest and Komatsu Ltd, including support from suppliers such as EMS in New Zealand, has resulted in the release of numerous new forestry models to meet various customer requirements. is includes the PC270LL
TURNING WASTE INTO PROFIT
and PC300LL log loaders. e PC270LL has a maximum ground clearance of 865 millimetres and a ground clearance of 1590 millimetres at the counterweight, with a boom reach of 9718 millimetres at the hinge pin.
It features a high-rise rear entry cabin with air conditioning, a seat heater, and an air lter and a high wide undercarriage with track guards and 600-millimetre track shoe width.
It has a working gear forest boom set with internal crane tip hosing, hydrostatic drive method with tow levers and pedals and a maximum drawbar pull of 264 kilo newton.
For more information, visit: www.komatsuforest.com.au
Making light work of off-road tyres
With decades of experience behind it, Eldan Recycling is helping Australian recyclers change the landscape for waste tyres.
Of the 245,000 tonnes of o the road (OTR) tyres that reach end of life in Australia each year, about 10 per cent are recycled, according to Tyre Stewardship Australia.
ere’s an increasing industry appetite to improve those statistics as Australia transitions to a circular economy.
One of the key prerequisites to making sure tyres are recycled, reused, or disposed of correctly is ensuring they can be broken down. eir composition – vulcanised rubber, steel and bre –makes separation di cult.
Recycling OTR tyres pose more challenges due to their size, weight, and
location in remote areas – just one tyre can weigh more than 600 kilograms and be up to four metres high.
Danish-based company Eldan Recycling has almost 70 years’ experience supplying recycling solutions worldwide. More than 1200 complete systems and 8100 individual machines installed globally provide recycling solutions for tyres, cables, e-waste, aluminium scrap, fridges, municipal solid waste (MSW), and more.
Carsten Nielsen, Paci c Area Sales Manager for Eldan, has been part of a recent project to help an Australianbased customer break down OTR tyres,
collaborating with an Italian company to help the client achieve its rubber reduction requirements.
“ e Italian company did the precutting,” Carsten says. “Even that is quite a big chunk – we’re talking about 100 to 150-kilogram pieces. After the Italian company has done the precutting, our equipment chops it down into even smaller pieces.”
e key, Carsten says, is to make sure that the tyre waste is small enough to be used and resold, and in some cases, exported as tyre derived fuel (TDF).
“It can only be 150 millimetres or less. Exporting anything bigger than
There are strict Environment Protection Authority guidelines for the storage of tyre waste at recycling facilities. Images: Eldan Recycling
that is illegal under Australia’s waste export rules.”
e plant is just one of several across Australia currently using Eldan Recycling equipment, including several lines in New South Wales and one in Western Australia.
e new Western Australia facility was commissioned in November 2024, and has since produced its rst 600 kilograms of rubber granules.
Carsten says Eldan worked with the client to ensure everything was in place and nd solutions for several challenges, including a small footprint and where to store tyres before processing to
e decision also had to be made as to how far down the tyres were shredded.
“Do we produce granules, TDF, or do we produce powder?” Carsten says. “Luckily for Eldan, they wanted to do it all, including going all the way down to powder that is used mainly for road construction. We’re doing everything.”
An MT-Rex cutter initially cuts the tyres into manageable sizes before they are fed into the Eldan Recycling line.
e line can process about eight tonnes an hour of OTR tyres, and about 10-15 tonnes an hour of car tyres.
It’s not just rubber that Eldan equipment can recover. Steel in tyres can have high value depending on how it is extracted.
“Steel is quite a valuable product, because you can get anywhere between $200 to $300 a tonne if it’s cleaned correctly,” Carsten says.
“With our system, the purity of the steel is up about 98 per cent compared with 90 to 92 per cent, maybe less, from other systems. And for that product you might get between $20 to $50 a tonne due to the amount of carbon dioxide that will be produced. Our system allows clients to expand and clean the steel.”
The sheer size of off-road tyres can make them challenging to recycle.
Explaining how the system works, Carsten says the steel is cut up with the rest of the tyre in pre-chopping, a device called a rasper then cuts it down to a certain size. When the tyres are cut, it has the e ect of liberating the steel from the rubber.
“ e steel might have a little bit of rubber attached to it when it comes out of the raspers,” Carsten says.
