MIDWASTE acknowledges the funding it receives from the NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded by the Waste Levy. This document is printed on FSC Certified, carbon neutral paper.

MIDWASTE AR2015/16 CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT 04 FOREWARD 05 VISION & PRINCIPLES 06 REGIONAL PROGRAMS 07 1.1A: Delivery Of Regional Strategy 07 1B: Training & Professional Development 09 2: Management Of Regional Contracts 09 3: Data Management & Audits 10 4: Community Education And Engagement 12 5: Problem Wastes 20 6: Reduce Litter 21 7: Reduce Illegal Dumping 24 8: Research & Development 25 9: Commercial & Industrial 26 10: Discrete Aboriginal Communities 27 NEW COUNCIL INITIATIVES 28 MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE 32 APPENDIX 1: 34

MIDWASTE 03 AR2016/17 EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

The 2016-2017 financial year has been a extension of the NSW Governments’ ‘Waste and Wendy Grant has continued as Project time of renewal and opportunity for most Less, Recycle More’ program for 2017-2021. Officer during 2016-17. The Host Council for of the MIDWASTE Councils, with collection Improvements and additions to infrastructure financial administration was with Kempsey and processing contracts happening in four and on-ground projects continue across the Shire Council. Our appreciation is extended LGAs and the ongoing alignment of the three region, many of which have had funding to both Councils for their assistance in merged Councils that now form MidCoast support from WLRM grants. This year supporting MIDWASTE and its members. MIDWASTE has received almost $470,000 Council. MIDWASTE also is represented and presents in non-contestable grants and an additional Throughout this, MIDWASTE has continued a voice for regional NSW on: $248,000 in contestable grants. Councils to deliver against our Regional Waste and have also received non-contestable Better • RENEW NSW (combined voluntary Resource Recovery Strategy 2014-2021 (the Waste and Recycling funding to the value of regional waste groups of NSW); Strategy), and undertaken a full review of the approximately $815,000. • Waste Management Association of document, including the development of an (WMAA) State Committee; Implementation Plan for 2017-2021. A brief summary of the grants received by MIDWASTE is below: • WMAA NSW Landfill Working Group; and MIDWASTE has continued to work closely • MIDWASTE Core Funding - $320,071 with the NSW EPA on a number of matters, • WMAA Waste Educators Group. including the Container Deposit Scheme • MIDWASTE Variation Funding - $65,000 • AAEE Executive design. This provides the opportunity to • Better Waste and Recycling Fund - $84,841 Relationships between member Councils ensure the differences between regional and • Litter Regional Implementation Plan - has remained strong and commitment metropolitan delivery of waste services and $110,000 from staff to MIDWASTE projects remains infrustructure are understood. • Litter Extension Grant - $50,000 high. All agree that there are many benefits The Strategy has a solid focus on delivering in a collaborative and regional approach to • Household Clean Out - $20,000 projects that encourage the community improving waste management services in to engage with the top end of the waste • CRC Education and Communication Grant our beautiful natural environment on the mid hierarchy, thus avoiding and reducing waste. - $57,000 north coast of NSW. The community is embracing taking personal • Food Smart Trial Grant - $5,000 action to reduce their waste and there is a • Food is your Business regional pilot project steady stream of requests for information - $6,000 and further workshops, as well as many The main project management and community groups forming to address issues administration of MIDWASTE continues to such as litter and single use plastics. operate by contract, managed by MidCoast John Cavanagh The NSW EPA announced the $337 million Council. Ali Bigg has continued as Coordinator MIDWASTE Executive Officer

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 04 FOREWARD

This report summarises the MIDWASTE delivered across the region. We continue projects and their outcomes for the 2016- to improve our reach and engagement 2017 financial year. through both our website and Facebook MIDWASTE is the voluntary forum made presence. The CRC network, which is almost up of representatives from six member complete, ensures that we are proactive in councils located on the the management of problem wastes and of NSW. The group formalised in 2003 and that the community is increasingly aware of has the focus of regional collaboration in the opportunities available to manage their household problem wastes. MIDWASTE has waste management, waste minimisation and four active regional contracts which support resource recovery. our smaller councils to ensure appropriate Member Councils include Bellingen servicing for the management and recycling Shire, City, , or processing of resources, including scrap MidCoast Council, Nambucca Shire and Port metal and used oils. We have updated our Macquarie-Hastings. Regional Litter Plan 2016-2021 and submitted MIDWASTE works to achieve milestones an Implementation Plan for delivery of litter outlined in their Regional Waste Avoidance reduction projects for 2017-18. We continue and Resource Recovery Strategy 2014-21 to explore collaborative partnerships, which acts as a link between the member particularly in the areas of social enterprise council’s individual waste strategies and the and innovative waste solutions. waste strategy of the NSW Government. There have been numerous opportunities reach across our region and there has been In 2016-2017 we have continued to for regional input into policy decisions and additional infrastructure completed and MIDWASTE has been working closely with implement our Regional Strategy, delivering initiated across the region. Our capacity to the NSW Environment Protection Authority projects across all Key Result Areas. There has deliver real outcomes on the ground increased been an ongoing emphasis on the top end of (EPA) and other regional waste groups on this year. Despite funding reductions going the waste hierarchy with the continuation of a number of key issues such as Container existing well-loved programs such as Scraps Deposit Schemes, draft Litter and Illegal forward, we will endeavour to build on the to Soil, and the continued development of Dumping Strategies, and the evaluation of momentum we have achieved and continue a range of reuse and recycling community Waste Less Recycle More grant programs. to deliver effective well evaluated projects for engagement workshops which are being We have achieved significant educational the remaining years of our Strategy.

