NWRIC to host webinars on National Material Specifications for Sorting and Processing Facilities Project

The National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) will hold two project briefing and Q&A webinars next week (11 & 12 Aug) on the National Material Specifications for Sorting and Processing Facilities Project.

The National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC), with the assistance of MRA Consulting, has been funded by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) to develop national performance standards for recycling facilities (including sorting, primary and secondary processors).

Specifications for plastics, paper, glass, metals, and organics coming through the municipal solid waste collection stream will be developed in consultation with end users (e.g. manufacturers, construction, farmers) and the recycling sector (sorters and processors).

Project Briefing and Q&A Webinar details

  • Wednesday – 11th August, 10.00am to 10.45 am – click here to register
  • Thursday – 12th August, 3.00pm to 3.45 pm – click here to register

Each webinar will outline the project objectives, proposed specifications being considered for plastics, glass, paper, metals, and organics; how stakeholders can contribute to the project as well as a Q&A session for any initial feedback.

Please register by COB Tuesday 10th August 2021.

As an organisation involved in either the collection, sorting, processing or end use of recycled materials, we are keen for you to be aware of the project and contribute where appropriate to ensure we get the best outcomes for everyone along the resource recovery supply chains.

This is one of three projects being led by the Department to drive greater resource recovery and increase the use of recovered materials. The other two projects being the development of a national accreditation or certification scheme for Australian recyclers led by the Australian Council of Recyclers (ACOR) and the harmonisation of state kerbside recycling collections being led by DAWE in collaboration with state and territory governments.

If you have any questions about the webinars or would like to have a one-on-one meeting with the project team please contact Bec Larkin from MRA Consulting via email at bec.larkin@mraconsulting.com.au or phone on 0466 829 089.

NWRIC welcomes Queensland Transport Department’s focus on using recycled materials

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has released its Building Sustainable Roads Strategy which supports the Government’s new Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy.

National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) CEO Rose Read said it was pleasing to see another jurisdiction proactively supporting the use of recycled materials in infrastructure projects.

“We’ve already seen both Victoria through its Major Roads Project Authority and the Western Australian government through its Roads to Reuse program encourage and enable greater reuse of recycled materials back into roads.

“Queensland’s Building Sustainable Roads Strategy is helping to reduce waste and the amount of materials headed to landfill.

“Materials such as glass, tyres, reclaimed asphalt and construction and demolition waste are being used to make infrastructure more sustainable and drive the circular economy,” Ms Read said.

Queensland releases Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Report

The Queensland Government has released the Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Report.

The report provides an understanding of existing infrastructure as well as future needs to support the transformation of Queensland’s waste and resource recovery and transition to a circular economy. It also addresses a range of other planning and economic elements and identifies opportunities in regional areas based on an analysis of the underlying data and an assessment of industry trends and consultation feedback.

National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) CEO Rose Read said it was pleased to see the report has at last been released but was disappointed that is has been 18 months since the report was completed.

“Reports like these play a critical role in strategic planning, investment decisions and regional development, it is vital that they are released in a timely manner,” said Ms Read.

Click here to view the report.