DOCSLIB.ORG

Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017 - 2021

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017 - 2021 Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017 - 2021 Warrnambool City Council Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017-2021 Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017 - 2021 Document Control Warrnambool City Council Document: Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation PO BOX 198 and Management Strategy 2021 WARRNAMBOOL VIC 3280 Responsible Branch: City Amenity Phone: 5559 4800 Responsible Directorate: City Infrastructure Email: [email protected] Responsible Officer: Director of City Infrastructure Web: www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au Author: Strategic Waste Minimisation Unit Date: May 2017 Review May 1st 2021 Distribution Schedule Version No. Date Distribution Reference 1.1 May 2017 First Draft for Internal Review 2.1 4 Sep 2017 Council meeting report Schedule of Adoption Version No. Date Comment Reference 2.1 4 Sep 2017 Acknowledgements: Council acknowledges the input into the development of this strategy by council staff, community groups, businesses and organisations involved in resource recovery and waste management. Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you, but Warrnambool City Council, its employees, consultants and contractors do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on the information in this publication. Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017 - 2021 Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. Overview 2.1 About Warrnambool 2.2 Legislation and Policy 2.3 The Regional Context 2.4 Local Policies and Strategies 2.5 Guiding Principles, Key Objectives and Future Directions 2.6 Measuring Performance 3. Drivers for Change 3.1 The Waste Hierarchy 3.2 Costs 3.3 Reducing Greenhouse Gas 3.4 Population Growth, Development and Future Waste Projection 4. Services Provided by the City and its Partners 4.1 Domestic Waste and Recycling (Kerbside collection) 4.2 Kerbside Recyclables – Transport and Acceptance 4.3 Waste Disposal – Disposal Sites 4.4 Transporting Waste for Disposal 4.5 Street Cleaning 4.6 Stormwater Protection 4.7 Public Place Recycling and Waste Bins 4.8 Commercial Waste 4.9 Detox Your Home 4.10 DrumMuster 4.11 Commercial Waste and Recycling Services 4.12 Receiving and Sorting Material (Waste and Recycling) 4.12.1 Transfer Stations 4.12.2 Reuse and Resource Recovery Facilities and Services 4.13 Managing Past Legacies 5. Managing Other Waste Streams 5.1 Hard Waste or Bulky Items 5.2 E-Waste 5.3 Construction and Demolition Waste 6. Litter and Illegal Dumping 7. Managing Waste Into the Future 7.1 Avoidance and Reuse 7.2 Recycle 7.3 Recycle – managing organics 7.4 Recycle and Disposal – a 21st Century Kerbside Collection 7.5 Recover – New Technologies 7.6 Opportunities for Regional Cooperation and Economies of Scale 7.7 Product Stewardship 7.8 Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) 7.9 Rethink (Avoid) – Plastic Bag Use Reduction or Plastic Bag-Free 7.10 Treat and Dispose – Landfill Bans 8. Education and Awareness Programs 9. What We Will Do Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017 - 2021 1. Executive Summary Resource recovery and waste management is a multi-faceted all critical to the plan’s success through their important formal area, involving a web of interrelated issues and challenges. and informal roles in resource recovery. The purpose of this document is to consolidate all the The strategy will be reviewed regularly as constant change related issues and topics in a single document to provide the is occurring in this sector globally and locally. The review will context of waste in our city and chart a way forward for the occur every four years or at least once in the life of the elected Warrnambool community using the principles of the waste council. hierarchy. While this strategy provides vision for the future it is primarily an operational document outlining practical actions Actions will be reviewed annually as part of Council’s budget and steps that will assist in achieving these goals. process and reported on quarterly where an action is Council’s responsibility. The waste hierarchy of avoid and minimise, reuse, recycle, energy recovery and dispose underpins this strategy and “Sustain and enhance the natural environment” is one of provides guidance for decision making. the five pillars of the Council Plan and it is integral now for Council to demostrate this commitment to sustainability by This strategy is impacted by federal and state government providing strong, intelligent and informed leadership, support policies and priorities, government departments with statutory and education. Resource recovery and waste management, responsibilities and regional bodies such as the Barwon South however, are not challenges for local government alone, they West Waste and Resource Recovery Group. impact all organisations and residents regardless of age or background. The strategy also documents the major role that private enterprise plays in the delivery of the strategy and its The decisions and actions of all individual objectives. It acknowledges the integral role these businesses residents of and visitors to Warrnambool play in this sector within our community. will ultimately determine the direction of the future sustainability of Warrnambool. Not-for-profit groups, volunteer organisations and schools are Wash Against Waste team at Warrnambool’s Sustainable Living Festival. Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017 - 2021 2. Overview 2.2 Legislation and Policy (a) Federal 2.1 About Warrnambool The National Waste Policy sets Australia’s waste management and resource recovery direction to 2020. The Warrnambool municipality is 120 sqkm in size and is The policy has six key areas: situated in the Great South Coast Region of Victoria, 263 km 1. Taking responsibility. south –west of Melbourne. 