MIDWASTE 05 AR2016/17 VISION & PRINCIPLES

MIDWASTE member councils will use KEY RESULT AREAS Innovative approaches for increasing MIDWASTE has identified the following Diversion rates to meet the NSW Key Result Areas (KRAs) to guide us in the achievement of our goals. They are based WARR Strategy targets; prioritising waste on those identified in the Draft NSW Avoidance and behaviour change, WARR Strategy 2013-21 and are: Sustainable regional solutions, KRA 1: Avoid and reduce waste generation collaboration, and consideration of KRA 2: Increase recycling appropriate KRA 3: Divert more waste from landfill echnology for positive T KRA 4: Manage problem wastes better Environmental, social and economic KRA 5: Reduce litter outcomes. KRA 6: Reduce illegal dumping AIM Each KRA is underpinned by: MIDWASTE aims to provide tangible • continuous improvement of waste data; benefits to member councils through • community education fostering behaviour enhanced resource and capacity sharing change; and programs aimed at delivering efficiencies • strengthening existing, and developing and cost savings and promoting innovation new collaborative strategic partnerships and excellence in waste and resource with a focus on developing effective local management. waste management solutions.

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 06 REGIONAL PROGRAMS

• Updated data from Local Government 8. Research and Development returns up to and including 2015/16; 9. Commercial and Industrial (C&I), and 1.1A: • Some of the implications of the 10. Discrete Aboriginal Communities amalgamation of Gloucester, Greater DELIVERY OF and Great Lakes Councils; The MIDWASTE Coordinator, Ali Bigg, REGIONAL STRATEGY continues to manage the day-day • New collection contract details for Coffs administration and coordination of the OVERVIEW Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca (Coffs group, liaison with the NSW Environment Coast), and Kempsey Shire; Protection Authority (EPA), strategic The MIDWASTE Regional Waste Avoidance • Updated Waste Strategies for Coffs Coast overview and some projects. and Resource Recovery Strategy 2014- and -Hastings; and 2021 (the Strategy) has undergone a full The Projects Officer, Wendy Grant, review during 2016-2017, including the • New policy directions at the State and continues to design, develop and development of an Implementation Plan for Federal level. coordinate multiple projects, liaise with the 2017-2021. This is included in the updated The review considered our Key Result Areas EPA and other stakeholders and support Strategy as Appendix 6. and updated our Strategic Direction slightly the coordinator with strategic and reporting The review of the Strategy enabled us to in accordance with the data and direction functions. incorporate: of member councils and we will report against these going forward. RENEW • Lessons learned during the previous RENEW NSW represents eight regional three (3) years of operation utilising the During this financial year a range of projects waste management groups. Together Strategy Implementation Plan; have been delivered under the following Milestones: these groups encompass 96 Councils in • The recognition that Discrete rural regional NSW. Under the umbrella of 1. Delivery of Regional Strategy Aboriginal Communities face diverse RENEW NSW, the groups work together challenges in relation to appropriate 2. Management of Regional Contracts proactively to improve resource recovery waste management and require specific 3. Data Management and Audits and waste management in regional NSW. measures to address these challenges; 4. Community Education and Engagement Supported by the NSW Environment • Updated data from kerbside audits Protection Authority (EPA), RENEW NSW 5. Problem Wastes conducted during 2014 and 2017; monitors and facilitates improvements to • Container Deposit Scheme specific audit 6. Reduce Illegal Dumping waste management and resource recovery data from 2017 audits; 7. Reduce Litter practices in rural and regional areas.

MIDWASTE 07 AR2016/17 It also serves as an advisory body on • NSW Litter Prevention Strategy matters of regional concern such as landfill consultation draft rationalization, infrastructure sharing, • NSW Illegal Dumping Strategy resource recovery systems and drop-off consultation draft centres and other related sustainability activities. The group meets quarterly, along In March, we were invited to meet with the with a number of representatives from the NSW EPA Board during their visit to Port EPA. One meeting a year is now combined Macquarie. The Board were very interested with the Sydney and Metro Coordinators, and engaged in waste and resource and each RENEW and Sydney/Metro recovery issues and we discussed a range meeting has a representative from the of topics, including, but not limited to: other in attendance, to ensure ongoing • Our appreciation of many of the collaboration and information sharing. initiatives coming out of Waste Less, MIDWASTE has had at least two Recycle More; representatives at all RENEW meetings, including the Coordinator, Executive Officer • The value of the voluntary regional waste and Projects Officer. The May meeting was groups – the Board were interested in hosted in Coffs Harbour, linked to the Waste how our model could be replicated due 2017 Conference. to our significant successes; Our Executive Officer, John Cavanagh, • The importance of product stewardship continues in the role of Chair of RENEW and being proactively engaged with and provides a key role in maintaining industry in relation to emerging and ongoing relationships with relevant EPA existing materials (including e-waste, staff. plastic packaging, solar panels); POLICY ENGAGEMENT • The challenges faced by regional areas There have been many opportunities for in relation to large distances, small regional input into policy development rate base, relatively small volumes and during this financial year. MIDWASTE the impacts and implications of Local has been involved in the development of Government reforms – mergers and submissions towards: Joint Organisations; and • Container Deposit Scheme Draft • The increasing groundswell of Regulations and MRF Protocol community interest and commitment to • Waste Less Recycle More I evaluation of circular economy and how the EPA and programs OEH are working together in this space.

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 08 MIDWASTE representatives have continued to be active participants in the Local Government and Community Working 2: Group for the Container Deposit Scheme and have been involved in consultation MANAGEMENT and review sessions in relation to WLRM OF REGIONAL program areas. CONTRACTS MIDWASTE engaged Regional Procurement to manage the tender process for 5 materials and a tender process was 1B: conducted for each of these. The Recycling TRAINING AND of Used Tyres tender did not receive any submissions. The remaining four (4) had PROFESSIONAL positive outcomes and are in place from DEVELOPMENT October 2016-September 2018 (with a Our training program has been deferred this 12month extension option). They are for: year due to the significant major projects • Collection of Used Oils (all councils); underway across member councils, • Collection of Scrap Metal and ULABs (5 including Collection Contract development councils); and Council mergers, which make it • Mulching of Green Waste (3 councils) and challenging for staff to attend external activities. All EPA training opportunities • Concrete, Brick and Tile Crushing (4 have been promoted and attended where councils). possible. The Project Officer and some Regional contracts for a range of materials council staff attended EPA sponsored and activities enable small councils to Cultural Heritage training. All Councils (bar procure services that distance and volume one) were represented at Waste 2017 in may otherwise proclude. The ongoing Coffs Harbour, along with the Coordinator. management of these contracts on a This included a position funded by the regional basis is of significant benefit to EPA, which enabled attendance at the participating councils. E-waste is collected Conference for an operational staff member under individual council contracts, from Kempsey Shire Council. supported by MIDWASTE.

