South Australia has made history as the first Australian state to ban plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers. The ban, which comes into effect in 2021, prohibits the sale, supply or distribution of plastic cutlery, straws and beverage stirrers.
Central Coast puts 2,000 homes on plastics recycling trial
Soft plastics are being collected through kerbside recycling and diverted from landfill in a trial of 2,000 households on the NSW Central Coast.
“Wood” you like to recycle concrete?
Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, a part of The University of Tokyo, have developed a new procedure for recycling concrete with the addition of discarded wood.
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How 16 NSW councils are buying back recycled glass to create sustainable roads
A group of Sydney metropolitan councils have joined forces to recycle nearly 100 million glass containers per year into local roads through the largest local government-led procurement of recycled road-making materials in NSW history.
Tyre dumping scam surfaces in WA
A week after the Federal Minister for Waste, Trevor Evans visited the controversial Tyremil facility in Queensland, the West Australian government has issued a warning over a used tyre dumping scam that results in victims being thousands of dollars out of pocket and thousands of used tyres illegally dumped.
According to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) which is managing the investigation, the scam targets tyre retailers and vehicle wrecking yards in Perth, with the offender promising to dispose of worn-out tyres substantially cheaper than legitimate tyre recyclers.
The offender dumps the scrap tyres at properties they have leased. These have included storage lockers, vacant land lots and back yards of rented homes. The offender then abandons the property, leaving the owner with the problem – and cost – of disposing of the tyres. For one property owner this has resulted in a disposal bill of more than $100,000. The advice for tyre retailers and vehicle wreckers is to check that any contractor hired to dispose of their used tyres is legitimate.
Businesses need to be careful
Allowing used tyres to be transported by unauthorised operators is an offence under the Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004 attracting a penalty of up to $25,000.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, senior manager of Waste Operations Matt Warnock, said business should tread carefully when it comes to tyre disposal.
“Businesses disposing of used tyres have a legal responsibility to ensure that any contractor who transports their used tyres is licensed to do so,” Warnock said.
“Used tyres pose an environmental pollution risk mainly due the potential discharges and emissions from tyre fires.
“If an operator’s price seems too good to be true, you can check whether they are licensed with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. The unauthorised transport of a controlled waste and abandonment of waste are serious offences. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (Section 49A), abandoning waste carries a maximum penalty of $62,500 for an individual and $125,000 for a body corporate for each offence.
Property owners and agents are reminded to perform due diligence before leasing a property and ensure regular inspections are carried out on properties to ensure illegal activities are not taking place.
This investigation is being managed by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Lanie Chopping encouraged landlords and property managers to carry out thorough checks of prospective tenants, as well as regular inspections of the property during the lease.
“Four property inspections a year are allowed for residential tenancies after giving at least seven days’ notice, so landlords should consider scheduling an inspection soon after a new tenant moves in,” Chopping said.
“I have issued bulletins today to landlords, and vehicle repairers and sellers, to warn them about the tyre dumping issue and how they can play their part in preventing this activity.”
Illegal dumping can be reported to DWER’s Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or to pollutionwatch@dwer.wa.gov.au.
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Bucher Municipal, a division of Bucher Industries, is acquiring the leading Australian manufacturer of sewer cleaning equipment and accessories.
Australia Post gets behind e-waste disposal scheme
In response to the issue of unwanted electronic and electrical goods service disposal, a national e-waste shipping solution has been developed in partnership with Australia Post.
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Evans says time is up for Tyremil site
The Minister for Waste and Assistant Minister for the Environment, Trevor Evans described the Tyremil site in Queensland as a “ticking time bomb” and called on the Queensland government to shut it down.
Chapter 3 of the Inside Waste Industry Report is now out
Key findings of the report outline challenges councils face to reach National Waste Policy targets
The third Chapter of the Inside Waste Industry Report – The Role of Local Government – is now available for purchase.
How to craft a B2B marketing strategy for 2021: A guide on getting the most value for marketing dollars
Many B2B companies are now considering how to invest their marketing budgets for 2021. With so much up in the air, companies need to make the most out of every dollar to stay ahead in an uncertain climate.