Waste Management Review November 2024

Waste Management Review

NOVEMBER 2024

2024 | NOVEMBER | ISSUE 90

Turning the tide www.wastemanagementreview.com.au

CDE’s role in Queensland’s landmark recycling facility FEATURES

Striking black gold Status symbol Closing the gap on waste tyres Trailer technology

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32 NORTHERN RECYCLING

The end of 2024 will mark a significant milestone for Alex Fraser’s Queensland facilities, continuing to work towards a cleaner future.

COVER STORY

12

TURNING THE TIDE ON WASTE

A landmark C&D waste plant is helping to pave the way for a sustainable future in South East Queensland.

“WE ARE CHANGING THE PHILOSOPHY. LET’S TREAT IT LIKE A MANUFACTURING FACILITY AND HAVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY PRODUCTS ON THE OUTBOUND.” Daniel Blaser, General Manager Rino Recycling

In this issue Features 06 FEATURE NEWS 10 17 20 22 24

Thousands of tonnes of coffee grounds are being diverted from landfill and given a second chance.

THE BREAKDOWN

Industry’s take on how to improve diversity.

BLACK GOLD

APR Plastics has found a solution for Australia’s soft plastics recycling challenge.

PLASTICS INTO PELLETS

REMONDIS and CEMAC technologies close the gap for soft plastics in Western Australia.

STATUS SYMBOL

Call for transparency on recycled content claims.

PLASTIC PIONEERS

A look at Aerofloat’s impressive resume of projects within Australia.

27 PIPE DREAMS

The benefits of plastic pipes and their importance on the environment.

30 A-GRADE TECH

Transforming the way C&D waste is managed.

43 UPCYCLING REVOLUTION

Efficient waste reduction and upcycling with one machine.

46 SHREDDING SOLUTIONS MPS signs an exclusive distribution partnership.

32 NORTHERN RECYCLING 48 LINE OF THOUGHT 34 COMPANY PROFILE 50 WALKING TALL Alex Fraser’s Queensland facilities mark a significant milestone.

The story behind one of India’s recycling giants.

36 B-CYCLE 2.0

Changes to B-cycle will improve Australia’s battery stewardship.

38 SPARKING CHANGE

How Ecobatt is powering safer battery disposal.

40 CLOSING THE GAP

Filling in the gaps on Australia’s tyre stewardship.

AORA updates its position on Food Organics Garden Organics.

Trailer technology continues to evolve.

52 GREEN MACHINES

Why Les Walkden Enterprises sticks with Peterson.

Regulars

54 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 57 LAST WORD

3 / WMR / November 2024

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

PUBLISHER

Sarah Baker sarah.baker@primecreative.com.au

From the Editor

The good oil on plastics One of the first stories I wrote when I joined Waste Management Review three years ago was about APR Plastics’ ambitious goal to create a circular solution for one of Australia’s biggest contaminants of the kerbside recycling bin – soft plastic.

As a newbie to the industry, I recall being in awe of the technology. Could plastic really be converted to oil to feed our manufacturing industry?

In this edition we revisit APR Plastics as it ticks off a major milestone.

Following the success of a pilot project, APR is building a demonstration plant in Melbourne’s north-west that will turn plastic back to plastic.

Managing Director Darren Thorpe and the team are confident they’ll soon be able to provide Australia’s biggest food manufacturers with the means to produce packaging from fully recycled material.

It’s been a long haul, particularly for Darren who confesses to being “the most impatient person in the world”, but proceeding with caution has been important to ensure the project’s success.

Now as the milestones tick over, Darren’s excitement is palpable. Chatting with him, it’s obvious this is a passion project and he’s determined to make a dent in the billions of tonnes of soft plastics that end up in landfill.

As this edition demonstrates, Darren is not alone. Plastic in all its shapes and forms is a global problem and Australia is playing its role in finding solutions, from avoiding greenwashing to educating about the benefits of lifelong plastics such as pipes and pioneering technology behind plastic recycling.

The focus of our cover story is also no stranger to pioneering. We get a closer look at a landmark construction and demolition waste plant that is helping to pave the way for a sustainable future in South East Queensland.

When you combine the expertise of CDE, Turmec and Rino Recycling with an appetite to flip the narrative on recycling, it can only bring positive outcomes for a cleaner future.

Also in this edition, we take a look at the state of play for battery stewardship, discuss how to improve end-of-life solutions for off-the-road tyres and the latest in construction and demolition waste processing.

Happy reading!

Lisa Korycki 4 / WMR / November 2024

MANAGING EDITOR

Lisa Korycki lisa.korycki@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALIST

Jennifer Pittorino jennifer.pittorino@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OF DESIGN

Blake Storey blake.storey@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN

Laura Drinkwater

BRAND MANAGER

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

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

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ARTICLES

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COVER

Cover image: Rino Recycling

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. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Waste Management Review are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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FEATURE NEWS

Café staff tip the used coffee into a donation bin.

Images: Reground

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Coffee innovation

One bin at a time, Reground is diverting thousands of tonnes of coffee grounds from landfill and giving them a chance for new life.

n 2014 Ninna Larsen was working as a barista at a Melbourne café. It was here she witnessed what she describes as the “broken waste system” and was inspired to turn resources going to landfill into something new.

“This was a time where no one in the hospitality industry was talking about a circular economy and sustainability through the lens of waste,” Ninna says.

“Since the beginning, Reground’s mission has been to turn waste into a resource.”

6 / WMR / November 2024

Reground collects ground coffee and chaff from businesses and diverts it back to the local community for use in a host of circular ideas.

“The drive was really to do something better and to inspire change,” says Ninna.

“Our priority is helping people do better with their resources, we help them put that at the top of their agenda, while mobilising and helping community members to step into the circular economy.

“We enjoy kick-starting and empowering communities to do more with their waste by distributing café coffee waste to them for free. That is how we started and that is how the model still operates today.”

With the support of her boss at the time, Ninna decided to trial her new business idea while still working at the café. She purchased a bin and trialled the service on herself.

“I was testing my own work; I was my own audience in a way,” she says.

It was during this time Ninna worked out her business model. How often she would be required to collect the bin and distribute coffee grounds to the community was determined by her own daily routine at the café.

Ninna says the early days involved figuring out who would take the coffee she was trying to reuse.

“We only concerned ourselves with that question, and only when we had worked that out did we start to think about which cafés we could service,” she says. “Once we discovered home gardeners were the end point, we discovered how much they love it. It is a free resource in bulk.”

Described by Ninna as a simple service, Reground operates on a supplier and end user model.

“We begin by supplying cafés with a bin, the barista will fill that bin full

Ninna Larsen with the first Reground van.

of coffee grounds for Reground to pick up,” she says.

Reground staff pick up the bins on a prearranged frequency, swapping the full bin out for a new one. The full bin is taken straight to a community garden

or individual home gardener, where it is used for an array of things ranging from compost to concrete.

Ninna says offering a direct service with no holding facility avoids unnecessary double handling.

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FEATURE NEWS

“Supply and demand is critical to our model because we can’t ever send anything to landfill or even a big compost facility,” she says.

“We don’t want to do that, so we must ensure that our community can receive it, which means we must have enough active community members.

“Our team will then spend some time with them, getting them out of their houses into their gardens to teach them how to apply coffee in their garden.”

Reground currently has a network of 375 cafés and businesses that is growing every day.

“Over the years we have serviced 900 community members, which means we have been into 900 individual gardens.

“That number always grows but a lot of those are repeat users.”

Ninna says the team is now helping in three gardens every day, evidence, she says the model is reaching far and wide into the community.

“It is a very important community service,” she says.

“Our network of gardens are very close to the cafés that produce the waste, so the model has really connected many cafés with their local communities.

“That is what we call hyper local repurposing of ground coffee, because the supply chain and travel distance is very short.”

Thus far, Reground has diverted 1.7 million kilos of coffee waste from landfill, which Ninna says is a huge achievement.

“All that coffee has been touched by a human hand in such a manual process, but that is the beauty of it,” she says.

“We are in the cafés talking to the baristas and then we’re in the garden, talking to the gardener. It is very human and why it is so engaging.”

CREATING CIRCULARITY Ninna says extending the life of coffee 8 / WMR / November 2024

Ground coffee delivered to an end user.

grounds into garden soil is a true representation of a circular outcome.

“In a circular economy we try to turn waste into something similar to its original state,” she says.

“Coffee grounds, which is organic waste, should be used for something else that is also organic, which would be growing food.”

Hoping to spread Reground’s reach, Ninna is putting out a call to action to big coffee brands who, she says, can do more for the climate.

“Everyone needs to be taking charge and owning this progressive climate action service,” she says.

“If they are not yet working out how to recover or sustainably dispose of their ground coffee, they’re not at all climate smart.”

Three per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions are created

from organic matter being dumped in landfill.

Ninna encourages cafés to get involved in Reground’s mission.

“Because of organic waste’s detrimental nature once it is in landfill, it is critical that we mobilise a much larger community,” she says.

“The priority should be organic first, and then everything else comes second.

“That is why having something like Reground available to do that and also deliver services for the community at the same time is great.”

Melbourne locals who own a garden and would like coffee compost are encouraged by Ninna to get involved and book a coffee delivery through the Reground website. Cafés keen to participate in the program can also reach out.

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OPINION

The Breakdown

‘The Breakdown’ is a monthly column giving industry leaders and decision makers a chance to share their views on topics central to the sector.

This month we asked: “How can industry encourage more diversity?”

Image: iQRenew

Image: TOMRA Cleanaway

Image: ResourceCo

Hannah Partland Site Supervisor, Smart Processed Engineered Commodity Facility, iQRenew

Michelle Mandl General Manager TOMRA Cleanaway

Steph Holland Strategy Delivery Manager ResourceCo

The establishment of an industry-wide mentorship program would allow participants greater exposure to a wide variety of the unique challenges and benefits it presents.

“You cannot be what you cannot see.” – Marian Wright Edelman

Industry has the potential to encourage more diversity through driving awareness of conscious and unconscious bias, coupled with training programs that motivate organisations to seize the benefits of a diverse workforce.

As a young female in our industry, I have been fortunate to receive guidance from key figures who have shaped my career. Their insights have been invaluable in navigating obstacles and seizing opportunities.

An industry-wide mentorship program would not only support individuals like me but also encourage a broader range of perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment that attracts diverse talent to our field.

An adage that has application and truth for the waste and resource recovery industry! Over 20 years I have seen a distinct shift in diversity with government leading the way.

Inclusive and collaborative workplaces in government have set the tone of expectation to the benefit of the industry, enabling the acceptance, and increases in diversity representation.

Having a continued pipeline of new graduates entering the industry will help continue the shift to encourage diversity generally, associations like Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association (WMRR) of Australia absolutely have a leadership role to play here also.

A supportive workplace that drives inclusive culture and supports psychological safety through education and accountability for behaviours leads to a more productive workforce and is more likely to attract and retain diverse talent, which significantly enhances organisational success.

Getting out into the community and talking about the great things we are achieving and how those looking to come into the industry can be supported, is equally as important.

If you or someone at your organisation is an industry leader and would like to be a part of this monthly column in 2024, please get in touch with Editor, Lisa Korycki lisa.korycki@primecreative.com.au 10 / WMR / November 2024

OPINION

Lynsey Walker General Manager People and Culture Repurpose It

Diversity is a key goal for Repurpose It, and we work towards this in several ways.

Image: Repurpose It

There are great organisations that can help, for example we are current members of Diversity Council Australia.

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We are proud to have an equal male to female ratio on our executive leadership team, with a focus on attracting female talent to Repurpose It on all levels.

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COVER STORY

The plant is producing a variety of products that rival quarried materials, including washed fine sand and clean, washed aggregates. Images: CDE

Turning the tide on waste

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A landmark construction and demolition waste plant is helping to pave the way for a sustainable future in South East Queensland.

he commissioning of Rino Recycling’s construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling plant in Brisbane in January 2024 signals a key moment for the future of South East Queensland (SEQ).

It also points to a change in ideology for the waste recycling and recovery company.

12 / WMR / November 2024

General Manager Daniel Blaser is flipping the narrative, viewing the plant as a manufacturing facility producing the highest quality product every day, rather than a recycling centre.

“In recycling you get paid to take waste and try and turn it into something that’s usable, often it doesn’t end up being the highest and best use,” Blaser says.

“We are changing the philosophy.

Let’s treat it like a manufacturing facility and have the highest quality products on the outbound.”