MIDWASTE 09 AR2016/17 • Identify waste generation trends at a which residents were able to place used regional and sub-regional level; clothing in bags in the recycling bin, to be 3: • Inform performance reviews of waste sorted at the MRF. This process could also DATA MANAGEMENT systems and contracts; be used for the collection of soft plastics • Highlight any materials that require and opportunities to do so are being & AUDITS alternative strategies to improve recovery explored. The biggest current challenge Council data was collected and analysed rates; to initiating soft plastics collections is the as a component of the Regional WARR • Contribute to the development of new volatile nature of the end market as Councils Strategy review. The document has been strategies to manage domestic residual are reluctant to develop a community updated to include 1516 data. Data from waste; and 1617 has not yet been analysed as returns expectation unless there is some level of • Plan and implement Council involvement are still being completed. Diversion of a surety of being able to continue. in the Container Deposit Scheme. range of other materials from across the Contamination of the recycling bin region are outlined in Table 1. While there are limitations to results gained through a snapshot in time survey process, regionally is 12.3%, which is considerably Late in 2016 MIDWASTE went to market this audit is one in a series from which higher than the state average of 7.3% (using the EPA Panel Contact RFT we hope to determine regional and sub- (based on kerbside audits 2011). However, 1002676) for a regional domestic kerbside regional trends in participation rates, yield audit. The brief included a CDS component for the green bin the contamination rate and composition of the domestic kerbside to collect data prior to its introduction in is very low at 1.6% (state average 2.1% in system. July (now postponed until December 2017). 2011). These figures highlight an opportunity We received two submissions and engaged The composition of the residual bin is for councils to target the education A. Prince Consulting to conduct the audits, indicated in Figure 1, using the regional programs managed by their collection and/ average (all percentages are by weight). It on a sub-regional basis, in accordance with or processing contractors to reduce the the NSW EPA Guidelines. shows that there are significant gains still to be made in the diversion of organics, rate of contamination in the recycling bin. The audits were funded from the MIDWASTE which includes loose food, potentially Additionally, councils should explore the Better Waste and Recycling Fund, an EPA compostable material, (such as soiled potential for regulation in relation to the use contribution for the CDS component, and paper), and garden organics. Regionally, Council contributions on a per capita basis. of the kerbside recycling bin. organics comprises 44% of the residual bin Appendix 1 uses the EPA ‘Recyculator’ tool The results of the audits will assist Councils contents. Soft plastics (11%) and textiles to: (6%) also present an opportunity for the to graphically illustrate the positive impacts • Inform waste policies and planning at a region. Last year Council ran of effective diversion of comingled recycling regional and sub-regional level; a successful clothing recycling trial during and organics across the region.

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 10 TABLE 1 – REGIONAL DIVERSION OF KEY MATERIALS

Material Unit Quantity diverted

Batteries, Oils, Paints, Smoke Household Problem Waste – Detectors, Light bulbs, fire kg 289,843 through CRCs extinguishers, gas cylinders

By catch – through CRCs Chemicals, toxics kg 50,851

Organics Kerbside and self-haul Tonnes 59,400

Comingled Recycling Kerbside and self-haul Tonnes 45,332

Electronic Waste Self-haul Tonnes 199

Expanded polystyrene Self-haul Kgs 9,949

Kerbside Residual Bin Composition 2017 Audit % of bin by weight

Potentially recyclable 5%

Recyclable (MGB) 10%

Plastic film (incl.bags) 11%

Textiles Other potentially compostable 6% organics (containerised food, soiled paper, animal faeces) Other Nappies - adult and child 17% 42% 7%

Garden organics 3% Hazardous Other 1% Earth Based 8% 7% Loose food scraps 23% E-waste 2%

FIG 1: RESIDUAL BIN COMPOSITION 2017

MIDWASTE 11 AR2016/17 as Boomerang Bags. Our community a very successful and cost-effective education and engagement program means of managing registrations for 4: is enabled through effective strategic multiple workshops across multiple sites. partnerships, and we continue to nurture MIDWASTE has also continued to explore COMMUNITY and develop these with the community innovative creative arts based approaches EDUCATION AND garden and library networks in the region. to waste education through the Creative We continue to ensure our programs Upcycling program. This approach has ENGAGEMENT are professionally branded and that proven successful in engaging a broader MIDWASTE has continued delivery of promotional material is developed for audience than more traditional waste highly successful community workshops each workshop to enable the effective education activities. We ensure evaluation focussing on Avoidance and Reuse and use of internal Council communications processes are a key aspect of each of the responded to strong community interest and marketing. MIDWASTE has programs to enable ongoing monitoring in waste issues with the development continued to utilise an online booking and appraisal of program effectiveness. of new workshop opportunities and system, Trybooking, for many of the The MIDWASTE website continues to support of community run initiatives such community programs and this has been evolve and is regularly updated to reflect

