APC PROJECTS Final Report Public Place Recycling (PPR) Infrastructure for North East Victoria
Primary Author Date
Date 23rd December 2016 Version 01 Author Kim Mueller
A project funded in partnership with:
Purpose of the document The final report contains all the necessary information regarding the project. It should be written in a way that allows a reader to re-create the study using your report as a guide. Write the report in an order that makes logical sense for the reader, with the understanding that this may not necessarily be exactly the same as the physical or chronological order used to conduct your project. The report should be precise and to the point, and explain all the important details clearly. It is important that the report is readable and understandable for somebody who was not involved in the project. It is always helpful to include plenty of visual aids, such as graphs, data tables, links to online published data etc.
Confidentiality Recipients may choose to submit 2 versions of the final report, one for public consumption and the other for internal APC use.
Finance Appendix The summary included in this report should be a high level financial summary (1-2 pages only) appropriate for the public. This is separate to the Financial Reporting requirements as described in your funding agreement contract which should be submitted separately.
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Quality Control Document History
Rev. Issue Date Changes 1 First draft completed and reviewed internally 2 Second draft review with APC 3 Final draft for approval 4 Final report submitted
Name Position Organisation North East Waste and Resource Recovery Kathy Dodgshun Project Officer Group Engagement and North East Waste and Resource Recovery Kim Mueller Project Manager Group
Disclaimers
Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied is made in good faith but on the basis that the authors are not liable (whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever, which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking action (as the case may be) in respect to any representation, statement or advice referred to herein
Acknowledgments
North East WRRG would like to acknowledge the following stakeholders as our project partners, particularly the officers waste and environment officers:
Australian Packaging Covenant Alpine Shire Benalla Rural City Indigo Shire Rural City of Wangaratta Wodonga City Council Falls Creek Resort Management Mt Buller/Mt Stirling Resort Management Mt Hotham Resort Management
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North East WRRG would also like to acknowledge Knowwaste for their work in completing the infrastructure audits and litter assessments.
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Contents Purpose of the document ...... 2 Confidentiality ...... 2 Finance Appendix ...... 2 Quality Control ...... 3 Contents ...... 5 Executive Summary ...... 6 Aim & Rationale of the Project ...... 7 Introduction ...... 7 Project work description ...... 8 Project Outcomes ...... 10 Diversion of materials ...... 10 Education Program ...... 11 Littering Program ...... 11 Limitations...... 11 Diversion Program ...... 12 Data Analysis ...... 13 Cost/Benefit Analysis ...... 14 Project End Markets ...... 15 Project Methodology Review ...... 16 Milestone Delivery Review ...... 17 Media ...... 19 Media Engagement ...... 21 Stakeholder Engagement ...... 22 Lessons Learned ...... 23 Future opportunities (ongoing waste diversion opportunities) ...... 24 Conclusion ...... 25 Ideas for future projects ...... 26 Appendix A: Photographic Evidence of Completed Project ...... 27 Appendix B: Cost Reconciliation/Expenditure Report ...... 35 Appendix C: Media Releases ...... 36
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Executive Summary The North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group (North East WRRG) is committed to the continued improvement of resource recovery throughout the region; including public places.
In late 2015, the North East WRRG was successful in obtaining a $75,000 grant from the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) for the roll out of new PPR bin systems in North East Victoria. The funding obtained was used for the purchase of new PPR infrastructure, signage and audits including litter assessments.
The objectives of the project were to:
Consolidate the work that had already been completed to the region’s PPR systems whilst also providing North East WRRG’s representatives with further PPR infrastructure Add value to the planned PPR infrastructure project which was highly prioritised through the North East WRRG’s business plan for the 2015/16 financial year Address clear gaps in infrastructure (which were identified through the North East WRRG’s PPR auditing process conducted as baseline in April 2015), therefore investing targeted resources into the greatest areas of need Increase the diversion of recyclable materials Mitigate the risks of these materials becoming litter.
