INF/32

(RRF Visitors Centre)

MEMBERS INFORMATION

BULLETIN

Issue No. 3 February 2012

B. CALLANDER

CEO

CONTENTS PAGE

Item Page No.

Resource Recovery Facility Update Report 3

Future Landfill Site Update Report 11

Communications and Education Report 12

MWAC Information Bulletin Issue 155 - November 2011 15

Article - Community Newspaper – 22/11/2011 - regarding scrap metal at Tamala Park 21

Article - The West Australian – 05/12/2011 - Waste Chief warns on recycling 23

Article - WA Business News – 08/12/2011 – Local Government bears cost of diverting rubbish from Landfill 24

MWAC Information Bulletin Issue 156 - December 2011 28

Article - Community Newspaper – 20/12/2011 – City of Stirling tip bid rejected 34

Article - Community Newspaper – 27/12/2011 – Tamala Park hours get cut back 35

Article - Community Newspaper – 27/12/2011 - Good tips for throwing rubbish 36

Article - Community Newspaper – 10/01/2012 – Plan’s triple A rating 37

MWAC Information Bulletin Issue 157 – January 2012 38

Article - Community Newspaper - 07 02 2012 - Challenges face new chief 44

Article - West Australian – 14/02/2012 - City of Fremantle Plastic Bag Ban 45

RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY UPDATE REPORT

File No: WST/13-02

Appendix(s): Nil

Date: 13 February 2012

Project Manager: Ian Watkins Summary of activities during the reporting period 9 November 2011 through to 13 February 2012. CURRENT MATTERS Composter Structural Issues BioVision advised that it is likely that the composters will be replaced in the 3rd quarter of 2013 as opposed to early 2013. The consequence of this to the MRC is that the work will occur in the 2013/2014 financial year; hence, next financial year will be a normal year with an anticipated 100,000 tonnes of waste being processed. The 2013/2014 financial year will be the year which will experience availability disruptions associated with the composter repairs. OPERATIONAL INFORMATION Waste Delivery Waste Delivery Summary for Reporting Period

MONTH SCHEDULED TONNES DELIVERED TONNES DIFFERENCE TONNES

November 2011 8,800 9,381 581

December 2011 8,800 9,012 212

January 2012 8,800 8,740 -60 For the calendar year January 2011 to December 2011, the RRF received 100,950 tonnes of waste that was 950 tonnes greater than the contracted capacity. For the Contract Year (16/07/2011 to 15/07/2012) to date, the RRF is 1,310 tonnes ahead of schedule. For the Financial Year (01/07/2011 to 30/06/2012) to date the RRF is 1,364 tonnes ahead of schedule. In summary, the RRF is operating as anticipated in the RRFA, with Availability slightly (102%) above schedule. On a monthly basis, Additional Tonnes (those tonnes greater than the monthly scheduled tonnes) only incur the Variable Operating Cost charge but not the Capital Cost or Fixed Operating Cost charges. Unavailable Tonnes (those tonnes less than the monthly scheduled tonnes) are not paid for unless:

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• Within the Contract Year there is a positive balance of Additional Tonnes, these Additional Tonnes can be off-set against the Unavailable Tonnes. In this case, the off-set Additional Tonnes incur the full gate fee cost less the Variable Operating Cost (which has already been paid on the Additional Tonnes); or

• If the RRF Availability for a month is less than 92% of the monthly Scheduled Tonnes and there are no accumulated Additional Tonnes remaining to be off-set, then the MRC is required to pay the Capital Cost on all Unavailable Tonnes up to 92% of the monthly Scheduled Tonnes.

At the end of the Contract Year, if 100,000 tonnes of waste have been delivered to the RRF then the above “overs and unders” system should balance out. The RRFA is currently silent on the circumstance where, during a Contract Year, the RRF receives in excess of 100,000 tonnes. The MRC and BioVision have provisionally agreed that in this event (which is yet to occur), BioVision will be paid the Fixed and Variable Operating Cost and the MRC would save the Capital Cost. This proposed contract change forms part of a suite of changes that will soon be presented to Council for approval. Waste Diversion Waste Diversion for the past six months (August 2011 to January 2012) has been 51.8% with a Waste Diversion Target of 51.3%. That is slightly (268 tonnes) less residue being produced than anticipated. Operational Activities The RRF shutdown on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (normally the facility operates seven days per week). On Christmas Day and New Years Day, the Tamala Park landfill is closed; hence, SITA is unable to dispose of residue (at Tamala Park). In the event that Tamala Park is closed, the RRFA allows BioVision to dispose of residue at an alternative landfill location, with the MRC covering the increased residue transport and disposal costs. On these particular days, only the Rockingham landfill was open. The travel time to Rockingham was too great to utilise the existing fleet of residue removal vehicles and would require additional vehicle over the public holidays. Based on the above and the fact that the facility was ahead of the scheduled deliveries, SITA opted not to operate on these days. Community Complaints Community Complaints Summary for Reporting Period Date Complaint From Outcome

5/11/2011 Odour Golf Club Complainant advised odour from chicken farm

6/11/2011 Odour Golf Club Complainant advised odour from chicken farm or Biofilters

7/11/2011 Odour Golf Club Complainant advised odour from chicken farm

8/11/2011 Odour Golf Club Complainant advised odour from Biofilters

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The graphs below provide data up to 31 January 2012. Graph No. 1 – Monthly Waste Delivery – Previous Six Months

6,000

6,500

7,000

7,500

8,000

8,500

9,000

9,500

10,000

10,500

11,000

Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12

To

nn

ag

e

Months

Monthly Waste Delivery - Previous Six Months

Scheduled Tonnes

Actual Tonnes

Graph No. 2 – Waste Delivery & Diversion – Previous Six Months

-

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12

To

nn

ag

e

Months

Waste Delivery & Diversion - Previous Six Months

Scheduled TonnesActual TonnesWaste Diversion

Graph No. 3 – Monthly Availability – Previous Six Months

70%

80%

90%

100%

110%

120%

Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12

Avai

labi

lity

Months

Monthly Availability - Previous Six Months

Availability (6 Monthly)

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Graph No. 4 – Monthly Cost/tonne Delivered (incl. Compost Cost) – Previous Six Months

$150.00$160.00$170.00$180.00$190.00$200.00$210.00$220.00$230.00$240.00$250.00

Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12

Co

st/

To

nn

e D

eli

ve

red

Months

Monthly Cost/Tonne Delivered (incl. Compost Cost) - Previous Six Months

Cost/Tonne Delivered

Graph No. 5 – Waste Diversion from Landfill – Previous Six Months

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12

Ton

nage

of

Was

te D

iver

ted

Months

Waste Diversion From Landfill - Previous Six Months

Waste Diversion

Performance Indicators KPI’s as per the RRFA are as follows:

Table No. 1 – KPI Summary (to 31 January 2012) KPI Target Previous

6 Months Nov Dec Jan

Availability 95%* 101% 107% 102% 99%

Environmental Standard - Number of Breaches

0 0 0 0 0

Waste Diversion 51.3% 51.8% 50.3% 50.3% 51.3% Quality of Compost - Number of Breaches** 0 24 4 4 4 Quantity of Recyclable Packaging 0.8% 0.35% 0.26% 0.94% 0.93% Health and Safety - Number of LTI’s 0 0 0 0 0 Community Acceptance - Number of Complaints ***

0 0 0 0 0

Project Culture - PAG Chairperson Score 100 100 100 100 100 * The Target Availability during the Initial Operating Period is to achieve an Availability of greater than 95% over a six-month period. ** The compost standard within the RRFA is currently under review. *** Numerous complaints relating to a single event are treated as a single complaint. Biofilter odour is not registered as a complaint as this is seen as a normal operating odour condition.

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Waste Diversion The average waste diversion for the past six months (August to January) has been 51.8%.

47.0%

48.0%

49.0%

50.0%

51.0%

52.0%

53.0%

54.0%

Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12

WASTE DIVERSION PREVIOUS 6 MONTHS

Monthly Waste DiversionWaste Diversion Target

Project Advisory Group MRC Representatives: BioVision Representatives: Cr Laura Gray Emmanuel Vivant John Bonker (A/CEO) Craig Barker Chris Colyer (Town of Cambridge) Nial Stock MRC Alternates: BioVision Alternates: Cr Dot Newton Alan Turner Kalwant Dhillon Kevin Wilson Anthony Vuleta (Town of Victoria Park) The PAG recently met on 20 December 2011 and on 8 February 2012. Items dealt with by the group include:

• Contract Variations • Composter Structural Issues • Ferrous Metal Recycling • Annual Audit • BioVision Monthly Report/Update • Compost Marketing • Community Liaison

Copies of the meeting minutes are distributed to the Strategic Projects Committee members and all MRC Councillors. Community Engagement The MRC community engagement program continues to be managed via the Community Engagement and Advisory Group (CEAG). The group last met on 14 December 2011 and 8 February 2012 at the Joondalup Resort. Issues covered at the meeting included:

• Project update • Waste Education • Community Engagement

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• Waste Diversion Report Card • CEAG Review of Purpose

Copies of the meeting notes are distributed to the MRC Councillors. HISTORICAL INFORMATION Quantity of Recyclables BioVision has recently advised that it is now able to recommence metal extraction as One Steel has agreed to take the scrap metal after it has been hand sorted (cleaned up) by Cleanaway. MRC Infrastructure Development Vehicle Wash down Facilities Rob Goldfinch Consulting has completed the design of the vehicle wash down facility and determined that the estimated construction cost is approximately $800,000. This is a $150,000 increase on the budgeted cost of $650,000. With regards to the need for a vehicle wash, the City of Wanneroo and the City of Vincent currently use their own vehicle to deliver waste to the RRF. Should the City of Perth commence delivery to the RRF, they would also use their own vehicles. All other member Councils delivering waste to the RRF utilise commercial companies as the waste collection contractors. The Cities of Wanneroo (11 vehicles), Vincent (5 vehicles) and possibly Perth (6 vehicles) require the vehicle wash to washdown their vehicles at the end of each day as they do not have their own vehicle washdown facilities. If the vehicle washbay was constructed, it is likely that waste haulage contractors would also use the facility to washdown vehicles associated with the RRF activities; however, this is more of a convenience than a necessity. Based on the concept design, it is anticipated that the RRF vehicle washdown facility will cost:

• $50,000 for detailed design and tendering (work currently being undertaken).