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 12 changing projects and community address any issues the participants have activities. experienced in setting up their equipment, Our Facebook presence also continues while also providing a prompt for them do to grow, with increasing numbers of so. An evaluation survey is conducted by people ‘sharing’ and ‘liking’ our content. phone after 5-6 months. The evaluation Social media is proving an effective way indicates that 99% of participants set up of initiating discussion and bookings in and continue to use their equipment after relation to community workshops. 6 months, 95% told neighbours or friends about the program and over 1,500kg of WORKSHOPS and food scraps are diverted each week. INITIATIVES to This year we trialled a compost collective ENCOURAGE REUSE and model at a retirement village and work is RECYCLING continuing to expand the program in this direction. MIDWASTE continues to develop, deliver Less is More! Declutter community and evaluate a range of community workshops continued to be delivered in workshops that aim to provide community partnership with local Council libraries to members with skills and knowledge to engage residents in sustainable disposal of take positive action at the top end of the excess items focusing on purchasing less, waste hierarchy and therefore become reusing and repurposing products, utilising part of the solution. These workshops are local tip shops, online services such as outlined below: Gumtree and Buy Swap Sell Facebook Scraps to Soil is a home composting pages, and local Community Recycling and worm farming program developed Centres. The program collaboration with in partnership with multiple community local Council Libraries has proven to be gardens. During 2016-2017, there have a very effective model enabling good been 29 workshops across 6 locations attendance in well regarded and utilised with over 500 participants. Each workshop public space and strengthening existing provides the skill and equipment necessary library community programs. With 15 to start composting and worm farming at workshops delivered in 10 locations and home. A component of the program is a more than 150 participants, the workshops follow up phone call to participants after have been extremely well received and 3 weeks. This enables the facilitator to evaluation feedback is very positive.

MIDWASTE 13 AR2016/17 Saturday, November 5, 2016 coffscoastadvocate.com.au NEWS 19 Up-cycling becomes creative LEARN how to create home project and come away mosaics as part of the beauty from used materials with the ability to create learning opportunities at MOSAIC at an up-cycling mosaic mosaic projects Bellingen High School, it led workshop. independently at home. to other projects for me at WORKSHOP Up-cycling, also known as “I came to community other schools and in the creative reuse, is the process mosaic art projects a little broader community and When: November 12 from of turning waste or old by accident and a little by region. 9.3am to 3pm. material and used products fate,” said artist Fiona “For subject matter, there Where: Bowerhouse into something that has a McAulay. is no greater inspiration Community Reuse Centre, new use, beauty or value. “I’ve had a lifelong love of than nature, and to protect Shortcut Rd, Raleigh Midwaste, in partnership the architectural and mosaic our environment is close to Cost: $60 (conc. $30) with Bellingen Shire works of Gaudi and when I my heart.” Register: midwaste.org.au Council, is running the moved to the Mid North Fiona will be sharing her /upcycling or 0422 151 402. workshop with local artist Coast I couldn’t believe the skills, knowledge and a few Fiona McAulay. Participants wonderful public sculptured trade secrets at this Reuse Centre is open 8.30am will learn indoor and mosaic works of Guy workshop. Limited places so to 4pm Friday, Saturday and outdoor mosaic methods, Crossley. register your interest ASAP. Sundays selling recycled and complete a quality take “After introducing Bowerhouse Community second hand items

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Booking Now! Creative Upcycling workshopsTh eChaveoa hopest Ho to expandtel workshops to include repair Chrtheistmas local markets,Pa withrties very little input continued in Raleigh at the localCO tip FFShopSH ARactivities.BOUR Creative Upcycling was developed andfrom MIDWASTEFunctions! as local organisations (the Bowerhouse). Mosaics and recycled to be run at the Tuncurry facility however and individuals have taken ownership of •Fully Renovated With Immaculate Inspection sculpture have both been run twice, with 46aa Fully Licensed Mobile Caterers! •Gaming Lounge (15 P.m.e’s) had to be cancelled due to low registrations this event and it continues to be popular 64561 over 10 participants•E xtensivein eachOutdoor and furtherAreas and alternative, lower cost workshops are with the local community. workshops are planned.•Turnover Local$3,300,000 artists utiliseAnnually Finger Food •The Mid North Coasts Largest UrbancurrentlyCentr ebeing planned for next year. has been reclaimed materials•W atell Locatedthe reuseIn AP rimecentrePosition Love FoodHigh HateTe Wastea (LFHW) including purchasing•O materialsne Of Only 6Honotels the day The highly successful Fashion Exchange delivered only once to the community •The Hotel Boasts Everything ADiscerning Publican Would Want Buffet or Sit Down Options to highlight the value and creativity of reuse continues in Coffs Harbour on a quarterly this year,Spit asRoast our focus has been on the and promoting reuse centres.‘Inspection Next year we basisam (recentlyust’ changed to monthly) at development of a LFHW in the garden E.O.I closes (if not sold prior) Wednesday 9th November 2016 Coffs Coast Event Catering A&AParty HireSpecialists Greg Haines 0407 623 199 MIDWASTE Trent Auld 0429 623 199 AR2016/17 14 Office 02 6362 3199 Call Now! 6653 6262

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COFFS COAST MOTORS 41 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 GeoffKing Motors Pty Ltd –Lic.No. MD1000. This advertisement is amanufacturer’s advertisement and vehicles must be bought from dealers. Private Buyers only. Phone 6652 3122 •www.coffscoastmazda.com.au 6421092ak MIDWASTE 15 AR2016/17 MIDWASTE AR2016/17 16 resource and planning for running out overnight through Facebook only running a competition between the 6 restaurant events. marketing. It was highly successful and MidCoast Council sites. The promotion encourages community members to drop MIDWASTE participated in the EPAs Food will continue to run across multiple off or purchase pre-loved goods and by Smart trial, piloting a model that utilises locations and in collaboration with local Boomerang Bags groups where suitable doing so entering a draw for a $50 reuse internal communications and staff events centre voucher. This fosters awareness and MIDWASTE are also continuing to to engage staff, who are also household and use of reuse centres in the region. support local Boomerang Bag initiatives. food managers, as a means of trialling Kempsey and Bellingen also participated a cost-effective method of reaching NATIONAL RECYCLING in the promotion. The promotion will households. 87 people (therefore WEEK continue next year and will include all households) participated. reuse centres in the region and other The National Recycling Week ReUse National Recycling Week community MIDWASTE has recently piloted a Centre promotion continues and develops, activities at some centres. Beeswax Wraps workshop which sold with greater council involvement through