Rino Recycling was established in 2021 by Queensland Recycling Technologies (QRT), a joint venture between Alceon Qld and real estate and private equity investor DCP, through

the purchase of recycling business assets from an existing company based in Eagle Farm.

That purchase provided Rino with all the existing recycling components, and a significant footprint to service the Brisbane market with two commercial waste recycling transfer stations at Pinkenba – Rino’s headquarters – and a river sand quarry at Waterford.

In 2022, Rino Recycling set its sights on transforming its existing facilities into a fully integrated, wholly automated plant, combining the operations of the existing Eagle Farm Road and Main Beach Road sites.

Blaser started as General Manager on day one of the acquisition with one goal; to find “what best practice looks like”.

The objective was to minimise manual handling and maximise efficiency and separation to create the highest quality products.

The result is a global-first recycling plant that incorporates wet and dry processing under one roof.

The hybrid plant is already delivering dramatic improvements to waste recovery rates in the Brisbane metropolitan area and capturing high-value construction materials that would have otherwise been destined for landfill.

Washing experts CDE designed and engineered the wet processing solution that’s integrated with the Turmecsupplied dry processing system.

Daniel Webber, CDE Australasia General Manager, says the groundbreaking plant will make important contributions to SEQ over the coming years.

“SEQ is in the early stages of a significant investment period. Over the next two decades, we’re going to see a real upturn in construction to support the development of major infrastructure and large-scale capital projects,” Webber says. “The SEQ City Deal is creating a more connected, prosperous

and sustainable region and this plant will be one of the primary supply lines to help deliver on those aims in an economic and environmentally sustainable way.”

The $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal is a long-term collaboration between the three levels of government – Federal, State, and the Council of Mayors SEQ – to deliver 29 commitments aimed at generating long-term benefits for the SEQ region. Currently home to 3.8 million people, the region’s population is expected to rise by more than 40 per cent by 2041, according to the South East Queensland City Deal Implementation Plan, July 2023, making it one of the fastest growing areas in Australia.

Alongside major capital investments to support population growth, such as a new Brisbane Metro station at Woolloongabba, other key areas of investment in the SEQ City Deal include resource recovery infrastructure.

“Rino Recycling is ahead of the curve in this respect. This plant is really

leading the charge towards a circular economy and flying the flag for C&D waste as a viable alternative to virgin quarried materials,” Webber says.

Blaser adds: “We truly believe this plant to be one of SEQ’s crown jewels for sustainable construction. It’s a beacon of sustainability, not only for this region but for any fast-developing region that recognises economic growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment.”

POWER OF COLLABORATION Designed to minimise the need for operator intervention, the interconnected system melds CDE’s expertise in materials washing with Turmec’s experience in dry recyclables to accept a wide range of variable waste streams, including commercial skip and bin waste, C&D waste, hydro excavation waste, concrete, and excavated fills.

Linked by a network of conveyors, waste materials transition seamlessly between the wet and dry systems without manual input.

Inspecting the finished product at the South East Queensland plant.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 13

COVER STORY

“Let’s treat it like a manufacturing facility and have the highest quality products on the outbound.”

Daniel Blaser General Manager Rino Recycling

First, feed material is processed via Turmec’s tried-and-tested dry mixed recyclables plant to separate fines and remove contaminants before passing through CDE’s advanced wet processing plant to produce a range of washed and graded recycled sand and aggregate products.

“This really is uncharted territory,” Webber says. “It’s the first time two systems of this kind have been brought together in this way, under one roof.”

A CLEANER FUTURE The fully-automated facility has a maximum processing capacity of 475 tonnes of C&D waste per hour – equivalent to 1.5 million tonnes per

year – and while the plant has only been operational for months it is expected to reach full capacity in the next 12-18 months, according to Blaser.

“We’re currently operating at about 50 per cent of our total capacity, but this is steadily increasing to the point we anticipate reaching full capacity by the end of 2025,” he says.

“A major component of the work we’re doing is about educating the industry around the potential of recycled construction materials. We’re making a very strong case in favour of recycled sand and aggregate. More and more companies are adapting and as that increases so too will our capacity to meet that growing demand.

Some of the team behind the wash plant: Simon Machin, CDE Accounts Manager, Jason Hartmann, CDE Business Development Manager, Daniel Webber, CDE General Manager and Dan Blaser, Rino Recycling, General Manager.

14 / WMR / November 2024

“We see a greener, cleaner future just over the horizon and are steadfast in our commitment to see it realised.”

C&D waste accounts for 38 per cent of all waste generated in Australia.

In 2020-21 the sector produced 29 million tonnes of waste, according to figures from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Blaser says while many people recognise the high recycling rates and environmental, social and governance benefits of the plant, he says there is currently no financial benefit for the use of recycled products.

The tide is changing, and he continues to advocate for a nationwide recycled first policy with a focus on three caveats – recycled products must be used if they meet specifications and pass all testing requirements, if they are available, and if they are no more expensive than virgin materials.

“If we created a recycled first policy, quarries and other landfills are likely to invest in recycling because they have an end market,” he says.

“Ultimately that’s what we’re trying to achieve.”

Webber says the plant has the capacity to turn the tide on waste.

“The plant has the capacity to give resource recovery rates a healthy boost and help accelerate progress towards a circular economy.”

The plant is also helping drive down carbon emissions.

“Historically in this region trucks had to travel considerably long distances to access resource recovery facilities. It essentially made waste recycling a costprohibitive exercise,” Webber says.

“This solution and its proximity to Brisbane’s Central Business District – the beating heart of many major infrastructure projects – will help reduce the sector’s carbon footprint by tackling the waste burden, repurposing materials, and limiting the need to extract new raw materials.”

To date, the Rino Recycling plant has saved more than 29,000 tonnes of carbon entering the atmosphere, the equivalent to planting 435,663 trees and taking 5863 cars off the road, according to calculations by Queensland Economic Advocacy Solutions. By the time the plant is at full capacity in 2027-28, the emissions saved will be close to 45,000 tonnes a year.

WATER NEUTRALITY Adding to the plant’s sustainability kudos, CDE’s industry-leading water management and recycling means up to 95 per cent of the water passing through the wash plant is recycled and immediately recirculated for reuse in the system.

This is made possible by a closedcircuit configuration of CDE’s AquaCycle thickener, holding tanks for recycled water and sludge, and a filter press.

Operating in unison alongside the core processing plant is the addition of CDE’s HYDRO:TIP, which handles

Up to 95 per cent of the water passing through the CDE wash plant is recycled and immediately recirculated for reuse in the system.

non-destructive digging (NDD) muds with ease and efficiency.

With the HYDRO:TIP, Rino Recycling can process waste mud cost-effectively while recovering recycled materials. Clean water from the vacuum waste is also recovered.

This top-up water, coupled with that recovered by CDE’s water treatment process, means the plant is totally water self-sufficient.

“Achieving water neutrality is no small feat, but the benefits both economically and environmentally are huge,” Webber says.

“From water permits and environmental assessments, to water scarcity and increasing pressure from population growth, insufficient water supply can drive up operational expenditure. The value of construction materials increases significantly when washed, so a water neutral plant reduces costs and helps produce products that command a premium.”

The plant is producing a variety of high-quality products that rival quarried materials, including washed fine sand and clean, washed aggregates ranging in size from five millimetres through to 40/70 millimetres.

Blaser says the Rino plant is one of a few in Australia that is recycling concrete and heavies and washing the aggregates on the other end.

CDE’s new Australian headquarters, located in Stapylton, just 30 minutes

from the Rino Recycling facility, is helping to increase return on investment and plant optimisation.

Pete Neely, CDE’s regional CustomCare manager, says that throughout installation and commissioning, CDE had a local team of installation professionals, project managers, technical and electrical experts overseeing the job.

“That service level continues postcommissioning,” he says.

“Our CustomCare team is providing responsive on-the-ground support and our proximity to the facility means spare parts are available locally with short lead times, all of which is helping reduce downtime, lower shipping costs, and lower operating costs while boosting productivity.”

Rino is aiming for a 97 per cent recycling rate and is currently sitting at 95 per cent. Blaser says the last fourto-five per cent are “tricky” but that’s the challenge.

“We’re not going to be satisfied until we get there,” he says.

“The first part of this journey is to get the facility up to capacity and ensure we have a great team.

“The second part is to try and expand our offering – looking at more things we can recycle and some other products.”

For more information, visit: www.cdegroup.com www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 15

FEATURED TOPIC – PLASTICS RECYCLING

Striking black gold

APR Plastics has found a solution for Australia’s soft plastics recycling challenge.

A

chip packet back to a chip packet. That would be nirvana for Darren Thorpe and the team at APR Plastics.

The Victorian-based company, a sister company to Australian Paper Recovery and APR Kerbside, is pioneering recycling technology in Australia that will give soft plastics a second life.

And Darren is confident they’ll soon be able to provide Australia’s biggest food manufacturers with what they need to produce packaging from fully recycled material.

Following the success of a pilot project that turns soft plastics into oils for plastic remanufacture, through a process known as pyrolysis, APR is scaling up the process.

The company aims to commission a demonstration plant in Bacchus Marsh, in Melbourne’s north-west, early 2025 and a sorting facility in Dandenong by mid 2025.

“This is the first time in Australia that pyrolysis has been used to turn plastic back to plastic,” says Darren, APR Managing Director.

“We’re taking a product made from fossil crude and turning it back into recycled content that can be used repeatedly. These products are used to create a new circular economy – that excites me.”

Australia uses about 70 billion pieces of soft “scrunchable” plastics such as food wrappers each year, according to the Department of Climate Change,

Energy, the Environment and Water.

One million tonnes of that annual plastic consumption are single-use plastics, 84 per cent of which is sent to landfill and only 13 per cent is recycled.

The National Plastics Plan sets a target of 70 per cent of plastic packaging to go on to be recycled or composted by 2025 and to have at least 50 per cent of recycled content within packaging.

The collapse of in-store collection service REDcycle in November 2022 forced the packaging and recycling industries, and government, to look at how to build ongoing sustainable pathways for soft plastic.

Darren says that after glass, soft plastics is the biggest contaminant of kerbside, yellow-topped bins in Victoria. He’s made it his mission to keep soft plastics out of landfill and has

been working on a recycling solution since 2019.

Most soft plastics, such as chip packets and chocolate wrappers, are multilayered. The outside is polypropylene, but the inside is barrier film that protects the integrity of the food. Traditional mechanical recycling processes cannot separate the layers, so soft plastics have been considered a contaminant.

APR’s process will separate the polypropylene from the barrier film.

The polypropylene will be turned into a vapour and then condensed into an oil which will be sent to a refinery to be further processed so it can be reused in food-grade plastic products.

A prototype pyrolysis machine was installed at APR’s Dandenong South facility in 2022 to test the process and the oil production.

An artist’s impression of the soft plastics recycling facility. Images: APR ChemCycle

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 17

FEATURED TOPIC – PLASTICS RECYCLING

A prototype pyrolysis machine was installed at APR’s Dandenong South facility in 2022 to test the process and the oil production.

Darren says that pilot program, run with Victoria Environment Protection Authority approval, provided insights into the quality of material required and the best way to move forward.

APR also worked with several companies, including on-demand recycling service RecycleSmart, the Curby Program in New South Wales and South Australia, and local councils with the National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS), to determine the best collection program to make it easy for residents to participate in soft plastics recycling.

The new sorting facility, which will give APR the best quality material with minimal contaminants, is in response to those trials.

Darren says proceeding with caution has been important to ensure the supply chain is established before ramping up production.

“Anything that’s new is always challenging, and you need to go that extra step to ensure there’s no hiccups,” he says. “We all want to make sure this is right because once we get this right, and I’m 100 per cent positive we will, it will be the stepping stone for the sector.”

APR is finalising a development licence application with the Victorian 18 / WMR / November 2024

EPA and hopes to turn the first sod on the Bacchus Marsh facility late in 2024. Under the banner of APR ChemCycle, the facility will receive material from the new sorting line and process up to 10 tonnes of polypropylene material a day, seven days a week.

Darren is keen to scale up rapidly to take on the 400,000 tonnes of multilayered polyethylene material that is currently going to landfill, and supply APR’s off take partners.

In May 2023, Viva Energy announced plans to build infrastructure to enable its Geelong refinery to process feedstocks such as synthetic crude made from waste plastics.

The plan builds on a pilot program in 2021, during which the refinery processed synthetic crude oil made from waste soft plastics. This was used to produce recycled plastic which was subsequently used to produce foodgrade plastic wrappers.