“For example, let’s assume we have a 20-millimetre screen in the rasper – the material falls through; some of the rubber comes out with the steel attached, and some comes out clean and will be picked up by a magnet next to a screener where you are bouncing the rubber and the steel.”
Any steel that is free of rubber will fall through a screen and go out on a vibratory outlet. An air stream will remove the textile (another component of the tyre), the rest is a mixture of rubber and steel.
“You have a double drum magnet that picks out the steel and the rubber will fall through,” Carsten says. “But as you’re picking up the steel to a magnet, you might have some rubber between the magnet and the steel. So, you go to a secondary drum magnet where the steel is airborne because of the magnetic eld. e rubber will fall in between those two magnets.”
Once the initial cycle is completed, any rubber and steel on the top layer of the screener is put back into the rasper to have one more rerun.
Carsten says it’s the system’s combination of screening, blowing and its double drum magnet that makes the product so clean.
“You’re not throwing away any rubber and you have a clean steel,” he says.
Eldan Recycling is hands-on in all aspects of building a line that is t for purpose for clients.
“Almost all of it is being designed and built in-house. With that being said, we are not producing the conveyors and
the small stu . We buy that from a sub supplier, who has been supplying us with belt conveyors for 20 years.”
But it’s not just the equipment and output that sets Eldan apart. Carsten says the value of strong back-up service should never be under-estimated.
“One of the reasons why we convinced our tyre client to buy from us is that we answer all their queries straight away,” he says. “ ey are working with salespeople who
know their stu . My background is as a supervisor for installs when I was younger, and I’ve been working with the technical aspects all my life. We have machines I installed in Australia almost 20 years ago that are still running strong, even after the line was relocated to another factory. Our products and our team get the job done.”
For more information, visit: www.eldan-recycling.com
Eldan Recycling specialises in equipment, including shredders, to break down off-road tyres.
The Eldan Recycling superchopper makes light work of off-road tyres.
Celebrating success
2024 was a landmark year for Fornnax Technology, marked by numerous significant events. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and Chief Executive Officer, shares more on the company’s successes.
Situated in the bustling industrial hub of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, Fornnax Technology specialises in the production of top-tier recycling equipment tailored to the everevolving needs of the recycling sector.
e company provides primary shredders, secondary shredders and granulators for tyres, municipal solid waste, cables, e-waste, aluminium, and other industrial applications.
Last year the company announced an expansion of its Australian operations with an investment in a $3.5 million tyre recycling plant in Melbourne.
When complete, the plant will have capacity to process 10 tonnes per hour, and an annual capacity of 55,000 tonnes, producing 20-25-millimetre steel-free rubber chips.
e expansion is a strategic move to continue to shape the global landscape and o er recycling solutions.
Since establishing the Fornnax brand, Director and Chief Executive O cer Jignesh Kundaria has developed innovative solutions to address gaps in the recycling industry.
e company’s contributions to the industry were recognised when it was
named Best Brand 2024 by ET NOW ( e Economic Times) in December.
Jignesh says an unwavering commitment to quality and local manufacturing has been instrumental in the company’s continued success.
“We are dedicated to pioneering sustainable recycling solutions,” he says.
“Our mission goes beyond merely selling equipment; we are building a lasting business. is philosophy is at the core of who we are.
“ is recognition demonstrates the company’s considerable contributions
Jignesh Kundaria, Fornnax Director and Chief Executive Officer, and Ankit Kalola, Global Head of Sales and Operations, at the ET NOW event. Images: Fornnax Technology
to the industry, rmly establishing Fornnax’s status as an industry leader.”
e ET award acknowledges and celebrates exceptional accomplishments within the recycling machinery manufacturing sector.
e selection process for the ‘Best Brand 2024’ award entailed evaluation of several critical parameters, including brand value, market longevity of equipment, annual turnover, a 30 per cent growth rate, and strong brand recall among industry professionals and customers.
e award was accepted by Jignesh and Ankit Kalola, Global Head of Sales and Operations.
“ is accolade inspires us to continue innovating and developing ground-
trusted stakeholders, and valued customers, and we are grateful to the ET NOW group for this esteemed award. We look forward to leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.
“With this recognition, FORNNAX remains resolute in its pursuit of innovative and e cient recycling solutions, continually striving to create a greener future.”
Jignesh says FORNNAX equipment is built on the premise that the simple, most signi cant and heaviest is better.