MIDWASTE 17 AR2016/17 RESOURCEFUL SCHOOLS Plains and Coffs Harbour Public Schools; FOGO introduced in South West Rocks The Resourceful Schools Program is a Public School. school based waste education program developed in partnership with Cascade FRUGAL FOREST Environmental Education Centre and The Frugal Forest is a community arts MIDWASTE. This year they have continued project spanning three years across the to deliver waste education in schools, region developed by artists, musicians reaching over 7,000 students, over 350 and scientists. It embraced community teachers and 23 schools. The value participation with waste and resource of the program has been in the return consumption issues through a series visits to schools offered by Cascade of creative workshops with participants Environmental Education Centre, and the ranging from students, local artists and programs initiated by the schools as a young mothers to elderly people and result, e.g. recycling introduced in Rollands their carers. The project culminated last

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 18 year in a touring exhibition across the The exhibition continues to tour (not MIDWASTE region and beyond, facilitating funded by MIDWASTE) with shows at further community engagement through the Wollongong Art Gallery, and bookings community workshops, artist talks, online for Opera House and Sea Acres in Port content and an education kit for schools. Macquarie early in the new financial year. Since then, MIDWASTE supported Frugal EVENTS Arts to submit an application for the Local Government Excellence in the Environment Soulfire Circus continued to deliver waste Awards, in the Communication, Education education messaging (including Litter) at and Empowerment category. The entry events in 2016, with a presence at Coffs won in that category and MIDWASTE and Harbour Buskers Festival and the Macleay the Frugal Arts team were present at the Valley River Festival. Their presence Awards Ceremony in Sydney to receive the generated excellent media exposure. award.

MIDWASTE 19 AR2016/17 with an estimated reach of 2.5million. • We adapted the TVC and it was shown 5: across 4 regional cinemas over a 6 month period with an estimated reach of 270,000. PROBLEM WASTES • We continued to program the radio ad COMMUNITY RECYCLING across the region with 875 paid and 875 bonus ads and an estimated reach of over CENTRES: 1million. Across the region we now have six (6) • We had 32 paid newspaper advertisements open static CRCs in: Coffs Harbour, across 11 publications with estimated Nambucca, Taree, Port Macquarie, reach of 500,000. There were also 6 ads Gloucester and Kempsey, and a mobile and editorials in Focus magazine (a free facility for the Kempsey Shire. MidCoast monthly regional glossy publication), with Council also has a mobile education trailer an estimated reach of 250,000. that will include CRC material collection • CRCs were promoted on the MIDWASTE which will become fully operational once Facebook page, with over 9,000 people the final CRC is open (Tuncurry). reached and 362 post engagements. Since inception, our CRC network has • Brochures and posters have been appropriately disposed of 289,842.80kg of distributed around each LGA with an household problem waste. operational CRC to sites including local In order to ensure the community knows libraries, MRFs, customer service centres about the facilities, we continue to utilise and hardware stores. a range of methods to spread the word, • MIDWASTE developed and ran Eco including: Cleaning community workshops aimed • Our television commercial (TVC) at promoting CRCs and safe cleaning (developed in conjunction with other alternatives to avoid hazardous waste use Voluntary Regional Waste Groups) was in the community. Four workshops were programmed during high ratings periods, run across 3 locations with more than 80 including the Olympics and summer participants with more planned for next cricket and tennis, as well as during home year. improvement and renovation type shows. The full CRC Education and Communication We paid for 814 commercials and received Report has been delivered to the EPA CRC bonus and fill spots to the value of $18,000 team and is available on request.

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 20 to reduce the amount of litter from vehicles on arterial roads. Highway service centres 6: were targeted because they provide an opportunity to reach a large number of REDUCE LITTER motorists through a number of mediums, The MIDWASTE 2016-2021 Regional Litter the roadside litter message is relevant to Plan identified arterial roads as the highest their current activity (driving), and a high priority site and takeaway containers, drink proportion of litter on arterial roadsides containers and plastic as the highest was suspected to be items sourced from priority litter items. Representatives from fast food outlets at these locations. a range of Council departments provided The project was focussed on the Port this feedback, and visual observations Macquarie and Kempsey Highway confirmed that a significant volume of Service Centres where activities included litter was present, particularly on the roads local media advertising, social media, between highway service centres and installation of VMS boards and printed town centres. signs, user surveys and surveillance The 2016-17 MIDWASTE Litter patrols. The Taree Service Centre was Implementation Plan featured an arterial partially included to test which methods roads litter reduction program and a project were most effective by undertaking only to increase community participation in the ‘labour-free’ components which were Clean Up Australia Day. The NSW EPA local media, social media and installation provided funding for the arterial roads of VMS boards. project only. Key messages in the awareness campaign MIDWASTE released an EOI for a Litter were that fines apply for littering, that Project officer in July 2016. Jem Hansen ‘anyone can report litter from vehicles’, of 360Green was successful and engaged and that litter damages the environment. in August to work on Litter initiatives for We aimed to reduce litter at our monitoring MIDWASTE, including the delivery of the sites by 10%, and have 200 local residents Arterial Roads project. registered to report littering from vehicles. This project was designed to engage with The project delivered with the following motorists at the highway service centres, outcomes:

MIDWASTE 21 AR2016/17 • 39% reduction in litter at arterial management and staff. road monitoring sites in the January • High rate of awareness of site signage campaign. by service centre users (87%) in Port • 66% reduction in litter at arterial road and Kempsey monitoring sites in the March/April Clean Up Australia day activities were campaign. conducted with 101 community sites, • Significantly improved results where all 22 youth clean-up sites and 69 school engagement methods were used, with sites registered on the Clean Up Australia Port/Kempsey achieving 44% and 70% Day website. MIDWASTE representatives litter reduction in the two campaigns, attended a number of sites on the day to compared to 24% and 45% in Taree. inform participants about the EPA Report • 332 local residents in the MIDWASTE Litter tool and other litter initiatives. region have registered to report littering MIDWASTE was successful in an from vehicles, an increase of 123% from application for $50,000 funding from the the number at June 2016. NSW EPA to conduct ‘Community Litter • Strong support for the project Research and Cost of Litter Studies’ during from participating Service Centre June-October 2017.