At the time, Viva Energy aimed to process up to 50,000 tonnes per year as feedstock production increased.

“We need to scale it pretty quickly,” Darren says.

“Australia has 400,000 tonnes of multi-layered polyethylene

material, that’s a big number. We’re talking up to 33,000 tonnes in our plant alone.”

He’s quick to point out that the plastics-to-oil process is not an alternative to mechanical recycling of clear soft plastics, such as industrial plastic wrap, but is complementary.

Darren says all sections of the industry are watching APR’s progress.

The potential of pyrolysis has also attracted the attention of Australian Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and Lily D’Ambrosio, former Victorian Environment Minister, who have both visited the Dandenong South plant.

“Everyone’s keen to get this going,” Darren says.

“I believe right now we’re a train driver ready to leave the station. Once we start producing oil everyone will want to get on that carriage, because something is happening and it’s proving successful.

“This is something I’m passionate about, that’s why I continue to fight.

This will be the soft plastics success that we’re looking for.”

For more information, visit: www.aprplastics.com.au

FEATURED TOPIC – PLASTICS RECYCLING

Plastics into pellets

REMONDIS has partnered with CEMAC technologies to close the gap for soft plastics in Western Australia.

The EREMA soft plastics pelletising plant that converts plastic waste into recycled pellets. Images: CEMAC technologies

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EMAC technologies has partnered with recycling and water management provider REMONDIS Australia to install an EREMA soft plastics pelletising plant that converts plastic waste into recycled pellets.

As part of REMONDIS’s commitment to increase plastics recycling in Western Australia, the EREMA INTAREMA TVEplus 1310 RegrindPro is based at its specialised facility in Jandakot.

The INTAREMA was imported by CEMAC technologies from its longstanding Austrian partner, EREMA 20 / WMR / November 2024

– a technology leader making plastics recycling efficient, profitable and able to compete with virgin material.

Chris Gusenzow, REMONDIS General Manager for Western Australia, says the pelletising plant will be used to recycle disposable plastics from supermarkets and other large retailers.

“We take post-consumer film such as pallet wraps and shrink wraps (not soft plastic wrappers or packaging formerly collected by REDcycle) from shopping centres, major supermarket chains and the likes for recycling,” he says. “The machine effectively

processes, cleans and filters plastics and turns it into a pellet that can be used in remanufacturing.”

Since beginning operations in June, the plant has been processing material to test and refine the process for the material type and customer applications.

When fully operational, it is expected to process up to 4500 tonnes of plastics per annum. The recycled pellets can be on sold for use in low density polyethylene applications.

“Currently the pellets are being sold overseas, but we are trying to come up

with a local solution in Australia and Perth specifically,” he says.

Chris says REMONDIS installed the machine in response to plastic export bans imposed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

“Previously, we processed the film in a simple format. It was being baled into a big block and sent overseas,” he says.

“To meet the requirements of the new export bans, plastics are required to be processed further, which is why we chose the INTAREMA. “It’s a high-end machine, and that ensures that the quality of the pellets will be better. This is a way for us to safeguard what we’re trying to do as a business and make sure that we can sell the material at the end of the process.”

Eric Paulsen, Managing Director, CEMAC technologies, says the INTAREMA is among the most advanced recycling technologies available for difficult to recycle materials.

“It has proven itself in many applications overseas and locally in plastics recycling,” he says.

“The INTAREMA enables effective and triple de-gassing for diverse applications such as film, sheet, and nonwovens.

“In the middle of the extrusion line the EREMA Laserfilter removes the bulk of the contamination continuously, allowing processing of materials otherwise not suitable for extrusion.”

Eric adds that the plant is further equipped with a second melt filtration step using the EREMA automatic backflush filter.

“This enables capturing of gels and other residual impurities after the maximum melt pressure and temperatures occur in the continuous Laserfilter. Using the INTAREMA RegrindPro with the second melt filtration step enables highest possible recycled pellet content in downstream applications,” he says.

“It handles a wide range of recycling material types seamlessly without screw changes, while maintaining consistently high throughput. It can process materials with bulk densities from 30 to 800 grams per litre.”

Chris says processing the pellets to a further refined state means there is more chance to remanufacture the pellets locally.

“Processing the post-consumer films into pellets provides an opportunity

which wasn’t there beforehand. If we weren’t doing that, the films would have to go overseas to be recycled,” he says.

“Without this solution, I think there would be a gap in Western Australia.

It was important that someone did something, and REMONDIS has stepped up to offer a solution.”

For more information, visit: www.cemactech.com The bagging station with reworked spout.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 21

FEATURED TOPIC – PLASTICS RECYCLING

MADE WITH

30%

A label indicating the proportion of certified postconsumer recycled content will help provide transparency.

Images: Fieldtech Solutions

Status symbol

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As Australia moves toward a circular economy for plastic waste, now is the time for transparency on claims of recycled content.

Dr Ross Headifen, co-owner of Biogone, explains.

ational and state governments are establishing recycling targets, and the concept of the circular economy is gaining traction in Australia.

This creates a growing incentive for manufacturers to prominently feature “contains recycled content” on labels in hopes of appealing to consumers wanting to make environmentally responsible choices. It also places increasing pressure on manufacturers 22 / WMR / November 2024

to demonstrate compliance with established sustainability goals, says Dr Ross Headifen.

The co-owner of Biogone, innovators in landfill-biodegradable plastic technology, Ross says it’s essential to avoid confusing or ambiguous claims that could mislead end users.

He says the term recycling is becoming increasingly complex as more emphasis is put on incorporating less

virgin material and more reclaimed materials from post use.

Claims of “recyclable” or “we recycle our waste” appear across the gamut of manufacturers and users vying for the “green benefit” – appearing to do the right thing with respect to avoiding making waste. All good actions, Ross says, but easy actions.

“None of these claims deal with actually using previously used material

to make new similar products, which is the definition of recycling,” he says.

“We also want to shift the paradigm from the idea that plastic recycling is taking plastic waste and instead of sending it back to original manufacturers, it becomes repurposed into other down cycled applications such as garden furniture or road base.

“This is repurposing the plastic waste, not recycling it in the circular economy.”

Ross says that when evaluating claims regarding recycled content on labels, transparency regarding the source of that material is crucial. This openness enables consumers to understand what they are purchasing and to assess how products labelled “contains recycled content” compare to one another.

Recycled material can be separated into two categories, postconsumer (PCR) and post industrial (PIR) material.

Post-consumer material is what most general consumers think of when they hear “contains recycled content”.

“They think their plastic bags and wrappers they have taken the time and effort to put into a recycling bin have somehow been sent off a place where new products are made from them,” Ross says.

“This is the form of recycling that has the best benefits to the environment. It is plastic waste being reclaimed and not sent to landfills or let loose as litter and reduces the use of virgin plastic material.”

Post industrial material (PIR) is where manufacturers collect the offcuts and scrap from their own manufacturing lines and re-process it to be fed back into production to produce more product. It is recycling within the factory.

Unlike PCR, this recycled material has never seen any consumer use but is still a valid use of the factory’s plastic scrap. But, Ross says, it doesn’t spur the consumer to recycle or manufacturers to seek out PCR material as their inputs.

He says there is a need for standardised icons that allow everyone to recognise immediately the source of the recycled material.

Two such symbols are proposed, both show the circularity of the process, but clearly indicate the different sources of the recycled material.

“Having such readily visible symbols will promote increased usage of PCR material and thereby drive the circular economy even stronger,” Ross says.

“Taken one step further, the proportion of certified PCR content can also be displayed. This is important as it quantifies the amount of PCR in the product to show the manufacturer has a reasonable proportion of recycled material and not just a few per cent so they can tick a box to make the claim.

“It also gives the user confidence that it is verified PCR and not just another manufacturer’s claim.”

Another aspect that is important to know is whether the recycled material originates from within Australia, helping to manage Australian-generated plastic waste, or if it is sourced from another country.

Another PIR logo could indicate the source of the recycled material is PIR from overseas. The same would apply to the PCR logo with an overseas sourced PCR. “We are at the cusp of the circular economy, making it imperative to establish clear and transparent claims regarding circular economy plastic materials,” Ross says.

“Now is the time to proactively address potential greenwashing associated with ‘contains recycled content’ claims aimed at increasing sales.”

He says implementing postconsumer recycled (PCR) content requirements will be essential to advancing the circular economy. This will necessitate that manufacturers

display a PCR logo on their labels, thereby requiring them to source certified PCR materials.

“The circular economy offers a promising solution to many of our plastic waste challenges while safeguarding our environment and oceans,” he says. “Greater awareness among consumers and governments will enhance their purchasing decisions and exert pressure on manufacturers to accurately label recycled content in their products.”

For more information, visit: www.biogone.com.au

A proposed label for products made from post-consumer plastic.

A proposed label for products made from post industrial plastic.

A proposed label indicating the post industrial material was sourced from overseas.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 23

FEATURED TOPIC - PLASTICS RECYCLING

Finger on the pulse

Wastewater specialist Aerofloat continues to pioneer innovative solutions for the plastics recycling industry with an impressive resume of projects within Australia.

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erofloat has been at the forefront of wastewater technology for the plastics recycling industry for nearly a decade, with successful treatment plants installed across Australia.

The company’s ground-breaking designs and new technology for wastewater and washwater systems has been pivotal to the Australian plastics recycling market and have won numerous awards.

General Manager Michael Anderson has spearheaded the design of new technology to meet the evolving needs of the industry, with a focus on developing sustainable systems that treat wastewater and enable water reuse, reducing environmental impact.

“Plastic waste is a major global issue with the plastics recycling industry growing exponentially to combat this environmental challenge,” Michael says.

“We have designed, installed, and serviced both wastewater and washwater treatment systems to the major plastics recycling players in Australia over the past decade.

“A key element of our designs is ensuring a small environmental footprint. We’ve found that all our clients share a common vision, which is for sustainable operations.”

One of Aerofloat’s earliest projects was for Australian Recycled Plastics (ARP) in Narrabri, New South Wales, in 2015.

With Narrabri’s average annual rainfall at just 650 millimetres, Aerofloat installed a closed-loop wastewater treatment plant for GT Recycling in Victoria. Images: Aerofloat

24 / WMR / November 2024

minimising water use was crucial, Michael says. Aerofloat installed its patented AeroMBBR and AeroDAF products, allowing ARP to reuse its washwater without producing odours.

“Within one week of installation, ARP was able to operate at full capacity and reuse its washwater without any offensive odours being present,” he says.

Similarly, Aerofloat provided a system for Recycling Plastics Australia (RPA) in South Australia to remove odours from the final product and reduce water use.

“We were able to chemically and biologically treat the water in Adelaide to ensure an odourless finished plastics product and a continuous supply of clean water,” Michael says.

PLASTICS RECYCLING BOOM Rising environmental concerns about plastic waste have gained global attention as plastic pollution threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Michael says the wastewater management industry plays a critical role in addressing this issue.

Aerofloat was already leading wastewater and washwater treatment solution design when the plastics recycling industry gained momentum following the release of Australia’s National Plastics Plan.

After the plan’s introduction, Pact Group, Cleanaway, Asahi Beverages, and Coca-Cola Europacific partners created Circular Plastics Australia (CPA), which contracted Aerofloat to build CPA’s facility in Albury-Wodonga, followed by two plants in Melbourne.

LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY “Aerofloat works closely with local councils and the water authorities to meet strict guidelines for water discharge to waterways,” Michael says.

“Our work with Circular Plastics Australia, in particular, has been very collaborative, with our engineering team working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for the environment as well as the client.”

Circular Plastics Australia’s AlburyWodonga facility recycles the equivalent of one billion, 600 milliltre polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles annually, with the plastic reused in food and beverage packaging.

Aerofloat’s circular dissolved air flotation unit treats the washwater, supported by a fully automated programmable logic controller (PLC) system for operational oversight from Sydney.

The partnership continued with two plants in Laverton and Altona North, Melbourne. The Laverton North plant recycles high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), processing more than 20,000 tonnes annually – equivalent to more than half a billion plastic bottles and tubs.

“Circular Plastics Australia has worked with Aerofloat on previous projects,” says Adam Kornhauser, Site Lead at Laverton North.

“Aerofloat’s design engineers understood our needs and applied their knowledge from existing plants to ensure a robust design.”

Michael says the Laverton plant processes two tonnes of HDPE and two tonnes of PP each hour. Aerofloat’s solution manages these flows and ensures compliant effluent discharge to the sewer.

