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2016-06-07 S&O Agenda - Item 4 Att 1 - Draft Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan
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Services & Organisation Committee
7 June 2016
Noosa Council
Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan
2016 – 2024
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Section 2
Prepared by Joanna Ferris & Ian Florence Version 2.1 26 May 2016 © Noosa Council 2016 www.noosa.qld.gov.au General Enquiries: By telephone: (07) 5329 6500 By email: [email protected] Fax: (07) 5329 6501 Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565 Endorsed by Noosa Council [date to be inserted]
Section 3
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................. 2
2. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 About Noosa ................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Demographics .............................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Population..................................................................................................................... 3
3. Waste Legislation ................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Requirement for a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan .............................................. 5
3.2 Environmental Compliance ........................................................................................... 5
3.3 Waste Hierarchy ........................................................................................................... 6
4. Previous Studies .................................................................................................................. 7
5. Waste Streams ..................................................................................................................... 7
6. Waste Collection .................................................................................................................. 9
6.1 Domestic Waste............................................................................................................ 9
6.2 Commercial Waste ..................................................................................................... 11
6.3 Summary of Waste Collection Services ...................................................................... 12
6.4 Kerbside Bulk Waste Collection .................................................................................. 12
6.5 Litter and Illegal Dumping ........................................................................................... 13
7. New Waste Contract 2017-2024 ........................................................................................ 13
8. Infrastructure ..................................................................................................................... 13
8.1 Resource Recovery Facility ........................................................................................ 13
8.2 Landfill ........................................................................................................................ 15
9. Education ........................................................................................................................... 17
10. Consultation ....................................................................................................................... 19
10.1 Community Jury – The Future for Noosa’s Organic Waste ......................................... 19
11. Targets................................................................................................................................ 20
12. Waste Reduction and Recycling Action Plan .................................................................. 22
1. Garden Waste & Composting .......................................................................................... 23
2. Waste Reduction.............................................................................................................. 24
3. Landfill Diversion.............................................................................................................. 25
4. Community Education ...................................................................................................... 26
5. Local Government Activities ............................................................................................. 27
13. Monitoring and Evaluation ................................................................................................ 28
14. Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 28
Appendix 1: Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, Chapter 6. ..................................... 28
Appendix 2: Previous Waste Study Recommendations. ....................................................... 28
Appendix 3: 2012 - Composition of the Northern Region Kerbside Domestic Waste Stream.28
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 1
Section 4
1. Executive Summary
This Plan is a statutory requirement under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 which
states that all Queensland Local Governments must have a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan
to address its waste management.
The Plan is underpinned by the waste hierarchy. This internationally recognised hierarchy places
waste reduction as the preferred option, followed by reuse, through recycling and recovery options
to disposal as the least preferred.
The timeframe for the Plan is 2016 to 2024 which compliments the review of the Noosa Council
waste contract; however the Plan will be reviewed at least every three years.
The Plan aims to meet or exceed the 2024 waste targets as detailed in the Queensland State
Government’s Queensland Waste Avoidance and Recycling and Resource Productivity Strategy
(2014-2024).
The Queensland Government strategy sets a target for all Queenslanders to reduce their overall
generation of waste by 5% by 2024. The Strategy proposes a 55% recycling rate in domestic and
commercial and industrial waste and an 80% recycling rate in construction and demolition waste.
The Plan identifies specific actions in the following areas:
Garden waste and composting
Waste reduction
Landfill diversion
Community education
Local government activities
Council aims to lead by example as well as educate the wider community to reduce waste sent to
landfill and increase resource recovery.
Fig 1: Noosa Hinterland, Paul Smith
In 2007 Noosa became Queensland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Biosphere reserves are
sites that demonstrate innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development.
In another first for Queensland, in early 2015 Noosa Council introduced a Community Jury to assist
Council on their deliberations on waste minimisation, in particular “what is the best option for
minimising organic waste sent to landfill?”
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 2
Section 5
The Community Jury brought together 24 community members to consider, weigh up and develop
recommendations on this issue.
Waste minimisation is an important topic for the Noosa community and an area in which Noosa
Council prides itself on taking a proactive and innovative approach.
2. Introduction
2.1 About Noosa
Situated at the northern tip of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa Shire covers an area of
871km2 and is home to more than 53,000 people. Noosa Shire is recognised as a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve through their Man and Biosphere (MAB) program and has a proud history of
preserving its natural environment.
In 2008, Noosa Shire, Maroochy Shire and Caloundra City Councils were amalgamated however
Noosa Shire Council was re-established as a local government on January 1, 2014.
2.2 Demographics
Key socio-economic data for Noosa include:
Noosa is a relatively older community that is aging faster than SEQ and QLD.
Since 2006, Noosa’s population is growing at a slower rate (1.9% per year) than SEQ
(2.3% per year) and QLD (2.2% per year).
Given Noosa’s economic and demographic structure the fastest growing sectors of the
economy are health care and education.
Noosa has lower household and personal income levels than SEQ and QLD.
The average value of residential approvals in Noosa is 30% higher than SEQ and QLD.
Residential building approvals in Noosa declined between 2007-2012 and then increased
between 2012-2014.
Noosa’s population is ethnically uniform, with high levels of Australian born, English only
speaking households.