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 22 MIDWASTE 23 AR2016/17 to contain asbestos. Under Investigation tape was designed and 7: purchased for all councils and a number of councils have since re-ordered the tape REDUCE ILLEGAL and are using it to indicate illegally dumped DUMPING materials. This is especially useful in town environments as an educational tool to Under a Clean Up and Prevention Grant, inform people that the piles are not legal. MIDWASTE worked with five councils (Coffs Harbour City Council, Bellingen Shire Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Port Macquarie- Hastings Council and Gloucester branch of MidCoast Council) and four other agencies – Forests Corporation (Mid North and North) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (Macleay and Lower North Coast) to undertake illegal dumping baseline data collection. There have been challenges for all in incorporating RID Online into their daily practices, however four of the five councils are now using RID Online, along with other agencies in their region, including National Parks. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council applied for and were successful with a significant Clean Up and Prevention grant to continue working on addressing illegal dumping in the LGA. Throughout 2016-2017, a total of 997 incidents were reported. The majority are household waste, with 33% items such as furniture, clothes, carpets and 15% household general waste (such as nappies, food). Less than 10 incidents were reported

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 24 facilitating innovation, greater reach and products from the household waste stream. efficiencies. Examples of collaborative Kitchen utensils were used during this trial. 8: partnerships developed include working The team at UNSW found that you could with Resource Recovery Australia, member indeed produce a marketable metallic RESEARCH & Councils, the NSW Office of Environment alloy product from a range of plastic DEVELOPMENT and Heritage and recycling industry metal composite products. The team representatives. was working to develop small scale and MIDWASTE continues to explore and financially accessible solutions to enable develop strategic partnerships in relation During 2016 the Innovation Grant in which this technology to be used regionally to both waste diversion and education we partnered with UNSW SMaRT Centre into the future. MIDWASTE attended a where opportunities arise. Partnerships was completed. The project was exploring project presentation meeting at UNSW enable far more effective programs to be the capacity to produce a marketable in November and continues to liaise with developed by utilising a range of industry product (metal) from high temperature the SMaRT team in relation to the further expertise and resources potentially processing of composite plastic metal development of the technology.

MIDWASTE 25 AR2016/17 program). Both Groups complete a pre, and post survey. Group 3 businesses also 9: conduct a week-long food waste audit and receive more support throughout COMMERCIAL & the process, while group 2 receive the INDUSTRIAL – FOOD resources but don’t participate in auditing. The survey results indicated that 70% of IS YOUR BUSINESS businesses struggle to find the time to PROGRAM implement changes and 40% found it difficult to motivate staff to participate in MIDWASTE explored opportunities to new initiatives. Interestingly, the changes engage with Environmental Health Officers in attitude and knowledge in Group 3 to work with local businesses to reduce food waste as this methodology has been businesses were significant in the post used with some success in another region. project survey (but not so with Group 2). Due to existing staff commitments, no The Group 3 business audits indicated opportunities were available to replicate that the most food is wasted during the project in our region. MIDWASTE preparation, followed by plate waste, and released an EOI for a Project Officer finally spoilage. The amount of waste to deliver a Food is your Business pilot in these businesses reduced during the program as previously developed and program by 24% (preparation), 23% trialled by the EPA. (plate) and 13% spoilage. The project was delivered by Joanie Nardi, The full program report has been sent to who has a background in both hospitality the EPA LFHW team and is available on and training. request. The project was very successful with 36 MIDWASTE is planning to adapt the businesses contacted and 20 participating program based on feedback and continue in the program (11 utilising Group 3 and 9 working with food businesses to reduce Group 2 methodology as per the EPA pilot food waste.

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 26 10. DISCRETE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES The new EPA Aboriginal Communities Waste Management Program aims to reduce litter and waste, and increase amenity of discrete Aboriginal communities (former missions/ reserves) across NSW. The program aims to reduce bulky waste, litter and illegally dumped waste and to assist communities with developing effective waste management systems to increase safety and reduce health risks by establishing a clean physical environment. MIDWASTE worked with the EPA and all the Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) in the region to initiate relationships and discussions about current waste issues and to support the submission of EOIs for this program where appropriate. The program has been a great catalyst for MIDWASTE to start building relationships with LALCs and in the MidCoast Council area positive work is happening between the LALCs and the Council in relation to a metals collection, installation of public place litter bins and trialling a three bin service at Cabarita/Forster later this year. The project also facilitated MIDWASTE making contact and having discussions with a range of stakeholders including Aboriginal Affairs and Public Health units initiating positive relationships.