2. Improving the market. 3. Pursuing sustainability. It contains the urban area of Warrnambool and the nearby 4. Reducing hazard and risk. towns of Allansford, Bushfield and Woodford. 5. Tailoring solutions. The city has a population of 34,000 and this figure is forecast 6. Providing the evidence. to approach 50,000 by 2035. The policy also complements other government action to Warrnambool serves as a centre for a regional population of deliver greenhouse gas emission reductions, reduce energy approximately 120,000 people. and water use, support jobs and invest in future long term It contains a Deakin University campus, a TAFE college and a economic growth. base hospital. The major employment sectors are health care and social A strategy arising from the policy is the Product Stewardship assistance, retail trade, manufacturing, education and training, Framework legislation. accommodation and food services and construction. The Great South Coast region features some of Australia’s The Product Stewardship Act 2011 provides the framework most fertile agricultural land much of which is dedicated to to effectively manage the environmental, health and safety dairy and beef production. Three major dairy manufacturers impacts of products and in particular those impacts and a large meat processor are situated in and around associated with the disposal of products. The framework Warrnambool providing a major source of employment. includes voluntary, co-regulatory and mandatory stewardship. Resource Recovery, Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2017 - 2021 Initiatives to date include: 1 August 2014 as an amalgam of the two previous Barwon • National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme Region and South Western Region Waste Management Groups. • Product stewardship for end of life tyres • Product stewardship for mercury containing lamps – The BSWWRRG is one of seven Waste and Resource FluoroCycle. Recovery Groups that cover regional Victoria. The groups now also have the responsibility of commercial and industrial waste (b) State (C&I), construction and demolition (C&D) as well as municipal solid waste (MSW). The Local Government Act 1989 assigns responsibility to councils for providing (either directly or through contractors) The region takes in the south west coast of Victoria covering the collection, transport and reprocessing or disposal to landfill an area in excess of 32,340 square kilometres and a of municipal solid waste for their communities. (This does not population of approximately 398,600.It is anticipated that this require local government to manage disposal facilities such as will increase to some 462,000 by 2030. The region comprises nine local government authorities. landfills) The group has developed a Regional Waste and The Environment Protection Act 1970 is important state Resource Recovery Implementation Plan (RWRRIP), approved legislation relevant to this Strategy. by the Minister on 29 th June, 2017. The plan proposes 12 priority actions to improve recycling rates, reduce waste The Victorian Government has also developed various to landfill and plan for the region’s future sustainability and documents to provide strategic direction and promote the infrastructure needs. recovery of resources from the waste stream over the next thirty years. The overarching strategic document is the State These actions impact the City’s Resource Recovery Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan (SWRRIP) and Waste Management Plan and are essential to the which was released by the
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Missouri Policy on Resource Recovery and State Target Materials
    Missouri Policy on Resource Recovery and State Target Materials Statement It is the policy of the State of Missouri to integrate appropriate resource recovery philosophies and practices into all relevant activities in order to minimize the amount of solid waste that requires disposal, reduce environmental and public health threats, increase the manufacture and use of products made from recycled materials and preserve our natural resources. Goals The goals of the policy are as follows: . To incorporate solid waste reduction, recycling and resource recovery into the solid waste management activities of state and local governments, industries and citizens. To apply an integrated waste management hierarchy when managing local and regional solid waste streams to minimize possible environmental impacts associated with any one technology and to achieve the maximum feasible use of waste reduction, recycling and resource recovery. This hierarchy is as follows: o First ‐ reduce the amount of solid waste created o Second ‐ reuse, recycle and compost o Third ‐ recover and use energy from solid waste o Fourth ‐ incinerate or dispose of in a sanitary landfill . To facilitate the use of recycled materials by Missouri manufacturers and encourage the development of markets for recycled materials by incorporating solid waste reduction, recycling and resource recovery concepts into programs involving procurement, industrial development, capital works and other appropriate areas. To coordinate technical and financial assistance for solid waste reduction, recycling and resource recovery in accordance with state and local solid waste management plans. Objectives For State Government State government shall assure that the implementation of state, regional and local solid waste management systems and plans support the Missouri Policy on Resource Recovery, the Missouri Solid Waste Management Law and Rules and Missouri Resource Recovery Feasibility and Planning Study.