The project delivered the following outcomes:
Participation from eight of the ten North East WRRG representatives in the project Coordination of the manufacture, delivery and installation of over 60 waste and recycling enclosures which included specialised snowline infrastructure; or 138 individual bins across the region Development and delivery of over 450 metal signs for retrofitting to existing infrastructure and over 650 sticker sets for consistent and ongoing education
A regional audit of the newly installed systems (which included litter assessments) demonstrated the value of the project through the following successful results relating to the objectives of the project:
77% of recyclable materials deposited in public place bins are currently being diverted from landfill through the new public place recycling systems (compared to the diversion rate of 44% in 2015) The region’s litter count is low (14 items counted per 48m2) which positions the North East performance 55% better than the Victorian State average in litter rates (31 items counted per 48m2) There are less recyclables in the waste stream (an improvement of 11% from the 2015 results) showing that people are putting more recyclables in the correct bin Regionally the new systems will annually divert approximately 25 additional tonnes of recyclable materials from landfill each year.
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Aim & Rationale of the Project Introduction The aim of the public place recycling (PPR) project was to consolidate the work and to add value to the considerable investment the region has already made in (PPR) systems. Importantly the funding enabled the North East WRRG and their council and alpine resort representatives to double the original project funds. This funding allowed much greater opportunities for the region to divert recoverable materials from landfill through increased infrastructure.
The area which North East WRRG services is roughly 24,000km2. North East Victoria is a tourist destination, attracting an estimated 2.8 million visitors annually from all around Australia. Alpine areas in North East Victoria have a unique profile which is affected dramatically by tourism and peak visitation, which impacts both the management of waste and the recovery of resources.
While the investment into PPR is not an exceptional project concept, the project has addressed the constant need to update, refurbish and strategically site new PPR systems. Significantly, the project has enabled for a full assessment to be undertaken of the newly installed infrastructure including litter assessments.
The project has achieved its aim by providing eight of the ten local government areas with the required PPR infrastructure. Through the coordinated purchase of new bin enclosures, bin stands, consistent signage (refurbishing of existing infrastructure with updated and adequate signage) and the completion of a post installation audit assessing of the effectiveness of the new systems (including litter assessments), the project has demonstrated the value of a regional approach to installing PPR systems.
The project included five local Councils: Alpine Shire, Benalla Rural City, Indigo Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta and Wodonga City Council. All of the region’s alpine resorts in the North East were also involved in the project: Falls Creek Resort Management, Mt Buller/Mt Stirling Resort Management and Mt Hotham Resort Management.
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Project work description Description Deliverables Timelines /Status
Project scope and plan Project plan 4 April 2016 – Met timeline Communication plan
Timeline
Baseline data Strategic report outlining baseline data 6 June 2016 – Met timeline
Coordinate the procurement of Infrastructure schedule including: 6 June 2016 – Met PPR infrastructure, ordering and timeline delivery o Type and amount of new systems
o Type and amount of new signage o Where and when installation will be (including strategic siting assessment)
RfQ package for procurement for quotes including specifications completed (one for infrastructure and signage)
Package sent to infrastructure suppliers
Evaluation panel formed and evaluation of quotes completed
Contract signed (for both infrastructure and signage)
Coordinate the delivery of infrastructure
New PPR systems installed New PPR systems installed in all LG areas Revised timeline 14 throughout the Region October 2016 – Met Photos of installation and refurbishment revised timeline undertaken
Promotional activities undertaken to promote new systems
Post installation audits RFQ for post project audits Revised timeline 25/11/2016 – Met Evaluation panel formed revised timeline Assessment completed
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Procure contractor to undertake audits
Audits undertaken
Audit report completed
Final report Final report detailing: Revised timeline 30/12/2016 – Met o Background revised timeline o Baseline data
o Objectives
o Process
o Activities
o Infrastructure schedule
o Completed installations and refurbishments
o Findings
o Results
o Recommendations and next steps
Issues
Timing was the biggest issue that occurred with this project. Timelines were extremely tight between when the infrastructure was delivered and when the infrastructure was set to be installed. This imposed on the installation deadlines which delayed the project by six weeks. A contract variation occurred on 26 September 2016 and the revised timelines were then met.