MIDWASTE 27 AR2016/17 NEW COUNCIL INITIATIVES

2016/17 has been another busy year for held in partnership with MIDWASTE. member Councils, with a range of new • Litter project at Gallows Beach – funded initiatives and ongoing programs being by EPA’s Waste Less Recycle More undertaken. initiative. COFFS HARBOUR • June 2017 - Community Engagement Event – screening of Bag It movie as part CITY COUNCIL of the Gallows Beach Litter Reduction • Coffs Harbour City Council, Bellingen program. Shire Council and Nambucca Shire • Mar/April 2017- Hey Tosser Media and Council have been operating under a Enforcement Campaign. joint kerbside collection contract that • From March 2017 – installation of is due to expire in March 2018. The hotspot signage, surveillance and Councils sought tenders in October regulatory measures to deter illegal 2016, and awarded the contract to the dumping. successful contractor in April 2017. The kerbside collection contract will • Active Participation in RID ONLINE. commence in March 2018. • Kerbside audit in conjunction with • Fashion exchange events (in partnership MIDWASTE. with MIDWASTE) have been very successful with over 6 events held and an BELLINGEN SHIRE estimated 1 tonne of clothing exchanged. COUNCIL These events are now held every month. • Collection contract negotiations in • September 2016 - Bin Bunyips at the conjunction with Coffs Harbour and Buskers Festival – promotion of waste Nambucca. reduction and recycling at the last day • Significant upgrades at the Bellingen of the festival. Transfer Station to improve environment • April 2017 - Boomerang Bags community outcomes and increase efficiencies launched in Coffs Harbour. • Completion and opening of the Raleigh • September 2016 – De-clutter workshops Waste Management Centre CRC Shed

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 28 • Continuation of the clothing trial – at the NEW COUNCIL INITIATIVES end of the 2016/17 year over 1.5 tonnes of clothing was diverted from landfills • Worked with MIDWASTE to deliver upcycling workshops at the Bowerhouse Reuse Centre. • Kerbside audits in conjunction with MIDWASTE. NAMBUCCA SHIRE COUNCIL • Collection contract negotiations in conjunction with Coffs Harbour and Bellingen. • Design and construction of a transfer station roof for the Nambucca Waste ˚˚Weekly FOGO, fortnightly landfill and 2 • Kerbside audits in conjunction with Facility bin size options (including 140L FOGO MIDWASTE. • Kerbside audits in conjunction with and 360L recycling) MIDWASTE. ˚˚Most households received reduced PORT MACQUARIE waste rates and 2 bin semi-rural HASTINGS COUNCIL KEMPSEY SHIRE households gained FOGO bins • Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Waste COUNCIL ˚˚All serviced households received new Strategy 2017-2024 completed and bins, kitchen caddy with compostable • Educated community about the new supported by Council liners, a recycling caddy bag and collection contract through the Sort & • Litter clean up and prevention grant informative waste service guide Save waste education trailer project completed • Through EPA Litter Grant funding, • Started new 10-year waste collection installed 11 additional sets of public place • Planning continued for expansion of contract with new contractor and waste and recycling bin enclosures with Port Macquarie Waste transfer station significant changes aiming to reduce costa Hey Tosser messaging around South and DA approved and increase waste diversion, including: and West Kempsey. Local community • Cairncross landfill gas extraction trial ˚˚Generic collection trucks to increase clean up events were also held to lead tender process completed. Installation efficiency behaviour change. in September 2017

MIDWASTE 29 AR2016/17 • Illegal dumping Clean Up and Prevention COUNCIL COMMUNITY grant commenced, with over 300 Recycling dumpsites in the LGA investigated • Completion and official Opening of Men’s Shed at Tuncurry Waste CENTRE • Kew waste transfer station construction Have you ever wondered what to do with items such as Management Centre used paint, batteries and light bulbs? These items, known as ‘problem wastes’ can’t go into any of your three completed kerbside bins. If disposed of correctly, some of them can • Construction of a $3.5M small vehicle be recycled, saving valuable resources. • Dunbogan landfill capping almost Waste Transfer Station at Tuncurry he Port Macquarie and Kempsey residents for free and disposed of in a safe completed – all equipment removed community now has two and environmentally friendly way. Community Recycling Drop off FREE at your CRC: • Installation of a 2nd weighbridge at Centres (CRCs), where Water-based and oil-based from site, clay capping completed. Aim Tthese items can be dropped paints off by residents for FREE. Used motor and cooking to finalised by end 2017 Tuncurry to allow 2-way weighing Since opening, The CRCs are located oils 91,682 kilograms at: Lead-acid and hand- of problem waste has • New draft DCP waste provisions Kingfi sher Road, been dropped off by held batteries • Construction of a ‘multi service’ Port Macquarie and residents for free and Gas cylinders and fi re Crescent Head Road, disposed of in a safe extinguishers completed Community Recycling Centre at Tuncurry Kempsey. and environmentally Conventional tube and compact fl uorescent Kempsey residents also friendly way. lamps • Public place bin rollout continues have access to a mobile • Significant upgrade to the Tip Shop at Smoke detectors service which operates around the smaller villages. This is a NSW EPA Waste Less, • Frugal Forest art and education Tuncurry See www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au or Recycle More initiative funded from phone 6566 3200 for details. the Waste Levy. Businesses are not eligible to use Community Since opening, 91,682 kilograms of installation set up at Sea Acres Recycling Centres and should contact a waste disposal • Hosting a wide range of MIDWASTE problem waste has been dropped off by service directly or visit www.businessrecycling.com.au Rainforest centre with Council’s support workshops including Scraps to Soil, Less for school and holiday programs in late is More and Eco Cleaning Waste matters 2017 Drop off your household • Completed roll out of public place problem waste for recycling • General waste education program ‘Which Bin’ continued recycling in Taree, Wingham, Old Bar, Black Head, Harrington and upgrades to • Waste education in schools through bin enclosures ReSourceful Schools (3 schools Your local Community Recycling Centre (CRC) is NOW OPEN. You can drop off: finalised in 2016/17) • Delivery and commissioning of education/CRC trailer • Waste Education program for Primary Port Macquarie Hastings CRC: Port Macquarie Waste Gas bottles and Fluoro globes schools completed, looking at Organic • Delivery of Variable Message Signage Paint Car batteries and tubes Hours: 8am–4pm every day waste and recycling (VMS) trailer, to be used for waste and Macleay Valley CRC: 638 Crescent Head Road, Kempsey Hours: Mon to Fri: 7am–4.30pm; Sat to Sun: 9am–4pm resource recovery messaging *Only household quantities 20kg or 20L for free, • Kerbside audits in conjunction with other amounts will incur a charge. Household Smoke Motor oils Other oils batteries detectors MIDWASTE. • Installed public place recycling bins throughout the Gloucester town area For more information visit This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the www.epa.nsw.gov.au/recyclingcentres KEMPSEY • Kerbside audits in conjunction with waste levy. Visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au Shire Counci MIDCOAST MIDWASTE. greater port macquarie focus. 110

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 30 Coming to Gloucester soon: Public place recycling bins Please do the right thing & sort waste before using these bins in Gloucester’s town centre and parks!