    [Show full text]
  • Wastewater-Based Resource Recovery Technologies Across Scale a Review
    Resources, Conservation & Recycling 145 (2019) 94–112 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Resources, Conservation & Recycling journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/resconrec Wastewater-based resource recovery technologies across scale: A review T ⁎ Nancy Diaz-Elsayed, Nader Rezaei, Tianjiao Guo1, Shima Mohebbi2, Qiong Zhang Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Over the past few decades, wastewater has been evolving from a waste to a valuable resource. Wastewater can Water reuse not only dampen the effects of water shortages by means of water reclamation, but it also provides themedium Energy recovery for energy and nutrient recovery to further offset the extraction of precious resources. Since identifying viable Nutrient recovery resource recovery technologies can be challenging, this article offers a review of technologies for water, energy, Wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery from domestic and municipal wastewater through the lens of the scale of implementation. System scale The system scales were classified as follows: small scale (design flows3 of17m /day or less), medium scale (8 to 20,000 m3/day), and large scale (3800 m3/day or more). The widespread implementation of non-potable reuse (NPR) projects across all scales highlighted the ease of implementation associated with lower water quality requirements and treatment schemes that resembled conventional wastewater treatment. Although energy re- covery was mostly achieved in large-scale plants from biosolids management or hydraulic head loss, the highest potential for concentrated nutrient recovery occurred in small-scale systems using urine source separating technologies. Small-scale systems offered benefits such as the ability for onsite resource recovery and reusethat lowered distribution and transportation costs and energy consumption, while larger scales benefited from lower per unit costs and energy consumption for treatment.
    [Show full text]
  • Waste Minimisation
    Waste Minimisation An Environmental Good Practice Guide For Industry This guide will help industry and the Environment Agency move forward together to minimise waste and achieve national environmental goals WASTE MINIMISATION An Environmental Good Practice Guide for Industry “The cost of your waste is not so much the cost of getting rid of it as the value of what you are getting rid of!” Published by the Environment Agency April 2001, to help business achieve sustainable practice through waste minimisation. Revised edition April 2001. First published April 1998. i Waste Minimisation Good Practice Guide Environment Agency April 2001 FOREWORD Minimise waste – maximise profit The way we use our planet’s natural resources is now widely recognised as one of the root causes of many environmental problems. Waste and industrial emissions have a major impact on the environment both nationally and globally. Effects such as global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, air and water pollution are all derived from local emissions, but the resources consumed may be mined and manufactured from anywhere in the world. From extraction to consumption the global economy consumes vast quantities of raw materials, water and energy. In the UK some 600 million tonnes of raw materials, excluding water, are used each year. More than 90 per cent of the resources we consume are either thrown away as wastes or discharged to the environment as effluent or air emissions. Since the Environment Agency first published this guide in 1998, waste minimisation has become an established business practice for many organisations and thousands of businesses have now implemented waste reduction programmes.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Protection Agency Batneec Guidance
    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BATNEEC GUIDANCE NOTE Class 3.3 FERROUS METAL FOUNDRIES (DRAFT 3) Processing of Iron & Steel in Forges - BATNEEC Page 1. Introduction 3 2. Interpretation of BATNEEC 4 3. Sectors covered 6 4. Control Technologies 7 5. Emission Limit Values 11 6. Compliance Monitoring 14 7. References 15 8. Appendix 1 - Sources & Emissions 16 BAT33v3.DOC 14/05/96 Page 2 of 21 Processing of Iron & Steel in Forges - BATNEEC 1. INTRODUCTION This Guidance Note is one of a series issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and is designed to provide guidance to those applying for integrated pollution control licences under the EPA Act. It should also be read in conjunction with Application Guidance Notes, available under separate cover. It should be noted at the outset, that noise is not included within the scope of this work and guidance on this parameter has been issued separately. This Guidance Note is comprised of seven main sections and an appendix. Following this introduction, Section 2 contains a general note on the interpretation of BATNEEC. The industrial activity covered by the terms of this note is given in Section 3. In Section 4, the technologies to control emissions are tabulated and in Section 5 the specific emission limit values (ELVs) are given. Section 6 contains comments on compliance monitoring requirements, while the principal references are given in Section 7. The Appendix gives the main sources of emissions, and the principal releases from such sources. All applicants for Integrated Pollution Control licences, in the sector covered by this note, should carefully examine the information laid down in this Guidance Note, and should use this information to assist in the making of a satisfactory application for an Integrated Pollution Control licence to the Agency.