• $800,000 construction cost.

• $100,000 annual operating costs. With an anticipated 22 MRC member Council vehicles being washed daily for 50 weeks per year and the life of the facility being 18 years (end of the term of the RRFA), the cost per vehicle wash is approximately:

• Design and Construction $850,000/(22 vehicles x 5 days x 50 weeks x 18 years) = $8.59/wash.

• Operations $100,000/(22 vehicles x 5 days x 50 weeks) = $18.18.

• Total estimated cost per vehicle wash = $26.77. Note: This calculation has not included interest repayments on a loan to fund the construction. If this was to be included, the cost per wash would increase to approximately $30.00. The alternative vehicle washing solutions for the Cities of Wanneroo, Vincent and Perth are as follows:

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• Use the washdown facility at Tamala Park (extra vehicle mileage). • Develop their own individual washdown facilities (located near a sewer connection

would be significantly cheaper than the RRF solution). • Develop a combined washdown facility, potentially located at the City of

Wanneroo workshops and near a sewer connection (most cost effective solution). The Strategic Projects Committee (SPC) is currently dealing with this matter including an assessment of available options. An SPC recommendation will be presented to Council in due course. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Composter Repair/Replacement Costs The 2011/2012 budget was established around the composters being repaired during the financial year. With the composters being replaced in 2013/2014 financial year, there will be more tonnage delivered to the RRF this financial year (due to no shutdown); hence, there will be an increase in RRF gate fee and a corresponding decrease in the landfill fee. This has been dealt with in the Mid – Year review. Operational Expenditure The Project Operational Summary below sets out the 2011/12 facility operating budget against which operational costs are tracked throughout the year. Project Operational Costs Summary for 2011/2012 Financial Year – as at 13 February 2012.

Item Adopted Budget

Expenditure (to 12/02/13)

% Spent

Capital ExpensesInfrastructure - Wash Down (RRF) $ 699,200 $ 9,600 1.4%Infrastructure - Other (Communication Tower at Neerabup) $ 78,900 $ 27,120 34.4%

Total Capital Expenditure $ 778,100 $ 36,720 4.7%

Operating ExpensesConsultancy Specialist Project Consultants $ 175,000 $ 6,229 3.6% Project/Contract Management $ 95,000 $ 42,050 44.3% Temporary Staff $ 42,500 $ 37,150 87.4%

Sub-total $ 312,500 $ 85,429 27.3%Facility Operations Building Cleaning $ 5,400 $ 4,510 83.5%

Computer System Maintenance $ 22,300 $ 18,680 83.8%Building Maintenance $ 10,000 $ 2,467 24.7%

Building Security $ 3,000 $ 1,323 44.1% Fencing and Gate Maintenance $ 3,000 $ 240 8.0%

Road Maintenance $ 2,000 $ - 0.0% Bore and Pipework Maintenance $ 13,000 $ 11,844 91.1%

Wash Down Operations $ 27,500 $ - 0.0% Landscape and Gardens $ 12,000 $ 5,449 45.4% Utilities $ 7,000 $ - 0.0% Council Rates $ 10,500 $ 27,121 258.3%

MRC Insurance Premiums $ 7,600 $ 7,600 100.0% Compost Disposal $ 353,644 $ 253,192 71.6% RRF Gate Fees $ 18,764,753 $ 10,775,525 57.4%Cost of Borrowings

Loan Interest and Expenses $ 590,600 $ 287,056

Sub-Total $ 19,832,297 $ 11,107,951 56.0%Total Operating Expenses $ 20,144,797 $ 11,230,100 55.7%

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Member Council Deed of Guarantee The table below indicates the fluctuation in member Council potential liabilities under the Member Council Deed of Guarantee throughout the duration of the RRFA. Deed of Guarantee Annual Value Change

Termination Payment for MRC Default

Council ShareholdingYear 1

16/07/2009Year 2

16/07/2010Year 3

16/07/2011Year 5

16/07/2014Year 10

16/07/2019Year 15

16/07/2024Year 19

16/07/2028Stirling 33.33% 29,422,667 29,099,000 28,832,000 27,880,667 23,521,000 15,497,667 6,007,000 Joondalup 16.67% 14,711,333 14,549,000 14,416,000 13,940,333 11,760,500 7,748,833 3,003,500 Wanneroo 16.67% 14,711,333 14,549,000 14,416,000 13,940,333 11,760,500 7,748,833 3,003,500 Perth 8.33% 7,355,667 7,275,000 7,208,000 6,970,167 5,880,250 3,874,417 1,501,750 Cambridge 8.33% 7,355,667 7,275,000 7,208,000 6,970,167 5,880,250 3,874,417 1,501,750 Vincent 8.33% 7,355,667 7,275,000 7,208,000 6,970,167 5,880,250 3,874,417 1,501,750 Victoria Park 8.33% 7,355,667 7,275,000 7,208,000 6,970,167 5,880,250 3,874,417 1,501,750 Total 100.00% 88,268,000$ 87,297,000$ 86,495,000$ 83,642,000$ 70,563,000$ 46,493,000$ 18,021,000$

Termination Payment for Forced Majeure

ShareholdingYear 1

16/07/2009Year 2

16/07/2010Year 3

16/07/2011Year 5

16/07/2014Year 10

16/07/2019Year 15

16/07/2024Year 19

16/07/2028Stirling 33.33% 25,811,000 25,545,000 25,206,000 24,159,333 19,708,333 12,008,000 1,666,667 Joondalup 16.67% 12,905,500 12,773,000 12,603,000 12,079,667 9,854,167 6,004,000 833,333 Wanneroo 16.67% 12,905,500 12,773,000 12,603,000 12,079,667 9,854,167 6,004,000 833,333 Perth 8.33% 6,452,750 6,386,000 6,301,000 6,039,833 4,927,083 3,002,000 416,667 Cambridge 8.33% 6,452,750 6,386,000 6,301,000 6,039,833 4,927,083 3,002,000 416,667 Vincent 8.33% 6,452,750 6,386,000 6,301,000 6,039,833 4,927,083 3,002,000 416,667 Victoria Park 8.33% 6,452,750 6,386,000 6,301,000 6,039,833 4,927,083 3,002,000 416,667 Total 100.00% 77,433,000$ 76,636,000$ 75,617,000$ 72,478,000$ 59,125,000$ 36,024,000$ 5,000,000$

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FUTURE LANDFILL SITE UPDATE

File No: WST/31

Appendix(s): Nil

Date: 9 February 2012

Responsible Officer: Ian Watkins Summary of activities associated with the search for a future landfill site. Options Available The MRC has identified a preferred site and is in the process of carrying out detailed discussions with the land owners. To date, the discussions have been positive. The extent of the land purchase and the possible cost is yet to be finalised. In the meantime, the MRC is progressing with further technical investigations surrounding the development potential of the site. The MRC knowledge of the site and surrounds has been significantly increased following a recent drive around the site with the landowners. The MRC also investigated a number of alternative sites within the vicinity of the preferred site and determined that these were not suitable. Recent discussions with a sand extraction company have lead to the possibility of developing a landfill in a planned/existing sand pit. These discussions are continuing. The MRC was also recently approached by a landowner willing to commence negotiations about utilising his farm as a landfill site. This site is in the northern section of the Shire of Gingin and has been kept as a fall back position should current negotiations with nearer options fail. SUMMARY The MRC Administration has been active in searching for a future landfill site. This activity has identified a number of possible options, with a preferred option. This option is being pursued, while continuing to investigate other potentially preferable options.

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COMMUNICATIONS AND EDUCATION REPORT

File No: Appendix(s): Nil

Date: 15 February 2012

Responsible Officer: Geoff Atkinson

Communication and Education Report – November/December 2011 & January 2012 The following are some of the key activities and happenings that occurred during November/ December/January. Tours Twenty Three tours (456 people) of the MRC facilities took place … mostly in November (16 tours). Tour bookings are starting to pick up again now that schools are back. The Roaming Recycler waste education display The Roaming Recycler attended 17 events (21 days). The following are some of the more high profile events.

Recycling Week in November saw the Roaming Recycler attend:

• City of Perth’s Great Aussie Swap in Forrest Place.