Noosa has higher levels of participation in primary and secondary education than SEQ and
QLD.
In terms of socio-economic advantage, Noosa is overall average with pockets of both
disadvantage and wealth.
Source: AEC Noosa Community Profile and AEC Economic Profile (2015).
2.3 Population
According to the Queensland Government Regional Profile for Noosa Local Government Area, as
at June 2014, the estimated resident population of the Noosa Shire was 53,052 with a median age
of 46.9 years.
Other significant population data includes:
From 2011 to 2036 the population of Noosa Shire is projected to increase from 51,038 to
61,842 people.
Noosa is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, attracting 1.8 million visitors
annually (approx. 90% domestic). (Noosa Visitor Survey, June 2012).
Noosa’s peak population during summer holidays is estimated at 65,000, which constitutes
a 30% increase over the resident population (Qld Treasury & Trade, Nov 2013).
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 3
Section 6
Over 110,000 visitors overnighted in Noosa between January and March 2015, with a
further 97,000 day visitors in the same period.
3. Waste Legislation
In Australia, the management of waste is primarily the responsibility of state and territory
governments which regulate and manage waste in accordance with their respective legislation,
policies and programs.
The Australian Government is responsible for national legislation, strategies and policy frameworks
for waste, including obligations under international agreements.
Local governments have responsibility for waste management within their local areas as laid down
by each state or territory.
Key national waste legislation, policies and schemes include:
National Environment Protection Council Act 1994
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007
Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000
National Waste Policy- Less Waste, More Resources 2009
Product Stewardship Act 2011
National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme 2011
Key Queensland waste legislation, strategies and covenants include:
Environment Protection Act 1994
Environment Protection Regulation 2008
Sustainable Planning Act 2009
Australian Packaging Covenant 2010
Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011
Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2011
Queensland’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy 2010-2020
Queensland Waste Avoidance and Resource Productivity Strategy (2014-2024)
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 4
Section 7
3.1 Requirement for a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan
The Queensland Government Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (WRRA 2011) require
local governments to prepare waste management plans, known as Waste Reduction and
Recycling Plans (this document). The Plan must be reviewed at least every 3 years. Details of the
local government obligations are contained in Appendix 1: Waste Reduction and Recycling Act
2011, Chapter 6.
3.2 Environmental Compliance
Municipal waste disposal at the Noosa Landfill and Resource Recovery Facility is authorised under
the Queensland Environmental Protection Act via a 60 (1a) Environmental Authority with approval
number EPPR01855314. The Environmental Authority has conditioned that releases of surface
and groundwater must be managed from the site in accordance with a site specific Receiving
Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP). The intent of the REMP is to provide an early alert for
investigation into any waste water discharges and provide sufficient time for suitable actions to be
implemented to prevent environmental harm. Noosa Council has sought to implement a REMP that
is more responsive to site specific downstream environment values. Noosa Council underwent a
series of negotiations from 2013 to the present to update the existing Environment Authority for the
Landfill to reflect the more modern conditions applied under REMP. Noosa Council has
commenced monitoring pursuant to the site specific REMP in late 2015.
Briteside Recycling Centre
Fig 2: Eumundi-Noosa Road Resource Recovery and Landfill Facility.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 5
Section 8
3.3 Waste Hierarchy
The waste hierarchy ranks waste management options from most preferable to least preferable.
Fig 3: Waste and resource management hierarchy
Source: Qld Waste Avoidance and Resource Productivity Strategy (2014-2024)
Avoid and reduce is the highest priority and encourages the community, industry and government
to reduce the amount of virgin materials extracted and used. The aim is to maximise efficiency and
avoid unnecessary consumption through behaviours such as:
choosing items with the least packaging or that require the fewest resources to produce
Avoiding single-use materials or disposable goods
Purchasing products that are recycled, recyclable, repairable, refillable, re-usable or
biodegradable
Composting leftover food rather than throwing it away.
Re-use, recycle, and recover are the next most
preferred options. Many household and industrial
items can be repaired, re-used, sold or donated to
charities.
Recovering resources keeps materials in the
productive economy and benefits the environment
by decreasing the need for new materials.
Where further recycling is not feasible, it may be
possible to recover the energy from the material
where this is acceptable to the community.
Treat and Dispose is the least preferred option but
the waste hierarchy recognises that some types of
waste, such as asbestos or dangerous chemicals Fig 4: Bulk Recycling Bins
cannot be safely recycled.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 6
Section 9
4. Previous Studies
A number of waste trials, audits, studies and assessment have been conducted under both the
Sunshine Coast Council and the newly formed Noosa Council. Relevant studies include:
Organics Collection Trial – Peregian Springs & Cooroy (Organic Force, February 2012).
Sunshine Coast Council Assessment of Domestic Kerbside Waste Stream & Commercial
and Industrial Waste Stream (EnviroCom, January 2012).
Noosa Council Waste Management Scoping Study (Lloyd Consulting, April 2014).
Noosa Council Waste Management Options Assessment (Golder Associates, November
2014).
Noosa Council Waste Audit (Noosa Council, 2015).
Recommendations from key studies are contained in Appendix 2: Previous Waste Study
Recommendations.
