2014-2021 Midwaste Regional Waste Avoidance & Resource Recovery Strategy VISION: Midwaste member councils will use Innovative approaches for increasing Diversion rates to meet the NSW WARR Strategy targets; prioritising waste Avoidance and behaviour change, Sustainable regional solutions, collaboration, and consideration of appropriate Technology for positive Environmental, social and economic outcomes. Acknowledgements: Midwaste would like to acknowledge the contributions and input from member Councils, Midwaste contractors and the NSW EPA. Funding for the development of this Strategy has been provided by the NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative. Disclaimer: The background document and structure for this strategy has been prepared by MRA Consulting Group for the Midwaste Regional Waste Forum in accordance with the terms and conditions of appointment. MRA Consulting Group (ABN: 13 143 273 812) cannot accept any responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party. This document is printed on FSC Certified, carbon neutral paper. 02 - MIDWASTE REGIONAL WARR STRATEGY Contents 1. Introduction . 04 1.1. The region . .04 1.2. Introduction to strategy . 06 1.3. Policy Context . 06 2. Where are we today?. 09 2.1. Population and demographic information. 09 2.2. Waste and resource recovery tonnage data. 10 2.3. Waste and resource recovery collection and processing systems. 11 2.4. Municipal solid waste . 14 2.5. Waste and resource recovery collection, processing and disposal contracts. 16 2.6. Current and planned waste and recycling infrastructure within the region . 16 3. Where do we want to get to? . 18 3.1. Vision for the strategy. 18 3.2. Key result areas. 18 3.3. Targets & performance measures . .19 4. How are we going to get there? . 21 4.1. Key Result Area 1: Avoid and reduce waste generation . .22 4.2. Key Result Area 2: Increase recycling . 24 4.3. Key Result Area 3: Divert more waste from landfill . 25 4.4. Key Result Area 4: Manage problem wastes better . 25 4.5. Key Result Area 5: Reduce litter . .26 4.6. Key Result Area 6: Reduce illegal dumping . .26 5. How will the strategy be implemented? . 27 6. Glossary . 36 7. Appendix: Data Tables . 38 MIDWASTE REGIONAL WARR STRATEGY - 03 1. Introduction 1.1. The region The Midwaste Regional Waste Forum (Midwaste) comprises eight Councils located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales (Figure 1.1). Bellingen Shire, Coffs Harbour City and Nambucca Shire form the northern sub-region, Kempsey Shire and Port Macquarie-Hastings form the mid sub-region and Gloucester Shire, Great Lakes and Greater Taree City comprise the southern sub-region. Together, the 8 Midwaste Councils encompass approximately 21,000 square kilometres. Major industries in the region are farming and logging and the coast is a popular destination for tourists, families and retirees. Seasonal variations in population, due to the influx of tourists during the peak holiday periods, add a level of complexity to the region’s waste management. Waste generated from the additional population influences both the composition and the quantity of waste generated during the holiday seasons. 04 - MIDWASTE REGIONAL WARR STRATEGY CAIRNCROSS PORT MACQUARIE WAUCHOPE COMBOYNE DUNBOGAN City WMC & TS TS Figure 1.1 Midwaste Region and Location of waste management centres and transfer stations MIDWASTE REGIONAL WARR STRATEGY - 05 1.2. Introduction to strategy Effective waste management is a fundamental responsibility for the NSW community as well as the global community. Without it, we risk compromising our environment, our health and our economy. Midwaste Councils are responsible for delivering key resource and waste management services to residents in the region. Rates of recycling are increasing; however, waste generation is also increasing, resulting in higher landfill tonnages despite improvements in technology and management. Midwaste embraces the importance placed by the NSW Government on waste and is committed to developing long-term strategies that strengthen resource recovery and prevent unnecessary waste. Midwaste has had a Waste Management and Resource Recovery Plan in place since 2003 that has provided the necessary guidance for waste management in the region. Having worked together as a group for over a decade, Midwaste members have made significant gains in regional collaboration on infrastructure, regional contracts and projects. In order to continue building on the existing momentum and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the NSW Government’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, Midwaste has developed this regional Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) strategy. This strategy is the result of a collaborative effort involving all group members. An initial series of regional and sub-regional consultation sessions has been followed by continued discussions and reviews of the draft to ensure that the issues and priorities of all group members have been addressed. It is envisaged that the strategy will guide Midwaste’s regional waste management practices for the next 8 years and represents an opportunity for positive change through the continuing improvement of the region’s waste management landscape. The strategy identifies a number of initiatives, actions and waste management solutions that comply with environmental, safety and legislative requirements in order to achieve the highest possible levels of waste diversion from landfill and encourage waste minimisation. It provides the basis for improving solid waste management services and facilities in the region and considers: • alternative service delivery options for kerbside waste collection where appropriate; • maximisation of the operational efficiency of landfills; • opportunities for innovative educational activities and collaboration between member Councils and community; • how to best reduce illegal dumping and littering in the regional context; and • examining the most suitable options for dealing with problem waste streams. This document outlines the current policy situation in national, state and local governments, details the current state of the region (Section 2), identifies Midwaste’s goals and objectives through the strategic framework (Section 3) and describes ways for achieving (Section 4) and implementing (Section 5) those goals. 1.3. Policy Context State Governments in Australia have long been focusing on waste and resource management within their ju- risdiction through legislation, guidelines and the development of strategies, plans and policies. The Australian Government, through the Environmental Protection and Heritage Council, produced the first National Waste Policy for Australia in 2009 (released in 2010). State Government efforts have fed into the National Waste Policy which in turn is now helping shape state strategies. 1.3.1. National Framework The Commonwealth Government has limited constitutional powers to engage directly in domestic waste 06 - MIDWASTE REGIONAL WARR STRATEGY management issues. This responsibility rests largely with state, territory and local governments. However, the Commonwealth Government has recently taken on a strategic involvement in waste policy development, releasing the National Waste Policy in 2010. Table 1.1 gives a brief overview of key National policies relating to waste. Table 1.1 National Regulatory Framework Policy/ Relevant goals and targets Regulatory Instrument The National The aims of the National Waste Policy are to: Waste Policy Avoid the generation of waste, reduce the amount of waste (including hazardous waste) for disposal, manage waste as a resource and ensure that waste treatment, disposal, recovery and re-use is undertaken in a safe, scientific and environmentally sound manner, and contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, energy conservation and production, water efficiency and the productivity of the land. A number of strategies have been identified within the National Waste Policy, which are to be pursued through a multi-jurisdictional approach. These include a national framework for product stewardship and extended producer responsibility. The product stewardship framework will provide support through voluntary accreditation of community and industry run recycling schemes. Key areas of focus will include mercury containing lights, tyres, packaging, workplace recycling, public place recycling, television and computer recycling. Carbon Pricing The Australian Federal government announced the details of its CPM in July 2011. Under the carbon Mechanism price, around 500 of the biggest polluters in Australia (190 of them landfills) will need to buy and (CPM) surrender to the Government a permit for every tonne of carbon pollution they produce. Liable entities are those facilities that meet an emissions threshold of at least 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent released per annum. The Coalition Government elected in 2013, has released a Direct Action policy and is moving to repeal the CPM. 1.3.2. State Framework The New South Wales State Framework consists of legislation, guidelines, development plans and strategies pertaining to waste management, as summarised in Table 1.2. Table 1.2 Relevant NSW Waste Controls Legislation Relevant goals and targets • Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Act 1979 • Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Strategy 2007 • Protection of Environment Operations (POEO) Act 1997 • Extended Producer Responsibility Priority Statement 2010 • Waste Reduction and Purchasing