• Display at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Joondalup, which included talks, workshops with local schools and a special dry celled battery disposal promotion.

• Plus 5 smaller events over the Recycling Week weekend.

• Wanneroo Show.

• Christmas Pageant. To raise profile of waste and the message of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle during a season of high consumption. The event was wide reaching being watched by a crowd of over a 100, 000 on the day plus television audience. The event also included a post pageant display at Langley Park.

• Skyworks. It was hot, the crowds were down but the MRC and Earth Carers staffed the three recycling stations, handed out waste and recycling bags and at the Roaming Recycler display at the Kids Zone.

The new waste related games and activities developed for the Roaming Recycler continue to be successful at attracting children (and therefore their parents) to the display and being the catalyst for some good waste conversations. Schools and Visits The Education team made 7 visits to schools and community groups to give waste talks and/or workshops.

Date Visit to Council 01/11/11 Greenwood Primary School Joondalup 02/11/11 Westminster Junior Primary School Stirling 22/11/11 Inglewood Primary School Stirling 30/11/11 East Butler Primary School Wanneroo 30/11/11 Steering group for Vincent community garden Vincent 12/12/11 Regent College Victoria Park 18/12/11 Brighton Community Garden Wanneroo

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Earth Carers Over 50 of our Earth Carers got together for an end of year get together that included a presentation on using waste timber and a workshop on making environmentally friendly cosmetics at home.

In January the Education Team met with the other Regional Councils’ with Earth Carers to plan joint activities in 2012. Battery Program Two new battery bins were delivered to schools. In both cases they were delivered during school assemblies and a brief presentation was given. An award and media coverage was given to Beaumaris PS for being the Region’s leading battery collecting school for 2011.

Batteries from school and community bins continued to be collected during this time period. Twenty five drums full of batteries are currently stored at Tamala Park awaiting shipment for recycling. Other

• The Website continues to be regularly updated to ensure currency and accuracy of information provided.

• Annual report was produced and it is now online for viewing or downloading. • The change of opening hours of the Tamala Park facility was broadly advertised

and updates of details were made to websites (MRC and external sites), brochures, signage etc.

• Waste Education Strategic Steering Group (WESSG) meetings were held in November and January.

• A Community Engagement Advisory Group (CEAG) meeting took place 14th December.

589.5kg

361.5kg 386.5kg326.5kg

516.5kg

415.5kg365kg

462.5kg

0

685.5kg

521.5kg

329.5kg

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

MRC Community Battery Collection by Month in 2011 (kg)

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Perth 278.5kg

Cambridge 965.5kg

Victoria Park 712kg

Vincent 729.5kg

Joondalup 1465.5kg

Wanneroo 796kg

Batteries Collected from Community Collection Bins by Council 1 January to 31 December 2011 (Total No = 4938kg)

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MWAC Information Bulletin

C A N C E L L E D : C O N S U L T A T I O N C O N S U L T A T I O N O N T H E S T A T E W A S T E S T R A T E G Y C A N C E L L E D

2

M W A C U P D A T E S C H A N G E O F M W A C R E P R E S E N T A T I O N

2

W E S T A R T H U R W I N S 2 0 1 1 T I D Y T O W N S S U S T A I N A B L E C O M M U N I T I E S S T A T E T I T L E

2

F O N D F A R E W E L L S C E C I L I A J O R D A N M O V E S T O D E C

2

R E G I O N A L W A S T E S E R V I C E S W M R C R E L E A S E S E O I

3

P E N S I O N E R B E N E F I T S P R O P O S E D A M E N D M E N T S T O T H E L G A C T

3

P L A S T I C F R E E F R E M A N T L E C A M P A I G N T O M A K E F R E O P L A S T I C F R E E

3

R E G I O N A L F U N D I N G R O U N D 2 , R E G I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T A U S T R A L I A F U N D

3

B I G M O N E Y F O R P A C K A G I N G A U S T R A L I A N P A C K A G I N G C O V E N A N T M A J O R P R O J E C T F U N D I N G

4

T A S S I E C O N T A I N E R D E P O S I T S ? T A S M A N I A N U P P E R H O U S E S U P P O R T S C D S

4

B E A T T H E D R U M D R U M M U S T E R M I L E S T O N E S

4

M O U S T A C H E D T R U C K S M O V E M B E R A T T P I

4

R E C Y C L I N G I N B U L K C I T Y O F J O L I E T , I L L I N O I S G E T B I G R E C Y C L I N G B I N S

5

F O O D W A S T E D E C R E A S E S U K G E T S S M A R T O N F O O D W A S T E

5

J U S T R A D I O A C T I V E M O U N T A I N S O F R A D I O A C T I V E W A S T E I N J A P A N

5

P A I N T : C R Y S T A L S R E C Y C L I N G F R O Z E N P A I N T S I N T H E U K

5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ISSUE 155 NOVEMBER 2011

www.walga.asn.au

W & R F R E E R E G I S T R A T I O N

C A T C H I N G O U T C A R B O N C R A N K S

In anticipation of the commencement of the carbon price from 1 July 2012, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have released the Carbon Price Claims – Guide for Business which provides information for businesses to refer to when they seek to make claims about the impact of the price on carbon on the price of their goods and services. The ACCC has announced that they will make

it a priority to investigate complaints about businesses making false, misleading or deceptive claims concerning the impact of a carbon price. For further information, or for a copy of the Guide, visit the ACCC Website at www.accc.gov.au

A S T A T E O F R E G U L A T I O N

There is a chance to win a FREE Registration for the Waste & Recycle Conference 2012! Win a FREE Registration for the 2012 Waste & Recycle Conference in Fremantle, inclusive of access to the Thursday and Friday Conference sessions, one ticket to the Welcome Reception, one ticket to the Tropical Cocktail Function and one ticket to the Conference Dinner.

To enter, fill in your name and contact details and those of three of your colleagues or friends who you think would be interested in receiving i n fo rma t i o n o n t he Conference. To enter the competition visit the Waste & R e c y c l e C o n f e r e n c e w e b s i t e www.wasteandrecycle.com.au

The Product Stewardship (Televisions and Computers) Regulations have now been passed.

The Regulations pave the way for the industry-led television and computer recycling Scheme, which aims to boost the recycling rate of these materials to 80% by 2020-21. The Scheme will be implemented by the television and computer industry and regulated by the Federal Government. Households and small businesses will be able to drop off unwanted televisions or computers at designated service points for free. Collection services will be rolled out across Australia over the next two years. The television and computer industry can now apply to the Federal Government for approval of their recycling Arrangements. The

Arrangements form the basis for implementing the collection services and for achieving the Scheme's recycling targets. To date, three parties have come forward seeking approval of the Arrangement. These are AIIA-PSA, DHL, and the Australian and New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP). F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.environment.gov.au WALGA is currently developing a preferred supplier Arrangement for e-waste recycling. WALGA is also working on a collective approach to engagement with the Arrangements. For more information, contact Rebecca Brown, manager Waste and Recycling on 9213 2063 or email rbrown@walga.asn.au

Page 15

2

Caves in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park near Margaret

River have had a recent clean up, with

DEC staff and members of Speleological

Groups cleaning up beer bottles, car parts,

thongs and other rubbish.

(Source: www.perthnow.com.au)

www.wastenet.net.au

C A N C E L L E D : C O N S U L T A T I O N

Information sessions planned to be held by the Waste Authority during November to discuss the Waste Strategy 2011 have been cancelled.

The Waste Authority has apologised for the delay in releasing the draft strategy,

as the Minister’s Office requires extra time to consider the Strategy. For more information contact Linda Thoresen A/General Manager, Office of the Waste Authority, on 6467 5559 or email linda.thoresen@dec.wa.gov.au

W E S T A R T H U R W I N S

F O N D F A R E W E L L S

Cecilia Jordan, MWAC Project Coordinator, the Household Hazardous Waste Extraordinaire, Mapping Guru and all round superstar has announced she is leaving WALGA for the Waste Management Branch of the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Cecilia’s last day at WALGA will be 25, Friday November. Make sure you get in touch to wish her all the best with her new endeavor on 9213 2062 or cjordan@walga.asn.au

As a result of the recent Local Government elections, there has been a changing of the guard at MWAC. Our sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to MWAC over the last few years. Outgoing Elected Members: • Mr Bill Adams (representing the Bunbury

Harvey Regional Council); • Cr Glenys Godfrey (representing the

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council); • Cr John Bissett (representing the Mindarie

Regional Council); and • Mr Phil Jacobsen (representing the

Western Metropolitan Regional Council).

Incoming Elected Members: • Cr Greg Campbell (Councillor at the Shire

of Harvey, representing the Bunbury Harvey Regional Council);

• Cr Graham Pittaway (Councillor at the City of Bayswater, representing the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council);

• Mayor Hon. Alannah MacTiernan (Mayor of the Town of Vincent, representing the Mindarie Regional Council); and

• Cr Garry Trinder (Councillor at the City of Subiaco, representing the Western Metropolitan Regional Council).

M W A C U P D A T E S

West Arthur has won the title of Western Australia’s tidiest town in the 2011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities State Awards.

The small community, 200km south-east of Perth, was also named regional winner for the Great Southern region. Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the West Arthur community had demonstrated

excellence across a variety of categories, including improving and maintaining their town’s appearance and working towards environmental sustainability. Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities is supported by Keep Australia Beautiful WA, the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Waste Authority. (Source: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au)

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The ban on free lightweight plastic bags has officially begun in

the ACT. The State Government has

gradually phased in the ban since July.

