REVISION 1 Regional Waste ManageMent - North East Waste 2017
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N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 Regional Waste Management REVISION 1 Strategy North East Waste 2013-21 2017
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 Contents FOREWORD 3 INTRODUCTION 4 Key Documents, Drivers and Policy Context 5 BACKGROUND 7 Regional Population and Demographic Trends 8 Existing Waste Services, Infrastructure and Directions 10 Overview Of Changes 13 Infrastructure Needs and Planned Infrastructure 16 Waste And Resource Recovery Tonnage Data 17 Non-Domestic Waste 18 Waste Composition 19 Performance Assessment 21 Waste Forecasting and Projections 23 Review Of Programs, Initiatives And Community Expectations 24 Summary 28 STRATEGIC DIRECTION 29 Vision For The Strategy 29 Key Result Areas and Objectives 29 Member Council Strategy 34 IMPLEMENTATION 36 Action Plan 37 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 41 APPENDIX 1 Supporting Data Tables 42
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 3 FOREWORD Over the past 4 years, under the State Government’s Waste Less Recycle More initiative, a number of challenges outlined in our original strategy (2013-2017) have been met. Significant progress has been made in areas such as organics collection and processing, managing household problem wastes, waste avoidance North East Waste is a voluntary regional waste group, formed in 1997 and comprising and improved engagement of the commercial sector. However, many challenges Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed remain and this updated strategy will build on first stage successes to continue Councils. In 2013 a Regional Waste Strategy was developed in collaboration with its to improve our waste management outcomes. New and remaining challenges member Councils that aimed to set the strategic direction of waste management include: in the region through a coordinated and collaborative approach that optimises our skills and resource sharing opportunities. It was driven by political, economic and ▶▶ The predicted pressure from increasing population growth and its environmental imperatives including the requirements of the State Government implications for waste generation, landfill availability and service provision; initiatives and strategies, the need to protect the environment and the economic ▶▶ The significant quantities of potentially recyclable materials, including benefits of sharing resources. These imperatives continue and this updated Strategy organics, still present in the residual waste stream; continues to guide the region in 2017-2021. ▶▶ Building effective relationships with aboriginal communities to improve Through this Strategy NE Waste aims to fulfill our objectives and meet targets by: waste management outcomes on their lands; ▶▶ Gaps in services required to maximise resource recovery across the region, particularly in the commercial sector; Our vision remains to achieve more sustainable waste The North East Waste region covers ▶▶ A lack of commercial sector data and the difficulty of differentiating management and better resource recovery in the commercial from residential data due to current service provision; almost 21,000 sq kms of land area and NE Waste region through a proactive, collaborative ▶▶ The need to ensure regional cooperation while maintaining equity and has a population of almost 300,000. approach with our regional members Councils, the open communication between councils; The seven member Councils within this ▶▶ The poor performance of national product stewardship schemes; NSW EPA and our community. region are Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, ▶▶ The diminishing landfill space available in some LGA’s and the difficulties Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and in achieving a regional solution; Tweed Shire. There are 9 landfill sites, ▶▶ Delivering targeted and effective projects that engage and build ▶▶ The fast changing regulatory environment. capacity in our communities to achieve improved waste minimisation and two recycling facilities, three organics management outcomes. In order to address these challenges this Strategy will continue to promote a processing facilities and eleven transfer ▶▶ Creating strong Council partnerships that allow collaboration and optimize uniform waste management system across all Councils, enhanced services and stations situated throughout the region. resource sharing and funding opportunities. drop off facilities and improved infrastructure, supported by a comprehensive education and communication program to maximise business and community ▶▶ Involving the community through social enterprises and the development of engagement. We will continue to work closely with the NSW EPA and Federal markets in recovered resources. government to find regional and national solutions to the challenges that face ▶▶ Adhering to the principles of sustainability, equity and continuous local governments who manage waste. improvement. ▶▶ Communicating and share our knowledge while striving for leadership and Jeanie McKillop “This strategy has been supported by the NSW innovation in waste. NE Waste Coordinator Environment Protection Authority (EPA) with funding from the waste levy.”