    [Show full text]
  • Meeting of the MED POL National Coordinators
    UNEP(DEC)/MED WG.231/6 5 May 2003 ENGLISH MEDITERRANEAN ACTION PLAN Meeting of the MED POL National Coordinators Sangemini, Italy, 27 - 30 May 2003 STRATEGIC ACTION PROGRAMME GUIDELINES SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION In cooperation with WHO UNEP Athens, 2003 Table of Contents Page No. 1. INTRODUCTION 1 Purpose of Document 1 Target Audience 2 2. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS 3 Background water quality 3 Wastewater characteristics 3 Characteristics of wastewater discharges 5 Aesthetics 5 Pathogens 5 Nutrients 6 Toxicants 6 Dissolved solids 7 Suspended solids 7 Other considerations 7 Environmental uses and water quality 8 Use area definition 8 Environmental Quality Objective and Environmental Quality Standards 9 Legislation and role of authorities 12 Approaches 12 Role of authorities 13 Monitoring 14 3. MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 16 Aims and Objectives 16 Strategy and Principles 16 Control Mechanisms 17 Regulations 17 Enforcement 18 Economic tools 18 Effluent Quality 19 Effluent management and environmental values/water uses 19 Technology-based guidelines 21 Determination of effluent quality 21 Receiving Water Body and Aquatic Ecosystem Protection 22 Stakeholders 23 The Role of the Wastewater Company/Authority 23 Page No. Community Consultation 24 4. OPTIONS FOR EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT 26 Waste Minimisation 27 Managing the Collection Systems 28 Managing the Treatment Systems 30 Effluent Reuse 30 Land Application 32 Discharge to Coastal Waters 35 Discharge to Inland Waters 37 Treatment of wastewater 38 Treatment processes 38 Sludge processing and disposal/reuse 39 Selection of flow scheme 41 Submarine Outfall 42 Mixing zone 44 Treatment and disposal design philosophy 45 Environmental quality objectives 45 Use areas 46 Design of wastewater sanitation schemes/sewerage schemes 46 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Waste Reduction and Recycling
    MSBA/MASA Model Policy 805 805 WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING I. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish a resource recovery program to promote the reduction of waste, the separation and recovery of recyclable and reusable commodities, the procurement of recyclable commodities and commodities containing recycled materials, the disposition of waste materials and surplus property, and establishment of a program of education to develop an awareness of environmentally sound waste management. (Minn. Stat. § 115A.15, Subd. 1) II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY The policy of the school district is to comply with all state laws relating to waste management and to make resource conservation an integral part of the physical operations and curriculum of the school district. III. DEFINITIONS A. “Lamp recycling facility” means a facility operated to remove, recover, and recycle for reuse mercury or other hazardous materials from fluorescent or high intensity discharge lamps. (Minn. Stat. § 116.93, Subd. 1) B. “Mixed municipal solid waste” means garbage, refuse, and other solid waste that is aggregated for collection but does not include auto hulks, street sweepings, ash, construction debris, mining waste, sludges, tree and agricultural wastes, tires, lead acid batteries, motor and vehicle fluids and filters, and other materials collected, processed, and disposed of as separate waste streams. (Minn. Stat. § 115A.03, Subd. 21) C. “Packaging” means a container and any appurtenant material that provide a means of transporting, marketing, protecting, or handling a product and includes pallets and packing such as blocking, bracing, cushioning, weatherproofing, strapping, coatings, closures, inks, dyes, pigments, and labels. (Minn. Stat. § 115A.03, Subd.