5. Waste Streams
In 2015, the Noosa community produced a total of 73,664 tonnes of waste. This included collected
general municipal waste and recyclables and waste deposited at Council’s three facilities
(Noosaville, Cooroy and Pomona) and bulk kerbside collection.
Approximately 45% of Noosa’s waste was diverted from the landfill. Table1 below highlights the
tonnes of waste by major resource that was diverted from landfill.
Table 1: Resources Diverted from Landfill 2015
Resource Tonnes
Garden waste (domestic & C&I) 12,085
Recyclables (kerbside collection) 7,844.5
Metal 2,396
Concrete 9,891
Timber 672
Bulk Cardboard 370
Batteries 34.4
Other 54
Total 33346.5
Clean Fill
It should also be noted that Noosa Council also receives 17,311 tonnes of “Clean fill” material that
is not included in the above table. This material is deposited at the Resource Recovery Centre and
utilised within the landfill for operational management purposes. Although this is a beneficial re-
use of a waste material it is not claimed by Noosa Council as diversion of waste from landfill.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 7
Section 10
Council Waste Activities
Noosa Council is also responsible for generating waste through its activities and facilities including
the Tewantin administration building, Noosaville & Pomona depots, Noosa & Cooroy Libraries, the
J theatre, the Leisure Centre and the Aquatic Centre.
In 2014/15 Council activities generated 1483.04m3 of waste of which 446.48m3 were diverted from
landfill which equates to a 30% diversion rate.
Fig 5: Council Staff Recycling & Composting
Council has implemented a number of waste minimisation measures within the organisation as
outlined in Table 2.
Table 2: Council Waste Minimisation Measures
Waste Waste minimisation measures
Garden Waste - Garden waste from Council parks is shredded and mulched.
Food - Food waste bins are located in the kitchens of the
administration building and libraries. Food waste is collected
by NC staff and composted through worm farms.
Construction and Demolition - Recycling bins for steel.
- Construction and demolition waste is recycled at Ringtail
Creek quarry. (In 2014/15, approx. 21000m3 of concrete,
asphalt, green waste, sand, and top soil was recycled as well
as 5 tonnes of steel).
Paper & Cardboard - All printers are set to default black and white double sided
printing.
- Digital culture – move towards efficiencies and paper reduction
through online forms e.g My HR
- Document destruction bins – paper is shredded and recycled
through the Endeavour Foundation
- Paper and cardboard recycling bins located at printers and
centralised locations.
- Printer cartridges are recycled.
Recycling - Recycling bins provided in centralised locations.
- Recycling bins provided at work stations.
- Recycling bins provided at all Council events.
E-waste - Computers and printers are rented and returned to supplier.
General Waste - Removal of individual waste bins and replacement with mini
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 8
Section 11
desk bins and centralised general waste bins.
- Procurement Policy.
Education/Behaviour Change - Staff waste minimisation education via email, posters,
lunchtime talks, movie screenings and composting
demonstrations etc.
6. Waste Collection
Noosa Council’s Waste Management Service (WMS) is responsible for the delivery of high
standard domestic and commercial waste and recycling collection systems for Noosa residents
and businesses.
The WMS is a significant business activity which operates in
accordance with legislative requirements, relating to the size
of expenditure the business generates and its impact on the
local economy. Council must ensure that the competitive
neutrality principle is applied when conducting its waste
management activities. It should also be noted that Council
is required under National Competition Policy principles and
legislation to meet its full cost pricing obligations including
achieving an appropriate return on investment for the waste
management business commensurate with a return on
Fig 6: Waste Collection
capital and cost employed in the business.
Collection, resource recovery, and landfill services are provided through private sector contracts
with the aim of maximising resource recovery and reducing waste to landfill in a cost effective
manner. For more detail refer to Section 7 New Waste Contract 2017-2024.
6.1 Domestic Waste
General Waste
Domestic premises are provided with a 240 litre weekly waste bin service for all general waste
including food waste and garden waste. Domestic kerbside waste generation for Noosa was
calculated to be approximately 15kg/household/week (January 2012) and 14.5kg/household/week
(June 2012).
An assessment of the composition of domestic waste is contained in Appendix 3: 2012 -
Composition of the Northern Region Kerbside Domestic Waste Stream.
Recycling
A 240 litre fortnightly recycling service is provided. Comingled recycled materials include:
Glass containers
Aluminium and steel cans
Recyclable plastics
Clean paper and cardboard.
Recyclables are collected and transported to the recycling facility operated by VISY Recycling at
Bli Bli. The Council pays a processing fee per tonne of recyclables delivered.
A waste audit undertaken in October 2015 identified, on average, the proportion of recyclables
(paper/cardboard, plastic containers, glass, cans etc.) in general residential waste bins was 15%
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 9
Section 12
(Noosa Council Waste Audit, Oct 2015) and the main source of contamination in recycle bins was
plastic bags.
The following items are currently not recycled because there are no recycling facilities; it is cost
prohibitive or there is insufficient storage capacity at the Resource Recovery Facility.
Sheet plastic (commercial & industrial, domestic packaging)
Polystyrene
Foam
Gyprock
Plastic pots
Council will continue to monitor advances in recycling technology as well as the viability of
recycling the above items.
There are also certain locations which pose difficulties for the collection of recycling including
Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street. Innovative solutions to overcome barriers to recycling
services in these locations are being investigated.