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 4 1 INTRODUCTION This revised Regional Waste Management Strategy was reviewed and developed in consultation with North East Waste Member Councils. The Strategy draws on our past performance under two regional waste strategies and reports commissioned to inform our planning. It is also informed by current Regional, State and National planning instruments and initiatives. Progress made towards fulfilling the original Strategies objectives are detailed in Section 2. This acts as a guideline for Councils and a public facing document for those interested in the direction and activities of North East Waste. The projects and actions outlined may change over time as the planning horizon it is situated on fluctuates with shifting funding opportunities and new directions.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 5 1.1 Key Documents, Drivers and Policy Context The key documents and programs underpinning this Strategy are the: ▶▶ Premiers Priorities in Action to reduce litter by 40% by 2020 ▶▶ Waste Less Recycle More, NSW EPA ▶▶ The Container Deposit Scheme 2017 Environmental drivers include: ▶▶ Improved Waste Management and Increased Engagement with Aboriginal Communities and ▶▶ Improving resource efficiency through collaborative efforts People Program NSW EPA 2017 ▶▶ Improving the environmental performance of infrastructure ▶▶ NSW 2021: A Plan to make NSW number one (2012) ▶▶ Protecting the environment and improving sustainability through education and ▶▶ NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Strategy 2014-21 behaviour change ▶▶ Improving waste management to help mitigate the impact of human induced climate Several key drivers and trends have been identified that support regional cooperation and the need for an change. effective regional waste strategy that is updated and reviewed. Legislative Framework The key political drivers include: ▶▶ The need to fulfil diversion targets set under the Draft WARR Strategy 2013-21 In NSW, waste activities and strategy are primarily governed by the State under the direction of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Local governments aim to meet State government ▶▶ The recognition at different political levels that there is a need and opportunity for regional targets and are usually responsible for the collection and disposal of waste. Regional groups of cooperation and WLRM 2 funding. councils, such as North East Waste, provide support to Councils and help facilitate collaboration and resource sharing. At a Federal level there exists a National Waste Policy but the day to day operations Socio-Economic drivers include: of waste management are generally governed at a State and Local Government level. As NE Waste ▶▶ The potential to involve the community, provide employment and develop markets through borders Queensland, the policy direction for waste in that State is also of interest to the group, social enterprises in waste as several members, through necessity, currently dispose of waste into Queensland landfills. The ▶▶ The imperative of resource sharing due to diminishing landfill space introduction of a levy or restrictions on imported waste in Queensland could potentially make this practice unviable. Other new legislation that will impact on waste management in NSW and also in ▶▶ Population growth and seasonal fluctuations within the region impacting on existing waste Queensland is the introduction of the Container Deposit Scheme in December 2017. The legislative, systems and infrastructure regulatory and planning instruments that guide waste are listed below in Figure 1. ▶▶ The potential to increase funding opportunities under a regional cooperation model ▶▶ The possibility of reducing costs and increasing economies of scale through cooperation and joint ventures ▶▶ Building regional capacity through knowledge exchange.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 6 Legislative, regulatory and planning instruments guiding waste in NSW ▶▶ Premiers Priorities in Action ▶▶ Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO)Act 1997 ▶▶ Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 ▶▶ Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Amendment (Container Deposit Scheme) Act 2016 ▶▶ Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2015 ▶▶ NSW Container Deposit Scheme ▶▶ NSW Energy from Waste Policy Statement ▶▶ NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2014-21 ▶▶ Waste Less Recycle More 2014-17 and 2017-21 ▶▶ Regional Waste Strategies 2013-21 The structure of this plan follows the guidelines provided by the NSW EPA and uses the Key Results areas identified in the WARR Strategy to guide our choice of outcomes and develop our targets. Under this umbrella, consultations and analysis have assisted us in redefining our strategic objectives and consolidating our previous strategy. A series of workshops have been held with key waste management stakeholders and additional research has been undertaken to support NE Waste in further refining our objectives and determining the mechanisms for delivery of this Strategy.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 7 2 FIGURE 1 Our Region BACKGROUND The North East Waste region covers almost 21,000 square kilometres of land area and has a population of 295,510. The seven member Councils within this region are Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed. Membership of the Voluntary Regional Waste Group, North East Waste, has been reasonably consistent since its beginnings in 1997, and today all local Councils are members. NE Waste is governed by a Memorandum of Agreement, with each Council having a vote and delegate at bi-monthly meetings. It is funded by the NSW EPA, contributions from Councils and grant funding. A Coordinator manages the administration of the group, the budget and its projects. Additional coordinators manage education, business and specialised projects subject to need.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 8 2.1 Regional Population and Demographic Trends The North East Waste region has a population density of approximately 14 people per square kilometre. Compared to many other regional and rural areas of NSW this is relatively high. It is expected that this will increase with population increase. Figure 2 below provides the most recent population statistics for our region (2016) by Local Government Area and the projected populations proposed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment www.planning.nsw.gov.au/projections
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 9 Figure 2: Historical (2011 and 2016) and Projected Regional Population Change (2021-2036) Since 2011 population growth has fluctuated but steadily increased by 6.5% over 5 years. Population projections from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that further approximate increase of 6% is anticipated by 2021, bringing the regional population to 313,350 Figure 2 Historical (2011 and 2016) and Projected Regional Population Change (2021-2036) persons. The highest % increase was in the Byron Shire at 12%, the Tweed Shire at 8.6%, followed by Ballina Shire at 6.5% 350,000 300,000 115,350 110,600 105,450 100,000 250,000 92,460 Tweed 85,105 25,350 25,650 RVC 24,300 24,850 200,000 23,181 22,037 51,750 Lismore 49,350 50,700 47,850 44,741 150,000 42,766 9,550 9,650 9,600 Kyogle 9,650 9,537 9,228 55,800 56,800 57,450 54,450 100,000 49,665 51,040 CVC 33,850 35,250 36,650 37,950 Byron 29,209 32,723 50,000 39,274 41,828 43,250 44,300 45,150 45,850 Balina 0 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 2036