ADVANCED SOLUTIONS Aerofloat continued its technological innovations at GT Recycling in Moolap, Victoria, installing a closed-loop

The Martogg system was designed to meet local water requirements.

wastewater treatment plant that recycles the washwater, allowing GT Recycling to wash its recycled plastic.

The design includes a 45 cubic metre AeroMBBR for biological treatment, along with Aerofloat’s wave separator to remove suspended solids.

The automated system recycles clean water back into production, minimising the need for operator intervention.

“Aerofloat’s process team and engineers are really knowledgeable and simplified the process for us,” say Tim McLean, Director of GT Recycling.

“The plant runs itself so our operators can concentrate on other areas of the business.”

EMERGING POLLUTANT Michael says Aerofloat is now at the forefront of commercialising robust solutions for microplastics removal in the Australian economy.

The company is focusing on advanced filtration systems to capture

microplastics, which contribute to plastic pollution.

Aerofloat recently upgraded the Melbourne wastewater treatment facility for Martogg, Australia’s largest privately-owned polymer distribution, resin compounding, and plastics recycling company.

“Aerofloat was contracted to remove fine plastics from the plastics recycling wastewater at the Martogg facility,” Michael says.

“We designed the system to meet the local water requirements, while also being mechanically simple to minimise servicing and maintenance.”

He says plastics recycling is a growing area and Aerofloat remains dedicated to leading from the front for the industry.

“Our finger is on the global pulse for plastics recycling.”

For more information, visit: www.aerofloat.com.au www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 25

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FEATURED TOPIC - PLASTICS RECYCLING Plastic pipes are intended and designed to last more than 100 years.

Images: PIPA

Pipe dreams

The Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) talks about the benefits of plastic pipes and their importance to the environment.

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s Australia transitions from a lineal to a circular economy, plastic pipes have many advantages over alternative materials and are becoming a preferred material of choice to replace and upgrade pipes throughout the world.

Cindy Bray, Executive General Manager of the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA), says plastic pipes align with the key principles of a circular economy – they’re designed minimising waste and pollution, are kept in use for a long time, and can be repaired and recycled.

“They are intended and designed to last a very long time,” Cindy says.

“In typical environmental conditions, plastics materials are well known to remain functional in excess of 100 years, without requiring excess maintenance or repair, when used and installed correctly.”

PIPA was founded in 1999, representing manufacturers and suppliers of plastics pipe and fittings, plastic resin suppliers, fabricators, pipeline installations, rubber seal ring manufacturers as well as training and certification bodies.

As a non-profit association, PIPA works to promote the appropriate and contemporary use of plastic pipes and

fittings throughout Australia through its four key pillars: advocate, educate, technical and sustainability.

A key focus area for PIPA is education about the differences between plastic pipes and fittings to other plastics, such as single use.

Cindy says that too often plastics pipe systems are mistakenly put in the same category as single use plastics.

“Pipes are not single use, they’re long-life products made from materials engineered to be robust, reliable and recyclable,” she says.

PIPA recently launched a digital campaign, That’s using plastic for good, to help further educate on the positive use of plastics and differentiate plastic pipes from single use plastic.

Cindy says it’s an awareness campaign, targeted to those outside of the industry, to highlight the essential role pipes play in everyday life.

DURABLE DESIGN A key element of a circular economy is product design. Cindy says for plastic pipes, it is intended that they be installed and not require any maintenance or repair for decades, unlike other materials.

“Plastic pipes withstand the forces they are subjected to, they do not corrode or crack, resist chemical attack, resist abrasion, and maintain a smooth bore for easy fluid flow and better hydraulics,” she says.

“They are also designed not to leach secondary material into the fluid flow, which is important for drinking water applications. Plastic pipes are safe for people and the planet.”

Many studies conducted in Australia and globally show the longterm performance of plastic pipes in operation. These studies can be found on the PIPA website.

“Plastic pipes offer clear advantages regarding chemical resistance over other pipe options,” Cindy says. “They are not affected by soil environments that are highly corrosive to metal and concretes.

“They are not affected by compounds that form in wastewater, such as acids that rapidly degrade iron and cement lined pipes, making them the ideal choice for long-term infrastructure.

“They also have the lowest overall failure rates in water infrastructure compared to cast iron, ductile iron, steel, and asbestos cement.” www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 27

FEATURED TOPIC - PLASTICS RECYCLING

Cindy says lightweight plastic pipes can have advantages during transportation, including increased pipes per truckload and installation, compared to other pipe materials.

“For open trench installation, plant equipment is minimised compared to heavier pipe materials, which can increase lay rates and reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” she says.

“The versatility of plastic pipe systems allows for the option for trenchless installation as well, particularly with polyethylene pipe. This allows for fewer disruptions during the installation or repair of existing pipelines allowing flexibility and cost-effective installation and lowing the impact on the environment and community.”

Another benefit noted by Cindy is plastic pipes’ positive effect on the environment.

“Plastic pipes’ long-term, leakfree integrity can prevent water loss, protecting the health of sensitive waterways and minimising flood risk,” she says. “As a leak-free system, they eliminate the effect of erosion around the system. Plastic pipes have the flexibility to cope with soil movements and subsidence and protect the natural pH of streams and estuarine environments, reducing the likelihood of algal blooms and fish kills.”

CLOSING THE LOOP As part of the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices, Cindy says PIPA and

The plastic pipe industry is always looking at ways to work collaboratively to collect volumes of plastic pipes viable for recycling.

its members aim to recycle the maximum amount of usable plastic pipe and other suitable materials into new plastic pipes.

“Due to the low volume of plastic pipes in the waste streams, PIPA and its members are taking practical steps to minimise the impact of plastic pollution,” she says. “Working collaboratively with waste management companies, distributors of products and specific clients, plastic pipes at their end of useful life are collected for recycling.

“PIPA has also established a Plastics Pipes Recycling Program working with various partners across Australia to provide information and locations for end users to deliver their no longer needed pipes and fittings.”

In addition to PIPA’s recycling program, PIPA published a discussion paper on the use of recycled materials in plastic pipes and an industry technical guideline, POP208 Specification and Testing Guidelines for recycled materials suitable for non-pressure plastic pipe applications.

“This document defines specification and testing requirements for recycled material and products which incorporate recycled material, it’s a valuable resource that we want to use,” Cindy says.

“Outlining the material characteristics and performance criteria required when using recycled materials, this guidance is extremely important to ensure materials recovered are reprocessed correctly. It’s also important for the end product to have a long service life.”

EDUCATION Engaging with industry stakeholders within the plumbing sector, Cindy says PIPA established education and pilot programs to increase awareness of the sustainability of plastic pipes and develop the behaviours of appropriate disposal of offcuts.

“Programs can educate and provide the industry with valuable insights, behaviours and a greater understanding

of the volume of available plastic pipe offcuts and fittings from building, construction sites and education training facilities,” she says.

“These include the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme in Queensland and the Plumbing Industry Plastic Recycling Scheme in Western Australia.

“This data will enable us to paint a true picture of material available, enable us to expand these types of programs more broadly and support better consumer investment and policy decisions.”

The Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme is currently in phase three and expands over 40 locations, including regional areas. This initiative is supported by the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund.

Cindy says success of these programs can only be achieved through collaboration of all key stakeholders within the industry from associations, manufacturers and merchants through to end users.

“Everyone has a responsibility and a role to play in diverting plastic pipes and fittings from landfill to contribute to a responsible and sustainable future,” she says. “These programs provide PIPA the chance to visit TAFEs and training colleges to speak with apprentices at the beginning of their careers.

“They can discuss sustainability, and the recyclability of plastic pipes while encouraging them to continue the conversation about appropriate disposal when they are out of the classroom and back on site.

“Through the whole lifecycle – manufacturing, use and disposal the plastic pipe industry has and will retain its long-standing commitment to improving sustainable practices and outcomes, in a way that benefits all Australians.”

For more information, www.pipa.com.au

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FEATURED TOPIC - CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE

A-grade technology

The landfill site in Mindarie (above) and (left) the new Carlson control box which is used across landfill sites. Images: Aptella

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Aptella has transformed the way construction and demolition materials are managed with its Carlson Landfill Grade technology.

he construction industry is in a constant state of evolution, driven by the need for increased efficiency, safety, and compliance with environmental regulations.

One of the most significant advancements in this sector over the past decade is the Carlson Landfill Grade technology, says Ryan Simmonds, a Manager in Mining and Landfill technology with automation and positioning specialist Aptella.

Aptella has rolled out the technology across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. Ryan says that as it becomes more established, it promises 30 / WMR / November 2024

to reshape waste management practices, ensuring projects are completed with enhanced productivity and regulatory compliance.

Initially developed in the United States, the technology originated from a need to streamline grading and landfilling processes. It evolved over the years, adapting to the specific needs of various industries.

Today, it combines advanced software and hardware solutions, including precision Global Positioning System (GPS) antennas, UHF radio, in-cab display and 3D modelling, to provide accurate and efficient grading services.

The technology has been rigorously tested overseas, establishing a proven track record of reliability and effectiveness.

Its successful implementation in numerous projects worldwide has paved the way for its introduction in the AsiaPacific region, where the construction landscape is rapidly evolving.

CUSTOMER CARE Aptella, the exclusive distributor of Carlson Landfill Grade technology in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, not only sells the equipment but also prioritises customer

support through extensive training programs. Aptella’s commitment to assisting clients ensures that they fully understand the capabilities of the technology and can integrate it effectively into their operations.

Ryan says this hands-on approach fosters a culture of safety and productivity, as users become adept at using the system to its fullest potential.

“At the moment we’re supporting the operation of this technology out of about 40 major landfill sites across our region. We’re supplying to some of the largest waste management companies in our region, such as Cleanaway, BMI Resource Recovery, Veolia Waste Management and Summerhill Waste Management Group.

“We’re excited to deliver this technology to these companies who are really committed to a sustainable future in this industry.”

He says the Carlson Landfill Grade technology offers a multitude of benefits for the construction industry, including enhancing productivity by reducing the time required for grading tasks.

Traditional grading methods often lead to costly rework due to errors or miscalculations. In contrast, the precision of Carlson’s technology minimises these risks, allowing projects to stay on schedule and within budget.

Denzil Khan, the Product Manager for Mining at Aptella, says the technology plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with Environment Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines.

By providing real-time data and accurate grading capabilities, it helps construction teams adhere to regulatory standards without the need for timeconsuming revisions.

Denzil says there’s a major cost for companies if things aren’t done right the first time.

“The technology ensures that everyone has visibility – from operators,

supervisors, through to engineers.

Everyone has that visibility on how they are building and progressing towards the end target,” he says.

“And if they realise early on that they’re not tracking as they should be tracking, then they can make changes and adjustments before it’s too late. That can only happen when everyone has the same information in one central location.”

He says this alignment with environmental protocols improves project efficiency and enhances a company’s reputation for sustainability.

SAFETY FIRST In addition to these operational advantages, Carlson Landfill Grade technology also enhances worker safety.

With its intuitive interface and detailed modelling capabilities, workers can better understand site conditions and avoid potential hazards. This proactive approach to safety mitigates risks, ensuring a safer work environment.

Ryan says customers are also benefiting from the technology which gives them real-time feedback.

“It’s telling the operator all about their cut-fills in real-time – so where a site is under or over compacted,” he says.

“It directly tells the operator where they need to put more rubbish or where they need to squash rubbish or adjust things, instantly.”

Brad Wood, the Operations Manager at Summerhill landfill in New South Wales, says using the technology enables his workers to compact more waste into the same space.

“By using Carlson you know that you are fully compacted at the end of each day, which means we are maximising airspace and prolonging the life of the landfill,” he says.

Ryan says that as the construction landscape continues to evolve in

response to global challenges, technologies such as Carlson Landfill Grade will play a role in shaping the industry’s future.

The increasing emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and safety underscores the necessity for innovative solutions that can meet these demands and enable the industry to continue to thrive and evolve.

“By facilitating compliance with regulations and enhancing productivity, Carlson Landfill Grade technology not only supports immediate project goals but also ensures the long-term viability of construction practices in an evolving environment,” Ryan says.

As Aptella continues to support the rollout of this technology across the Asia-Pacific region, Ryan says it is poised to be a cornerstone in the industry’s progression, fostering growth and resilience in the face of new challenges.

Khan adds that having the technology originate in North America means it’s been tried and tested.