    [Show full text]
  • Resource Recovery from Waste: Restoring the Balance Between Resource Scarcity and Waste Overload
    sustainability Article Resource Recovery from Waste: Restoring the Balance between Resource Scarcity and Waste Overload Anne P. M. Velenturf * ID and Phil Purnell Resource Recovery from Waste Programme, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +44-1134-32279 Received: 13 July 2017; Accepted: 1 September 2017; Published: 8 September 2017 Abstract: Current societal patterns of production and consumption drive a twin environmental crisis of resource scarcity and waste overload. Positioning waste and resource management in the context of ecosystem stewardship, this article relates increasing resource demand and waste production to the violation of planetary boundaries and human rights. We argue that a transition towards a circular economy (CE) that contributes to a resilient environment and human well-being is necessary to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The transition requires scientific and technological progress, including the development of low-energy biogeochemical technologies for resource recovery, and multi-dimensional value assessment tools integrating environmental, social, and economic factors. While the urgency to adopt a CE is well-recognised, progress has been slow. Coordinated change is required from multiple actors across society. Academia can contribute through participatory action research. This article concludes with the participation strategy of the Resource Recovery from Waste programme, aiming for changes in mentality, industry practices, and policies and regulations in the waste and resource management landscape in the UK. Keywords: waste and resource management; ecosystem stewardship; planetary boundaries; human rights; UN Sustainable Development Goals; sustainable production and consumption; circular economy; participation processes; stakeholder engagement; transdisciplinary research 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Glossary of Terms
    The Study on Master Plan for Hazardous Waste Management in Romania Final Report Japan International Cooperation Agency Volume 7 Pilot Project 2 Waste Minimisation and Treatment in Metal Surface Treatment Process GLOSSARY OF TERMS Terms Meaning Acquis Communautaire or Acquis The ‘Body of Law’ of the European Union covering all legislation prepared and adopted by EU institutions. ADR European Agreement for international transport of hazardous substances (Accord Européen Relatif au Transport International des Marchandises Dangerouses par Route) BAT Best Available Techniques BG Bulgaria CAP Common Agricultural Policy CAS Country Assistance Strategy CBC Cross-border Co-operation CEE Central and Eastern European countries CPC Clean Production Centre DDBRA Danube Delta Biodiversity Reserve Authority or DfID Department for International Development DISAE Development of Implementation Strategies for Approximation in Environment EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EDC Ethylene Dichloride EEC European Economic Communities EIA Environmental impact assessment EIB European Investment Bank EIS Environmental impact statement EIU Economist Intelligence Unit EMAS Eco-management and Audit Scheme EPI Environmental Protection Inspectorate EPR Environmental Performance Report Ref: 28. EQS Environment Quality Standard ERM Environmental Resources Management EWC European Waste Catalogue EU The European Union GD Government Decision GEF Global Environment Fund GEO Government Emergency Ordinance GMP Genetically modified products GO Government Ordinance
    [Show full text]
  • Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture Safe Use of Safe Wastewater in Agriculture Proceedings No
    A UN-Water project with the following members and partners: UNU-INWEH Proceedings of the UN-Water project on the Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture Wastewater Safe of Use Proceedings No. 11 No. Proceedings | UNW-DPC Publication SeriesUNW-DPC Coordinated by the UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development (UNW-DPC) Editors: Jens Liebe, Reza Ardakanian Editors: Jens Liebe, Reza Ardakanian (UNW-DPC) Compiling Assistant: Henrik Bours (UNW-DPC) Graphic Design: Katja Cloud (UNW-DPC) Copy Editor: Lis Mullin Bernhardt (UNW-DPC) Cover Photo: Untited Nations University/UNW-DPC UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development (UNW-DPC) United Nations University UN Campus Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1 53113 Bonn Germany Tel +49-228-815-0652 Fax +49-228-815-0655 www.unwater.unu.edu [email protected] All rights reserved. Publication does not imply endorsement. This publication was printed and bound in Germany on FSC certified paper. Proceedings Series No. 11 Published by UNW-DPC, Bonn, Germany August 2013 © UNW-DPC, 2013 Disclaimer The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the agencies cooperating in this project. The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the UN, UNW-DPC or UNU concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Unless otherwise indicated, the ideas and opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily represent the views of their employers.