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 0 2.2 Existing Waste Services, Infrastructure and Directions Table 1 summarises the demographics, services, infrastructure and waste movements for each Council. Arrangements and infrastructure vary across the region but in recent years a more streamlined approach with improved infrastructure coverage has emerged. Each Council has its own arrangements in place for waste collection, by contract with a private operator or by an in-house day labour service. All Councils operate a fortnightly comingled recycling service for dry recycling, except for Kyogle Council which has a weekly split bin (waste/recycling) collection. Six Councils offer the larger 360 litre recycling bin to encourage improved diversion, with this now being the standard recycle bin option for many residents and businesses. Recycling is available to commercial premises in all seven Council areas and organics collection for business is available in six. An organics collection is now available across 6 council areas. Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Tweed provide a weekly combined food and garden organic (FOGO) service. Those Councils have also implemented a reduced, fortnightly collection schedule for residual waste, to further encourage the diversion of food and garden waste via the weekly organics service. Some Councils also provide as standard, a smaller 140 litre bin for the collection of residual waste. All NE Waste Councils with the exception of Kyogle, which is in negotiation with its waste contractor to move to a 2 or 3 bin system in the future, have adopted a 3 bin system which complies with the Australian Standard (AS 4123.7-2006) bin lid colour requirements. There are three Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) located in the region. Tweed, and Kyogle have contracts with a private operator for processing at the Chinderah MRF in Tweed Shire. Clarence Valley’s dry recyclables are processed at the Grafton MRF, which is situated at the landfill. The Lismore MRF processes dry recycling from Lismore, Richmond Valley, Byron, Ballina and Tenterfield. Lismore’s organic recycling facility processes Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley’s food and garden organic waste, via a new MAFF open windrow composting system. Clarence Valley processes its organics via the In-Vessel Composting system at the Grafton MRF site. In July 2017 Tweed also began a FOGO service and is currently seeking organics processing technology for its product. Most NE Waste Councils dispose of residual waste at their local licensed landfill facility, with the exception of Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shire Councils, who currently have contracts with a private operator for disposal of residual waste at landfills in South East Queensland.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 1 Table Councils waste services, infrastructure and direction. 1 Council Collection/Service Infrastructure Recent changes and Direction Ballina Council and Contractor Collection of: Closed Landfill with 3 years emergency life Compositional Waste Audit 2017 Population: 42,100 • 240l residual fortnightly Residual currently transported to Queensland Focus on improving asbestos management with MicroPHAZIR gun, Transfer Station/Drop off facility testing kits and training Single unit dwellings: 10,459 • 240l and 360l recycling fortnightly Tip Shop Multi unit dwellings: 4,373 • 240l FOGO weekly CRC Feasibility study on potential improvements to transfer stations and loadout areas Byron Contractor Collection of: Closed Landfill with 2 years emergency life Compositional waste Audit 2016 Population: 33,280 • 140/240l residual fortnightly Transfer Station/Drop off facility New Waste Management Strategy and Master Plan for Myocum site Tip Shop including a new FERRC Single unit dwellings: 8,579 • 240l recycling fortnightly CRC Multi unit dwellings: 1,818 • 240l FOGO weekly Gas collection and Flare Public place waste audit and installation of new bins • Annual bulk drop off Pasteurisation of Green waste FOGO introduced in 2016 New organics processing MAFF system Improving traffic management Clarence Valley Contractor Collection of: 2,417,000 m3 landfill 60 years of life A Council waste app was developed Population: 52,800 • 240l residual fortnightly MRF 12,000 tpa Mattress recycling commenced 14,000 tpa organics processor Single unit dwellings: 16,802 • 360l recycling fortnightly 6 transfer stations A weighbridge solar system was installed with Tesla battery back up. Multi unit dwellings: 2,083 • 240l FOGO weekly Tip Shop/Drop-off Facility Improved public place recycling • Annual kerbside cleanup Hazardous waste store Upgrade of transfer station CRC at Maclean and at Grafton New landfill cell
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 2 Table 1 Council Collection/Service Infrastructure Recent changes and Direction Kyogle Contractor collection of: 190,000 m3 landfill 50 years of life at Kyogle A new cell was completed at Kyogle and one closed at Population: 9,600 • 120l split bin weekly 4 transfer stations/drop off facility Woodenbong. Single unit dwellings: 1,944 • 120l split bin weekly Tip shop Working to improve in house waste management and community event waste management Multi unit dwellings: 61 CRC Construction of a new drop-off bay for green waste at the Kyogle New focus on agricultural waste Lismore Council Collection of : 88,000 m3 with 2 years life remaining and New Waste Strategy Population: 46,200 • 140/240l residual fortnightly 600,000 m3 proposed New waste education officer Single unit dwellings: 14,792 • 240/360l Recycling fortnightly MAFF organics New optical sorter has increased plastics recycling Multi unit dwellings: 1,220 • 240l FOGO weekly 15000tpa MRF New Aerated MAFF composting system 2016 • 3 annual free tip vouchers 2 transfer stations A Commercial Waste Sorting Facility will be constructed in 2017-18 Hazardous waste store A new landfill cell (600,000 m3) is in the approval phase and CRC construction is planned for 2018/19 Recycling Drop off facility Richmond Valley Council Collection of: Near capacity landfill with 250,000 m3 proposed New master plan for Namoona with new cell and capping in Population: 23,550 • 240l residual fortnightly 4 transfer stations development Single unit dwellings: 7,410 • 240/360l recycling fortnightly Hazardous waste store New waste Strategy 2017-8 under development Multi unit dwellings: 260 • 240l FOGO weekly CRC New waste education officer in 2016 Front End Resource Recovery Centre Pasteurisation and production of saleable green waste 2017 Tip shop Concrete crushing on site 2017 New weighbridge for Evans head proposed Seeking long term regional landfill or AWT options Tweed Contractor Collection of: Landfill Temporarily closed but 2.5 million m3 New FOGO service 2017 Population: 94,450 • 120l residual fortnightly landfill approved Proposed Organics Treatment Facility Single unit dwellings: 18,694 • 240l recycling fortnightly Two transfer stations/drop off facilities New landfill under development (2.5 million m3) Multi unit dwellings: 13,396 • 240l FOGO weekly Tip shop New CRC 2017 • 2 x yearly bulk collections CRC Improvements to communications system with a focus on social Hazardous Waste store media