Similarly, there were issues with timelines for the manufacture and installation with Mt Hotham’s infrastructure. As Mt Hotham’s systems were specialised and newly designed this caused delays in their manufacture and subsequent installation. Subsequently Mt Hotham were able to be included in the auditing process and the scope with the contractor had to be adapted to ensure that the sample size and representation within achieving statistically significant data was still met.
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Project Outcomes The PPR project has contributed to the below goals, priorities, outcomes and targets outlined in the APC Strategic Plan (July 2010 – 2015).
Goal 2: Recycling.
Priority: Improved recycling rates for used packaging. Outcomes: Improved recycling of packaging away-from-home sources and households. Target: 70% recycling rate for used packaging materials.
Goal 3: Product Stewardship.
Priority: Litter Mitigation Infrastructure and Systems. Outcomes: Reduced presence of used packaging materials littered in the waste stream. Target: Continuous reduction in the number of packaging items in litter.
Regional project deliverables
Infrastructure Diversion Litter Rates Number of LGAs involved 65 enclosures 5 Councils
45 bin stands 3 Alpine Resorts
138 individual bins (78 recycling, 60 waste)
491 metal signs (246 recycling, 245 waste 688 sticker sets (344 recycling, 344 waste) Totals 138 individual bins 77% 14 items per 8 project 1179 educational collaterals diversion 48m2 partners rate for (55% better recyclable than State materials average)
Diversion of materials
The audits demonstrated that there were lower weights (daily yields) through the PPR stream than that which was calculated in the 2015 PPR audit report. This is mainly due to the seasonal variations between the two audits. Overall, the average regional diversion rate for recyclable materials was 77% which is a significant improvement on the diversional rate of 44% recorded in the 2015 audits. The results of the audit also demonstrate there is less recyclable material in the waste stream which shows that site users are putting more recyclables in the recycling stream.
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However, contamination rates in the recycling stream are relatively high (at 21%) demonstrating that there is still more work to do in terms of educating people about what can be put into the recycling stream. Full details of diversion and diversion of material types will be outlined in the ‘Diversion Program’ section of this report.
Education Program
The educational components of the project related to strategically siting infrastructure and ensuring consistent source separation messages for residents and visitors. The message focus of the project centred on reinforcing the recycling message when people are away-from-home and to use the ‘right bin’ no matter where they are. This was achieved by ensuring all enclosures were fitted with signage before delivery and providing extra signage (and sticker sets) to be disseminated to project partners to retrofit to existing systems.
Littering Program
The litter component of this project was focused on the mitigation of litter through the provision of public place infrastructure. There were limitations in conducting regional litter assessment as there was no baseline data achieved in the previous Regional PPR audit (conducted in April 2015).
However, the litter rates for the region were low with a regional average of 14 items per 48m2 which when compared to Victorian State average (31 items per m2) sees the North East region achieving 55% less in littering rates. This would suggest that the infrastructure, signage and education across the region is working well.
Limitations
The following limitations of the audit are noted below:
The sampling of the audit included 86% of the newly installed PPR stations. Material from 100 bins at 50 locations across the 7 Council and Alpine Resort areas were audited. The audit used stratified sampling and achieved a 95% confidence level. Materials for this audit were recorded by weight. This may cause some materials to appear to be present in small portions due to their comparatively low densities. However, they can consume large amounts of volume. A weight based analysis was used for the audit as it is the standard practice and most accurate way to collect data for a number of different material types. The audit was conducted over a two-week period in October. The audit cannot account for the impact of holidays and festivals on waste generation. Seasonal weather variations may have also affected the results. The audits demonstrated lower daily yields than the weights recorded in the 2015 audit. The timing of the audits differed so this is likely attributed to a seasonal difference. The Alpine Resorts were audited in ‘off peak’ season.