“The Carlson product is the industry leader in this space,” he says. “The hardware and software behind this product have their roots in the mining industry as well, which again, gives it another level of ruggedness and robustness that really suits these conditions on sites.

“We’re thrilled to be exclusively distributing this product across our region. Aptella is here to cover off everything a customer needs from sales, installation, commissioning and after sales support.

“Carlson Landfill Grade technology will continue playing a role in driving the industry forward and laying the foundation for a long and sustainable future.”

For more information, visit: www.aptella.com www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 31

FEATURED TOPIC - CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION WASTE

Northern recycling

The end of 2024 will mark a significant milestone for Alex Fraser’s Queensland facilities, continuing to work towards a circular economy.

Alex Fraser has serviced the Brisbane market with its recycled construction material since 1995. Images: Alex Fraser

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s one of Australia’s oldest businesses, Alex Fraser has set the benchmark for sustainable waste management. The recycled construction material provider has long established recycling facilities at Archerfield and Nudgee, servicing Brisbane since 1995.

Combined, the facilities have the capacity to divert more than one million tonnes of South-East Queensland’s construction and demolition waste annually, to be recycled and reused in sustainable infrastructure projects, and reduce carbon emissions by up to 65 per cent.

This year marks 20 years in operation for Archerfield Recycling facility.

Many milestones have been achieved over the past two decades, but Managing Director Peter Murphy says one of the most notable is receiving a Quarry Registration Certificate from the Queensland Government in 2021.

32 / WMR / November 2024

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) granted Alex Fraser’s Archerfield and Nudgee facilities with the certificate in 2021, recognising the supply of consistent and uniform high-quality recycled products in major roads and infrastructure,” he says.

Since then, the facility has implemented innovative practices that reduce waste and promote the reuse and recycling of materials.

Peter says the certificate has contributed to improving the sustainability of Queensland’s road and rail projects by giving major contractors the ability to choose a certified supplier of recycled road base and aggregate.

This initiative delivers on sustainability and quality in compliance with TMR specifications, which Peter says is a big part of the business.

“The incoming materials, including concrete, brick, and asphalt, support the outgoing end product for customers,”

he says. “Alex Fraser having certified suppliers, and clear specifications for the use of recycled material in road projects is accelerating the circular economy.

“This endorsement of recycled materials, like the TMR specification, supports Queensland’s shift to a circular economy, helping to build confidence within the industry that our recycled products are comparable to quarried products.”

In recent years Brisbane has experienced significant growth and development. Ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, Peter says the Archerfield and Nudgee recycling facilities are ideally placed to support the sustainable growth and transformation of the city’s infrastructure landscape.

“An example of this capability is the state’s current Cross River Rail project,” he says. “This project is progressing with the customer recovering and recycling thousands of tonnes of demolition materials at Alex Fraser’s recycling facilities and reusing the resulting recycled aggregate and road base in its new build.”

Sustainability is a core principle that guides every operation at Alex Fraser’s recycling facilities. Peter says the company has adopted key initiatives to enhance sustainability outcomes.

“We continue to recover valuable resources from construction and demolition waste, which are then repurposed for new projects,” he says.

“The facility has also taken steps to conserve water during operations. These include employing systems that treat and reuse water, in turn reducing the

A h c p n • • •

A

N To to

demand for mains water and minimising wastewater discharge.”

Also in the water conservation space, the team undertakes regular surface water monitoring, pH and groundwater testing to ensure the quality of the water on site.

“The site is regularly maintained ensuring site profiles, drains and sediment ponds are sustained to best capture and store stormwater to be used for dust suppression across the site,” he says.

A new dousing bar, already in place at Alex Fraser’s Victorian plants, has been installed at Archerfield Recycling this year.

Peter says this safety feature is used to manage air quality by ensuring that trucks entering the site drive under it, controlling dust emissions.

In recent years the Archerfield Recycling facility has been involved in supplying its Green Roads Construction Materials to several projects, including

the Watercress Estate in Redbank Plains, the Metroplex Barracks at Wacol and the Chrisco Warehouse in Berrinba. Alex Fraser Key Account Manager Mitchell Uebel says the company’s capabilities in processing and supplying recycled material was key to winning the contract.

“Not only were we ideally located for the project, but the quality of materials coming from the facility was a selling point to our customer, McNab,” he says.

“Our material is highly effective for drainage, and by choosing Alex Fraser’s Green Roads Construction Materials, the customer was able to maintain their timeline, even through the 2022 and 2023 wet weather events.”

Mitchell says the sustainability efforts at Archerfield Recycling, and results from these projects, have yielded impressive results.

“In the past ten years more than 1.75

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“Our customers have continued to purchase Green Roads Construction Materials to include in their infrastructure projects which has resulted in excellent sustainability outcomes.”

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – COMPANY PROFILE

Creating a green future

By bridging the gap between innovation and sustainability, Fornnax is pioneering advancements in recycling technology. We meet the man behind one of India’s fastest growing recycling equipment manufacturers.

Jignesh Kundaria, Fornnax Technology Chief Executive Officer and Director. Images: Fornnax

W

aste management technology and its potential to drive sustainability in the recycling sector has always fascinated Jignesh Kundaria.

Growing up, he was intrigued by the way machines and systems worked, in particular, how it could be harnessed to design and develop innovative recycling solutions for transforming waste into valuable resources.

It sparked a sense of purpose and he became determined to use his skills to make a positive impact. Fast-forward and Jignesh is now the head of a leading technology recycling company with global reach.

“My thought process has consistently revolved around identifying critical market gaps and developing innovative solutions to address these needs,” says Jignesh, Chief Executive Officer

34 / WMR / November 2024

and Director of Fornnax Technology Pvt. Ltd. “The conception of Fornnax was no exception. Recognising the vast potential for growth in India’s and the global recycling industry, I sought to capitalise on this opportunity.”

India is among the world’s top 10 countries generating municipal waste. According to a report by The Energy and Resources Institute, the country generates more than 62 million tonnes (MT) of waste in a year. Only 43 MT is collected, with 12 MT treated before disposal. The remaining 31 MT is discarded.

Jignesh says that between 2008 and 2010 he realised the domestic market for recycling was non-existent, with minimal awareness about the industry’s significance.

Recognising India’s lack of a robust recycling infrastructure, coupled with a passion for sustainability, he was driven to design and develop the recycling market, which is now valued at 2000 crores (about 400 million Australian dollars).

“Our journey began with identifying a market gap and designing our first tyre shredder,” Jignesh says. “It was a significant milestone in our mission to create a comprehensive recycling ecosystem for India.

“We’ve achieved a remarkable feat by capturing more than 90 per cent

of the Indian market share in tyre recycling. Building on this success, we’re expanding our dominance into other waste categories, including municipal solid waste, E-waste and cable recycling, with the recent launch of our SRMAX2500 shredder.”

Jignesh says Fornnax’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customercentricity sets it apart.

Its specialised expertise in developing tailored recycling solutions has enabled it to secure a substantial market share in tyre shredding and recycling both within India and in prominent international markets, including the European Union (EU) and Australia.

He notes Fornnax’s successful installation of recycling lines in Eastern European companies, which previously relied on European machinery renowned for its high quality, as a significant breakthrough.

“After studying the EU market, we began manufacturing recycling machinery that not only met specific needs but also boasted high capacity.

This achievement was a testament to Fornnax’s innovative technology,” he says.

“Additionally, when considering the Indian market specifically, its highly contaminated waste required specially crafted machinery. This made us the go-to partner for Indian

businesses seeking reliable, efficient, and customised recycling solutions.”

But it wasn’t an overnight success.

It took more than a decade of perseverance, hard work and strategic decision-making to establish the Fornnax brand.

About a decade ago, India lacked stringent policies regarding recycling and waste management.

Jignesh says this lack of a regulatory framework presented challenges in building a viable business model for Fornnax Technology.

However, things changed after 2013, when the government’s efforts led to the implementation of landmark policies, such as Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

These rules provide guidelines for the management of municipal solid waste, including waste generation, collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing, and disposal.

“These initiatives emphasised the importance of waste reduction, recycling, composting, and waste management, creating a favourable environment for Fornnax Technology’s growth,” Jignesh says.

“It enabled us to innovate and expand our operations domestically as well as globally.

“We not only carved a niche in tyre recycling but expanded into emerging sectors, solidifying our position as a trailblazer in the global recycling industry.”

Fornnax is aiming high, working toward conservation of nature and natural resources by developing large-scale recycling plants to tackle the globe’s most problematic wastes.

The team collaborates with world-level research and industrial organisations and continues to innovate research-driven advanced recycling techniques.

Ensuring machinery meets high standards of quality, efficiency, and

safety requires careful consideration.

Jignesh says Fornnax’s research and development team pays great attention to every detail, from design to deployment, ensuring machinery exceeds industry benchmarks and customer expectations.

“This way it is easier for me to stay focused on our mission to revolutionise the recycling industry, while maintaining the trust and loyalty of our clients.”

To this end, Fornnax continues to expand its product portfolio to cater to emerging recycling applications.

Jignesh says the upcoming launch of the SR-MAX2500 shredder will revolutionise waste management efficiency.

The company has invested one billion Indian Rupees (about $17,260,880 AUD) in land and equipment, including a 23-acre plot in Ahmedabad which will be home to one of the biggest tyre recycling machinery manufacturing sites in the world.

It’s an accomplishment Jignesh is proud of, and one he hopes will inspire other young start-ups to prioritise sustainability.

“According to various reports, global municipal solid waste generation is expected to surpass three billion metric tons by 2050, driven by rapid urbanisation and overpopulation,” he says.

“Recyclers venturing into the start-up industry have a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions that address the critical challenges of waste management, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

“Their entrepreneurial journey has the potential to redefine the future of our planet. I encourage them to embrace challenges, harness technology, and leverage collaboration to create impactful solutions for a better tomorrow.”

For more information, visit: www.fornnax.com

The Fornnax SR200 Primary Shredder.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 35

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – BATTERY RECYCLING

Solving battery stewardship T

A review of Australia’s battery stewardship program has built a platform to successfully address battery waste.

he ability to adjust how Australia’s battery stewardship scheme operates is vital to future-proof the national battery recycling industry.

Libby Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer of the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), is confident changes proposed for B-cycle – Australia’s official battery stewardship scheme – will improve the viability of the program and make it more attractive for future entrants.

In March, the BSC announced an overhaul of the scheme to address pressures facing participants and key partners. Libby says the proposed changes, following six months of what she calls “constructive consultation” are significant, but provide an invaluable opportunity to get the scheme right.

Throughout the process, BSC held more than 20 face-to-face meetings with

industry, engaged more than 370 people in virtual sessions, and received close to 50 written submissions.

“This has provided us with a strong framework to drive both immediate and long-term outcomes,” Libby says.

“The feedback we received indicates that the model we’re putting forward is robust. It will improve the viability of the program and make it more attractive for future entrants.

“That’s important because while we have a strong participation, we’re still a small market and we need diversity to ensure there’s no single point of failure.”

Launched in 2022, B-cycle has led to the creation of more than 5000 community drop-off points, the recycling of 4.5 million kilograms of batteries and the injection of more than $22 million into the domestic battery recycling industry.

This success has been made possible through accredited partners, who provide vital on-the-ground services to communities across Australia.

However, it was acknowledged that the scheme faces limitations in fully achieving a circular economy for batteries, given its voluntary nature and the evolving market dynamics and risk profile of batteries.

A main driving factor behind the review was Australia’s fluctuating economic environment.

Cost of living has increased 19.8 per cent since the scheme rebates were set in 2019, impacting battery sales and resulting in a reduction of revenue from the levy imposed on imports.

At the same time, collectors have faced rising fuel and labour costs, while recyclers have experienced a decline in commodity prices. Libby highlights that

An eco-modulation system will recognise the sustainability outcomes of different chemistries, risks and costs associated with each battery type. Image: Roberto Sorin/stock.adobe.com

36 / WMR / November 2024

the value of certain battery materials has dropped significantly. For example, lithium black mass (containing cobalt, nickel, lithium and other valuable metals recovered from recycling lithium-ion batteries) has reduced by about 62 per cent since rebate levels were set.

Alongside these financial pressures, there has been an increase in battery fires across the country that need to be addressed, Libby says. A report from the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) indicates that up to 12,000 fires a year are being caused by discarded batteries in Australia.

“B-cycle accredited recyclers are facing pressures on both sides,” she says.

“The challenge we have as a static model is that we’re unable to raise additional funds to respond to changes recyclers are experiencing.

“It’s causing significant stress across the sector. We can’t afford to go slowly and wait until things pick up.”