While the equipment is described as an evolution of advanced products designed for the challenges of the recycling world, Jignesh says it is the company’s global sales partner network that makes it successful.
Delivers high quality, multi-platform media communications that showcase the world-class performance of the Australian waste management and resource recovery industries.
Waste Management Review is published 11 times a year and contains:
• Interviews with industry leaders
• In-depth profiles on innovative people, facilities and services
• Coverage on international developments
• Updates and analysis on new regulations and policies
• Successful supplier/client showcases
• Details of new-to-market products and equipment.
Ankit Kalola, Global Head of Sales and Operations, and Jignesh Kundaria, Fornnax Director and Chief Executive Officer, accept the Best Brand 2024 award.
Perfect partners
The first day of the new year marked the beginning of a powerful new partnership between Lincom Group and Komptech.
Leading material processing equipment and services supplier
Lincom Group entered an exclusive partnership with Komptech, e ective 1 January 2025.
Komptech equipment is renowned for its high-performance machinery for waste processing solutions including shredders, screeners, compost turners and more.
e partnership is set to enhance Lincom’s portfolio and further strengthen its ability in providing customers with high-quality solutions throughout a network of branches across Australia.
It will also result in increased local support for customers with a range of after-sales service and training available.
Jimmy Murphy, Forestry and Organics Sales Manager, Lincom Group, says the partnership brings forward a new chapter for Lincom Group as it celebrates 30 years in operation.
“ is collaboration with Komptech is a fantastic thing for our business. Culturally both businesses are aligned
with our customer-centric approach to solutions,” says Jimmy.
“Both companies are very intertwined in our visions, and we pride ourselves on customer priority being a focus.”
Lincom Group originated in Narangba, Queensland in 1995. After 30 years of operations, it has earnt its stripes in becoming a trusted provider of industrial equipment solutions across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Paci c Islands.
Jimmy says celebrating 30 years in business is a testament to Lincom Group’s ongoing pursuit of growth and innovation, as is the relationship with Komptech.
TRAINING AND AFTERSERVICE CARE
Towards the end of 2024, Lincom Group implemented a training institute at its head o ce in Narangba, Queensland to continue its growth in the industry. e institute is designed to equip Lincom Group sales and service teams with the latest knowledge on Komptech’s equipment.
Practical training sessions for customers are also held at the institute, providing an extra service to buyers to immerse themselves in the machinery.
Jimmy says the sessions started o as mandatory training for new starters and then progressed to be o ered to customers.
“ e sessions are taught in a classroom environment and used to instil the knowledge we have to others on our machinery,” he says.
“ e customers have the opportunity to engage in this free hands-on experience in a controlled safe environment where they can test, tag, isolate, bridge, bypass, and more on the machines.
“ e training allows them to carry out these functions in a way that isn’t always on o er.”
Jimmy says the training allows the customer to gain a basic understanding of the products, so they can rectify small issues on site without requiring the assistance of a technician.
“ ese sessions provide the customer with a solid grounding on the machines and, more importantly, how to diagnose issues,” he says.
“Customers value this training and community where they can pick up the phone to call a friend and help one another diagnose an issue.”
In the event an issue cannot be solved by the operators on site, Jimmy says an increase in local support is available.
e seven Lincom branches across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia have service personnel on hand and
The Komptech Crambo is a low-speed dual shaft machine for shredding all types of wood and green waste. Images: Lincom Group
are fully stocked with machinery and spare parts.
“ ese depots house technicians and spare parts managers who enjoy engaging with the customers to support them.
Our technicians carry out scheduled maintenance and repairs with fully equipped service vehicles,” says Jimmy.
“We look forward to listening to the customers and providing solutions that suit their needs.”
EXCELLENCE IN MACHINERY
Jimmy says the Komptech product range can handle almost any task in waste processing, whether the job is shredding, separating, or recycling organic waste treatment.
“We have two machines that need no introduction to those within the organics space,” he says. “On o er are the Crambo and Terminator
shredders which have proven popular at organics processing facilities across Australia.
“ ey are available in numerous mobile and stationary versions. Like all Komptech machines, these also come in a range of di erent drive frames and power con gurations.”
Murphy says the Crambo and Terminator machines can be positioned on tracks, wheels a hook lift and have the option to be powered by diesel or electricity.