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Diversion Program The project delivered excellent results in terms of increasing diversion from landfill. When projected over the course of a year the 78 newly installed recycling bins will divert the following:
Each recycling bin: 324.27kgs of recyclable material per year Materials diverted include: recyclable paper/cardboard, recyclable LPB and tetra, recyclable rigid plastics (1-7), recyclable aluminium, recyclable steel and recyclable glass Regional total of: 25,293.06kgs of recyclable materials per year A total regional diversion rate of 77% An improvement of 75% compared to the 44% diversion rate from the last PPR audits conducted in 2015
Diversion rate % Change from Weight Weight (t) Weight (t) (material/day) original diversion Material type (t) Collected3 Processed quantities to current available2 diversions Recyclable 2288kg 3222.18kg 3222.18kg 45% 40% paper/cardboard Recyclable N/A 240.24kg 240.24kg 46% LPB/tetra Recyclable rigid 2080kg 3334.50kg 3334.50kg 80% 60% plastics (1-7) Recyclable 1154.40kg 1154.40kg 91% aluminium 424.32kg 240% Recyclable steel 289.38kg 289.38kg 67%
Recyclable glass 8320kg 17051.58kg 17051.58kg 89% 104%
Regional Totals 77% 75% improvement (comparing previous regional audit diversion rate of 44% to 77%)
1 Standard APC measurement is in weight however volume can be additionally used or used in the instance of an EPS project‘ 2Available’ refers to the quantities of potentially divertible material identified in the project application and supporting information 3 ‘Collected’ refers to the materials collected as a direct result of the project which otherwise would not have been collected and diverted.
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Data Analysis The proposed deliverables for the project were:
Project scope and plan Infrastructure strategy for the Region including maps for refurbishment areas Coordinate and procure infrastructure on behalf of the Region 80-100 new PPR systems installed throughout the Region New systems for 10 local government areas New systems established in areas identified (through Regional PPR audit 2015) as the highest potential for improvement (specifically parks) Refurbishment of PPR signage for pre-established infrastructure Promotion of project Post audit to assess and compare pre/post installation and associated recovery of recyclable materials with updated signage Final report Promotions of what has been achieved
The actual deliverables for the project achieved were:
Completed project plan Completed communications plan Completed infrastructure site strategy for the Region including GPS coordinates Completed coordination and procurement of infrastructure on behalf of the Region Infrastructure installed throughout the Region included: 65 enclosures (14 of these were specialised snowline systems), 45 bin stands, 138 individual bins (78 of which were recycling bins) New systems for 8 local government areas: 5 Councils and 3 Alpine Resorts New systems established in areas identified as the highest potential for improvement or greatest area of need for individual communities Completed the coordination of consistent signage (491 metal signs and 688 stickers) for the refurbishment of PPR infrastructure Completed promotions of project: pre/post installation and on completion of the project Coordination and management of the scope/RfQ/evaluation/contract for the post installation audit to assess the effectiveness of the project Completion of final report and all other reporting requirements Completed promotions of what has been achieved through the project
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Cost/Benefit Analysis The definite cost benefit to local Councils and Alpine Resorts was the ability to leverage extra funding through the APC therefore doubling the original project funds. This allowed the original North East WRRG project funds to:
Increase infrastructure installed Obtain extra signage for consistency and continuity across all municipalities Have a thorough external project assessment completed extensive auditing and litter assessments.
The program has delivered an additional 65 enclosures, 45 bin stands, or 138 individual bins (78 recycling/60 waste) which have been installed in public places across the North East Region). Included in the newly installed infrastructure are specialised bins to service the above snow line collections at the three Alpine Resorts in North East Victoria. All enclosures and bins carry consistent signage which clearly mark the enclosures for their appropriate material stream. Extra signage and stickers have been delivered to all eight project partners to ensure that existing systems can be refurbished with clear messaging.
The original estimates contained in the project application: tonnes diverted from landfill = 13 tonnes with a saving of $1,989 in landfill fees. The results show that 25 tonnes are now being diverted from landfill with savings of approximately $3,825.
The benefits of running projects such as these on a regional level ensure efficiencies, consistencies and best value in terms of procurement. By requesting quotation for large numbers of infrastructure economies are achieved. Prices quoted were inclusive of all expenses for manufacture of infrastructure ready for installation, any adaptions and delivery to various locations in North East Victoria.
Milestone payment reconciliation
Please see the reconciliation document in the Appendix B.
