NWRIC, ACOR and government collaborate to improve Australia's resource recovery
The National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) and Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) have joined forces with the Commonwealth Government to improve Australia's resource recovery standards and procedures to help reduce the amount of material going to landfill.
Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE), NWRIC will be developing national performance standards (i.e. outputs) for material recovery facilities (including sorting, primary and secondary processors)
ACOR will be developing a national accreditation or certification program for Australian recyclers.
NWRIC CEO Rose Read said we are looking forward to working with ACOR and DAWE, especially when it comes to engaging with stakeholders to shape the specifications and accreditation program over the coming months.
"It's important that we collaborate on the stakeholder engagement process to make it meaningful and efficient for all involved."
"Existing specifications for plastics, paper, glass, metals and organics being collected through the Municipal Solid Waste stream will be reviewed, updated and new specifications developed where appropriate to enable Australian recyclers to meet market demands for recovered materials locally and overseas.
"The NWRIC, with the support of MRA Consulting will be reaching out to sorters, processors and end users/ buyers across the five material supply chains over August and September.
Read the full media release here
If you have any questions or would like to contribute to either project please email NWRIC [email protected] or ACOR [email protected].
AWRE cancelled for 2021
Organisers have made the difficult decision to cancel the Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo (AWRE) which was due to be held in Sydney from 25-26 August.
The rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation across multiple states is creating uncertainty for local and interstate travel, adversely impacting the ability for AWRE to be a truly national event
National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) CEO Rose Read said it was a disappointing but understandable decision.
"While it is disappointing AWRE will not proceed this year, I want to thank all those who committed to speak at the event, exhibit and those who already filled their diaries to attend what is a great event for our industry," Ms Read said.
AWRE will return to the ICC at Sydney from 24-25 August 2022.
Queensland Government, Commonwealth announce RMF funding
The Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) will begin rolling out in Queensland following the announcement of a total of $40 million in State and Federal funding to support new waste plastic, paper, glass and tyre sorting and recycling infrastructure.
National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) CEO Rose Read said industry is keen to step up and match this funding, taking the level of investment in Queensland to $80million.
"Industry is pleased the RMF is now set to roll out in Queensland and looks forward to working with governments at all levels to grow the resource recovery sector in Queensland.
"With 2018-19 resource recovery rates in Queensland sitting at 48.7% there is a lot to do to reach the national target of 80% resource recovery by 2030. Collaboration between industry and government provides a huge opportunity for benefits across the Queensland economy, jobs, the community and environment," said Ms Read.
Join WRIQ next month when PwC will host a Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund (QRMF) Grant Information Session and Networking Event.
The event will include the main points raised on grant applications, an overview of the QRMF, tips and traps applying for grant funding, a high level summary of WRIQ's Grant Investigation and light refreshments.
When: Wednesday 4 August 2021, 5-7 pm.
Where: Brisbane (Online access option available for our regions).
Cost: WRIQ Members Ticket: Free. Non-Members Ticket: $30.00