The scheme is moving to an ecomodulation program, which recognises the sustainability outcomes of different chemistries, risks and costs associated with each battery type.

For each battery type there will be differences in the levy rate, investment in sustainability outcomes and processing rebates considering the size of the market, the collection rate of batteries, the cost of processing and the fire and health risks.

As new battery chemistries come to the market BSC will consider the risks, costs and sustainability outcomes independently and determine if there is a need for a new battery category to be introduced.

Libby says the scheme will better reflect the true cost of collecting endof-life batteries for recycling. The new approach will enable BSC to conduct annual reviews so levy rates can be based on changing market conditions and the expected battery collection for that year.

At the Environment Ministers meeting in June 2024, there was recognition of the need to accelerate battery stewardship in Australia. The work is being led by the New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland governments, in consultation with other jurisdictions.

Libby says BSC has long advocated for regulations that compel importers, manufacturers, distributors and users of battery products to take responsibility for their end-of-life management.

But why is battery stewardship important? According to Libby, it’s multi-faceted.

She explains that the way we use batteries has changed radically in the past five years, yet our understanding of batteries is still rooted in older, lower-risk technologies. Additionally, batteries play a vital role in combating climate change, making proper stewardship essential.

“There will be significant increase in the demand for battery materials in the next 15 years and there is no doubt that recycled content will be an important component of that in order to secure adequate resources to power energy renewables,” Libby says.

“Materials such as lithium and nickel are anticipated to be at critical supply levels as soon as 2025 but the economics of recycling batteries is challenging. The value of the materials in alkaline, lithium and other consumer batteries is not sufficient to cover the cost of collection, sorting and processing those materials back into those products.

“Stewardship is essential for responsible resource management and the energy security of this country. It’s too easy to think of it as a tomorrow problem.”

BSC will seek reauthorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in 2024 and aims to implement scheme changes 1 July 2025.

For more information, visit: www.bcycle.com.au

B-cycle 2.0 at a glance

Eco-modulated levies: Eco-modulated levies designed to enhance circularity outcomes over time. While the levy rates for FY 2026 are still the subject of ongoing consultation the concept of ecomodulation was strongly supported and as such will form part of B-cycle’s re-authorisation.

Recognising that systems changes take time, importers and retailers are being asked to begin preparing their systems as soon as possible to report on different battery chemistries. This change is expected to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Full cost recovery: A full cost recovery model will be pursued, meaning the levy will be designed to fully cover the cost of managing end-of-life for all battery types, apart from facility infrastructure. The BSC will advocate for government investment to support infrastructure development.

The intent of a full cost recovery model aims to be free of charge to battery consumers.

Collection and sorting rebates: Adjustments include increasing the incidental receiver rebate to allow it to compete with landfill costs and clarifying that collection rebates do not include containers. Instead, participants will be able to access a dedicated container grant.

Network diversification: Encourage network diversity, with a role for government regarding investment in innovation, recycling infrastructure, and tax incentives for the recycling sector.

Regulatory reform: A clear message emerging from the consultation is the importance of regulation for the success of B-cycle 2.0. BSC has prepared draft rules for consideration by governments, focused on compelling participation in voluntary accredited schemes, targeting free riders.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 37

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – BATTERY RECYCLING

B

Sparking change How Ecobatt is powering safer battery disposal.

atteries are the lifeblood of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and power tools.

However, when batteries reach the end of their useful life, their improper disposal can pose safety hazards.

Alarmingly, many Australians remain unaware of the dangers when disposing of their batteries into general waste or recycling bins.

Batteries can be highly reactive and prone to damage when mistreated or disposed of incorrectly. When placed in general rubbish bins, batteries can be punctured, crushed, or exposed to heat during transport or handling which can trigger a thermal runaway, causing fires to ensue.

Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence with increasing reports about battery fires in rubbish trucks and landfills across the country putting workers, waste management facilities, and the public at risk.

The potential consequences are severe, with incidents sometimes requiring extensive emergency response efforts.

Beyond the threat of fire, batteries that end up in landfills can also leak harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment, contaminating soil and water, and causing long-term ecological damage.

ECOBATT’S APPROACH The need for a proper battery disposal system has never been more urgent, and that’s where Ecobatt comes into play.

As a leading battery recycler in Australia, Ecobatt has built a 38 / WMR / November 2024

nationwide network for safe battery collection and recycling.

This network offers businesses and households easy access to responsible battery disposal, diverting hazardous materials from general waste streams and minimising the risks posed by mishandled batteries.

Through this infrastructure, Ecobatt enables the public and businesses to drop off used batteries at convenient collection points, ensuring they are safely managed from collection to final recycling. This proactive approach helps prevent batteries from reaching landfills, reducing the associated fire and environmental hazards.

SAFE HANDLING SOLUTIONS To further enhance the safety of its battery collection efforts, Ecobatt has introduced the Lithium Safety Drum.

These United Nations-rated drums are designed specifically for the secure storage, handling, and transport of lithium-ion batteries, which are known for their potential fire risk. They’re also well suited for vapes, mobile phones, e-mobility batteries, mixed household batteries and tool packs.

Available in both 53-litre and 62-litre capacities, the Lithium Safety Drums provide a tool for businesses, retailers, and organisations that handle or collect batteries.

Nick Dodd, General Manager for the Ecocycle Group, says whether dealing with new, used, recalled, or damaged batteries, these drums ensure that the risk of thermal runaway and fire is significantly reduced.

Ecobatt has a nationwide network to collect, store and transport batteries safely. Images: Ecobatt

“Extensively third-party tested for fire containment, the drums are proven to withstand thermal runaway events, effectively containing fires and preventing the spread of flames,” Nick says.

Built from thick galvanised steel and fitted with an epoxy phenolic internal coating, the drums are designed to be durable and resistant to corrosion.

Nick says this level of engineering ensures that the drums provide longlasting reliability, even in demanding environments such as work sites, apartment complexes, or high-traffic retail environments.

A key feature of the Lithium Safety Drum is its patented overpressure lid, which incorporates a flame-arresting filter to contain internal fires.

Businesses can choose from a range of lid options, including transport lids

and single or three-hole configurations, allowing them to tailor the drums to their battery collection requirements.

Nick says this flexibility makes it easier to manage various battery types and sizes, improving both safety and efficiency in battery disposal.

Additionally, the drums offer a Smart Lid option equipped with global positioning system (GPS), temperature, and fill level monitoring, delivering real-time insights.

“Ecobatt’s investment in the Lithium Safety Drum underscores its commitment to leading the industry in both safety and environmental stewardship,” Nick says.

“By offering customised solutions such as the Lithium Safety Drum, businesses can ensure that batteries are collected, stored, and transported safely, significantly reducing the risk of fires or contamination.”

Companies can also work with Ecobatt to brand the drums to fit into their retail or workplace environments, offering a visible and accessible option for customers and staff to responsibly dispose of batteries.

The batteries collected through Ecobatt’s network are processed in Australia to recover valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, helping to reduce reliance on virgin materials and contributing to the circular economy.

LOOKING AHEAD “As battery use continues to rise, the need for safe and effective recycling solutions is pressing. The risks associated with lithium-ion batteries require ongoing vigilance and innovation in how these materials are handled,” Nick says. “Ecobatt’s Lithium Safety Drums are a clear

example of the kind of forwardthinking solutions that the waste management sector needs to embrace.

“By providing a safe, reliable, and scalable solution for battery disposal, Ecobatt is leading the charge towards a safer and more sustainable future.

Businesses that partner with Ecobatt not only mitigate their own risks but also contribute to a broader effort to protect the public and environment.”

He says that as Australia moves towards a more battery-dependent future, it’s crucial that everyone plays a role in ensuring batteries are handled responsibly at the end of their life. Ecobatt’s efforts to improve battery collection and recycling across Australia are an essential step in that direction.

For more information, visit: www.ecobatt.net

The Lithium Safety Drum is designed for the secure storage, handling, and transport of lithium-ion batteries, vapes, mobile phones, e-mobility batteries, mixed household batteries and tool packs.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 39

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TYRE RECYCLING

Closing the gap

Amid ongoing conversations about further regulating the tyre recycling industry, the Australian Tyre Recyclers Association profiles its key recommendations to fill the gaps on tyre stewardship.

O

ne simple mechanism could push Australia’s tyre recycling industry into world best practice, according to the Australian Tyre Recycling Association (ATRA).

Rob Kelman, ATRA Executive Officer, says a landfill ban would bridge the gap between collection and recovery and take Australia’s tyre

Australian Tyre Recycling Association wants government intervention to focus on off-theroad tyre recycling. Image: Salvadori Recycling

40 / WMR / November 2024

recycling industry beyond the 80 per cent resource recovery target set by the National Waste Action Plan.

“World best recovery, even within the highest participating extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes around the world, is 97 to 99 per cent,” Rob says.

“The collection rate for Australia’s passenger and commercial tyre sector

is 97-98 per cent, with a recent average recovery rate of about 90 per cent. A landfill ban would take us up to world best practice immediately.”

The association is advocating for landfill bans as part of its submission to a Federal Government discussion paper on changes to Australia’s tyre stewardship program.

“It’s not the recycling sector that’s responsible for any remnant illegal stockpiling, it’s entities outside the sector who offer cheap dumping and disposal to that handful of retailers who just don’t care.”

Rob Kelman ATRA Executive Officer

More than 563,000 tonnes of tyres are purchased in Australia each year, the equivalent of 58 million passenger tyres, generating about 450,000 tonnes of waste, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Tyres were included on the 2023-24 Environment Minister’s Priority List, signalling that government would step in if industry didn’t take action.

It’s the second time tyres have been included on the list. In 2022-23 the intention was to increase participation in the industry-led Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS), implemented by Tyre Stewardship Australia, including to eliminate free riders (tyre manufacturers who are not contributing to the scheme) in the passenger, bus, and truck segment of the market.

DCCEEW states the increase in industry participation in the scheme since making the Minister’s List has been minimal. Environment ministers will now consider a discussion paper developed by the Western Australian Government to help determine the next steps for tyre stewardship.

Rob says ATRA members, and the broader industry, support the introduction of legal mechanisms to capture free riders. Industry, he says, will support an increase in scheme levies

to provide TSA more funds to tackle the issue, which may include subsidising a remote area collection program to target areas where the expense of recovering end-of-life tyres can lead to stockpiling or landfilling.

Another key feature of further regulation and compliance should focus on capturing the waste generators, Rob says – the rogue tyre retailers who are not using licensed collectors and recyclers to dispose of tyres.

“It’s not the recycling sector that’s responsible for any remnant illegal stockpiling, it’s entities outside the sector who offer cheap dumping and disposal to that handful of retailers who just don’t care,” he says.

“If we can target those waste generators, we close the final loophole in passenger and commercial markets.”

However, ATRA believes the biggest impact can be made by introducing landfill bans. While most Australian states already have a landfill ban on whole tyres; a legal loophole means that any shredded tyres can still be dumped.

About 90 per cent of off-the-road (OTR) tyre waste is also buried on mine sites or in pits and under current regulation, these tyres do not have to be removed.

The recovery rate of OTR tyres is about 10 per cent and is increasing

as some mines recognise social licence issues, the need to remediate former mine sites and the very real environmental benefits that come from the resource recovery associated with tyre recycling.

Rob says the concern is that there is still an inability to capture the free riders and those mines that don’t take up sustainable approaches.

He says there’s also an argument for closing the loophole so that valuable material can be recovered and put to better use.

The mining sector alone could be capturing an additional 120,000 tonnes of material a year for processing into tyre-derived products. That would massively increase available resources and take Australia’s tyre recycling rate well beyond the 80 per cent national average resource recovery target.

Rob says ATRA supports a range of initiatives to improve tyre stewardship but wants to avoid big government intervention in what is already an effective market.

“For a big regulatory intervention, you need to identify a big market failure that you’re trying to fi x. There is no market failure in the passenger and commercial sector,” he says.

“The market has thousands of people working in it with hundreds of millions of capital invested, strong export off take markets and growing options for domestic markets.

“It’s clear the market failure is in the mining and earthmoving sector which should be addressed. That’s why we’re putting forward the idea of landfill and onsite disposal bans for OTR. Landfill bans work. They are a good mechanism that keeps our regulated but free market functioning.

“Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

For more information, visit: www.atra.asn.au www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 41

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TECHNOLOGY

Upcycling revolution U

Efficient waste reduction and upcycling with one machine?