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 3 2.3 Overview Of Changes Since 2013 when the last regional waste strategy was published a number of significant changes have occurred in the region. The key changes are highlighted below. Changes to Councils infrastructure, services and direction include: ▶▶ Three more Councils have implemented a FOGO service bringing the total to 6 of the 7 member Councils. This service is for residential and commercial premises. ▶▶ A new Transfer Station was built at Iluka in the Clarence Valley and Bora Ridge (RVC) and Woodenbong (Kyogle) landfill were closed and replaced by Transfer Stations. ▶▶ 360 litre recycling bins have become more common, with 6 Councils now offering this as the standard service. ▶▶ Organics processing has increased and been upgraded with Lismore installing a new aerated composting floor for FOGO, Richmond Valley and Kyogle Councils beginning green waste pasteurisation and reuse, and Byron Council constructing a new aerated pad to process self haul green waste on site. ▶▶ Leachate containment and treatment continues to be improved with Ballina Council planting over 1000 vetiver seedlings to increase leachate diversion, Tweed improving the irrigation systems of their vetiver fields and Byron investigating new leachate control methods on site. ▶▶ Waste staffing has increased noticeably with a total of 8 new staff working in waste education and strategy related roles. A new Environmental Learning Centre was built at Grafton. ▶▶ Two new tip shops have opened at Casino and Ballina, promoting reuse. ▶▶ A weighbridge was installed at Kyogle, second weighbridges were installed at Lismore and Grafton and a solar powered weighbridge with Tesla battery was installed at South Grafton. New software technology was adopted at Byron Council to improve tracking and management of collection. Data collection has improved with C&D waste and recovery, Illegal Dumping, Waste Locate and litter. ▶▶ New Strategies and Master plans are in development in Richmond Valley, Tweed, Byron and Ballina Shires.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 4 NSW EPA Waste Less Recycle More (WLRM) grants have also allowed for NE Waste to expand our program reach into challenging new areas. We have been the recipients of 19 contestable grants since the original strategy was funded in 2013 and new programs have included: ▶▶ Eight Community Recycling Centres (CRC) have been established across the region at Casino, Kyogle, Grafton, Maclean, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Tweed Heads. These allow for residents to drop off for free a range of problem wastes that traditionally have been disposed of to landfill. The CRC’s accept household quantities of paint, oil, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, fluoro tubes and globes, smoke detectors and household and lead acid batteries. ▶▶ Two programs that assist with the disposal of asbestos have been implemented. Providing Household Asbestos Disposal Kits for small jobs where less than 10m2 of asbestos is being removed by residents. 362 kits have been distributed in the past 2 years. Home asbestos test kits are available for residents to establish if their home contains asbestos prior to renovating. To date 480 test kits have been distributed to councils and nearly 300 tests completed. ▶▶ Our illegal dumping grants have made it possible to install surveillance cameras, train staff, develop enforcement and education resources, gather baseline data and engage a Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) officer. As a result there has been a doubling in the number of illegal dumping incidents reported across the region - up from 898 in 2015/16 to 1881 in 2016/17 with 725 tonnes of illegal dumping disposed of. Six of the 7 member councils are now registered for RID online reporting. ▶▶ Three litter projects have been targeting high priority littered sites including parks, retail areas and roadsides. The 14/15 litter program saw new bin and signage infrastructure installed at hotspots across 6 LGAs and achieved an average 38% reduction in littering at the sites. The 16/17 Busting Roadside Litter awareness program (stage 1) focused on reducing littering from vehicles at 6 hotspot locations along the Pacific Highway from Tweed to Grafton and resulted in an average 53% litter reduction and a 150% in the number of residents registered to report littering from vehicles. The 2nd stage of the roadside program extended to highways in the west of the region at Lismore and Casino and achieved an average 74% litter reduction by volume. A new project to engage the public in an ongoing litter collection and reduction campaign at 4 high profile recreational parks will be rolled out in 2017/18. ▶▶ Two rounds of Bin Trim grants have resulted in the assessments of 370 businesses and engagement with many more. The combined Bin Trim projects resulted in 1,100 tonnes being diverted from landfill. Four Bin Trim rebates were organised for businesses including, a bandsaw, baler, a chicken tractor and a hot rot composting machine.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 5 New business resources were developed including promotional tools, video showcases, staff engagement signage and factsheets. The data collected from the Bin Trim project has supported NE Waste grant application in other areas and has also been provided to our member councils with personalised reports being developed for them. Momentum from Bin Trim has helped promote the Waste Warriors for Business Project, with the project being contacted by significant numbers of businesses for assistance. The Waste Warriors for Business project continues to engage and promote best practice waste management, the project objectives and participating businesses via its blog and social media accounts. ▶▶ Since 2014, NE Waste has been successful in 2 x Love Food Hate Waste grants and a Food Smart Pilot study. The first of these grants enabled a social research study to be conducted in our region involving parents with children. This enabled a targeted behavioural change program to be developed and implemented successfully in our region over the past 3 years. The program reaches householders through a multifaceted approach including TV, print media, social media and face to face engagement through our mobile education van and a Love Food Hate Waste workshop series, reaching more than 5,000 people. Evaluation has shown that following on from the workshops, 85% of participants report to have adopted 3 food waste avoidance practices and reduced their food waste by at least 2-5L per week. NE Waste have also piloted the Love Food Hate Waste Food Smart program to 98 householders in our region. NE Waste will continue to foster partnership opportunities and implement food waste avoidance behaviour change programs across the region building on its already successful