Garden Waste
A 240 litre fortnightly voluntary garden waste service is
provided at $65/year (fee valid as of February 2016). In
January 2015 there were 3426 services and by December
2015 there were 3975. The popular service has experienced
a growth of 16% in service numbers from January to
December 2015. The garden waste bin is collected fortnightly
on the alternate week to the recycling bin service day. The
garden waste bin accepts grass, weeds, offcuts and small
branches (no food). In line with one of the recommendations
from the Community Jury (refer to Section 10 Table 7
Community Jury Recommendations) , it is proposed to make
the garden waste service compulsory to residents in urban
areas from the commencement of the new waste contract in
2017.
Fig 7: Garden Waste Bin
Public Place Waste and Recycling
As of February 2016, there were 818 public place
waste bins and 49 public place recycling bins.
Public place recycling is currently operational in
high profile public areas (excluding Hastings St)
and at popular BBQ and picnic sites. In the next
collection contract (commencing August 2017)
Noosa Council will seek to convert many of the
general waste bins to recycle bins and increase the
collection frequency of recycle bins.
In addition Council has approximately 70 dog
waste dispensers across the Shire. Investigations
are underway to use compostable bags in the dog
waste dispensers.
Fig 8: Public Place Recycling - Peregian Beach
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 10
Section 13
6.2 Commercial Waste
General Waste
Commercial and industrial premises are provided with either:
240 litre waste bins
1100 litre low noise bins
Bulk waste bins ranging in size from 1 cubic metre to 3 cubic metres
Compactors ranging in size from 3 cubic metre to 23 cubic metres
Commercial waste bins are serviced anywhere from a weekly to daily.
Recycling
Commercial and industrial premises are provided
with either:
240 litre recycling bins
1,100 litre low noise recycling bins
Commercial recycling bins are collected fortnightly,
or where conveniently located (coastal area), a
weekly service can be provided. To encourage
segregation of recyclables occupiers are entitled to
an equivalent recycling volume to the waste
volume with no increase in waste charges.
Fig 9: Low Noise 1,100 litre Recycling Bin
In January 2011, Sunshine Coast Council commissioned EnviroCom to conduct a commercial
recycling assessment.
The Noosa commercial recycling assessment of Transpacific-Cleanaway’s 660L and 1100L rear lift
bins revealed:
Contamination rate – 6.57%
Process loss rate – 18.68% (materials which are recyclable but are unable to be recycled
e.g. glass fines, material less than 25mm)
The predominant recyclable materials were recyclable paper (56.3%), corrugated cardboard
(33.3%), newspaper (9.6%) and magazines (7.5%).
Contaminants included glass fines (7.8%), bagged recycling (3.3%), bagged garbage (1.7%) and
organic other (1.9%).
Garden Waste
The garden waste service is primarily designed for domestic premises but 240 litre bins can be
supplied to commercial or industrial premises. There has been very little take-up of this service by
the commercial and industrial sector. This may be due to limited generation of garden waste or
because they have private garden maintenance services in place.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 11
Section 14
6.3 Summary of Waste Collection Services
A summary of domestic and commercial waste collection services is contained in Table 3 below.
Table 3: Summary of Waste Collection Services
Description Services Frequency
Domestic Waste 240L Weekly
Domestic Recycling 240L Fortnightly
Domestic Garden (optional) 240L Fortnightly
Multi-Unit Developments 240L Minimum weekly
Waste 1, 1.5, 2, 3 m3 bulk bins
1100L low noise bins
Multi-Unit Developments 240L Minimum fortnightly
Recycling 1100L low noise bins
Multi-Unit Developments 240L Fortnightly
Garden Waste
(optional)
Commercial Waste 240L Minimum weekly
1, 1.5, 2, 3 m3 bulk bins
1100L low noise bins
3, 17, 19, 23 m3 compactors
Commercial Recycling 240L Minimum fortnightly
1100L low noise bins
Commercial Garden Waste 240L Minimum fortnightly
(optional)
Public Place Bins 60L, 140L and 240L Varied, daily to weekly
6.4 Kerbside Bulk Waste Collection
Noosa Council reintroduced a long standing annual kerbside bulk waste collection service in 2014,
allowing residents to dispose up to 3 cubic metres of waste on the footpath for collection. (The
service had not been undertaken since 2009). The service is for bulky items such as discarded
white goods, furniture and electronic equipment generally used in a household. The kerbside
collection is for private houses and unit complexes only. Table 4 details the total bulk waste
collected. Although kerbside items can be collected by individuals and reused, unfortunately e-
waste, green waste and items which could be reused are currently sent to landfill due to mixing
and compacting during collection which contaminates reusable items.
Due to its popularity, Council will continue to provide a kerbside bulk waste collection service but
will examine ways to enhance recycling outcomes.
Table 4: Bulk Waste Collection
Total Waste Metal segregated Waste sent to landfill
Collected and recycled
2009 612 tonnes Not available Not available
2014 1,501 tonnes 315 tonnes 1,186 tonnes
2015 1,068 tonnes 207 tonnes 862 tonnes
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 12
Section 15
6.5 Litter and Illegal Dumping
In 2014/15 financial year, Noosa Council received 189 requests to investigate illegally dumped
material and 103 requests to investigate littering. Council issued 15 warning letters, 7 Show Cause
Notices, 11 Compliance Notices, and 11 Penalty Infringement Notices.