(Source: www.abc.net.au)

www.wastenet.net.au

P L A S T I C F R E E F R E M A N T L E

On Thursday, 3 November, the Hon. Simon Crean MP (Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government), launched Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF). $200 million is available in Round Two, to support priority projects in regional Australia. This funding is an increase of $50 million on the $150 million allocated to the 35 projects of Round One of the RDAF program.

T he f u nd i ng guidelines have been revised, after feedback was received from Local Government, not-for-profit organisations and RDA committees. Expressions of interest close on Thursday, 1 December. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.regional.gov.au

P E N S I O N E R B E N E F I T S

3

R E G I O N A L F U N D I N G

R E G I O N A L W A S T E S E R V I C E S

A campaign titled Plastic Free Fremantle has been launched, promoting the sustainable use of plastics by local businesses and residents. The campaign aims to recognise businesses that are already avoiding supplying plastic bags and encourage others to follow suit.

A group supporting the campaign has been gathering signatures on a petition to gauge community support for the initiative. When they have enough, they intent to present it to the City of Fremantle. (Source: www.inmycommunity.com.au)

Following the Western Metropolitan Regional Council's (WMRC) decision in August 2011 to proceed with investigations into a regional waste service, the WMRC are seeking Expressions of Interest this month for a regional bulk waste service. The Expression of Interest document has been reviewed by all participating Local Governments (WMRC member Councils and the City of Nedlands). The Expression of Interest seeks an on-demand bulk waste

service where residents can book a bulk waste collection at any time during the year. Expressions of Interest will close in January 2012, with each Participating Council to vote on its participation in the regional bulk waste service in the first half of 2012. (Source: Western Metropolitan Regional Council)

The recently released Local Government Act Amendment Bill outlines a number of amendments that among many things effect the way Local Governments raise charges for providing underground power and provides discounts for pensioners and eligible seniors for those charges. WA Local Government Association President Mayor Troy Pickard has said that Local Government support the amendments to discount underground power charges for pensioners but would like to see this extended to include waste charges.

Pensioners currently receive a 50% discount on Local Government rates and underground power. Those who qualify for pensioner rebates comprise around 15% of households across the State “We call upon Parliament to show some compassion to those most in need in our community and extend these amendments to include waste charges, which will provide Local Government scope to afford pensioners some financial relief.” (Source: WALGA)

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For a Taste of Waste in Victoria, visit

www.mwmg.vic.gov.au

(Source: www.mwmg.vic.gov.au/media-centre/latest-news/36-a-taste-

of-waste)

www.wastenet.net.au

M O U S T A C H E D T R U C K S

T A S S I E C O N T A I N E R D E P O S I T S ?

As a result of a recent motion to debate the issue of Container Deposit Schemes by Independent MLC Greg Hall in the Upper House of the Tasmanian Government, the Upper House has voted in support of a container deposit scheme similar to that of South Australia. According to Mr Hall, placing a value of 10c on each container would cause many people to think twice about throwing them out and

instead recycle them. The State Environment Minister Brian Wightman has indicated that a national approach to the issue is best. He says a paper examining the impact of a national scheme should be released by Christmas. It will be at least four months before a decision is made on whether to introduce a National Scheme. (Source: www.abc.net.au)

B E A T T H E D R U M

The drumMUSTER program has collected and recycled nearly 18 million empty agricultural and veterinary chemical containers since it began in 1998.

From the preliminary data received on collection volumes, close to two million

containers have been recycled Australia wide in the past 12 months. This equates to diverting over 23,000 tonnes of plastic and steel materials from landfill and recycled into everyday items like fence posts, pipes, wheelie bins and road signs. (Source: EcoNews)

B I G M O N E Y F O R P A C K A G I N G

One hundred of Transpacific Industries' (TPI) Brisbane-based trucks now have painted moustaches. The moustaches were affixed in support of the Movember Campaign, a global charity that aims to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and depression. In 2010, over 130,000 Australian men grew moustaches in support

of the campaign, raising $25 million. T P I s a i d i t h a s c h o s e n t o

promote the campaign in support of the 5,556 male employees working across its business in Australia and New Zealand. Five TPI trucks will also feature giant hairy moustaches. (Source:www.ben-global.com)

The Australian Packaging Covenant is launching a major project funding round. Expressions of Interest may be lodged any time up to the close date of Saturday, 31 December. Funding opportunities exist for projects between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Please direct any queries to APC Projects Manager, Mr Stuart Gold on (02) 9416 0887 or email projects@packagingcovenant.org.au

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To see how garbage is collected in flooded

Thailand, visit www.reuters.com The floods have claimed

over 600 lives.

(Source: www.reuters.com/video/2011/11/11/thai-

refuse-workers-battle-mountains-of?

videoId=224602535)

www.wastenet.net.au

According to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in the UK, household food and drink waste has fallen by 13% over a three-and-a-half year period. A report has been released, estimating UK households are currently disposing of £12 billion worth of food and drink a year, two thirds of which is avoidable.

2010 figures indicated food waste has reduced from 8.3 million tonnes in 2006/07 to 7.2 million tonnes a year. WRAP believe these findings are consistent with the decrease in the amount of food and drink purchased for consumption, influenced greatly by the downturn in the economy. (Source: www.letsrecycle.com)

F O O D W A S T E D E C R E A S E

R E C Y C L I N G I N B U L K

The City of Joliet, Illinois has introduced a new recycling initiative that has seen the recycling rate increase by 40% between July and September.

The City replaced its 68 litre recycling bins earlier this year with 363 litre wheeled carts that Waste Management Inc. trucks can pick up with automated arms.

As a result, 2,938 tonnes of waste was recycled. This is almost 1,000 tonnes more than the same period in 2010. The carts were delivered to 45,000 residents free of charge, funded through a $519,000 federal grant. The City has saved $1.3 million on its contract for waste services, as the recyclable are now picked up every two weeks instead of weekly. (Source: www.wasterecyclingnews.com and www.suntimes.com)

5

P A I N T : C R Y S T A L S

In the UK, extremes in temperatures causes some challenges to recycling paint. The Community RePaint Schemes network has been established to collect leftover paint and then redistribute it to local charities, community groups and families and individuals in need. Many people hold onto their leftover paint, in the event that a touch up is required. Unfortunately, in most cases the paint is never used and get spoilt during the winter as it

crystallises and separates. Paint stored in sheds and garages is at particularly high risk. Following the last two hard winters, far less paint has been reusable, meaning that the Community RePaint Schemes have been able to assist fewer people. For more information, visit www.communityrepaint.org.uk

J U S T R A D I O A C T I V E

Japan is facing a significant problem in deciding how to manage the radioactive waste created by the Fukushima nuclear plant, after the earthquake and tsunami disaster unfolded on Friday, 11 March. Goshi Hosono, the Nuclear Crisis Minister, has said that Japan still has to come up with a comprehensive plan for how to dispose of the irradiated waste that has been accumulating since the disaster. According to the Environment Ministry, Japan could have to deal with up to 45 million cubic

meters of radioactive waste in Fukushima and several nearby prefectures (states). The amount of radiation released from the plant is still unknown. Over 80,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, and a 20km exclusion zone is still in force around the plant. The clean up and compensation payments are expected to cost trillions of yen (tens of billions of dollars). (Source: www.perthnow.com.au)

Page 19

A valuable resource for anyone interested in waste in Western Australia

www.wastenet.net.au

CONTACT DETAILS

Manager, Waste & Recycling Ms Rebecca Brown Tel: 08 9213 2063 Email: rbrown@walga.asn.au MWAC Project Coordinator Ms Cecilia Jordan Tel: 08 9213 2062 Email: cjordan@walga.asn.au MWAC Policy Coordinator Ms Erin Fuery Tel: 08 9213 2086 Email: efuery@walga.asn.au Waste Management Officer Ms Heather Squire Tel: 08 9213 2069 Email: hsquire@walga.asn.au Office: Local Government House 15 Altona Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005 Postal Address: PO Box 1544, WEST PERTH WA 6872

www.walga.asn.au

The Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) is a standing committee of the Western Australian Local Government Association with dele-gated authority on municipal waste issues. MWAC’s membership includes the major Regional Councils (waste management). This makes MWAC a unique forum through which all the major Local Government waste management organisations cooperate. MWAC focuses its work in three main areas:

° The proactive development of policy on priority issues;

° Comprehensive representation of Local Government views on legislation, regulations, administrative policy and related matters; and

° The delivery of grant funded programs consistent with Local Government priorities.

W H AT I S MWAC?