Love Food Hate Waste program. ▶▶ Under the better waste recycling fund NE Waste has purchased Visual Messaging Signs that have been used at landfills, to advertise waste events, and on our litter projects. We have also purchased a new waste education van and resources to extend our reach into schools and the community. This year (2017) the fund will be used to engage the region in the appropriate use of their FOGO collection systems and to reduce organic waste going to landfill. ▶▶ For the first time NE Waste has moved into the area of working with aboriginal communities on waste management issues. A review of the discrete aboriginal communities in the region was conducted in 2015 and assistance was given to communities who wished to apply for funding to tackle illegal dumping issues. Since then funding has been secured to work intensively with 2 communities, Muli Muli in Kyogle and Cabbage Tree Island in Ballina Shire. A clean up of existing waste and asbestos on-site is underway and the program is focusing on finding longer- term solutions to challenges that these communities face around waste management.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 6 ▶▶ In the report it refers to mixed waste treatment and not an AWT specifically – Lismore 2.4 Infrastructure Needs and Planned is bringing online before June a waste sorting facility that will sort 18,000 tonnes of Infrastructure commercial and self-haul waste. A few years after it will be expanded to take municipal kerbside waste as well. It will be a good demonstration to determine potential diversion quantities. ▶▶ Our councils all integrate garden organics into their composting processing and with In 2011 an infrastructure needs analysis was completed for the NSW EPA. It identified the Northern Byron and Tweed also beginning this practice the need for increased resource recovery in Rivers as a high priority for new resource recovery infrastructure. Since that time a number of new this area is unlikely. facilities have become operational, addressing some of the infrastructure gaps identified. These include a new MRF at both Grafton and Lismore, an organic processing facility at Grafton, and a household hazardous waste shed at both Richmond Valley and Tweed Shire. In addition, eight National trends indicate that while diversion of recycling and organics has improved, the overall Community Recycling Centres have been constructed and operate across the region. Recently a volume of waste generated has increased, making landfill capacity a pressing issue. Total available new infrastructure needs analysis has been completed by the NSW EPA and has identified the need landfill capacity across the region is currently at 4 million cubic meters, with similar proposed for: additional void space available. Three Council landfills are currently near capacity and either have approval or are awaiting approval to develop new landfills. One Council landfill has closed due to ▶▶ Additional C&D recycling capacity (around 41,000 tpa by 2021) constrained capacity and expansion issues and is currently transferring residual waste to South ▶▶ Additional garden organics recovery capacity (around 36,000 tpa by 2021) East Queensland. Two of the Councils nearing capacity are also utilising this option while their new landfills are in development. There is also the potential to utilise other existing landfills in the region ▶▶ 10,000 tpa ‘non-putrescible MRF’ capacity; 31,000 tpa mixed waste treatment and if the South East Queensland option ceases to be viable. 16,000 tpa energy recovery capacity to achieve recovery targets for MSW and C&I waste There will be: ▶▶ An oversupply of clean MRF capacity ▶▶ Adequate FOGO organics processing capacity, assuming Tweed Shire Organics Facility is developed as planned At the time of writing, the final Infrastructure Strategy has not been released but NE Waste Council feedback on the proposed needs above are: ▶▶ We do not consider that a mixed waste treatment facility or an energy recovery facility or RDF plant is a priority for Local Government in the Northern Rivers for the 2017- 21 period of the strategy. If the strategy was out to 2031 it could be relevant. A more realistic strategy would be to invest in C&I/C&D resource recovery infrastructure e.g. small dirty MRF’s along with market development. ▶▶ An AWT of some kind will come online at some stage of the future in the region – it may however be for specific waste types.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 7 2.5 Waste And Resource Recovery Tonnage Data Figure 4: Total Domestic Waste Generation and Resource Recovery Figure 4: Total Domestic Waste Generation and Resource Recovery 200,000 2.5.1 Total Domestic Waste 180,000 160,000 In the NE Waste region there has been a reduction in total domestic waste 140,000 generation (from kerbside, clean up and drop off ) since 2012. During the 85,675 75,738 78,469 79,229 80,324 same period the population has increased, indicating an overall reduction 120,000 88273 102,018 per capita of domestic waste generated. 100,000 In 2012/13 waste recovery in the region exceeded the tonnes of waste 80,000 61% disposed to landfill for the first time. In 2015/16 recovery reached 102,018 tones, with 63,907 tones disposed of to landfill. This equates to a recycling 60,000 rate of 61% 89,938 85,789 91,197 91,012 40,000 82,073 73950 recycling rate 63,907 This increase in resource recovery is a result of a number of improved 20,000 services across the region, including the introduction of a food and garden -‐ organics (FOGO) service in both Richmond Valley and Byron Shire. The 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2015/16 Tweed FOGO service goes on line in July 2017 bring the total number of NE Waste Councils recycling organics to six of the seven NE Waste Councils. Tonnes Disposed Tonnes Recovered Most councils have also upgraded their recycling bins to a 360 Litre, encouraging more dry recycling recovery. Extensive education and communication campaigns have supported the successful implementation of these new and improved services. Figure 4 presents the total domestic waste generation and resource recovery in Figure 5: Total Kerbside Domestic Waste Generation Figure 5: Total Kerbside Domestic Waste Generation tonnes for the region since 2007. 80,000 2.5.2 Total Kerbside Domestic Waste 70,000 60,000 Most domestic waste is collected via Councils kerbside bin services. Overall the total quantity of domestic 50,000 waste and recycling collected in kerbside bins has been steadily decreasing by about 1 kilogram per household Residual 40,000 per week each year since 2007. Throughout this period there has been a steady increase in the diversion of Dry Recycling 30,000 both dry recycling and organics with a corresponding reduction in the disposal of waste to landfill via the Organics residual waste bin as shown in Figure 5. 20,000 10,000 -‐ 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 15/16