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Project End Markets North East WRRG’s representative Councils and Alpine Resorts collect as part of their current kerbside recycling: PET bottles, aluminium cans, glass, other plastics, paper and cardboard. Due to the nature and patterns of consumption away from home PPR systems, the recycling bins generally collect beverage containers and paper/cardboard. All North East WRRG’s new PPR systems will collect material that can be processed through the region’s Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or MRFs where materials are currently sent as per local government’s contracts. Where possible, Councils attempt to close the loop and use recycled materials in their own services and equipment.
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Project Methodology Review
Description of Reason for change (add value) Methodology change Effectiveness and comment change Risk Cost Time Outcome Changes to timing: Date revised from N/A N/A One month N/A Change impacted on the timing sequence of the project. This subsequently pushed Timing of PPR bin installation & 12 September out Milestones by 4-6 weeks promotion/educational 2016 campaign to 14 October 2016
Changes to timing: Date revised from N/A N/A One month N/A Change impacted on the timing sequence of the project. Post installation audits 31 October 2016 to 25 November 2016
Changes to timing: Date revised from N/A N/A One month N/A Change impacted on the timing sequence of the project. Final Report 10 December 2016 to 30 December 2016
Delay in manufacture of Mt Due to be N/A N/A Two months N/A Delay impacted on auditing process and Hotham’s specialised infrastructure completed early planned stratified sampling. Scope for auditing contract was adapted to ensure September 2016 that a representative sample was increased Revised to start at other alpine resorts to accommodate Mt of November Hotham’s absence from the audit and allow for statistically significant data to still be completed for the region.
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Milestone Delivery Review Planned Actual Project Milestones Outcome / Deliverable Effectiveness / Comment Completion Date Completion Date Funding agreement & contract with APC Funding agreement for Public Place Recycling December 2015 24 February 2016 Delayed (PPR) Infrastructure for North East Victoria IND Signed 289-15 4/March/2016
1 Project Planning Project Plan 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 On time Communication Plan Approvals (AS compliance standards for infrastructure specifications) NEWRRG Insurances Invoice
2 Baseline data, Procurement of Baseline data 6 June 2016 6 June 2016 On time bins, ordering & delivery Design and procurement Bin siting and assessment Equipment delivery Attachment 1: Baseline Report (PPR audit report for North East Victoria 2015) Attachment 2: Request for quote (RfQ) Attachment 3: Specifications relevant to RfQ (Spreadsheet) Attachment 4: Specifications relevant to RfQ (images) Attachment 5: Bin Siting & Strategy (Spreadsheet)
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Planned Actual Project Milestones Outcome / Deliverable Effectiveness / Comment Completion Date Completion Date Attachment 6: Project Expenditure (Spreadsheet) Attachment 7: Tax Invoice for Milestone 2
3 PPR bin installation & PPR bin infrastructure installation 12 September 15 October 2016 Delayed – variation timeline met promotion/educational campaign 2016 Promotion & education campaign [Revised to 14 Attachment 1: Education and promotional October 2016] materials Attachment 2: Invoice for Milestone 3 Attachment 3: Budget report (signed financial justification expenditure spreadsheet) Attachment 4: MYOB report (2 of for last financial year and this financial year) outlining the invoices paid against this project Attachment 5: Photos of the newly installed infrastructure
4 Post installation audits Post installation litter hotspot and bin 31 October 2016 16 November Delayed – variation timeline met contamination audits 2016 [Revised to 25 Final post installation PPR and litter audit report November 2016] for the PPR project in North East Victoria.
5 Final Report Final report 10 December 23 December Delayed – variation timeline met 2016 2017 Project launch & media release [Revised to 30 Financial reconciliation (Expenditure spreadsheet) December 2016]
1 The date of the variation as stated within the executed Funding Agreement is to be placed here unless the milestone was subject to an agreed milestone variation. 2 The definition of completed milestone is where the APC has notified the recipient that the milestone evidence has been approved
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Media Media Release 1: Installations [Approved by APC on: 21/09/2016]
New public place recycling for North East Victoria
Through a project partially funded from the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) and the North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group (NEWRRG) Councils and Alpine Resorts in North East Victoria will see the roll out of new public place recycling bin systems.