Uncover the Vortair advantage.

pcycling has emerged as a key driver of environmental sustainability, transforming waste materials into higher-quality products without breaking them down at the molecular level. It is an innovative process that not only minimises waste but also turns it into valuable resources.

In this space, Vortair’s cuttingedge autogenous grinding technology is at the forefront of the upcycling revolution, offering unique solutions to convert waste into usable materials through efficient milling and grinding techniques.

THE VORTAIR ADVANTAGE The Vortair 500 is a powerful machine that processes a variety of waste materials, grinding them down to sizes suitable for reuse in various industries.

Using its patented autogenous grinding system, Vortair allows waste to be processed more efficiently than traditional methods. Developed and built in Australia, the Vortair employs air vortex frequency pulverisation, which harnesses the stored kinetic energy within materials to refine them into pastes or powders.

This system is designed to minimise waste and lower carbon footprints, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Jeff Lang, Vortair Chief Executive Officer, says a key benefit of the Vortair 500 is its ability to achieve up to 90 per cent volumetric waste reduction.

While this significantly reduces disposal costs for industries, the real value lies in its capacity to turn waste into higher-value materials.

Jeff says the potential for upcycling waste into valuable products opens new financial opportunities for companies, while also supporting environmental goals by minimising landfill contributions.

UPCYCLING PLASTERBOARD One of the most notable applications of Vortair technology is in upcycling plasterboard waste. By milling discarded plasterboard back into powder, the Vortair 500 enables the material to be reused in new plasterboard production.

Jeff says the resulting product not only has higher material efficiency but

also improves the structural integrity of the new plasterboard, offering enhanced firmness and strength.

“This innovative approach adds value to what would otherwise be considered waste, allowing industries to reduce their reliance on raw materials and improve both environmental and financial outcomes,” he says.

TRANSFORMING FOOD The food industry is another sector where Vortair technology shines. Apple pomace, a byproduct of apple processing, is often discarded or used for low-value animal feed or sent to landfill.

The Vortair 500 uses a patented autogenous grinding system to break down waste. Images: Vortair

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 43

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TECHNOLOGY

However, the Vortair system can mill apple pomace into a fine powder rich in pectin, which is useful as a binding agent in alternative protein products or as a fibre ingredient in the nutraceutical market.

Crucially, Vortair technology enables temperature control during the milling process, ensuring that the nutritional benefits of the processed materials are maintained or even enhanced. Jeff says this capability makes the system valuable for the food and nutraceutical industries, where preserving the integrity of nutrients is vital.

MEAT WASTE Vortair also offers promising solutions for the meat industry, which faces challenges in disposing of byproducts such as offal, bones, and trimmings.

By milling these waste products into powders, Vortair allows them to be repurposed into nutraceutical ingredients, such as heart powder for supplements or bone powder for broths.

“The ability to turn meat waste into high-protein powders, rich in iron and other essential nutrients, opens up new avenues in the supplements and food industries,” Jeff says.

“With growing consumer interest in sustainable and nutrient-dense food products, the demand for such upcycled ingredients is expected to rise.”

From tyres to carbon black powder, the Vortair has shown to be effective on challenging wastes.

44 / WMR / November 2024

BIOCHAR AND ORGANIC WASTE Organic waste, such as sugarcane mulch, wood chips, and other plant materials, can also be efficiently milled using Vortair technology. These materials can be transformed into biochar, a valuable soil amendment that improves soil fertility, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports sustainable agriculture.

The potential for upcycling organic waste into biochar is already being widely explored, particularly in the agricultural sector. Jeff says that as the demand for sustainable farming practices grows, Vortair’s ability to mill organic waste into biochar presents a compelling opportunity for industries seeking both environmental and economic benefits.

INNOVATIONS IN FISH WASTE Processing fish waste, such as fins, heads, and trimmings, has historically been costly and difficult to dispose of. With Vortair technology, fish waste can be milled into valuable ingredients that add economic value to what was once a disposal challenge.

By transforming fish waste into nutrient-rich powders, industries can repurpose the byproducts into valuable commodities for use in supplements and other products. Additionally, Vortair is

exploring the milling of mussel and oyster shells, which are rich in calcium. These milled shells could be used in a variety of applications, such as soil conditioners or even in animal feed, further demonstrating the system’s versatility.

PLASTIC AND TEXTILE WASTE Jeff says Vortair has also made strides in processing complex waste streams such as plastics and textiles.

The system has demonstrated its ability to separate poly-lined paper bags into distinct paper and plastic streams, offering potential for recycling.

Although finding end-use markets for these separated materials remains a challenge, the technology’s ability to handle such materials opens the door for future innovations.

Trials have also been conducted on Tetra Pak and Combibloc products, successfully separating their layers, though the challenge of identifying profitable end uses continues.

Textile waste milling is another area of interest, with Vortair looking into ways to process and repurpose fabrics for new uses.

“Vortair technology is revolutionising the way industries approach waste recycling and upcycling,” Jeff says.

“With its ability to efficiently reduce waste volume, maintain the nutritional and structural integrity of materials, and turn waste into high-value products, the Vortair system offers industries across sectors the opportunity to minimise their environmental impact while improving profitability.

“Whether it’s plasterboard, food waste, organic matter, or even plastics, Vortair is paving the way for a more sustainable, circular economy.”

For more information, visit: www.vortair.com.au

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Odour optimised, energy efficient, recyclable. And for specific applications: super clean and food contact compliant. Recycled pellets of the future can do more.

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – EQUIPMENT

Shredding solutions

MPS partners with CUTMETALL for exclusive distribution in Australia and New Zealand.

M

PS Pty Ltd, a leading supplier of recycling and equipment solutions, has entered a partnership with renowned OEM (original equipment manufacturer) CUTMETALL GMBH. The collaboration positions MPS as the exclusive sales partner for Australia and New Zealand.

CUTMETALL is a global leader in the production of shredder components such as knives, teeth, screens, wear plates, and other essential fi xing parts compatible with more than 55 shredder brands.

MPS and CUTMETALL are already serving major players in tyre recycling, alternative fuel production, plastic recycling, and other size reduction and granulation applications across Australia.

Simon Sherwood, Managing Director of MPS, says CUTMETALL supplies directly to some of Europe’s most highly regarded shredder manufacturers. The partnership will provide customers in Australia and New Zealand access to OEM-quality parts with the same manufacturing standards but without the typical markups.

“We’re seeing customers save between 20 to 40 per cent when purchasing through us,” Simon says.

SMART SERVICE Simon says a key feature for customers is the CUTMETALL online shop, designed to support customers with an expansive product catalogue for more than 55 brands of shredders.

46 / WMR / November 2024

Spare parts for solid recovered fuels production.

Images: MPS

This digital platform provides customised access for customers to browse and purchase parts for their individual machines with real-time availability, prices, and quantities.

The online store is available 24/7 and offers instant access to all commercial documents, streamlining the ordering process for businesses across Australia and New Zealand.

Jakob Mangold, CUTMETALL Vice President Business Development, says the partnership with MPS will play an important role in helping CUTMETALL expand its products and support within Australia.

For further information, Email: s.sherwood@cutmetall.com

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The partnership will offer parts for most major size reduction brands.

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – ORGANICS

Line of thought

The Australian Organics Recycling Association’s updated position paper on Food Organics and Garden Organics backs the use of certified compostable caddy liners.

Certified compostable caddy liners encourage greater uptake of FOGO services, according to the Australian Organics Recycling Association.

Image: aslysun/shutterstock.com

M

ore than 7.5 million tonnes of food are wasted every year in Australia, costing the nation’s economy $36.6 billion.

Food waste also generates 17.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – three per cent of Australia’s national greenhouse gas emissions – according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

As part of the National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019 the Federal Government has set an ambitious goal to halve the country’s food waste by 2030. Its strategy includes mandating the transition of households from Garden Organics (GO) to Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collections, and the delivery of Food Organics (FO) and FOGO collections for businesses by 2030.

The Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) has undertaken a review of its position paper on FOGO to ensure the organics recycling industry

48 / WMR / November 2024

has clear guidelines and a framework to tackle issues.

John McKew, AORA Executive Officer, says the review identified several key considerations: 1. AORA and the recycled organics industry is committed to generating high-quality compost outputs that promote the protection of the environment and human health.

2. Minimising contamination in feedstock is critical to enable efficient and effective processing of organics into quality end products.

3. AORA supports a national target of less than two per cent contamination in source separated organics.

4. Consistent education and messaging across industry, councils and government is vital to achieve behaviour change and support a sustainable organics industry.

State government consultations on FOGO, especially in New South Wales and Victoria, have also provided

impetus for the review and, John says, offer the opportunity for improved harmonisation across states as the transition to FOGO accelerates.

However, he says Recycling Victoria’s Household Waste and Recycling Draft Service Standard 2024 is raising concerns.

The draft states that compostable plastic caddy liners, including caddy liners certified to AS 4736 and AS 5810, will not be acceptable for a household FOGO service – unlike the New South Wales Government’s position which allows for the use of certified compostable caddy liners.

John says AORA supports the use of certified compostable caddy liners within a FOGO stream, viewing them as an effective solution for households and commercial entities to manage food waste efficiently.

“These liners make it easier for consumers to collect and transport food scraps, increasing participation

W Ea

ex th

rates in organics recycling programs,” he says. “Furthermore, they help maintain cleanliness and hygiene, reducing barriers to participation in these programs.”

AORA is advocating for the inclusion of certified compostable caddy liners in all FOGO introductions, where applicable, and believes that making the liners available free of charge to households via their local council will enhance participation in the service.

It will also work to reduce the use of non-certified caddy liners, which are another source of unwanted contamination within the FOGO stream.

It is generally accepted that the cost to councils of providing certified compostable caddy liners free of charge to households is offset by the reduction

in landfill charges through the diversion of FOGO. “Anything we can do to aid the diversion of food waste by households should be considered and supported,” John says.

“Avoiding food waste to begin with is the first step and that is why AORA supports End Food Waste Australia (an organisation established to deliver the National Food Waste Strategy and food waste reduction initiatives that span from farm to fork).

“But we also understand that there will always be a level of food waste that is impossible to avoid – scraps, food that is out of date or no longer usable, peelings, etc. Making sure this does not go to landfill is important. This ‘waste’ also has the potential to be a vital resource. Through organic recycling

it can become compost which is then used to feed our soils and to aid in the production of food – true circularity.”

He says the recycled organics industry is committed to generating quality compost outputs that promote the protection of the environment and human health, specifically through the diversion of organic material from landfill.

The success of FOGO mandates and the circular economy relies on materials being accepted in the dedicated FO or FOGO stream and being responsibly compostable within existing operations.

The revised AORA FOGO Position Paper is available on the association’s website.

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

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – TRANSPORT

Walking tall

B

Byrne Trailers has incorporated state-of-the-art technology into its designs for more than 30 years and continues to move with the times.

yrne Trailers is credited with designing and commercialising several revolutionary trailer designs.

Its two-deck cattle trailer with air-bag suspensions was an industry first and has since been adopted as standard.

It’s little wonder then, that when the company turned a hand to the waste industry, it raised the bar.

In 2000, Byrne successfully designed leak-proof waste transfer trailers in B-double configurations, minimising leachate from municipal waste contaminating roadways and waterways during transit.

Sam Gwynne, Sales Representative, says Byrne Trailers is now the leading supplier of leak-proof waste transfer trailers across Australia.

He says it’s strength and durability that make the trailers stand out.

“In the waste industry you want something that’s going to last,” Sam says. “I just inspected a trailer that was 20 years old. It hadn’t had any work

The Byrne Trailers sheet and post trailer. Images: Byrne Trailers

done to it and was still going strong. It all depends on the type of product the trailer takes, but 20 years is a good run.”

From small beginnings in Peak Hill, New South Wales, Byrne Trailers has built a reputation for specialised bulk cargo transport equipment across Australia.

It’s now recognised nationally with manufacturing facilities in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and Toowoomba in Queensland.

Sam says the Byrne Walking Floor Trailers are celebrated across many industries because of their ability to enhance trailer payload and allow more efficient maintenance of the cargo space. Clients range from those carting green waste and household rubbish to construction and agricultural waste.

“They are safer to use than tippers,” Sam says. “The mechanism of the walking floor trailer means operators can move material safely and efficiently, loading from the back or the top.

“They also have more capacity than a standard tipper trailer.”

The walking floor trailer has a hydraulically powered floor composed of moving slats. As the slats move, they push the product out of the trailer.