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 8 2.5.3 Non-Domestic Waste Illegal Dumping The number of Illegal Dumping incidents reported in the region has grown significantly in recent years. Recent NE Waste projects have improved reporting, worked across sectors of Council to consolidate data and encouraged the public to report, contributing to this increase. Solid waste from households including kerbside bins, kerbside clean ups and self haul to drop off centres, comprises the majority of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) stream. Since the last strategy our Illegal Dumping Clean up and prevention program (2015-18) However MSW also includes solid waste from local government operations such as waste has provided training of Council staff, surveillance cameras and training in their use, the collected from municipal parks and gardens, street sweepings, events, council engineering development of enforcement and educational resources, and encouraged better data works and public council bins. collection of illegal dumping that is disposed of in Council facilities. In 2016 , NE Waste was successful in gaining funds for an Illegal Dumping RID officer for the southern region as a trial. The role was to assist 3 Councils to improve data collection using Construction and demolition waste (C&D) the Report Illegal Dumping online tool, continue training and resource development and to Construction and demolition data varies across the region. The introduction of the waste levy improve communication across the Council departments involved in Illegal Dumping. has led to a corresponding reduction in C&D waste throughout the region been landfilled. In summary: On-site use and the recovery of concrete for resale are the main activities undertaken to reduce C&D waste to landfill. ▶▶ Six of the regions seven Councils are now registered to use RID online In 2016/17 over 38,006 ton of C&D materials entered the regional facilities. Of this 16,091 ▶▶ The number of illegal dumping incidents reported and investigated more than ton was recovered. While this recovery rate of 42.3 % is well below the 2021 WARR Strategy doubled in 2016/17, to 1,881 across the region target of 80% it is an increase on previous years when most C&D waste was landfilled. Some ▶▶ The amount of illegal dumping disposed of this year, increased from 219 to 725 individual Councils have recovery rates of up to 77% and several more have commenced tonnes concrete crushing and the sorting of other products for reuse and resale. At the time of the last strategy data collection did not allow the recycling rate to be calculated at all so ▶▶ The number of penalty and clean up notices issued across the region this year improvements have been made in collection and recording of data. The recovery of C&D increased by 36% to 56 in total waste will continue to be a priority for NEW Councils in this strategy. ▶▶ Illegaldumping of asbestos continued to rise, with 57 incidents reported in 2016/17 Commercial & Industrial Waste (C&I) Reliable data about the commercial sectors waste generation and resource recovery performance is still not currently available. This is due to the combined residential and commercial collection services provided by Councils and the existing weighbridge and MRF systems that do not allow accurate data separation for differing waste streams. However, it is anticipated that this may improve for self haul and skip loads, as Lismore Council has received funding to construct a C&I sorting facility to improve recovery and enable accurate reporting.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 1 9 2.6 Waste Composition 2.6.1 Kerbside Residual Bin Figure 5 NE Waste Region – Kerbside Residual Bin Composition Misc Data in this section, except for Waste composition in Figure 8% Cardboard & P aper 8% 6 below is taken from the most recent 2015-16 WARR data. textiles Figure 6 shows more recent data from the compositional 5% audits held in the 2016-17 period. Other p utrescibles/animal waste 4% Earth Based 3% Building Waste 4% Food Organics 28% Hazardous 1% Non Recyclable P lastics 8% Contaminated P aper 5% Garden organics 2% Glass 4% Nappies Ferrous M etal 3% 10% Non-‐Ferrous M etal Recyclable Plastics E-‐waste 1% 5% 2% The kerbside residual bin audits undertaken in 16-17 show the above composition. Food organics remain a significant portion of the bin and the recent focus of Councils and NEW has been to increase FOGO campaigns and services to address this issue. The average household residual bin (red lid) in the region contained 7 kg of waste per week, with 1.47 kg of recycling and 2.12 kg of organics. An estimated 63% of the bin contents were potentially recyclable, including 39% percent organics, 24 percent dry recyclables.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 0 2.6.2 Comparison of regional compositions since 2013 Since the last strategy was written from audits conducted in 2013, all Councils have experienced a significant reduction in the weight of their residual bin and the quantity of organics and dry recycling in that bin. Their combined efforts are shown in Figure 6 below. Figure 6 Comparison from previous Strategy in kgs 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 8.6 7 3 2 3.52 1 2 .31 1.47 2 .12 0 Total weight Recycling Organics 2013 2017
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 1 2.7 Performance Assessment Table 2 presents the 2015/16 generation per household (kg/hh/wk) of kerbside waste and recycling for the 7 NE Waste Councils and their estimated This section reviews the performance of different waste collection systems and helps us understand household recycling rate (%) according to recently released WARR data. how existing schemes are performing and where there is potential for improvement. The region’s performance is measured against a number of indicators including the amount of household waste Table generated, the percentage recycled and the overall diversion from landfill. This analysis enables the NE NE Waste Councils Generation per Household Waste region’s performance to be compared against other similar councils and regions. 2 Yield (kg/hh/wk) 2015/16 Council Recycling Rate Residual to Dry 2.7.1 Household Generation landfill Recycling Organics Total % Household waste generation has been steadily reducing since 2007 as indicated in Figure 7 below. Ballina Shire Council 8.6 5.4 8.7 22.73 62% According to WARR data in 2015/16 households across the region generated 8.46kg of residual waste per week on average. The dry recycling rate at 6.03 kg has increased marginally continues to remain Byron Shire Council 7.8 7.0 7.9 24.3 65.6% similar to previous years. The organics yield per household has also remained the same at 6.2 kg per Clarence Valley Council 6.7 5.6 8.2 20.3 67.3% household per week but these 15-16 figures do not reflect the introduction of new FOGO services across the region, in Richmond Valley and Tweed Council areas. Kyogle Council 10 7.1 NA 14.6 41.5% Lismore City Council 6.8 6.0 8.7 19.4 68.37% Figure 7 Household Generation Richmond Valley Council 9.2 5.4 4.2 20.2 51.06% Tweed Shire Council 10.1 5.7 5.7 22.3 53.02% NE WASTE Region Residual Dry Recycling Organics Total Kerbside 8.46 6.03 6.20 20.69 58.44% 2015/16 30.00 NE WASTE Region 9.6 5.8 6.7 22.1 57% 2014/15 25.00 22.0 20.00 RRA 2014/15 9.8 5.3 6.9 55% 15.00 NSW 2014/15 11.9 5 5.2 22.1 46% 10.00 5.00 -‐ 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 2 2.7.2 Domestic Diversion The total domestic diversion rate for the NE Waste region has been gradually increasing due mainly to improved diversion rates from kerbside bins. In 2011/12 the diversion rate was 49.5%. Many more services have been introduced since the publishing of the 2014/15 WARR data used for this report and a continued increase in this rate is expected during the lifetime of this strategy. Total Domestic Diversion Rate Table Domestic Diversion Rate 3 2015/16 Council Total Domestic Total Recovered Total Disposed Generation Recycling rate TONNES Ballina Shire 22,408.10 14,037.19 8,370.91 62.6% Byron Shire 25,085.16 14,058.12 11,027.04 56.04% Clarence Valley 29,579 19,235 10,344 65.03% Kyogle 4,836.56 2,561.39 2,275 52.96% Lismore City 21,791 14,584 7,207 66.93% Richmond Valley 10,261 5,962 4,299 58.10% Tweed Shire 57,716 37,107 20,690 64.29% NE WASTE Region 2015/16 171,676 107,544 64,132 60.86% NE WASTE Region 2014/15 155,415.00 81,895 73,520 52.7%