This will see residents and visitors to the region have better options to recycle and dispose of their waste correctly when they are away from home.
Over 35 dual bin enclosures, 40 permanent bin stands for council streetscapes and 20 special snow line waste and recycling bin stations for alpine resort areas have been installed in the north east during September. The project has delivered over 115 individual bins for public place areas which were installed throughout the North East region’s parks, central business areas and recreation reserves.
“Thanks to the ongoing partnership between NEWRRG, local government and alpine resorts, the funding through the APC was able to be leveraged, therefore doubling the original project funds. These new bin systems will make it just as easy to recycle away from home, as it is at home”, said NEWRRG’s executive officer, Kath Gosden.
The new bins will collect and recycle similar materials that can be recycled through council kerbside systems. The new recycling and waste infrastructure will help increase recycling rates and reduce litter in public areas.
Part of the funding provided through the APC will go towards new waste and recycling signs for all new bins and existing infrastructure with the call to action to: ‘Do the Right Thing, Use the Right Bin’.
Local councils involved in the project include: Alpine Shire, Benalla Rural City, City of Wodonga, Indigo Shire Council and the Rural City of Wangaratta. Alpine Resorts involved in the project include: Falls Creek Resort Management, Mt Buller/Mt Stirling Resort Management, and Mt Hotham Resort Management.
“There is a constant need to reinforce the recycling message especially when people are away from home”, NEWRRG’s project manager, Kim Mueller said, and “the best way to do this is to provide infrastructure that is accessible and easily understood by all residents and visitors, which is why projects such as this are so important to the Region”.
Links: http://www.newrrg.vic.gov.au/2016/07/24/new-ppr-systems-soon-to-arrive-in-the-north-east/ http://www.packagingcovenant.org.au/
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Media Release 2: Post Installations [Approved by APC on: 22/11/2016]
Increased recycling in North East Victoria’s public places
New public place recycling systems installed in North East Victoria will divert annually approximately 25 additional tonnes of recyclables from landfill each year. These systems will provide over 2 million visitors and 117,000 residents improved options to recycle and dispose of waste in public places.
The project was partially funded from the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) and the North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group (North East WRRG) Councils and Alpine Resorts. These groups are pleased to see the excellent results from the recent installation of new public place recycling systems.
Throughout September 2016, approximately 50 new waste and recycling bin dual enclosures were installed in public areas including: streetscapes, parks and recreation reserves. The project also included special snow line waste and recycling bin stations for all the North East’s Alpine Resort areas. The 120 individual waste and recycling bins now make it easier for residents and visitors to ‘do the right thing, use the right bin’ throughout North East Victoria.
As part of the project the new systems were recently audited to test their effectiveness. The results of these audits demonstrated that across the North East 77% of recyclable materials deposited in public place bins are currently being diverted from landfill through the new public place recycling systems. The audits also revealed that the region’s litter is low, with the North East currently performing 50% better than the State average in litter rates.
“This is an excellent result for the region and demonstrates that people will generally ‘do the right thing and use the right bin’ providing they have accessible infrastructure and signage which is easy to understand” said North East WRRG’s Executive Officer, Kath Gosden. Ms. Gosden also stated that she looked forward to seeing “ongoing education and awareness about recycling so that people could continue to follow the same good recycling practices they do at home when they are away from home”.
The project is a good example of what can be achieved through successful partnerships. By working with industry, State Government, local Councils and Alpine Resorts the North East WRRG were able to leverage extra funding through the APC therefore doubling the original project funds. Through a cooperative approach local representatives were able to gain efficiencies and consistency which have ultimately lead to better public place recycling outcomes for the region.
Local Councils who were involved in the project included: Alpine Shire, Benalla Rural City, City of Wodonga, Indigo Shire Council and the Rural City of Wangaratta. All the Alpine Resorts in North East Victoria were involved in the project including: Falls Creek, Mt Buller/Mt Stirling and Mt Hotham.