Byrne Trailers offers two walking floor variations, the heavy-duty sheet and post trailer – suitable for heavier products such as construction and demolition waste – and the Euro trailer, another Byrne innovation, for carting lighter products such as recycling and mulch.

All trailers combine robust and quality construction with state-ofthe-art walking floor technology, ensuring continued performance and productivity – even in the most demanding conditions.

Originally constructed from a combination of steel and aluminium, the trailers underwent a redesign in 2018 and are now an all-aluminium construction, making them lighter and stronger.

Sam says the redesign was a result of customer demand and “moving with the times”.

“There’s no point giving customers something that doesn’t do the job,” he says. “It’s important we cater to industry needs.”

Byrne trailers are built around a walking floor and drive unit from Keith Manufacturing Co, an American company that introduced the first commercially viable moving floor unloading system under the Walking Floor brand name in 1973.

50 / WMR / November 2024

Waste Ma

While other versions of moving floor technology existed, Keith Manufacturing set out to create a 100 per cent hydraulic drive unit powerful enough to unload a semitrailer. The goal was to design the lightest, simplest, most trouble-free selfloading system available.

“We believe they’re the superior brand for walking floors,” Sam says. “The horizontal unloading action of a Keith Walking Floor system subverts the challenges associated with load shift or tipping a trailer in inclement weather.”

Construction of a trailer starts with the appropriate walking floor, from there, the team at Byrne Trailers designs the trailer around specific client requirements considering the product to be carted, the size of the bin required and whether they need lids or tarping solutions.

One recent addition often requested is for remotes to control the walking floor from inside the driver’s cab.

“Requests for remote controls have grown over the past 10 years as safety has become more important,” Sam says.

“With a remote, operators no longer must stand at the back of a trailer as it unloads, which reduces the risk of them being struck by objects flying off the back of a trailer.

“It also makes it easier for them to work on sites that have restrictions about where vehicles and people are allowed.”

Byrne Trailers has serviced, repaired and refurbished trailers for more than 35 years, taking pride in quality and detail.

Sam draws on his background as a welder to ensure work is of a high standard. The team uses this experience

Walking floor technology is used to unload a waste truck.

not only for new builds, but to service and restore trailers at both its Wagga Wagga and Toowoomba sites.

While a new trailer build can take up to six months, Byrne Trailers has some new trailers in stock.

For more information, visit: www.byrnetrailers.com.au

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF RESPONSIBLE WASTE MANAGEMENT Learn more and get in touch today

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5/04/2024 11:46:12 AM

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION – GRINDERS

Peterson grinders are designed to convert low grade organic materials into high value products. Images: Komatsu Forest

P

Green machines

The Peterson brand and Komatsu Forest are more than business connections for a staple of Tasmania’s forestry industry.

lato once said, “a good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers”. Les Walkden has both on his side.

For more than two decades the owner of Les Walkden Enterprises has put his faith in Peterson grinders and has accumulated an impressive fleet of machinery.

In July 2024 he took delivery of a new 4710D horizontal grinder – adding to a long list of Peterson equipment including 3400B, 2400B, 4700, 4710B and 4710D grinders, seven chippers and one standalone flail.

“They’ve been good to me,” Les says of the Peterson brand.

“This was my preference when I started out and we’ve stuck with them. I’m not even tempted to try other brands.”

Born and bred on a farm in Tasmania, Les says he’s always been involved in timber harvesting and carting.

He purchased his first grinder 25 years ago to reduce post chipping 52 / WMR / November 2024

and harvesting hardwood residues and was somewhat of a pioneer in providing sawdust and wood chips for industrial boilers.

“We used to move to mill sites where they have a lot of offcuts and turn it into fuel for them,” he says.

“At one point we had two grinders in situ at a paper mill, making 75,000 tonnes of boiler fuel a year.”

These days the biggest selling products are a certified organic eucalyptus mulch for landscaping and cattle bedding for dairies.

He’s also taken on some big roadworks projects, including the new Hobart bridge, mulching cleared timber to be reused on road verges.

It’s tough work that requires tough equipment, but the Peterson grinder cuts through it.

“It’s marvellous what they can cut through,” Les says. “Last year we ground up walnut trees to create compost for a vineyard.

“Probably the hardest thing we’ve ever ground was a man fern. It resulted in beautiful mulch, but it was hard to do.”

Brenton Yon, Peterson Product Manager, says Peterson has a reputation for turning low-grade organic materials into high value products. The 4710D is designed for high volume producers with demanding product specifications and is particularly suited for operations that require frequent movements.

Powered by Caterpillar C18 Tier II 570kW engine, the 4710D provides a high power to weight ratio than any Peterson grinder.

As with all Peterson grinders, it’s available as either a wheeled trailer or self-propelled tracks and includes an upturn three-stage grinding process, Impact Release System that incorporates a patented airbag protection for contaminated feedstock; and Impact Cushion System that protects the mill

THOR

from catastrophic damage from large items in the feedstock.

Komatsu Forest has been distributing Peterson machinery since 2010 and Brenton says they have found a niche in Australia’s forestry, construction and mining industries because of their robustness.

Les puts his machines through the mill, working up to eight hours a day to produce about 1000 metres of mulch, equivalent to 150 metres an hour.

He says he could drive the grinder harder, but “softly, softly is best”.

“This work is hard on the old girls.

You have to know how to use them and respect them,” he says.

“We treat them well and they give us good service.”

But it’s not just the machines that have endeared themselves to Les. Having worked with Peterson for the best part of

20 years he’s built a strong relationship with the brand and the team at Komatsu Forest. Les has visited Peterson’s factory and met the original founder, Neil Peterson, when he travelled to Australia.

“They’re great people and we’ve had a great relationship,” Les says.

“Brenton has been a great friend of

mine for a lot of years. The service and advice he’s given us is unparalleled.

Service and personalisation make a difference when you’re making such a big investment.”

For more information, visit: www.komatsuforest.com.au

Peterson machines are suited for demanding product specifications.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

WASTECH ENGINEERING, BRAMIDAN INTELLIGENCE MONITORING SYSTEM

Connect, monitor and analyse your compactor or baler with Bramidan’s intelligent monitoring solution – BRA-IN (Bramidan Intelligence).

A specially developed Internet of Things (IOT) system, BRA-IN links connected equipment with IT systems.

Providing a 360-degree view of all equipment, it minimises direct and indirect waste handling costs over time.

The BRA-IN requires a connection via modem and an active subscription to collect data and connect with a baler or compactor. This can be integrated on equipment, purchased separately or supplied as a part of a service program.

This data, including equipment location, machine status, fill levels and output documentation, makes it possible to co-ordinate activities and make faster and better decisions, reducing operational costs.

Workflow and operations are improved through notifications to operators or service

The BRA-IN links connected equipment with IT systems.

Image: Wastech Engineering

partners, reports and export of data, such as when waste is ready for collection and optimised route planning.

Contact - Wastech Engineering P 1800 465 465 E info@wastech.com.au W www.wastech.com.au

JCB

&

P R P

The JC cab. D feature

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

GARWOOD INTERNATIONAL, DUALPACT REAR LOADER

The DualPact is a split chamber, rear loading compactor that brings big results by offering a unique collection method.

The DualPact can accept multiple waste streams, such as landfill and fibre, organics and co-mingled recyclables, with zero cross contamination, eliminating the need for two trucks.

The compactor body is available in 50/50, 60/40 or 70/30 split body tailgate configurations – and body sizes from eight cubic metres up to 26 cubic metres.

The 60/40, and 70/30 configuration can accommodate the full range of bins, including the 660, and 1100 litre mobile garbage bins.

Pressure switch settings can be set independently for each chamber, allowing for different compaction ratios.

The DualPact can also be used as a backup collection vehicle for missed bins where side loaders are in use.

The body can be fitted to a range of suitable cab chassis applications, ensuring suitability for all waste management operations.

The DuaPact Rear Loader brings big results. Image: Garwood International

Contact - Daniel McHugh

P +61 2 9756 3756 E info@garwoodinternational.com.au W www.garwoodinternational.com.au

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Whether it’s a skip loader, shredder, wash plant or excavator, this is your one-stop-shop for buying, selling and hiring a variety of machinery and equipment from both dealers and private sellers.

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LAST WORD

The missing link

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ct au 64

I

Mark Smith, Executive Officer of the Victorian Waste Management Association, looks at what it will take to improve compliance and lift standards.

n the evolving landscape of environmental stewardship, Victoria – and Australia more broadly – stand at a crossroads. As industries grow, technologies advance and business complexity increases, the need for robust environmental regulation has never been more pressing.

However, the path to higher standards is not paved by regulation alone; it requires a collaborative effort between regulators and industry bodies to foster a culture of compliance and innovation. Ask yourself: have your experiences on either side of the regulatory equation embodied a truly collaborative approach or a meaningful desire to drive higher standards?

Victoria’s environmental regulations, governed primarily by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), set a framework for protecting our natural assets, high risk public areas (natural receptors) and the wellbeing of the community.

These regulations are crucial in ensuring that businesses operate sustainably and minimise their ecological footprint – but also to protect the market these businesses operate in by catching those that actively undermine waste/landfill levy integrity.

The effectiveness of regulations hinges on more than just their existence; it depends on their implementation and the relationships

between regulators and the entities they regulate. With increased emphasis on environment, social and governance (ESG) reporting, this now also extends to the role of the broader business community and the public.

Historically, the relationship between regulators and industry has often been adversarial. Regulators are seen as enforcers, while industries are viewed as potential violators. This dynamic can create a culture of mistrust, riddled with compliance challenges and businesses doing just enough to avoid penalties but unmotivated to exceed basic requirements.

To break this cycle, a paradigm shift is necessary – one where regulation

Image: Adobe Firefly/stock.adobe.com

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nt he er.

www.wastemanagementreview.com.au / WMR / 57

LAST WORD

is viewed not as a hurdle but as a partnership. A means to protect business, be valued by the community and grow and succeed.

Effective regulation is about more than setting rules; it’s about fostering an environment where businesses are motivated to innovate and go beyond mere compliance. This is where partnerships come into play.

By working closely with industry bodies, regulators can gain insights into the practical challenges businesses face and collaborate on developing solutions that are both effective and feasible.

We know that collaboration is possible and works. But why don’t we see more investment (funded from the ample supplies of the sustainability fund) into this critical component for long term success?

Moreover, partnerships can lead to the development of industry-specific guidelines that are both stringent and achievable.

EPA’s remit isn’t just about creating guidelines and carrying out enforcement. It’s committed to also working to drive higher standards and in doing so, recognise good operators.

Yet this area of work received minimal resourcing and attention.

Effective engagement is a cornerstone of successful regulation, yet regulators continue to fail on this front time after time, from long delays to simple queries to poor engagement practices on new guidelines.

Regulators must actively engage with industry bodies through regular consultations, workshops and advisory panels. These platforms allow for a twoway exchange of information, where regulators can clarify expectations and industries can voice concerns and propose solutions.

The recent Victorian Waste Management Association Facilities Forum is a prime example of how 58 / WMR / November 2024

Mark Smith, Executive Officer of the Victorian Waste Management Association.

Image: Prime Creative Media

such engagements can be fruitful.

Sponsored by business (Cleanaway and Wastech) and delivered with support of Mitchell Shire Council, the forum provided a platform for discussing the latest regulatory changes and sharing best practices.

Such events foster a sense of community and shared purpose, encouraging businesses to adopt higher standards voluntarily.

Furthermore, transparent communication of regulatory changes is crucial. Industries must be given ample time to prepare for new regulations, with clear guidance on how to comply and this is best developed with industry bodies.

This not only reduces the risk of non-compliance but builds the state of knowledge and critical trust between regulators and businesses.

To elevate environmental standards in Victoria, a concerted effort is needed to strengthen the relationship between regulators and industry bodies.

Regulators should continue to seek partnerships that foster innovation and provide practical support for businesses striving to meet higher standards. Not just speaking at industry but engaging in dialogue and being accountable to industry.

Industry bodies, on their part, must embrace these partnerships and view regulations not as constraints but as opportunities for growth.

As we look to the future, the goal should be a regulatory environment that is both rigorous and supportive – a framework in which businesses are encouraged and empowered to exceed compliance and contribute to a sustainable Victoria.

Good businesses must be rewarded to keep them pushing higher. This collaborative approach will not only protect our environment, but also ensure that Victoria remains a leader in sustainable development and environmental stewardship long into the future.

Waste Management Review 2024 | NOVEMBER | ISSUE 90

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