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 3 2.7 Waste Forecasting and Projections Figure 8 displays a number of waste scenarios based on ABS projected population data and the historical trends of domestic waste generation in Figure 8 Total Domestic Waste Generation (tonnes) Forecast to 2021 the NE Waste region. The regions population is forecast to increase from 287,900 in 2011 to 306,000 in 2021. The three scenarios display the possible change in tonnages of domestic waste over time, in line with the predicted Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 Domestic Waste 07-12 population increase and changes in the generation of waste per person. 180,000 ▶▶ Scenario 1 assumes a continuation of the overall trend of a reduction in waste generation of 1.5% per capita in the region. 175,000 ▶▶ Scenario 2 assumes that domestic waste generation remains at the 2012 rate of 0.55 tonnes per year per capita. 170,000 ▶▶ Scenario 3 assumes further improvement to a 2.25% reduction in domestic waste generation per capita, reflecting our 165,000 aspirational target. 160,000 After 2013, all scenarios predict a steady increase in total domestic waste generation until 2021. These predictions could be influenced by a number 155,000 of factors including the economic climate, behavioural change through education and regulation and natural disaster events. 150,000 The above forecasting is limited by the exclusion of C&I and C&D waste 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 tonnages. Proposed improvements in data collection and reporting will enable more accurate prediction of waste generation across all waste streams.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 4 2.8 Review Of Programs, Initiatives And Community Expectations NE Waste had delivered a broad range of waste education, business and community engagement programs over 20 years. The group has focused on delivering outcomes in the initiatives tabled below, with their key features and outcomes outlined. Many changes have occurred during the past 3 years and these are also highlighted. Table NE Waste Programs & Initiatives 4 Project and Initiatives Features Outcomes Administration, Regular meetings and networking have 10 meetings with member councils and contractors Communication and continued with the 7 Councils, other 4 annual E-Newsletters. Reporting VRWG’s and NE Waste project officers Website promotion providing information and interaction at www.newaste.org.au in addition to hosting 3 individual project websites Extensive Media engagement Editorial and advertising to support projects: In 2017-18 NE Waste developed a new TVC, ran 2 existing from the previous year, Annual reports, Project Reports, Strategy produced 10 social media clips, an image library, 139 print ads, 64 pieces of editorial, 993 radio ads, 3 conference presentations, 1 Youtube music video and a digital infographic, 4 media interviews Annual report to Council, annual report to EPA, Strategy review, grant acquittal, project reports to council 1/4ly Collaboratively identifying regional Regional Waste Strategy 2011-15, Regional Waste Strategy 2013-17 Regional Waste Strategy objectives and planning actions for implementation
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 5 Table NE Waste Programs & Initiatives 4 Project and Initiatives Features Outcomes Community and Schools Education and Community education and schools support program is delivered through our mobile Wipe out Waste (WOW) team and resources. Engagement Program The Wipe out Waste program actively engages more than 5,000 community members each year at more than 50 events across the region each year. Our WOW excursion is now integrated into the WOW program - approx. 7 of these are held annually Trip to Tip Program (WOW excursion) Phase 1: social research conducted and report produced. Pilot workshop held, Facebook page commenced, TV Commercial Love Food Hate Waste Program produced and aired Phase 2: community workshop series - 40 workshops and cooking demos held. Partnerships established with TAFE, NSW Health, Consortium of Neighbourhood Centres, Schools, Preschools. Resource production, training of contractors School and Community Media campaign promoting Council recycling services. Includes a week of community events, editorial in local papers, newspaper Education programs National recycling week ads in local press, social media, and newsletter articles. Second-hand Saturday The biggest garage sale day that involves up to 50,000 people in reuse through holding or visiting garage sales on the day. From 2007-2010 and 2014-2018 reaching more than 50 preschools/early childhood centres. Holistic and integrated approach for Early Childhood Waste Education Program centres becoming waste wise. Get Grubby Program - 7 training sessions held with Early Childhood Centre staff. Access to Get Grubby Program (@dirtgirlworld) Including Students Using Sustainable Strategies Program (SUSS) run from 2004 – 2012. Waste Audit training with high schools run in High Schools Program conjunction with SUSS and now with Dorroughby EE Centre and Northern Rivers Group of Environmental Educators. Business engagement and audit project Actively engaged over 600 businesses since 2005. Stage 1 - audited 40 businesses and provided support to facilitate waste reduction practices. Stage 2 – precinct and sector based approach included 10 business cluster surveys and assessed 490 small businesses over 2 years. Waste Warriors project Stage 3 – Waste Warriors utilises TV, electronic, social and print media, to engage businesses. A case management approach Business Waste Reduction incorporates EPA Bin Trim tool and a detailed action plan to achieve increased diversion through facilitation of recycling Project partnerships, improved staff training and promotion of business success. Two rounds of Bin Trim grants have resulted in the assessments of 370 businesses and engagement with many more. The combined Bintrim projects resulted in 1100 tonnes being diverted from landfill. Four Bin Trim rebates were organised for businesses including, a bandsaw, baler, a chicken tractor and a hot rot composting machine. New business resources were developed including promotional tools, video showcases, staff engagement signage and factsheets. Regional contracts for specific problem Collections for Ewaste, compact fluorescent lamps, tyres Problem Wastes and wastes Community Recycling Collection of chemicals at surrender events Centres Community Recycling Centres constructed and operational in the region