Surveillance of illegal dumping hotspots is undertaken to identify offenders. There are many
unreported cases where the community or council outdoor staff clean up illegally dumped rubbish.
The most common type of illegal dumping is green waste followed by mattresses and general
household goods. There is limited commercial dumping.
Temporary signs have been developed and produced for short term use at hotspots and at the site
of recently deposited rubbish. The intent is to convey the message that it is not only Council
officers but the whole community that are being vigilant and creates the perception there is an
increased likelihood of being seen and reported if you litter or illegally dump items. 20 sites were
signed in the 2014/15 financial year.
Approximately half the sites identified are cleaned up voluntarily after investigations have been
initiated. The amount of illegally dumped material has markedly decreased over the last two years.
7. New Waste Contract 2017-2024
The major waste services delivered under contract arrangements are broken into three separable
portions and include:
Collections – Domestic and commercial waste, recycling, and garden waste.
Disposal - operation of Eumundi Rd landfill
Resource Recovery – activities at Eumundi-Noosa Rd Resource Recovery Centre
Noosa Council will be entering into a new waste contract in June 2017. The waste contract is one
of the Noosa Council’s largest contracts and underpins most of the actions contained in this plan.
Amongst other things, the new contract will include a mandatory fortnightly garden waste service in
selected areas and may also include an improved waste collection service for the Hastings Street
precinct.
8. Infrastructure
8.1 Resource Recovery Centre
Noosa Council’s main Resource Recovery and Landfill Facility is located at Eumundi-Noosa Road
in Doonan. There are also rural waste transfer stations and resource recovery facilities in Pomona
and Cooroy. Resource recovery of self-hauled loads to these facilities is encouraged with no
charge to deposit items such as cardboard, steel, batteries, green waste, concrete, timber.
The Eumundi Road facility recovers goods to
be sold at the Brite Side “Tip Top Shop.”
Brite Side Industries includes the “Tip Top
Shop” sales centre, plus three sheds with
bicycles, whitegoods, furniture and other
products that people have dumped, or donated
for sale. Brite Side diverts and sells items from
potentially going to landfill.
The “Tip Top Shop” also provides valuable
training to skill unemployed people in carpentry,
waste management, retail, and forklift driving. Fig 10: Briteside ‘Tip Top Shop”
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 13
Section 16
Brite Side Industries has won multiple awards for its efforts, including two Leaping Frog Awards, a Premier's Environment Award and an Australian Business Quality Award for excellence in customer service. Resource Recovery Pad The Resource Recovery Pad at the Eumundi Road Resource Recovery Centre receives waste from commercial and industrial operators, skip operators, contractors and large trailer loads of self- hauled domestic waste. The waste is sorted and items such as steel, concrete and green waste are recovered and recycled. Fig 11 Concrete Crusher Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 14
Section 17
Table 5: Resource Recovery Facilities
Transfer Stations Availability Waste Collected
Eumundi-Noosa Road Public – residents & General waste
Landfill commercial Recyclables
Green waste/ purchase mulch
7 days/ week Asbestos
Clean cover
Construction and demolition waste
Batteries and tyres
Liquid waste
Engine oils
Steel, whitegoods
Car bodies.
Domestic goods disposal for re-sale at
recycling market (e.g. books).
Pomona Public – residents General waste
Recyclables
Fri-Sun Green waste/ Purchase mulch
8am-1pm Engine oil
Batteries & tyres
Steel, white goods
Liquid waste
Cooroy General waste
Public – residents Recyclables
Green waste/ Purchase mulch
Fri-Sun Engine oil
8am-1pm Batteries & tyres
Steel, white goods
Liquid waste
Ringtail Creek Quarry Private - Council Construction & Demolition waste
Activities Green waste
8.2 Landfill
Capacity
The Eumundi-Noosa road landfill site commenced operation in 1986. The initial cells were not
lined, however subsequent cells since 2007 (cells 2.1, 2.2 etc) have all been lined. As of 30 June
2014 the landfill life is expected to be 55 years. A new cell has been commissioned to open in
2016.
An estimate of landfill development stage life has also been calculated based on air-space
availability using an approximate annual waste acceptance rate of 49,000m3 and a waste density
of 0.68t/m3 (taking into account also the quantity of soils used in daily cover). (ATC Williams,
Landform Development Plan, 2014).
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 15
Section 18
Table 6: Staged Landforms Available Airspace
Stage Estimated Air-Space Capacity Estimated Landfill Life
m3* As at 30 June 2014 #
1 96,600 1.9 years
2 586,000 12 years
3 461,000 9.4 years
4 1,609,600 32 years
Total 2,753,200 55 years
* Based on June 2014 survey.
# Landfill life based on an annual airspace consumption rate of 49,000m 3
Methane Gas Extraction
In 2011 the Council entered a 20 year contract with LMS Generation Pty Ltd (LMS) for the
provision of a methane gas flare on the Eumundi Rd landfill. A portion of the landfill is supplied with
underground gas collection pipes to collect methane gas generated during the natural
decomposition of organic waste.