For more information, visit: www.lincom.com.au
Sustainable Generation® and GORE® Cover, setting the industry standard for odour control and sitewater management.
Komptech provides machinery, including shredders, screeners and compost turners, for
processing solutions.
Welcome to the next generation
Australia’s long-standing event, dedicated to resource management and waste reduction for more than 15 years, is rebranding.
ReGen, Australia’s Circular Resource Expo, will debut at ICC Sydney: International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 23-24 July 2025.
Billed as Australia’s largest gathering of circular resource exhibitors, buyers and thought leaders, the two-day event is set to drive industry transformation.
Organised by Diversi ed Australia, ReGen is an evolution of what was previously known as the Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE).
Ali Lawes, Event Director, says the rebrand re ects the broader role and expanding focus of the event.
“ e name change aligns with the growing importance of circular resources – rethinking and redesigning,” Ali says. “It helps position the expo as a progressive hub for circular economy solutions, rather than just waste and recycling.”
With Australia’s new goal of doubling circularity by 2035, the industry is at a crucial transition point. Ali says ReGen aims to equip and educate industry players to meet this ambitious target by providing insights, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge solutions.
e rebrand also recognises the increasing diversity of stakeholders, from policymakers and corporations to start-ups and students, all working towards a shared vision of sustainability. Attendees can expect a more expansive and inclusive event that goes beyond waste management to address broader circular economy themes. ere will be:
• Diverse cross-sector participation, bringing in thought leaders from new industries.
• A wider range of solutions beyond traditional recycling, including sustainable design, circular procurement, and regenerative business models.
• A stronger focus on collaboration and networking, positioning ReGen as a movement, not just an annual expo.
• Enhanced storytelling and engagement, making exhibitors and visitors central to the event narrative.
“As the largest Circular Resource Expo in Australia, bringing together the biggest names in the industry, ReGen will be a facilitator, not just an event, actively driving conversations, partnerships and solutions,” Ali says.
“It will be deeply interactive, with live demonstrations, panel discussions, and networking designed to foster real action. And it will be a re ection of industry needs, o ering insights and tools for businesses, policymakers, and
ReGen will provide attendees with access to cutting edge solutions for circularity. Images: Diversified Australia
students to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy.”
As part of its evolution, ReGen will incorporate Circularity, Australia’s original circular economy conference, into its 2025 education program.
Since its launch in 2022, Circularity has served as a vital platform for industry practitioners to discuss Australia’s transition to a circular economy.
Ali says integrating Circularity into ReGen will allow the event to reach a broader audience, o ering free sessions on topics such as circular product design and sustainable waste management – ensuring these critical insights remain accessible to all attendees.
For the past three years Circularity has been proudly presented by Planet Ark’s Australian Circular Economy Hub, in partnership with Diversi ed Australia. Planet Ark Chief Executive O cer Rebecca Gilling said the
inclusion of Circularity into ReGen would o er even more impactful opportunities to drive Australia’s circular transition.
“It is a signi cant step forward in promoting circular economy principles on a national scale, in collaboration with the waste and recycling industry,” says Rebecca.
“At Planet Ark, we are thrilled to see Circularity evolve into a broader platform, ensuring critical conversations about sustainable resource management and circular product design reach more professionals and innovators than ever before.
“ is partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in building a circular Australia.”
Ali says the expo’s name, ReGen, represents both the regenerative practices it champions, and the generational transformation required to meet sustainability goals. Early feedback suggests positive engagement
from exhibitors, visitors, and industry stakeholders.
“ReGen is seen as a bold, necessary step that re ects the evolving landscape of sustainability and circular resource management,” she says.
“By embracing a collaborative and forward-thinking approach, the expo is well-positioned to lead the conversation on Australia’s circular economy future.
“ReGen invites participants to ‘Rethink, Redesign, Repurpose, and Renew’ as they contribute to a circular and sustainable future for Australia.”
ere are still opportunities to secure a place at ReGen 2025 and capitalise on the expanding network, collaborative opportunities, and heightened brand visibility. e ReGen team can assist with booking a stand and ensuring you have a prominent presence.
For more information, visit: www.regenexpo.com.au
The new-look expo will be more interactive, with live demonstrations, panel discussions, and networking designed to foster real action.
AORA conference returns
The 2025 Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) annual conference promises fresh insight into the nation’s organics recycling industry.