2 0 1 1 / 1 2 E V E N T S C A L E N DA R 29 November Plastics and Waste Seminar

Mantra, Parramatta, Crn Parkes Street and Valentine Avenue, Parramatta For more information, visit www.wmaa.asn.au

21-23 March 2012

Tissue World Americas 2012 Technical Conference Miami Beach, Florida, USA For more information, visit www.tissueworld.com/americas

30 April- 2 May 2012

Waste Expo 2012 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada For more information, visit www.wasteexpo.com

4-6 July 2012 6th International Conference on Waste Management and the Environment New Forest, UK For more information, visit www.wessex.ac.uk

24-26 July 2012 Enviro 2012 Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide For more information, visit www.enviroconvention.com.au

11-14 September 2012

Waste & Recycle Conference 2012 Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA For more information, visit www.wasteandrecycle.com.au

2 0 1 1 / 1 2 S U B M I S S I O N S C A L E N DA R

1 December Expressions of interest close for the Regional Australia Development Fund For more information, visit www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs/rdaf.aspx

23 December Submission Deadline for the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel Issues Paper For more information, visit www.planning.wa.gov.au

31 December Applications Close for the Australian Packaging Covenant Major Project Funding Round Fore more information, visit www.packagingcovenant.org.au

20 January 2012 Deadline for Submitting an Abstract to Speak at Enviro 2012 For more information, visit www.enviroconvention.com.au/2012/abstracts.html

20 January 2012 Submission Deadline for the WAPC Draft Mid West Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework For more information, visit http://metroreview.dlg.wa.gov.au

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MWAC Information Bulletin

C O C K B U R N A W A R D E D C I T Y O F C O C K B U R N W I N S T H E 2 0 1 1 W A E N V I R O N M E N T

2

E S P E R A N C E R E C Y C L I N G A N D W A S T E F O R U M C O M M U N I T Y F O R U M

2

H A R V E Y R A T E S I T S R E C Y C L I N G I N C R E A S E S I N R E C Y C L I N G R A T E S

2

P A C K A G I N G $ F L O W W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A N P R O J E C T S F U N D E D B Y T H E A P C

3

S P E A K I N G O U T O N C D S R E G U L A T O R Y I M P A C T S T A T E M E N T R E L E A S E D

3

E N T R E N O W : L O C A L G O V E R N M E N T A W A R D S 2 0 1 2 D E A D L I N E F R I D A Y 1 7 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2

3

I N D U S T R Y T A K E S A L E A D T V & C O M P U T E R R E C Y C L I N G S C H E M E U P D A T E

4

W A L G A T E N D E R T E N D E R R E L E A S E D F O R W A S T E S E R V I C E S

4

T H I N K I N G B O U T C L E A N I N G ? C L E A N U P A U S T R A L I A D A Y

4

D R I V I N G U P R E C Y C L I N G R A T E S F O R D A U S T R A L I A I N T R O D U C E S R E C Y C L I N G I N I T I A T I V E S

4

G I F T I D E A S : B I N S ! B I N S S H A P E D A S G I A N T L O G O P I E C E S

5

T I S T H E S E A S O N : T O R E D U C E F O O D W A S T E T I P S O N R E D U C I N G F O O D W A S T E A T C H R I S T M A S

5

T I F F A N Y G O E S S U S T A I N A B L E J E W E L L E R P R O M O T E S S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y I N I T I A T I V E S

5

O C C U P I E R S M A K I N G A M E S S O C C U P Y L A L E A V E S 3 0 T O N N E S O F W A S T E

5

As 2011 comes to a close it’s time to look back on the year and see just how far we’ve come. January: a new Chair came to the Waste Authority. MWAC generated papers on Waste Management Infrastructure and Funding. February: a month of announcements. The Minister approved the new HHW Program. The WA Transitional E-waste Program was launched and there was a wedding in the MWAC family (Heather Squire). March: The NT Container Deposit Bill Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Bill 2011 was released and the Feds released the Draft Product Stewardship Bill. April: the Product Stewardship Bill went through a Senate Inquiry and it came out well. May: MWAC headed to the country, with the National Waste Policy Regional and Remote Working Group calling for case studies. June: more announcements. A new Waste Authority was appointed with Marcus Geisler, Cr Jennifer Bloom, Neil Foley and Michele Rosano. The Minister announced funding of $7M for implementation of Local Government Strategic Waste Management Plans. July: data roadshows. Consultation occurred with Local Government on the needs and issues relating to waste management data and the

National Food Plan issues paper was released. September: we asked the question, Waste or Resource: Food for thought? and had another fantastic Waste & Recycle Conference answering it. October: our hopes were raised thinking we’d have a State Waste Strategy soon. Labor introduced a Container Deposit Bill in WA. November: our hopes for having a Waste Strategy were dashed, but the passage of the Regulations for the TV’s and Computers Product Stewardship Scheme gave us a reason to smile. We also bid Cecilia Jordan MWAC Project Coordinator farewell as she moved to Department of Environment and Conservation. December: the Federal Government released the long awaited Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement for Packaging. There are great expectations for 2012: • A Federal decision on a National Container

Deposit System or progression of a WA CDS; • A Waste Strategy for WA; • Comprehensive and useful waste data

collection; • Implementation of the Product Stewardship

Scheme for TV’s and Computers; • Another fantastic Waste & Recycle

Conference; and • Landfill Levy returned to fund waste

management activities.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ISSUE 156 DECEMBER 2011

www.walga.asn.au

W A S T E — T H E Y E A R T H A T W A S

W A S T E C H I E F O N T H E M O N E Y

In The West Australian, on Monday 5 December, the Chair of the WA Waste Authority Mr Peter Fitzpatrick made some very perceptive comments about the state of waste in WA. He identified that government spending on waste management and recycling, was dropping below what was needed and that a crisis was looming. The Chair said "There's a general unhappiness among the waste industry about the fact that only a quarter of the current landfill levy goes into waste remediation," he said. "With dwindling land resources for landfill and a growing population, we're going to have to spend a lot more money than has been spent in the past by various governments in the area of

waste management." "Whether that comes out of the landfill levy or consolidated revenue, ultimately governments can't ignore the need for increased expenditure in waste management.” Local Government is supportive of the statements made by the Chair of the Waste Authority. MWAC Chair, Cr Doug Thompson, has written to the Environment Minister supporting the comments made by Chair of the Waste Authority and expressing Local Government disappointment and frustration at the continued delay to the release of the State Waste Strategy and the need for increased funding for waste management.

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All I want for Christmas (apologies to Maria Carey)

I don't want a lot for

Christmas,

There's just one thing I need.

I don't care about the

presents,

Underneath the Christmas Tree.

I just want a Strategy for

my own,

More than you could ever know.

Minister make my wish

come true,

All I want for Christmas is...

a State Waste Strategy.

(Source: Brown Industries)

www.wastenet.net.au

C O C K B U R N A W A R D E D

H A R V E Y R A T E S I T S R E C Y C L I N G

E S P E R A N C E R E C Y C L I N G A N D W A S T E F O R U M

The Shire of Esperance has introduced a number of waste managemen t and diversion projects over the past two years.

These include strategies to divert cardboard from landfill, e-waste recycling, household battery recycling and CFL recycling. Many programs have stemmed from participation in a Regional Waste Management Plan during 2008. An explanation of costs and gate fees related to many of the new programs was given at the forum, providing the community with a better understanding of the process involved and long term benefits of waste diversion.

Making waste management part of your business plan was a popular topic and has already led to an increase in the number of commercial recycling enquiries along with requests for recycling bins or skips. The forum was a great way of opening channels of communications between public and businesses and to get some feedback on recent and ongoing changes to waste management in the region. For more information, contact Georgia Ryan, Waste Management Coordinator on 9 0 7 1 0 6 1 0 o r e m a i l Georgia.Ryan@esperance.wa.gov.au

The City of Cockburn has been named the overall winner of the 2011 WA Environment Awards. The City won the Award in recognition of its Sustainability and Climate Change programs. The City has undertaken a range of initiatives to promote sustainability in the community. These include the Sustainable Living Home Online website, Sustainable Renter’s Guide, Dry Cell Battery Recycling program, and a Beyond Gardens - GardenWise seminar.

The Environment Awards were co-ordinated by the Department of Environment and Conservation with generous support from sponsors: Publishers National Environment Bureau, Western Power, Swan River Trust, Royalties for Regions, the Packaging Stewardship Forum, Whiteman Park, Rheem and the Waste Authority. (Source: ww.mediastatements.wa.gov.au)

Shire of Harvey residents are recycling five times more than they were four years ago. Statistics have shown that residents are now recycling 576kg per household compared to just 115kg in 2008.

The Shire began its recycling campaign when it introduced a plastic bag system in 1997. In 2000 the Shire introduced the 240 litre recycling bins which are still used today. Shire Principal Environment and Health Officer Scott Dandridge said it was fantastic to see the Shire getting on board with recycling. Figures supplied to the Harvey Mail showed

the Shire of Harvey recycled 720 tonnes in the last year. The City of Bunbury recycled 5 1 6 1 t o n n e s , S h i r e o f C a p e l recycling 1224 tonnes and the Shire of Dardanup 1280 tonnes. The figures also showed that the Shire of Capel had 395 tonnes of contaminated recycling compared to just 95 tonnes in the Shire of Dardanup. All councils in Greater Bunbury provide a fortnightly recycling service for collecting material such as plastic and glass bottles, milk and juice cans, aluminium cans, cardboard, newspapers and steel or tin cans. (Source: www.harvey.wa.gov.au)

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Over 350 people attended the WMRC

Earth Carers ‘Swap-a-lot Extravaganza’ on

Saturday 12 November 2011.