The substantial infrastructure (underground collection pipes
and gas flare) was provided at no cost to Council. In return,
LMS has the rights to the gas generated on the landfill during
the 20 year contract period. The captured methane gas is
flared (burnt) to convert methane gas into carbon dioxide, with
the resultant burnt gasses discharged to the environment.
Carbon dioxide is also a greenhouse gas impacting on the
environment. However it is preferable as it has only 1/20th the
environmental impact of methane.
LMS receives carbon credits/revenue for the destruction of
methane, which pays for the equipment installed. At the
present time there is insufficient gas generated in the collection
system to pay for the costs to generate electricity. If electricity
generation becomes viable in the future the electricity
generated and fed into the Noosa electricity grid would provide
a revenue return to LMS/Council that would pay for the
generator. This is a more desirable outcome instead of merely
flaring the gas to the open atmosphere.
Fig 13: Flaring of Methane Gas
However, when organic waste is removed from the landfill this limits the methane generated in the
future and may limit the future viability of electricity generation.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 16
Section 19
9. Education
In 2014-15, waste education was delivered by EnviroCom through the Waste 2 Resources
Education Program. EnviroCom is a private environmental consultancy which conducts education,
training and research in the area of waste and sustainability.
EnviroCom delivered educational services in local schools as well as field excursions to the
Nambour waste resource management education centre and composting workshops at Bunnings,
Council libraries and other Council facilities.
In late 2015, Noosa Council launched its Towards Zero Waste
Program which is delivered in-house by a part-time Waste Project
Officer. The program was launched during National Recycling Week
with a number of waste education displays in local shopping
centres.
The Towards Zero Waste education campaign is divided into 4
phases over the next three years and is supported by a
communication strategy with a detailed action plan for each phase.
Phases include:
1. Encourage and improve recycling outcomes.
2. Encourage voluntary uptake of the garden waste service
(3 bin system).
3. Prepare the community for mandatory garden waste service
(3 bin system).
4. Manage and promote the correct and effective use of the
garden waste (3 bin system).
Fig 13: Towards Zero Waste Education Campaign
Phase 1: Encourage and improve recycling outcomes (Nov 2015 – Jun 2016)
Launch Towards Zero Waste Campaign during National Recycling Week
Raise awareness in the community, including residents, business owners and visitors about
recycling.
Encourage behavioural change for correct recycle bin use for both residents and
commercial operators through education.
Communicate recycle bin audits and the consequences of incorrect bin use.
Reduce the amount of recyclable materials sent to landfill from households and businesses.
Reduce the level of contaminants in the recycle bin (plastic bags and other non- recyclable
items).
Ensure that Council’s recycle bin services are communicated and understood by residents
and business owners.
Support community initiatives to reduce/eliminate the use of non-biodegradable bags
Encourage residents to use re-useable bags, not plastic bags and ensure that alternatives
to plastic bags are available.
Educate people building new homes of the requirement to have a garden waste bin service.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 17
Section 20
Phase 2: Encourage voluntary uptake of the garden waste (3 bin system) collection service (Jul
2016 – Jan 2017).
Raise awareness and education levels about the benefits and correct use of the garden
waste bin
Encourage voluntary uptake of garden waste bin.
Conduct garden waste audit to determine reach required and the level of existing services.
Reduce the amount of garden waste sent to landfill.
Reduce the level of contaminants in the garden waste bin.
Reinforce key messages from Phase 1.
Phase 3: Prepare Community for mandatory three-bin system of waste collection
including the garden waste bin in Oct 2017 (Feb - Oct 2017).
Community education and awareness campaign about garden waste
Communicate bin audit results and explain why they demonstrate a need for mandatory
garden waste collection and to do it properly without contamination.
Communicate the long term cost savings to Noosa ratepayers.
Develop and implement reward and recognition program for excellent recycling and garden
waste performance.
Reinforce key messages from phases 1 & 2
Phase 4: Manage and promote the correct and effective use of the garden waste (3 bin system).
(Nov 2017 – Mar 2018).
Communicate the results of bin audits highlighting reduction of waste being sent to landfill.
Accelerate reward and recognition programs for recycling and garden waste bin use
excellence.
Reinforce key messages from phases 1-3.
Actions for 2018-2024 will be developed in the future and build upon the previous 4 phases.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 18
Section 21
10. Consultation
10.1 Community Jury – The Future for Noosa’s Organic Waste
About the Community Jury
In early 2015, 24 jurors were selected from 3,000 residents on the electoral roll representing a
cross section of Noosa’s diverse community. The Jury met once a month over six months to reach
agreement and prepare a verdict on ways to minimise organic waste to landfill. The group toured
the Eumundi-Noosa road landfill, reviewed 30 submissions and heard presentations from
community representatives, industry spokespeople and experts in the field of waste management.
Fig 14: Community Jury Members at the Eumundi-Noosa Rd Resource Recovery Facility
Community Jury Recommendations
The Jury unanimously agreed to urge Noosa Council to adopt nine recommendations to minimise
organic waste to landfill in Noosa, targeting 100% diversion of organic waste by 2030.
In August 2015, Noosa Council adopted the Community Jury's recommendations in principle,
pending the outcomes of a further workshop to discuss costs and the timing of implementation.