Each year, organic waste in Australian land lls generates about 13 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide equivalent), equating to about 2.5 per cent of Australia’s total annual emissions, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
e Australian Government’s National Waste Policy Action Plan seeks to achieve an average resource recovery rate of 80 per cent from all waste
streams by 2030 including halving the amount of organic waste sent to land ll by 2030.
e plan commits state and territory governments to roll out food organic and garden organic (FOGO) collection services to metropolitan households and businesses, as well as support the development of infrastructure to process organic waste.
As the national voice for the resource recovery and the organics recycling
industry, Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) champions a future where recycling of organics materials is maximised and optimised.
e annual AORA conference, rst held in Sydney in 2013, has become a principal event bringing industry together to discuss the current state of play, challenges and new opportunities. is year, the event will be held from 3-5 June at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX), New South Wales.
e conference will include keynote speeches, presentations and panels with industry experts.
Re ecting on the success of the 2023 and 2024 conferences, John McKew, National Executive O cer, AORA, says the 2025 event will continue to address the key issues facing the organics recycling industry in Australia.
“AORA prides itself on facilitating the principal conference in Australia, focusing entirely on organics recycling,” John says.
“With the theme, Beyond the Windrow – Building Industry Resilience, the 2025 conference will let attendees explore innovative strategies and technologies that will shape the future of organic recycling.
“I look forward to witnessing the collaboration the conference will bring forward as well as the conversations to be had on exploring how the Australian organics recycling industry can continue
John McKew, National Executive Officer, AORA, opened the 2024 conference in Gold Coast, Queensland. The 2025 event will be held in Newcastle, NSW. Images: AORA
to meet its challenges and continue to grow into a successful and resilient industry in the long term.”
As in previous years, the rst day of the event will be a demonstration day where visitors can witness cutting-edge equipment and machinery demonstrations.
With a variety of machines on site during the demonstration day, and representatives from various manufacturers on hand, this is the chance to get up close to the equipment, compare di erent models, and understand how each piece of machinery can enhance work site operations.
In addition to viewing equipment that demonstrates the latest advancements, attendees can meet with suppliers and experts in the eld, ask questions, and learn about the latest technology
and innovations in the industry. John says this is a unique opportunity for businesses considering a major capital investment in equipment to see, touch and ask questions.
e second day of the conference will include welcoming and opening addresses, plenary sessions, keynote speeches and more.
e plenary program is still under development, but John is anticipating the nal program to o er a rich variety of interesting and thoughtcompelling sessions on key industry issues. ese will include updates on federal and state regulations and legislation, contamination, standards, alternative technologies, market and end-use development and international experiences.
Kathy Kellogg Johnson, known as the “First Lady of Compost”,
will be the keynote speaker. Johnson is the owner of Kellogg Garden Products, a fourth generation, all-organic, garden products company founded in the United States in 1925.
e conference will also include an exhibition centre, providing companies an opportunity to showcase their latest equipment and services in a faceto-face environment.
In addition to the main conference, the conference dinner will be held on the evening of 4 June and, as with previous conferences, there will be plenty of opportunities for informal networking and socialising.
ere are still opportunities available for companies to be involved in the conference.
For more information, visit: www.aoraconference.com.au
The first day of the conference will be a demonstration day where visitors can witness equipment and machinery in action.
Banishing butts in Bathurst
Two targeted campaigns by Bathurst Regional Council are helping the region take a smoke break from litter.
In 2021 and 2022, Bathurst Regional Council in New South Wales launched litter reduction projects with the hopes of decreasing harmful cigarette litter.
With a $35,000 grant from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the rst 12-month project, titled ‘Cigni cantly Reducing CBD Litter’, was a behavioural change and educational project.
It focused on proactive communication and social norming through a social media blitz, advertising, signage, media and enforcement.
e council decreased cigarette littering in the Local Government Area (LGA), increasing binning rates by 87.9 per cent and decreasing cigarette litter by 93.7 per cent.
Following the success of this project the Bathurst Base Hospital asked the council to extend the project, this time focusing on reducing litter on and
around hospital grounds. A second NSW EPA grant of $48,119 helped the council launch “Banishing Bathurst Butts Beyond the CBD.”
omas Sta , Environmental O cer, Bathurst Regional Council, said not only did this project succeed in reducing litter by 85 per cent across hospital and suburban sites, but exceeded all expectations and went on to win a national award.