    [Show full text]
  • Circular Economy in Wastewater Treatment Plant– Challenges and Barriers †
    Proceedings Circular Economy in Wastewater Treatment Plant– Challenges and Barriers † Ewa Neczaj * and Anna Grosser Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +48-343-250-917 † Presented at the 3rd EWaS International Conference on “Insights on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus”, Lefkada Island, Greece, 27–30 June 2018. Published: 31 July 2018 Abstract: The urban wastewater treatment plants can be an important part of circular sustainability due to integration of energy production and resource recovery during clean water production. Currently the main drivers for developing wastewater industry are global nutrient needs and water and energy recovery from wastewater. The article presents current trends in wastewater treatment plants development based on Circular Economy assumptions, challenges and barriers which prevent the implementation of the CE and Smart Cities concept with WWTPs as an important player. WWTPs in the near future are to become “ecologically sustainable” technological systems and a very important nexus in SMART cities. Keywords: circular economy; wastewater treatment plant; resource recovery 1. Introduction The circular economy (CE) is the concept in which products, materials (and raw materials) should remain in the economy for as long as possible, and waste should be treated as secondary raw materials that can be recycled to process and re-use [1]. This distinguishes it from a linear economy based on the, ‘take-make-use-dispose’ system, in which waste is usually the last stage of the product life cycle. CE is a concept promotes sustainable management of materials and energy by minimalizing the amount of waste generation and their reuse as a secondary material.
    [Show full text]
  • Zero Waste Principles.Indd
    zero waste principles “The principle of zero waste is akin to Zero waste means a 100% such principles as ‘zero accidents’ or ‘zero resource-effi cient economy where, defects’ – which are now well established in manufacturing. By setting an extreme target as in nature, material fl ows are for waste reduction, new levels of innovation cyclical and everything is reused and e ciency are unleashed. or recycled harmlessly back into The concept of zero waste and the thinking society or nature. behind it challenge traditional approaches to waste management. Although zero waste ‘Waste’ as we think of it today will exists in nature, the theory and language is cease to exist because everything relatively new, and the breadth and depth of will be viewed as a resource. the ideas and practice surrounding it are still evolving. The key principle of zero waste is that it de nes ‘waste’ as something that is simply not acceptable. This sidesteps debate about what a ‘reasonable’ level of waste is, and instead puts the focus on steadily working towards a world without waste. The current business model is based on the industrial revolution assumption that the Earth provides an in nite source of raw materials, and an unlimited capacity to absorb our waste products. This assumption is clearly out dated and businesses now need to concentrate on creating goods and services, while reducing waste and resource consumption. Zero waste is based on the understanding that all of the materials we utilise are resources, and only become waste through poor design and end of life management.
    [Show full text]
  • Waste Minimisation
    ISSUE PAPER N°10 October 2012 Waste Minimisation INTRODUCTION Over the past 100 years, people have consumed more goods and produced more waste than ever before. As a result, waste generation is growing exponentially. Currently, on average every citizen living in the EU throws away around half a tonne of household rubbish every year.1 Today, our common goal is to use resources in closed loops, so that consumption does not generate waste as it did in former times. Because of its economic, social and environmental impacts, waste is a fast growing issue for all industrialised and emerging economies. Waste removal, in particular, is an important cost factor for businesses, public authorities and private households. Decreasing waste generation in absolute terms is a long-term objective. In this vein, one of the main goals of improving waste management systems is to decouple economic and population growth from waste generation, as well as decrease the environmental impacts of the latter. Cleaner production, support for more environmentally friendlier products, development of sustainable services and promotion of sustainable consumption, should lead to economies which are more resource efficient, and thereby less dependent on the supply of expensive raw materials. Indeed, recycling waste is one way to recover valuable resources, such as metal or plastic, while at the same time reducing the waste’s environmental impact. Consequently, the retail sector is increasingly seeing waste as a valuable resource in its own right and is taking steps to reuse materials wherever possible so as to reduce reliance on raw-material inputs. Retailers can play an important role in encouraging waste prevention.
    [Show full text]