The outcome from the Councillor workshop was that all new dwellings in urban areas will be
provided and serviced with garden waste bins from 1 July 2016. The new waste contractor will
deliver bins to serviceable areas in September 2017 with the service commencing in October 2017.
The garden waste service will occur fortnightly on the opposite week to recycling.
Council has deferred making a decision on the rollout of a full organics waste collection service
(garden and food waste). Providing a full organics waste collection service will be reviewed in the
future and will consider issues such as the introduction of a waste levy for Queensland, levels of
food waste in bins and future financial viability. (A garden waste service will save approximately 3
years of landfill and a full organics waste collection service would save an additional 1 year of
landfill).
Table 7 below highlights how the community jury recommendations have been incorporated into
this Strategies Action Plan in Section 11.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 19
Section 22
Table 7: Community Jury Recommendation Links to Action Plan
9 Community Jury Recommendations Waste Reduction & Recycling
Action Plan
1. Expand Noosa’s existing three-bin system in a staged Actions: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5.
manner to introduce mandatory weekly organics collection
for residential areas, with mandatory green waste collection
in 2015/16.
2. Minimise cost to ratepayers with cost increases not to -
exceed $50 per ratepayer for green waste collection and
$70 per ratepayer for full organic waste collection.
3. Council to move to fortnightly collection of general waste Decision deferred.
bins in Stage 2 (full organic waste service).
4. Construct a composting facility at Eumundi-Noosa road Decision deferred.
landfill site (or another suitable location).
5. Design and implement a grassroots, long-term education Actions: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5,
and awareness campaign. 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9. 4.10, 4.11,
4.12, 1.2.
6. Reward excellent waste management to continue positive Action 4.13.
behavioural change.
7. Monitor compliance with the new waste collection system. Action: 2.5.
8. Ban non-biodegradable plastic bags by 2017. Action: 2.1.
9. Direct large producers to target 100% diversion of organic Action: 1.7.
waste from landfill by 2030.
11. Targets
Noosa Council’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan aims to meet or exceed the 2024 targets as
detailed in the Queensland State Government’s Queensland Waste Avoidance and Recycling and
Resource Productivity Strategy (2014-2024). These targets are aspirational rather than mandatory
(i.e. there is no penalty for non-compliance).
Table 8: Baseline Statistics
Noosa Council’s baseline waste management statistics have been calculated for 2015:
Waste type Amount produced Amount diverted Percentage diverted
All waste collected or 73,664 tonnes 33347 tonnes 45%
received by Noosa
Council
Municipal, Commercial 61,955 tonnes 21650 tonnes 35%
& Industrial Waste*
Construction and 11,709 tonnes 11698 tonnes 99.9%
demolition
Kerbside recycling 7,845 tonnes 7845 tonnes (a small >90% (Noosa Council
(yellow lidded bin) percentage of is allowed up 10%
contamination may be contamination rate –
sent to landfill from this rate has never
MRF – volume been exceeded)
unknown)
* Municipal and Commercial/Industrial waste have been calculated together as current statistics available to Noosa Council do not
account for origin of waste found in collection trucks – i.e: it is comingled. Amounts diverted in each category (e.g. steel, regulated
waste, green waste, timber, etc) also do not differentiate between source of waste and therefore impossible to calculate diversion rates
for municipal and commercial/industrial waste separately.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 20
Section 23
Table 9: Targets
Waste Stream Measure 2015 Baseline 2018 Target 2024 Target – as
set by Qld State
Government
All Material 1.4t per person Qld State target for 1.8t per person
produced per 2024 already
capita exceeded.
Noosa Council will
target a 2%
reduction per
capita - review in
2018.
All Recycling rate 45% 47% Review in 2018 N/A
Municipal, Recycling rate 35% 42% See figure 15 55%
Commercial &
Industrial Waste
Construction & Recycling rate 99.9% State 2024 target 80%
Demolition Waste already exceeded –
maintain current
rate.
Figure 15
55%
42%
35%
% Recycled -
Municipal /
C&I
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
YEAR
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 21
Section 24
12. Waste Reduction and Recycling Action Plan The Action Plan is aligned with Council’s proposed new waste contract for 2017 and identifies five key areas including: 1. Garden Waste & Composting 2. Waste Reduction 3. Landfill Diversion 4. Community Education 5. Local Government Activities Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 22
Section 25
1. Garden Waste & Composting
Action Description Timeframe
1.1 – Divert garden waste Continue to divert garden waste from landfill. 2016 - 2024
from landfill Shred, age and mulch garden waste which is received at Resource Recovery Facilities.
Continue to provide mulch for use by ratepayers and for Council activities.
1.2 Education Continue to raise awareness regarding the benefits of diverting garden waste from landfill. 2016 - 2019
1.3 - Voluntary garden Continue to encourage the voluntary uptake of garden waste bins through actively promoting 2016 -2017
waste bins the service and its benefits.
1.4 - Mandatory garden Introduce mandatory garden waste bins for all new developments from July 2016. 2016 - 2017
waste bins – new Educate householders about mandatory garden waste bins for new developments.
developments
1.5 - Mandatory garden Introduce mandatory garden waste bins for all Noosa residents in serviceable urban areas 2017
waste bins – Serviceable commencing October 2017.
Areas
1.6 - Home based Encourage residents to compost food waste. Promote Council’s composting and worm farming 2016 - 2024
composting DVD.