“Winning the Litter Prevention Tidy Town Award in the 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful Awards was a huge honour for the council and we are all very proud of what both campaigns achieved,” says omas.
“It shows us that we had a real impact on the community and others around the country. Sharing those achievements, methods and preventative actions with the public and other councils has been the biggest takeaway of the experience.”
In the lead-up to the rst campaign, research by the NSW EPA indicated that about 1.32 billion butts are littered in New South Wales yearly. e council found this correlated with its own regional statistics.
“We constantly found large quantities of unlawfully discarded cigarette butts in a number of locations,” says omas.
“ ese areas included public transport terminals, parking infrastructure, thoroughfares and entryways to shopping centres.”
e council was successful in receiving funding through the NSW EPA Waste Less Recycle More initiative and a waste levy grant and went on to implement the rst round of Banishing Bathurst Butts in 2021.
Once the council established a data set of levels of litter in the area, the environmental team began to implement its corrective methods.
“ e data provided us with the capacity to understand the issue before improving landscape health and public amenity across the board,” says omas.
“We wanted to create behavioural change in our city. To do that we looked at education, enforcement and infrastructure strategies.”
He says the council took a “soft enforcement approach” to littering during the rst half of the project.
“We didn’t want to go around penalising people for littering, we wanted to have meaningful discussions to change their behaviours,” he says.
Rodney Wallace, Senior Environmental Officer, Bathurst Regional Council receiving the litter award at the National Tidy Town Awards.
“Research shows that penalising people can be e ective, but not for everyone. So, we came up with the strategy to create educational content instead.”
ese methods included communication through print, screen, radio and social media. Educational signage was delivered through posters, signs and advertisements.
e council also installed cigarette cylinder bins and handed out personalised butt bins during soft enforcement patrols.
“I think a lot of smokers think that they can’t put a cigarette butt in a normal bin because it might cause a re,” says omas. “Having speci c butt bins meant that some of those hesitations had been taken away.
“If council o cers noticed someone littering, they would have a meaningful discussion about the consequences and then would o er them the pocket-sized butt bin.”
e NSW EPA provided a standard survey spreadsheet and framework for the council to use throughout the process. omas says the litter butt check process enabled the council to identify decreases in cigarette litter in key hot spots.
“Our environmental o cers surveyed smokers on a number of important questions,” he says. “ ese included questions like what goes through your mind when you decide to litter, and do you know the implications of cigarette butts going into waterways?
“ e majority of people will want to do the right thing, but there will always be that 10 per cent who don’t care.”
omas says the success of the project is a testament to applying all strategies across the board.
“If people didn’t notice the signage, they would notice the enforcement patrol, and if it wasn’t the enforcement patrol, it was the cigarette bins that stopped them from littering,” he says.
In 2022, the Bathurst Base Hospital senior management identi ed the hospital as a priority area for the campaign.
omas says initial site surveys calculated that up to 4000 butts were being littered on or around hospital grounds each week.
In partnership with the hospital and using a second round of funding from the NSW EPA, the council took on the project as a broader approach to combat littering trends throughout the LGA.
As per the Smoke Free Environment Act 2000 and New South Wales Health Policy, signage on hospital grounds could not be cigarette centric as it may infer that smoking was permitted on the premises, which contradicts policy and legislation.
omas says the hospital, New South Wales Health, NSW EPA and council representatives formed a design group to create graphics that met all objectives. From this partnership non cigarette centric graphics were designed and installed to establish social norming and education.
Another project constraint was the prohibition of butt bins on hospital
grounds due to the same legislation. General waste bins with high exposure graphics were used to direct people to use those bins.
e project slashed litter by 85 per cent across hospital and suburban sites, a brilliant outcome, according to omas.
“ e project resulted in a signi cant reduction in cigarette litter, and it formed a really good partnership between the council, hospital and other stakeholders.”
e council had already established a workforce to combat littering across the entire Bathurst LGA. omas says the success of the campaigns fuelled the council’s long term strategic direction around litter reduction.
“Council has been successful in securing another grant for a litter prevention strategy for the whole LGA,” he says.
“We are also looking forward to employing a sta member who solely works on litter prevention and implementing similar methodologies to reduce litter across the whole municipality.”