For further information or media enquires please contact: Kim Mueller, phone: 0409306183 or email: [email protected]
Links: http://www.newrrg.vic.gov.au/2016/07/24/new-ppr-systems-soon-to-arrive-in-the-north-east/
http://www.packagingcovenant.org.au/
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Media Engagement Media engagement which has occurred over the course of the project:
North East WRRG Website post in May 2016
North East WRRG Newsletter August 2016
North East WRRG Website post August 2016
Wangaratta Chronicle (newspaper) P.17 October 26, 2016
Border Mail (newspaper) Website November 23, 2016
Wangaratta Chronicle (newspaper) P.31 November 25, 2016
North East WRRG Newsletter December 2016
North East WRRG Website post December 2016
For copies of published communications see Appendix C.
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Stakeholder Engagement North East WRRG had several key stakeholders for this project this regional project and ensured that they were kept informed and involved throughout the project.
The following stakeholders were engaged with in the project planning, implementation and evaluation:
Local Government Alpine Resorts North East WRRG committees: Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TAS), Local Government Waste Forum (LGWF) and North East WRRG Board APC and NPCIA Manufacturers and suppliers Local media outlets Councillors Contractors Businesses General public and community
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Lessons Learned There is much potential and capacity to implement similar projects. Success from this project demonstrates the validity of such programs and gives foundation to run similar projects in the future.
What could have been done better:
MOU for stakeholders involved was imperative for their understanding of what they would be responsible for and what was not within the scope of the funding. Including timelines within the MOU would have assisted in keeping deliverables on track to meet timelines as well as ensuring stakeholders understood the parameters of the project. The importance of communicating with a variety of stakeholders is crucial to the success of such programs; regular updates to key stakeholders are worthwhile. Regular and more formal updates (perhaps even a copy of the monthly progress report) could be of further benefit. Building evaluation into the project for thorough and extensive audits assists to fully evaluate the effectiveness of the systems, this combined with a more extensive exploration of PPR education is important to ensure the infrastructure is successful. Deciding to include this in the application and project paid dividends. Timing is crucial. Allowing 6-8 weeks for the manufacture, delivery and then ‘settling’ of the infrastructure before audits was inadequate in the original project plan. This is something that should, and will, be fully considered in future PPR projects. Better timing for the assessment (audits) should have also been more carefully considered, especially when the Alpine Resorts are involved. The in-kind support required to meet the coordination and reporting requirements of this project were greater than anticipated. Factoring this into the planning process could have been more fully realised.
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Future opportunities (ongoing waste diversion opportunities) North East WRRG will continue to work with Councils and Resort Management boards to facilitate the extension of further PPR programs in the Region to support existing infrastructure and projects. North East WRRG will continue to provide continued support for Councils in offering community education to reduce litter and increase recycling in public places. It is essential that when people are away from home they are provided with the opportunity to follow the same good recycling practices that they have at home.
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Conclusion The Public Place Recycling (PPR) Infrastructure for North East Victoria project has fulfilled its objectives, therefore consolidating the work that had already been completed to the Region’s PPR systems whilst adding value to the planned PPR infrastructure project through the provision of North East WRRG’s representatives with further PPR infrastructure. The project has addressed clear gaps in infrastructure which were identified (through the North East WRRG’s PPR auditing process conducted as baseline in April 2015) therefore investing targeted resources into the greatest areas of need.
The project had eight of the ten North East WRRG representatives participate. The project has entailed the coordination of the manufacture, delivery and installation of over 60 enclosures which included specialised snowline infrastructure, or 138 individual bins across the region. The project included the development and delivery of over 450 metal signs for retrofitting to existing infrastructure and over 650 sticker sets for consistent and ongoing education.
A regional audit of the newly installed systems, which included litter assessments, demonstrated the value of the project through the following successful results relating to the objectives of the project which were focused on the increase of the diversion of recyclable materials and mitigate the risks of these materials becoming litter.
The results for the Region:
77% of recyclable materials deposited in public place bins are currently being diverted from landfill through the new public place recycling systems (compared to the diversion rate of 44% in 2015) The region’s litter count is low (14 items counted per 48m2) which positions the North East performance 55% better than the Victorian State average in litter rates (31 items counted per 48m2) There are less recyclables in the waste stream (an improvement of 11% from the 2015 results) showing that people are putting more recyclables in the correct bin The new systems will annually divert approximately 25 additional tonnes of recyclable materials from landfill each year.
