Managing waste after natural disasters

Natural disasters not only have adverse impacts on the lives of those affected, but also generate large amounts of debris that needs to be collected and processed, as well as impact on the many assets owned by waste managers and resource recovery businesses.

According to a report in the CIWM Journal Online, almost 30,000 tonnes of water-damaged household goods had to be disposed of in landfill sites following the floods that plagued areas of the UK this winter, with an estimated bill of more than £2.25m in landfill tax for local authorities.

In Australia, as reported in Corporate Risk & Insurance, the total annual costs related to natural disasters will hit highs of $33 billion by 2050, according to the Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience & Safer Communities.

The treasures in infrastructure’s trash

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia’s (ISCA) Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme is driving additional requirements in waste service contracts, which could affect the competitive advantage of waste service providers.

Draft method for Community Buildings released for public consultation

The draft Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative- Community Buildings) Methodology Determination 2016 (the draft method) is open for public consultation from 8 March to 5 April 2016.   The proposed determination is available here.

Members interested in putting forward a submission should contact Stephen Holland at the WMAA National Office.

Department of Industry and Science Trade Measurement Fact Sheet for Waste Industry

All businesses that sell, supply or use weighing devices and flowmeters for trade purposes are required to comply with Australian trade measurement laws, the National Measurement Act 1960 and the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009.

The Department of Industry and Science recently released a Trade Measurement Fact sheet for the waste Industry available here.

Source separated organic waste methodology determination available on ComLaw

The recently made Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative - Source Separated Organic Waste) Methodology Determination 2016 (the SSOW method) has been registered and is now available for use on ComLaw.

WMAA Workshop: Transforming waste and recycling services in local councils for the 21st Century

The Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) is pleased to present a workshop on Transforming waste and recycling services in local councils for the 21st Century, facilitated by Helen Millicer.

Councils are the cornerstone in coordinating and delivering waste and recycling services in Australia.
Great strides have been made in recent decades, however, so much is still rooted in the 20th century and our recycling rates have plateaued. Challenges and opportunities we face include slowing global economy, falling price for recyclables, severe weather, carbon emissions and hybrid vehicles.

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Updates

Get the latest updates on regulatory changes, information sessions, exemptions and grants.

Funding now open for anaerobic digestion projects in Victoria

The Victorian Government announced a new grants program to support the installation of anaerobic digestion (AD) technology for processing of organic waste in Victoria.

Household Chemical Collection Program review (VIC)

The Household Chemical Collection Program is currently undergoing a review, which also includes Detox your Home mobile collection services, and permanent drop-off sites for paint, batteries and compact fluorescent lights. The review will consider options for the future delivery of the program with a decision expected in May 2016. 

New tyre storage regulations (VIC)

Do you store more than 40 tonnes or 5,000 waste tyres?

Tighter controls around the storage of waste tyres now apply, following the introduction of new regulations by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) in 2015.

Inspection program looks at safety in waste and recycling industry (WA)

WorkSafe is conducting an inspection program to look at safety standards and issues in the waste and recycling industry.

The program will continue through the financial year, and will be conducted in both metropolitan and regional areas of the State.

Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 May 2016
Location: Opal Cove Resort - Coffs Harbour NSW

20% OFF on WMAA/GRC Solutions online training courses

To help you ensure that your staff are properly trained, WMAA has teamed up with GRC Solutions - the recognised leader in the online compliance training market in the Asia Pacific region - to offer online training to members in a range of courses, including diversity and equality.