(Source: WMRC Newsletter

8 December 2011)

www.wastenet.net.au

P A C K A G I N G $ F L O W

Cardboard Recycling EMRC The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council has been given $472,100 to install cardboard recycling infrastructure at four transfer stations and invest in a mobile baler. The baler is mounted on a trailer and has its own power plant so it can be moved between the transfer stations. Cardboard Recycling MWRC The members of the Mid West Regional Council (Coorow, Perenjori, Three Springs, Morawa and Mingenew) has been given $204,340 for an air powered compactor. This will enable items such as cardboard and plastic, cans, tins and drums to a capacity of 30 litres to be compacted into bales and stored for transport at a later date.

Mobile glass crusher regional WA A mobile glass crusher will enable the Local Governments of the RoeROC (Corrigin, Kondinin, Kulin and Narembeen) to recycle glass for use in civil construction activities. (PSF) $129,000 Clean Clubs $100,00 has been given to the Keep Australia Beautiful Council to implement a trial at four Sporting Clubs of the Clean Clubs Program over the 2011/12 summer. The Program will focus on creating better litter disposal and recycling behaviour in the sporting public. (Source: APC December 2011)

S P E A K I N G O U T O N C D S

If you are proud of your Local Government’s approach to meeting the community’s needs, enter the National Awards for Local Government. The National Awards recognise, reward and promote the work of Local Governments across Australia. They are an important component of the Government's partnership

with Local Government, showcasing unique local solutions to common problems. The deadline for submitting entries, is Friday, 17 February 2012. The national award winners will be named in June. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t www.regional.gov.au

3

E N T E R N O W : L O C A L G O V E R N M E N T A W A R D S 2 0 1 2

The Standing Council on Environment and Water has released the Packaging Impacts Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for public consultation. There has already been stakeholder consultation in developing the RIS. These included two workshops on the nature and scale of packaging waste problems and data issues, and a discussion on the proposed options for analysis. The options investigated in the RIS are: • Container Deposit Schemes (CDSs); • An advance disposal fee; and • Industry-run schemes. One of the CDS options investigated was proposed by environment groups and one of the co-regulatory options was proposed by the packaging industry. The analysis also recognises and compares the options against

existing packaging recovery and litter reduction systems, i.e. South Australia's CDS, the Northern Territory CDS, kerbside recycling services to most Australian households, and the Australian Packaging Covenant. There is no preferred option. Feedback is sought on the options, analysis and statement of the problem. The deadline for Submissions is Friday 30 March 2012. Public forums on the Consultation RIS will be held in February and March 2012 in all capital cities and the regional centres of Bunbury (WA), Albury (NSW) and Townsville (QLD). MWAC will be developing a Submission in early 2012. (Source: www.ephc.gov.au)

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The WA State Government has

decorated the Perth Cultural Centre with an

‘upcycled’ Christmas tree, made from recycled bicycles.

(Source:

www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au)

www.wastenet.net.au

T H I N K I N G B O U T C L E A N I N G ?

WALGA has released a Tender for a preferred supplier panel on the provision of Waste Collection Goods and Services to a closed group of suppliers that successfully progressed through the recent Expression of Interest process. The Tender closes Wednesday 15 February. It is hoped that a panel of endorsed suppliers accessible in March 2012. The products and Services expected to be available include: • Domestic & Commercial Kerbside Waste

and Recycling Collection Service; • Waste Collections from Public Place Bins

and Reserves, and Community Events; • Bulk Rubbish Collection; • Disposal of Waste; and • Supply, Delivery, Replacement and Repairs

to MGB’s. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Dale Chapman on 9213 2095 or dchapman@walga.asn.au

W A L G A T E N D E R

I N D U S T R Y T A K E S A L E A D

Registrations are now open for Clean Up Australia Day 2012. Over 350 Clean Up Sites have already registered.

Here are some important dates to put into your Clean Up Diary: • Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday, 4

March 2012; • Business Clean Up Day – Tuesday, 28

February 2012; and

• Schools Clean Up Day – Friday, 2 March 2012.

To register your community, business or school Clean Up Site, visit the Clean Up Australia Day website and: 1. Create or join a clean up site; 2. Tell your friends; and 3. Turn up on the day for the Clean Up. (Source: www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au)

In Australia, the car manufacturer Ford has been busy looking at ways to limit their impact on the environment. Currently 56% of solid waste from the Broadmeadows facility is recycled and 44% is disposed in landfill. Recycling initiatives are underway to reduce the amount of scrap metal and paint sludge going to landfill.

Paint sludge from the Broadmeadows factory is now used as an alternative source of fuel in the cement making process. Additional milestones in Australia, include a $20 million environmental and technical upgrade of the Geelong Iron Casting Plant in 2010 to make it more efficient. (Source: www.ben-global.com)

The QLS Group has announced it will formally apply to the Federal Government to operate an arrangement under the National TV and Computer Recycling Scheme. This Scheme will only be for televisions. From July 2012, consumers will be able to drop off obsolete televisions at selected retailers free of charge. There will also be numerous other retailer, and retailer related strategies which ensure consumers are looked after better than ever before in the e-waste area. QLS has a relationship with the Retravision group of stores, acting as their third party logistics company.

This enables QLS to currently deliver in excess of 400,000 televisions each year, operating over 80 owned vehicles with 250-300 movements each week. This means that the company is able to service every major metropolitan city as well as nearly all smaller regional and rural towns. QLS has the size and the scale to ensure obsolete televisions are collected, transported and recycled across Australia responsibly and in the most cost effective manner. For more information, contact Sandy McGregor, Managing Director, QLS on 9706 5966.

D R I V I N G U P R E C Y C L I N G R A T E S

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What ever event you have to organise this

season, make it a sustainable one.

The Sustainable Events Planner aims to assist event organisers and their visitors to make

sustainability the main event.

(Source: www.slf.org.au/

eventplanner/home)

www.wastenet.net.au

About one-third of all food produced for human consumption (~1.3 billion tonnes), is lost or wasted every year, according to the UN's Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO). This festive season, the Worldwatch Institute has some up with some ideas that will make meals less wasteful: 1. Be realistic: Only cook the amount of food

that you really need. 2. Plan ahead: Write a shopping list before

going shopping. 3. Go small: Use smaller serving utensils and

plates to reduce the amount of food left on plates.

4. Encourage your guests to self-serve. 5. Store leftovers safely: hot foods should not

be left out for more than two hours. 6. Compost food scraps from meal

preparation. 7. Create new meals from leftovers. 8. Donate excess canned and dried foods to

food banks and shelters. 9. Give gifts with thought: Avoid giving

perishable food item as gifts. Keep an eye open for fair trade certified products.

(Source: www.care2.com and RRF WINS November 25, 2011)

T I S T H E S E A S O N : T O R E D U C E F O O D W A S T E

G I F T I D E A S : B I N S !

Created by Italian des ign s t ud io flussocreative 'leco' is a system of recyc l ing and storage containers,

utilizing the look and practical design of LEGO building blocks. Each bin is colour coded for the different waste streams. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.designboom.com

5

T I F F A N Y G O E S S U S T A I N A B L E

Tiffany & Co. has launched a corporate sustainability section to its website, and released its first-ever corporate responsibility report. Points of interest include: • A requirement that vendors complete a

"self-assessment of their performance" against Tiffany’s code of conduct;

• Internal audits are carried out on its vendors;

• Contracts with third parties must provide social responsibility audits on its suppliers;

• Uses gold, silver and platinum from

responsibly mined metal deposits and recycled sources in the U.S.;

• That mine workers’ rights, labor standards and human rights are respected;

• Tries to purchase diamonds "either directly from a mine or a supplier that only sources from known mines."

• Uses Forest Stewardship Council materials in its trademark blue boxes and bags and in its catalogs.

(Source: www.tiffany.com/csr)

O C C U P I E R S M A K I N G A M E S S

Protesters taking part in the Occupy Los Angeles movement, left 30 tonnes of rubbish behind at their encampment in City Hall Park. According to the Los Angeles Times, items such as books, CDs, luggage, boom boxes, mattresses, dining chairs and electric razors were left behind.

All of the items will be taken to a landfill, the paper reported. Crews wearing hazmat suits had to rake the trash into piles. Public Works board President Andrea Alarcon told the paper that sanitation workers also collected about 3,000 gallons of water that washed into a catch basin and had to test it for hazardous materials. (Source: www.wasterecyclingnews.com)

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A valuable resource for anyone interested in waste in Western Australia

www.wastenet.net.au

CONTACT DETAILS Manager, Waste & Recycling Ms Rebecca Brown Tel: 08 9213 2063 Email: rbrown@walga.asn.au MWAC Policy Coordinator Ms Erin Fuery Tel: 08 9213 2086 Email: efuery@walga.asn.au Waste Management Officer Ms Heather Squire Tel: 08 9213 2069 Email: hsquire@walga.asn.au Office: Local Government House 15 Altona Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005

www.walga.asn.au

The Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) is a standing committee of the Western Australian Local Government Association with dele-gated authority on municipal waste issues. MWAC’s membership includes the major Regional Councils (waste management). This makes MWAC a unique forum through which all the major Local Government waste management organisations cooperate. MWAC focuses its work in three main areas:

° The proactive development of policy on priority issues;

° Comprehensive representation of Local Government views on legislation, regulations, administrative policy and related matters; and

° The delivery of grant funded programs consistent with Local Government priorities.

W H AT I S MWAC?