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 6 Table NE Waste Programs & Initiatives 4 Project and Initiatives Features Outcomes Training provided for staff from member Councils for professional development on specific areas each year. In 2017 25 Council Training Landfill operator ,Asbestos identification, waste workers were trained in a certificate course in asbestos handling and removal Illegal dumping and Media training Since 2012, NE Waste Council staff and contractors have also participated in EPA sponsored training for cultural awareness, commmunity-based social marketing, behaviour change, collaborative leadership and project management. TV, radio, print advertisements and editorial Posters, stickers, brochures, road signage, enforcement tape. A Regional Illegal Dumping Program Training for council staff in Illegal Dumping enforcement Raising awareness of Illegal across 7 participating Councils since 2012 Dumping and has continued to provide resources, Development of online reporting for Illegal dumping support and training to our councils. Development of www.illegaldumping.com.au website Support and development of regional projects that focus and support the needs of the 7 local councils in NE Waste Supporting a pilot project for a contractor Increase reporting and improved data capture. to work with 3 Councils to improve their RID Online Officer The transfer of information to nonparticipating Councils. data collection and management of reporting Illegal Dumping on line. The 14/15 litter program saw new bin and signage infrastructure installed at hotspots across 6 LGAs and achieved an average 38% reduction in littering at the sites. The 16/17 Busting Roadside Litter awareness program (stage 1) focused on reducing littering from Providing litter programs that involve vehicles at 6 hotspot locations along the Pacific Highway from Tweed to Grafton and resulted in an average 53% litter reduction and media, infrastructure and education a 150% in the number of residents registered to report littering from vehicles. The 2nd stage of the roadside program extended to Litter components. So far, 3 litter projects have highways in the west of the region at Lismore and Casino and achieved an average 74% litter reduction by volume. A new project been targeting high priority littered sites to engage the public in an ongoing litter collection and reduction campaign at 4 high profile recreational parks will be rolled out in including parks, retail areas and roadsides. 17/18. NE Waste also collaborated with Midwaste to extend this program to the south along the Pacific Highway. This project involved a review of the A clean up of existing waste and asbestos on site is complete. discrete aboriginal communities in In excess of 1,950 t of waste was removed from the Muli site and 28 t from Cabbage Tree Island. Project cost was in excess of the region with assistance given to $300,000 provided by the EPA. communities who wished to apply for funding to tackle illegal dumping issues. A recycling system and service was introduced to the community Clean Up Country Since then funding has been secured to A week-long workshop on recycling resulted in a video film clip shot at Muli Muli by Desert Pea Media. work intensively with 2 communities, Muli A planting day and thank you was held to rehabilitate the old tip site. Muli in Kyogle and Cabbage Tree Island in Ballina Shire. around waste management.
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 7 NE Waste Programs & Initiatives Table 4 Project and Initiatives Features Outcomes In recent years this has included: The support of specific initiatives and 7 Visual messaging signs for Councils Better Waste Recycling Fund projects approved by the EPA Purchase of asbestos household testing kits The purchase of a new education van to house the community engagement project – marquees, resources and signage There have been 3 asbestos initiative – a 480 Asbestos disposal kits provided to councils Household Disposal Kit for residents, a Asbestos Programs 420 Asbestos testing kits household testing kit for residents and a media campaign. TV Commercial, print and radio media to promote the safe disposal of asbestos. One 30 second TVC and one 15 second TVC aired for 6 months on both regional stations A media campaign to encourage residents FOGO Campaign 6 social media clips for use by NE Waste and our Councils to use their green bin correctly An on-line media library to assist promotion Partnerships Making links to other agencies and Regular meetings with RENEW NSW funding bodies Grants funded by Environment Trust include Illegal dumping, ecofriendly youth project, love food hate waste Networks and projects with environmental educators, ROUS Water, NSW Health, Consortium of Neighbourhood Centres, LALCs
N O R T H E A S T WA S T E - 2 0 1 7 - R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y | 2 8 2.9 Summary The NE Waste region has reduced total domestic waste generation and improved recycling and resource recovery through individual council initiatives, ongoing regional collaboration and implementation of A strategy is required that addresses these challenges and the Regional Waste Management Strategy 2011-14. However there is still work to be done to continue includes a uniform waste management system, enhanced improving performance into the future. services and drop off facilities and improved infrastructure, At present the NE Waste region faces a number of challenges in waste management that this strategy supported by a comprehensive education and communication will address. They include: program to maximise business and community engagement. ▶▶ The regions population is predicted to increase by 6% to 306,000 by 2021 and this has This will contribute to further increasing diversion, alleviating implications for waste generation, landfill availability and service provision. the pressure and future expenditure on Council’s facilities and ▶▶ While all Councils currently have a dry recycling service and most have an organics collection, there is room for further improvement. improving resource recovery across the region. ▶▶ Significant quantities (63%) of potentially recyclable materials are currently present in the residual waste bin and can be recycled through existing Council services. ▶▶ Improved infrastructure is required to keep pace with future increases in population and waste generation. Additional landfill capacity is needed to cope with current and future residual waste disposal requirements. To achieve the WARR target of 75% diversion from landfill by 2021, the further expansion and sharing of regional resource recovery facilities is required. ▶▶ The lack of data about the commercial sector’s waste generation and resource recovery makes planning for the future more difficult. Targets have been set for 70% C&I recovery, yet existing weighbridge systems and MRFs do not allow accurate separation of the data in the MSW and C&I streams. ▶▶ Ensuring regional cooperation, maintain equity and open communication, while addressing the different needs of individual member Councils.
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