The waste bin is for: The recycling bin is for:

• food scraps • paper and cardboard • plastic wraps and bags • glass bottles and jars • nappies • rigid plastic containers • disposable coffee cups • steel or aluminium cans • polystyrene products midcoast.nsw.gov.au [email protected] Gloucester | 89 King Street | 6538 5250

MIDWASTE 31 AR2016/17 MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE MIDWASTE site visits and the AGM at which the Executive are elected and the council Kempsey Shire Council continued in the MEMBER COUNCIL contribution rates are decided. This was role of Host Council, managing the budget held in Port Macquarie in 2016. and providing administrative services on REPRESENTATIVES Meeting minutes are provided to member behalf of MIDWASTE. At the December Bellingen Shire Council (BSC) councils and the Mid North Coast Regional Annual General Meeting, Kempsey Alex Waldron, Molly Odgers Organisation of Councils (MIDROC). This declined to continue the role of host Coffs Harbour City Council (CHCC) annual report is submitted to the NSW Council and Bellingen Shire Council will Paul Shepherd, Leanne Cheal Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), take up the reins from July 2017. Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) member Councils and MIDROC. An annual The MIDWASTE Coordinator, under Steve Pellen, Gavin Hughes progress report against the MIDWASTE contract to MidCoast Council, manages MidCoast Council (MCC) Strategy is submitted to the EPA in August. coordination of MIDWASTE programs, John Cavanagh, Amy McKey, strategy development and administration. Tania Parkinson, Garth Yates FINANCE & Ali Bigg holds the position. Nambucca Shire Council (NSC) PROCUREMENT Simon Chapman Wendy Grant continues in the role of The NSW EPA provides funding based on Project Manager, also under contract to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) our Regional Waste and Resource Recovery MidCoast Council. This role reports to the Tim Molloy, Nicky Julian Strategy Implementation Plan 2014-17 in Coordinator. The Coordinator reports to MEETING AND which activities are outlined to support us the Executive of MIDWASTE, comprising meeting our key performance indicators. an Executive Officer (John Cavanagh, REPORTING Member Councils contribute $0.10 per MidCoast Council) and the Chairperson MIDWASTE meetings are held on the first capita towards ongoing operations and (Leanne Cheal, Coffs Harbour City Thursday of every second month, from project development. Additional funding Council). Molly Odgers, from Bellingen 10am-3pm, rotating between Kempsey is sought through grant programs as Shire Council, will commence in the and Port Macquarie. Representatives appropriate and as resources allow. Chairperson role from July 2017. discuss and develop programs, report on The preference is for authorisation for local developments, review projects and expenditure for works or services to discuss changes to policy at state and be conducted at a meeting to allow national level at these meetings. for discussion if required. However, to The final meeting of the year also includes enable smooth and efficient operations,

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 32 the group resolved that for expenditure FINANCIAL STATEMENT EXPENDITURE between $1,000-$5,000 that is related to achieving Strategy outcomes, approval 2016-17 PROJECT TOTAL TOTAL EXPENDITURE can occur via email with the MIDWASTE BUDGET (includes in kind) Executive or Host Council. General day- INCOME day expenditure or strategy outcomes of DESCRIPTION OF INCOME AMOUNT Coordination and Project 160,000 160,000 amounts lower than $1,000 do not need (exl GST) Management prior approval. MIDWASTE Regional 320,071 General Administration (includes 29,500 29,500 For other amounts, procurement in Strategy – Year 3 of 3 undertaken in accordance with the RENEW) practices and policies of the Host Council. Better Waste and Recycling 84,841 Fund – Year 3 of 3 Training and Professional 8,000 8,000 For Regional Contracting MIDWASTE Development has engaged Regional Procurement to MIDWASTE Contract variation 65,000 undertake the tender processes on our Community Engagement and 127,000 127,000 behalf. CRC Education and 57,000 Education Communication Plan – Year 3 of 3 Commercial and Industrial (LFHW) 12,000 12,000 Litter –Regional Implementation 110,000 Plan - Arterial Roads Project Litter 150,000 144,394 Household Chemical Clean Out 18,000 Research and Development 18,000 15,750 (contribution to previous FY program) Better Waste and Recycling Fund 84,841 61,664 (Domestic Kerbside Audits) Food Smart Trial 5,000 Food is your Business 6,000 CRC Communication and 102,226 101,660 Education Member Contributions 30,270 Discrete Aboriginal Communities 15,000 9,303 Income from Community Work- 9,697 shops Closure Fund 50,000 From Reserve and carried for- 354,796 Additional Projects 304,108 143,312 ward project budgets TOTAL $1,060,675 TOTAL $1,060,675 $835,760

MIDWASTE 33 AR2016/17 APPENDIX 1 ( = 474,281.06 gigajoules ) 21,957.46 ) 3 ( = 354,647.32 m ( = 773,403.42 kilolitres ) 309.41 104,528.01 ) 1.48million 2 ( = 42,091.13 tonnes CO 10,109.22

MIDWASTE AR2016/17 34 ( = 474,281.06 gigajoules ) 21,957.46 ) 3 ( = 354,647.32 m ( = 773,403.42 kilolitres ) 309.41 104,528.01 ) 1.48million 2 ( = 42,091.13 tonnes CO 10,109.22

MIDWASTE 35 AR2016/17