2 0 1 1 / 1 2 E V E N T S C A L E N DA R 21-23 March 2012

Tissue World Americas 2012 Technical Conference Miami Beach, Florida, USA For more information, visit www.tissueworld.com/americas

30 April- 2 May 2012

Waste Expo 2012 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada For more information, visit www.wasteexpo.com

4-6 July 2012 6th International Conference on Waste Management and the Environment New Forest, UK For more information, visit www.wessex.ac.uk

24-26 July 2012 Enviro 2012 Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide For more information, visit www.enviroconvention.com.au

11-14 September 2012

Waste & Recycle Conference 2012 Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA For more information, visit www.wasteandrecycle.com.au

2 0 1 1 / 1 2 S U B M I S S I O N S C A L E N DA R

23 December Submission Deadline for the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel Issues Paper For more information, visit http://metroreview.dlg.wa.gov.au

31 December Applications Close for the Australian Packaging Covenant Major Project Funding Round Fore more information, visit www.packagingcovenant.org.au

20 January 2012 Deadline for Submitting an Abstract to Speak at Enviro 2012 For more information, visit www.enviroconvention.com.au/2012/abstracts.html

20 January 2012 Submission Deadline for the WAPC Draft Mid West Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework For more information, visit www.planning.wa.gov.au

30 March 2012 Submission Deadline for the Packaging Impacts Consultation RIS For more information, visit www.ephc.gov.au

17 February 2012

Nominations Close for the National Awards for Local Government For more information, visit www.regional.gov.au

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MWAC Information Bulletin

C O U N C I L L O R R E Q U I R E D F O R M W A C

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H H W M A S T E R I N T R O D U C I N G M R R O W A N L A T H A M

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A S B E S T O S D E V E L O P M E N T S A S B E S T O S I N F O P A G E

2

N E W O F F I C E F O R U T I L I T I E S W A P R E M I E R A N N O U N C E S N E W P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S O F F I C E

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W A S T E E D U C A T I O N I N R O C K I N G H A M W A S T E E D U C A T I O N C E N T R E O P E N E D

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R E D U C I N G C & D I N W A W A S T E A U T H O R I T Y A N D M A I N R O A D S D I V E R T C & D

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C A R E R S C O U R S E W E S T E R N E A R T H C A R E R S C O U R S E B E G I N S I N M A R C H

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N S W L E V Y R E V I E W P R E M I E R R E Q U E S T S S U B M I S S I O N S O N T H E N S W W A S T E A N D E N V I R O N M E N T L E V Y

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C A S H I N G I N O N C A N S U P D A T E O N T H E N T S C H E M E

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S T O R E S O F K N O W L E D G E F E D E R A L G O V E R N M E N T D E V E L O P E S C & D G U I D E A N D K N O W L E D G E S T O R E

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L E S S I S M O R E W O R K S H O P S W O R K S H O P S O N C O N S U M I N G L E S S

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P A Y - A S - Y O U - T H R O W H O N G K O N G P L A N S T A X O N W A S T E D I S P O S A L

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H O W T O : S T O P D R U N K S I N G E N I O U S M E T H O D S O F C L E A R I N G O U T D R U N K S

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S U N N Y R E C Y C L I N G R E C Y C L I N G S O L A R P A N E L S

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N E W C H U R C H F O R C H R I S T C H U R C H M A D E F R O M P L A S T I C A N D C A R D B O A R D

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ISSUE 157

JANUARY 2012

www.walga.asn.au

A forum attended by more than 70 leaders from all but one of the Perth metropolitan Local Governments, has been held, with the aim of identifying a preferred future for the sector in response to the request for Submissions to the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel. Forum participants considered four models ranging from a simple refinement of the current Local Government structure, through to a single-council model. There was a strong preference for two models that reinforced strategic cooperation. WALGA President Mayor Troy Pickard said the two preferred models would now be considered by the President’s Advisory Group to recommend a position for endorsement

from the WALGA Zones and State Council and Submission to the Panel. MWAC has developed a Submission, to be incorporated into the WALGA Submission, on waste management issues relating to structural reform. There were many opinions at the forum on all aspects of the review, including the models that were presented and even the need for a review. There was also a lot of concern about how to define a structure that deals not only with the current metropolitan population, but also has the scope and flexibility to adapt to significant population change over the next 50 years.

The Federal Government is on the road again, carrying out consultation on the Packaging Impacts Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement. The Consultation RIS outlines several options for increasing packaging recycling and reducing litter. Options include two types of Container Deposit Schemes. Eleven public forums will be held across A us tra l ia , f r om mid- Febr ua ry to early-March. These forums will summarise the key findings of the Consultation RIS and the RIS process and provide attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. The dates for sessions in Western Australia are: • Bunbury, Tuesday, 21 February, 9:00am-

11:30am (venue TBC); and • Perth, Wednesday, 22 February, 9:00am-

11:30am (venue TBC). To register for a forum email waste.paper@derm.qld.gov.au and include your name, organisation, contact details and number/names of attendees.

Venue details will be provided to those who register closer to the date of the forum. MWAC will be developing a Submission on the Consultation RIS on behalf of the WA Local Government sector. A draft Submission will be distributed to all Local Governments in early February. Local Governments are also encouraged to submit their own Submissions. Comments on the Association’s Draft Submission on the Consultation RIS will close COB Friday, 23 March. F o r f u r t h e r information regarding t h e W A L G A Submission, contact W a s t e P o l i c y Coordinator Erin Fuery on (08) 9213 2086 or efuery@walga.asn.au, o r v i s i t www.wastenet.net.au for regular updates.

R E V I E W O F M E T R O L G ’ S

P A C K A G I N G O P T I O N S

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A survey carried out by the Plastics and

Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) on plastics consumptions, waste and recycling in

Australia... has revealed that half of the nation's

plastic collected for recycling is exported.

The proportion of waste

plastics reprocessed in Australia has decreased rapidly, from 74.0% in

2000 (calendar year), to 50.2% in 2010-11.

(Source:

www.pacia.org.au)

www.wastenet.net.au

A S B E S T O S D E V E L O P M E N T S

C O U N C I L L O R R E Q U I R E D

A nomination is sought for one Elected Member (metropolitan OR non-metropolitan) for the Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC). Nominations close COB Monday 30 January 2012 and should be emailed to nominations@walga.asn.au MWAC is a delegated Committee of the WA

Local Government Association with responsibility for waste management For more information, please contact Manager, Waste and Recycling, Rebecca B r o w n o n 9 2 1 3 2 0 6 3 , e m a i l rbrown@walga.asn.au or visit the WasteNet website www.wastenet.net.au

N E W O F F I C E F O R U T I L I T I E S

H HW M A S T E R

We are pleased to introduce Mr Rowan Latham as the new MWAC Program Coordinator. Amongst many things, Rowan will be looking after the Household Hazardous Waste Program. Rowan joins us from a stint in the UK, and previously the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ (the rocking City of Christchurch, NZ).

Please join us in welcoming Rowan to the waste scene in Western Aus tra l ia . Rowa n’s contact details are rlatham@walga.asn.au and 9213 2062. (Image: Tony (left) and Rowan (right) discussing HHW storage at Bunbury Harvey Regional Council)

A WALGA Infopage has r e c e n t l y b e e n distributed to Local Governments in WA updating the sector on the progress of a number of asbestos management-related activities.

The Infopage includes information on: • The Department of Health’s recent survey

of Local Government experiences associated with asbestos and demolition, removal and illegal dumping;

• The Asbestos Code of Practice; • The Asbestos Interagency Taskforce; and • The Murdoch University Asbestos Network. For more information, visit the WasteNet website at www.wastenet.net.au.

The WA Premier Colin Barnett has announced a new Public Utilities Office will be established within the Department of Finance.

Mr Barnett has said that initially, the Public Utilities Office would provide advice to the State Government on energy policy but over time it could also have responsibility for water and waste management policy.

The decision to establish a new Public Utilities Office is a result of a recommendation from the Economic Audit Committee. The move is in line with the Government’s priority to build the policy capacity and capability of the public sector and has the support of the Public Sector Commissioner. (Source: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au)

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The Japanese Plastic Waste Management

Institute has found that Japan recycled 77% of its plastic in 2010.

The recycling list now includes boxes, cases, cups, containers and plates. Residents are also able to recycle trays, tube-shaped containers, lids and

caps.

(Source: www.wasterecyclingnews.com)

www.wastenet.net.au

R E D U C I N G C & D I N W A

More than one million tonnes of recycled Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste could be diverted from

landfill and used to build roads under a landmark agreement between Main Roads WA and the Waste Authority. C&D waste is currently responsible for 50% of all waste disposed to landfill in WA. WA has one of the lowest rates of recycling this material in the country (approximately 30%). In July 2011, the Minister for Environment Mr Bill Marmion asked the Waste Authority to investigate the potential to improve the use of recycled C&D materials in State Government civil works.

A report titled Increasing the use of recycled materials in State Government civil works was f inal i sed in October , wi th n ine recommendations to increase the reuse of C&D waste. One of these involved negotiating a new specification for the use of recycled C&D materials in road base. Main Roads WA has endorsed a revised s p e c i f i c a t i o n , a l s o adopted by the Institute o f P u b l i c W o r k s Engineering Australia for the use of C&D in road bases. (Source: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au)

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C A R E R S C O U R S E

The next Western Earth Carers Course will begin Wednesday, March 14 and runs for five sessions over three weeks. The course is free, and will include tips on reducing waste and green cleaning, include a tour of a landfill and provide information on composting and worm farming. Come along and meet likeminded sustainability enthusiasts. Earth Carers are welcome to come along to any sessions you

may have missed previously or come as a refresher. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.earthcarers.org.au or phone 9384 4003.