North East WRRG looks forward to continuing to work with their local government and alpine resort representatives, and in seeking future findings to further the North East’s PPR infrastructure in order to achieve continued resource recovery and decreased litter.
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Ideas for future projects North East Victoria is a tourist destination which attracts visitors from all over Australia. The Region attracts more than an estimated 2.8 million visitors annually. Many of the North East’s representative Councils and Alpine Resorts see their areas increase in population by three times their normal size during peak times. (Note: during the 2010 ski season, there was a combined total of around 1.24 million visitors recorded at the three resorts – sourced from Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development, Victoria in the Future 2012). Similarly, many of these same Councils have 50% (or more) part time residents.
An interesting idea for a future project would be to undertake an ‘Away-From-Home Social Research Study into waste and recycling behaviours.’
While much research has been done on littering behaviours, determining what actually occurs with people’s behaviours towards waste and recycling when they are away from home, and why they behave in certain ways when visiting an area, is still unclear. Consequently, many projects which are conducted to address public place recycling and waste generation are ‘flying blind’, assuming the issue is with a lack of infrastructure and signage, therefore traditional projects tend to focus on providing these. A research project that aims to ascertain what actually changes when people are away from home, what their attitude is and how to best engage with these groups could help positively influence their behaviours towards waste and recycling. A study such as this would contribute a valuable insight into away-from-home behaviours and would be of particular interest for tourist regions (such as ours). This would provide an evidence-based platform for planning and strategically implementing future projects that target these specific groups.
Research previously undertaken demonstrates that transitory populations are challenging to target and globally have a negative effect on recycling rates. Research into tourist behaviours at home and away from home would allow groups such as the North East WRRG to be able to properly plan for, and implement projects, which aim to optimise the recovery of recyclable materials and reduce the incidence and impact of litter, achieving both resource efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of waste.
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Appendix A: Photographic Evidence of Completed Project 1. Alpine Shire Council
Bin enclosures installed in CBD areas throughout the main Alpine Shire township of Bright. Various other sites throughout the municipality included picnic areas and look outs where permanent recycling and waste bin stands were installed.
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2. Benalla Rural City Council
Dual bin enclosures installed in Benalla’s CBD areas. Various other sites throughout the municipality included outlying townships where permanent double headed (recycling and waste) bin stands were installed.
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3. Falls Creek Alpine Resort
Dual bin enclosures were installed in and around Falls Creek Village including high traffic carparks, shuttle stops and the village bowl area.
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4. Indigo Shire Council
Bin enclosures installed in the municipality in various parks in the townships of: Beechworth, Chiltern and Rutherglen. Recycling enclosures are 360LT capacity.
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5. Mt Buller Alpine Resort
Bin enclosures installed throughout Mt Buller Village and at Mt Stirling at high traffic areas such as junctions, shelters and at the top of lifts.
31
6. Rural City of Wangaratta Bin enclosures installed in a busy outlying township; main street of Glenrowan.
32
7. Wodonga City Council
Bin enclosures installed throughout Wodonga CBD in and around convenience shops and take away areas.
33
8. Mt Hotham Alpine Resort
Bin enclosures at Mt Hotham Village targeting high traffic areas such as the main carpark area and between RMB building, car loading zones and between bus stop area and Hotham Central entrance.
34
Appendix B: Cost Reconciliation/Expenditure Report 35
Appendix C: Media Releases North East WRRG Website post in May 2016 - CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST
36
North East WRRG Newsletter August 2016 – CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEWSLETTER
37
North East WRRG Website post August 2016 – CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST
38
Wangaratta Chronicle (newspaper) P.17 October 26, 2016
39
Border Mail (newspaper) Website November 23, 2016
40
Wangaratta Chronicle (newspaper) P.31 November 25, 2016
41
North East WRRG Newsletter December 2016 – CLICK HERE TO VIEW NEWSLETTER
42
North East WRRG Website post December 2016 – CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST
43