Lucas Salmon, Environmental Officer, Bathurst Regional Council, with an educational waste bin and personal butt bin in hand. Images: Bathurst Regional Council
FORNNAX, SR-200HD PRIMARY SHREDDER
The Fornnax SR-200HD primary shredder is more powerful than its predecessor, the standard SR200 model, and is the highest input capacity model in the SR series of machines.
Primarily designed for tyre shredding applications, it can also be used for high-volume municipal solid waste, wood pallets, industrial and commercial waste, and many more.
The SR-200HD is equipped with various proven knives developed by Fornnax. The slow-speed shafts, which produce up to 200,000 newton metres (Nm) of torque, allow it to work with the most challenging materials. This, along with a quick shafts change system, enables the end user to switch from working in one application to another.
Different variants include the SR200 with disc classifier which will provide 60-millimetre to 150-millimetre output sizes to feed downstream equipment.
With a trommel screen, the SR-200HD provides output sizes of 60-80 millimetres suitable for tyre-derived-fuel (TDF) for the cement industry. Without a screen the SR-200HD produces single pass rough shreds up to
REDUCE DOWNTIME.
INCREASE
400 millimetres. The design of 750-millimetre diameter knives and a larger shaft centre, means the SR-200HD has more discharge space to process bulky and highthickness materials such as agricultural tyres, truck tyres and OTR tyres. It is a single-line system that delivers a high output equivalent to three or four smaller lines.
Contact - Ankit Kalola
P +91 9033077711
E info@fornnax.com
W www.fornnax.com
KIVERCO PS122 PICKING STATION
• 4 bay sorting - Recovers clean stone, wood, paper, plastics, card or other recyclable materials at the option of the operator
• Combines air separation, magnetic separation, and manual sorting in one compact unit
• Adjustable belt speed - 1200 mm wide picking belt adjustable to suit waste material and desired recovery required
• The hydraulic jack leg support offers rapid set-up and transport
The Fornnax SR-200HD primary shredder is the highest input capacity model in the SR series. Image: Fornnax
The Volvo CE ECR25 electric excavator is proving that electric excavators match the digging power of their diesel counterparts, combining power with environmental consciousness.
The ECR25’s battery-powered engineering produces no local emissions, eliminating extensive ventilation requirements in material recovery facilities.
At 20kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery capacity, the ECR25’s single-phase technology equates to a six-hour complete charge using standard Type 2 charging. It also boasts advanced three-phase rapid charging when utilising an offboard fast-charger, which equates to 80 per cent capacity in under one hour.
This mini excavator is designed for challenging waste applications and shows its value in demanding applications, adapting well to construction projects of all sizes.
The compact design means indoor demolition and renovation and underground utility work has never been easier. Running 13 decibels quieter than diesel alternatives, the ECR25 allows for work to be done efficiently and effectively in noise-restricted zone operations.
In operation, the ECR25 weighs between 2680 to 2780 kilograms and has a digging depth range of up to 2.76 metres and a dump height capability of 2.96 metres.
HIGH QUALITY RECYCLING EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS
The CE ECR25 is the electric excavator suited for all waste management needs. Image: CJD Equipment
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Let’s get down to business
Australia’s biggest recycling information provider is getting an upgrade as Australian businesses grapple with sustainability. Ryan Collins, Head of Impact and Research, Planet Ark, explains.
Australian businesses are responsible for more than a quarter of Australia’s total waste generation, making them a critical target to improve overall resource recovery. However, commercial and industrial recovery rates actually declined between 2013-14 and 2022-23.
To improve circular economy outcomes for businesses, we must understand the challenges they’re experiencing in managing waste and resources, as well as their motivations to drive more sustainable business practice and the opportunities presented by doing so.
Planet Ark’s upcoming report, Business Attitudes to Recycling and Other Sustainable Behaviours, has found that Australian businesses are increasingly striving to operate sustainably, but signi cant barriers remain to action.
Two of the key barriers to better waste management practices identi ed in the study were lack of awareness of more sustainable disposal options and a perceived lack of access to recycling services.
To help address these barriers, Planet Ark is shortly launching the rst onestop shop for recycling information for both households and businesses across Australia.
e merging of the Business Recycling directory and information website into the well-known Recycling
Near You platform will facilitate greater accessibility to recycling and reuse information for a broader population of Australians and businesses. e aim is to build on the current Australian user base of 1.8 million per year.