The City of Rockingham has officially opened a new Waste Education Centre at the Millar Road landfill site.

The new Education Centre will be named after the City’s first Waste Education and Promotions Officer, Ken James, who retired in 2010. The Centre is built using environmentally sensitive principles, facing north east to make use of natural light and capture afternoon breezes. The design incorporates a thermal wall, louvered windows, fans, smart wiring and solar panels.

Another new addition to the site is a giant pelican made from items found at the landfill such as a kayak for a beak, a chest made of a car bonnet, and ceiling fan ‘feathers.’ The pelican was created by sculpture students at the Challenger Institute of Technology over two terms to raise the profile of recycling. The Centre will primarily be a learning facility where people can learn about waste services and recycling for a sustainable future. The Centre can now be booked for use by schools or groups by phoning 9528 8550. (Source: www.rockingham.wa.gov.au)

W A S T E E D U C A T I O N I N R O C K I N G H A M

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The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is on Sunday, 15 July.

Every dry season more

than 15,000 people pack Mindil Beach,

Darwin to watch dozens of beer can

boats do battle.

(Source: www.abc.net.au/news and

www.beercanregatta.org.au)

www.wastenet.net.au

C A S H I N G I N O N C A N S

Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Damien Ryan has announced that the Council will continue to run its Cash for Containers Program until the end of the month to assist with the transition to the Northern Territory Government Scheme. The Alice Springs collection scheme has been running for over two years, paying five cents per container, and has surpassed the 16 million milestone.

Cans and bottles stockpiled from the days before the Northern Territory Scheme, are not eligible for a refund. Over 85,000 cans and 35,000 bottles were dropped off at the Council depot in one Saturday alone. The same conditions apply as the State Scheme, limiting the number of containers to 500 per person. The depositors must be Alice Springs residents. (Source: www.abc.net.au)

S T O R E S O F K N O W L E D G E

The Federal Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has released a guide titled the Construction and Demolition Waste Guide – recycling and re-use across the supply chain, to assist in developing markets for reusing Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. The Guide contains a number of Australian case studies, highlighting best practice waste management and resource recovery in the C&D sector.

The Department has also launched a Knowledge Store on its website, to showcase documents and case studies that relate to recycling and reuse, avoidance and reduction of waste. All Australian State, Territory and Local Governments, industry, and community organisations are invited to submit case studies for the Knowledge Store. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.environment.gov.au

N SW L E V Y R E V I E W

The NSW Minister for the Environment Robyn Parker has called for Submissions on the review of the NSW Waste and Environment Levy. Ms Parker said the NSW Government was seeking input from Local Governments, waste and recycling industries and the wider community on the impacts and operations of the levy imposed on each tonne of waste disposed in landfill.

Interested parties are invited to provide written submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference: • The impact on the recycling industry; • The impact on households; • Funding arrangements to facilitate greater

investment in infrastructure with Local Government and industry; and

• The impact on illegal dumping, including the proper disposal of asbestos.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.environment.nsw.gov.au

On Saturday, 18 February a full day of community workshops will be held on a wide range of topics concerned with consuming less. These topics range from green cleaning products to bicycle maintenance, making your own ginger beer, and reuseable menstrual pads, as well as Eco Faeries for the kids, and interactive art for everyone. The workshops aim to show participants how

to take charge of their lives and step outside the consumption cycle. The workshops will be from 10am-4pm at The Grove, off Stirling Hwy in Cottesloe (right near the Cottesloe train station). Entry is free. A full workshop listing will be on the website when available. (Source: http://lessismorefestival.blogspot.com)

L E S S I S M O R E W O R K S H O P S

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Heathrow Airport has released a report

detailing how it manages the 110,000 tonnes of waste that it produces each year.

(Source: www.waste-

management-world.com)

www.wastenet.net.au

An English Local Government has begun using pig dung to keep people away from a woodland where there had previously been a number of people drinking and taking illicit drugs. Elderly residents in Middlesbrough, in north-east England, had complained about young people smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol in a woodland nearby.

After inspecting the area and finding litter such as smoking implements, Local Government officers thinned out the trees and spread a thick layer of pig dung on the ground. Feedback from the residents indicated that this measure has proved to be highly successful. (Source: www.abc.net.au)

H O W T O : S T O P D R U N K S

P A Y - A S - Y O U - T H R O W

Hong Kong has announced plans to introduce a "pay-as-you-throw" tax on rubbish disposal. Under the new scheme, residents would be charged based on how much rubbish they throw out. Official data shows that the city generates about 19,000 tonnes of solid waste every day, with 9,100 tonnes dumped into landfills. Two thirds of this is domestic waste. Only 52%

of the total waste is recycled. This system has also been implemented in countries such as Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand. (Source: www.google.com/hostednews)

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S U N N Y R E C Y C L I N G

A German company named Loser Chemicals claims it has developed a process to recycle rare earth metals from old solar panels. The panels are washed in a chemical mixture,

so that rare earth elements such a s t e l l u r i u m , g a l l i u m , molybdenum and indium can be recovered.

It is hoped the process will revolutionise the

disposal of solar panels, and change the way engineers and scientists source rare earth metals for new technology. Rare earth metals increased in value by over 300% in 2010 alone. Some people believe that global demand could outstrip supply by 2016. (Source: www.thelocal.de and RRF WINS #44-2011-December 16, 2011)

N E W C H U R C H F O R C H R I S T C H U R C H

A plastic and cardboard church, designed by the Japanese architectural firm Shigeru Ban, will temporarily replace the Christchurch Cathedral that was damaged in the New Zealand Christchurch earthquake. The new structure will not be permanent, but has the ability to be in place for up to 20 years. Representatives of the City´s Anglican cathedral contacted Shigeru Ban Architects last April, after seeing its design for a paper church in Kobe, Japan, which replaced a church that was destroyed in a 1995 earthquake. The firm designed a US$3.1 million tent-like,

A-frame structure, constructed mainly from large cardboard tubes. Twenty-foot long shipping containers will form the building´s base. The roof will be manufactured from corrugated PC sheets. Construction begins in January and will take three months. S h i g e r u B a n Architects chose cardboard, as it is easy to source, recyclable and surprisingly strong. (Source: www.wasterecyclingnews.com)

Page 42

A valuable resource for anyone interested in waste in Western Australia

www.wastenet.net.au

CONTACT DETAILS Manager, Waste & Recycling Ms Rebecca Brown Tel: 08 9213 2063 Email: rbrown@walga.asn.au MWAC Program Coordinator Mr Rowan Latham Tel: 08 9213 2062 Email: rlatham@walga.asn.au MWAC Policy Coordinator Ms Erin Fuery Tel: 08 9213 2086 Email: efuery@walga.asn.au Waste Management Officer Ms Heather Squire Tel: 08 9213 2069 Email: hsquire@walga.asn.au Office: Local Government House 15 Altona Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005 Postal Address: PO Box 1544, WEST PERTH WA 6872

www.walga.asn.au

The Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) is a standing committee of the Western Australian Local Government Association with dele-gated authority on municipal waste issues.

MWAC’s membership includes the major Regional Councils (waste management). This makes MWAC a unique forum through which all the major Local Government waste management organisations cooperate.

MWAC focuses its work in three main areas:

° The proactive development of policy on priority issues;

° Comprehensive representation of Local Government views on legislation, regulations, administrative policy and related matters; and

° The delivery of grant funded programs consistent with Local Government priorities.

WHAT I S MWAC?

2012 EV EN T S CA L ENDAR

21-23 March Tissue World Americas 2012 Technical Conference Miami Beach, Florida, USA For more information, visit www.tissueworld.com/americas

30 April - 2 May Waste Expo 2012 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada For more information, visit www.wasteexpo.com

4-6 July 6th International Conference on Waste Management and the Environment New Forest, UK For more information, visit www.wessex.ac.uk

24-26 July Enviro 2012 Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide For more information, visit www.enviroconvention.com.au

11-14 September Waste & Recycle Conference 2012 Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA For more information, visit www.wasteandrecycle.com.au

2012 SUBM I S S I ON S CAL ENDAR

17 February Nominations Close for the National Awards for Local Government For more information, visit www.regional.gov.au

30 March Submission Deadline for the Packaging Impacts Consultation RIS For more information, visit www.ephc.gov.au

18 February Less is More Festival The Grove Library, 1 Leake St, Peppermint Grove, Western Australia For more information, visit http://lessismorefestival.blogspot.com

21 February Bunbury Consultation Session on the Packaging Impacts Regulatory Impact Statement To register, email waste.paper@derm.qld.gov.au

22 February Perth Consultation Session on the Packaging Impacts Regulatory Impact Statement To register, email waste.paper@derm.qld.gov.au

14 March Western Earth Carers Course Begins For more information, visit www.earthcarers.org.au or phone 9384 4003

23 March Local Government Comment Closes on the WALGA Submission for the Packaging Impacts Consultation RIS For more information, visit www.wastenet.net.au

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