PERCEIVED BARRIERS
e soon to be released Business Attitudes to Recycling and Other Sustainable Behaviours report surveyed 255 Australian businesses, revealing a strong intent to adopt sustainable practices.
Most businesses (74 per cent) have implemented policies, strategies, or procedures to reduce their environmental impact, and 71 per cent reported actively seeking information to achieve this goal.
Small businesses lag behind, with only 57 per cent having formal sustainability measures in place compared to 91 per cent of large businesses.
Despite these e orts, many businesses continue to send valuable materials to land ll due to a lack of awareness, convenience, and cost concerns. Among the key barriers cited:
• Awareness and knowledge: Many businesses remain unaware of recycling options for materials such as computer accessories, batteries and co ee pods.
• Access and convenience: A perceived lack of external recycling services and
• Cost and prioritisation: Recycling is often perceived as more expensive than land ll disposal, with businesses citing costs as a signi cant deterrent.
GETTING IT RIGHT
Encouragingly, the report highlights several positive trends with many businesses already engaging in reuse, repair, and recycling initiatives.
For example:
• Recycling: 77 per cent of businesses recycle advertising materials and envelopes, 74 per cent recycle aluminium cans, foil and trays, and
Ryan Collins, Head of Impact and Research, Planet Ark. Image: Planet Ark
72 per cent recycle plastic bottles and o ce paper.
• Reuse and repair: 35 per cent of businesses repair computers, and 42 per cent resell or donate o ce furniture, signalling a shift toward higher-order circular economy strategies.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
A signi cant insight from the research project was the untapped potential in adopting more circular economy strategies, which prioritise reducing consumption, redesigning products, and repurposing materials over traditional recycling.
Although many businesses recognise the bene ts, only 14 per cent reported having a formal circular economy policy or strategy.
Adoption of higher-order circularity actions such as refusing unnecessary materials, remanufacturing products, or refurbishing items remains limited, re ecting a need for greater education and support.
THE MOTIVATORS
Cost savings emerged as the leading motivator for sustainable practices, with 79 per cent of businesses reporting nancial bene ts from
reduced energy consumption.
Other signi cant drivers include:
• Corporate image: 66 per cent of businesses view sustainability as crucial to their public image.
• Customer and sta values: 51 per cent of businesses cited alignment with the values of customers and 67 per cent cited alignment with the values of employees as key motivators.
• Regulatory pressure: 65 per cent of businesses acknowledged the role of government regulations in in uencing their sustainability e orts.
ese motivators should be seen as critical leverage points for encouraging more widespread adoption of sustainable practices by businesses.
To address the barriers and accelerate progress, Planet Ark outlined several targeted recommendations: Build strong education campaigns: Such campaigns would aim to raise awareness of recycling solutions and address barriers and motivators using behaviour change science.
Provide support for SMEs: Programs that o er one-on-one specialist support to help small businesses overcome resource constraints could have a signi cant impact on uptake of sustainability initiatives.
Highlight the cost bene ts: Businesses can only make informed decisions when presented with accurate information, meaning a concerted e ort should be made to demonstrate how circular economy strategies can reduce their operational costs and align with nancial goals.
Strengthen regulations: Government should implement policies which focus on enabling high impact business actions and behaviours that signi cantly reduce Australia’s material and emissions footprints.
THE ROAD AHEAD
e research clearly paints a picture of a business community eager to embrace sustainability but in need of better support and guidance.
By addressing barriers and leveraging motivators, Australia has an opportunity to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Collaborative e orts between government, the business community, and non-pro t organisations such as Planet Ark will be essential in realising this vision.
As businesses continue their sustainability journeys, resources such as the soon to be updated Recycling Near You platform will play a pivotal role in providing the tools and knowledge needed to make meaningful progress.
With the right interventions, Australian businesses can signi cantly reduce their environmental impact while unlocking economic bene ts and enhancing resilience in a rapidly changing world.
is research was conducted with support from the NSW Environment Protection Authority, the Foundation Partner of Planet Ark’s Business Recycling program, and Pollinate, Planet Ark’s strategic research partner.
For more information, email: recycling@planetark.org
Recycling is often perceived as more expensive than landfill disposal, with businesses citing costs as a significant deterrent. Image: Owlie Productions/ shutterstock.com
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