1.7 Commercial Support restaurants and grocery markets to use commercial based composting units. 2016 - 2024
composting
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 23
Section 26
2. Waste Reduction
Action Description Timeframe
2.1 – Reduce/Ban Plastic Continue to support community initiatives to reduce/ban plastic bags e.g Boomerang Bags 2016
bags Lobby Qld state government to ban single use plastic bags.
2.2 – Public place Increase the number of public place recycling bins over the next three years, including 2016- 2024
recycling providing services to Hastings Street and rural townships. Continue to raise awareness of
public place recycling and decrease contamination by improved signage/education of recycling.
2.3 – Bulk waste kerbside Improve resource recovery rate of annual kerbside clean up. 2016 - 2024
clean up
2.4 - Briteside Tip shop Promote Briteside Tip shop and encourage the community to divert items from landfill by 2016 - 2024
donating to Briteside.
2.5 - Bin Inspections Employ a compliance officer to monitor segregation of waste streams. 2017
2.6 – Waste minimisation Support event organisers and clubs to improve recycling and organic waste minimisation. 2016 - 2024
at community events and Monitor and encourage recycling compliance at events and clubs operating on council land.
clubs
2.7 – Support the Raise awareness of the voluntary Australian Packaging Covenant. The Covenant is an 2016 - 2024
Australian Packaging agreement between companies in the supply chain and all levels of government to reduce the
Covenant environmental impacts of consumer packaging. (The Queensland government is a signatory to
the Covenant).
2.8 – Container deposit Advocate for the introduction of a Container Deposit Scheme that will add a value to recyclable 2016 - 2017
scheme material collected by Council and improve state recycling rates. Monitor the outcome of state
government review of container deposit scheme and if/when proposed, provide a report to
Council on its implications for Noosa.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 24
Section 27
3. Landfill Diversion
Action Description Timeframe
3.1 – Divert recyclables Continue to divert recyclables from landfill through the fortnightly kerbside recycling service. 2016 - 2024
from landfill Ensure residents/businesses are aware of that self- haul kerbside recyclables (steel and
aluminium cans, plastic milk/soft drink bottles, glass bottles and jars, paper and cardboard) can
be taken free of charge to the Resource Recovery Facilities.
3.2 – Divert electronic E-waste transport and recycling falls under the Federal Product Stewardship arrangements -
waste from landfill under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. The scheme is currently on
hold; once it is reinstated, e-waste will be able to be delivered free of charge to the Resource
Recovery Facilities
3.3 - Divert tyres from Continue to divert tyres from landfill and raise awareness in the community that car, motorbike, 2016 - 2024
landfill small truck, 4WD, bobcat and tractor tyres are all accepted at the Resource Recovery Facilities
for a small fee (to cover processing).
3.4 - Divert batteries (car Continue to divert batteries from landfill and raise awareness in the community that all batteries 2016 - 2024
batteries and dry cell) (except fire alarm batteries) are accepted free of charge at the Resource Recovery Facilities.
from landfill Battery recycle bins are also available through commercial operators (e.g. Battery world, Aldi
shopping centres).
3.5 – Divert concrete & Continue to divert concrete and brick from landfill and raise awareness in the general 2016 - 2024
brick from landfill community and construction industry that clean concrete and brick are accepted at the
Eumundi-Noosa rd. Resource Recovery Facility for a small fee (to cover processing)
3.6 – Divert asphalt from Continue to divert asphalt from landfill and raise awareness in the general community and the 2016 - 2024
landfill construction industry that clean asphalt is accepted at the Eumundi-Noosa rd Resource
Recovery Facility for a small fee (to cover processing)
3.7 – Divert fluorescent Continue to divert fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lights from landfill and raise 2016 - 2024
tubes and compact awareness in the community that fluoro tubes and CFL’s are accepted for $2.50/each at the
fluorescent lights from Resource Recovery Facilities
landfill
3.8 – Divert mattresses Continue to divert mattresses form landfill and raise awareness in the community that 2016 - 2024
from landfill innerspring and foam mattresses are accepted at the Resource Recovery Facilities for a fee.
3.9 – Divert gas bottles Continue to divert gas bottles from landfill and raise awareness in the community and business 2016 - 2024
from landfill sector that gas bottles <9kg capacity can be delivered free of charge to the Resource Recovery
Facilities
3.10 – Divert scrap metal Continue to divert scrap metal from landfill and raise awareness in the community and business 2016 - 2024
from landfill sector that cars, whitegoods, decommissioned refrigeration appliances etc. can be delivered
free of charge to the Resource Recovery Facilities. Refrigerators that are not decommissioned
are accepted for a small fee
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 25
Section 28
4. Community Education
Action Description Timeframe
4.1 - Behaviour Change Focus on long term significant waste behaviour change programs rather than short term low 2016 - 2024
Programs impact change. Council’s Towards Zero Waste Educational Program launched in Nov 2015
and will be rolled out over the next 3 years.
4.2 - Waste Education Officer Employ a full time Waste Education Officer to guide, coordinate and deliver the Towards 2016 - 2024
Zero Waste Educational Programs in schools, with businesses, residents and visitors.
4.3 – Waste Education Display Develop an engaging waste education mobile display for display at events, shopping 2016
centres, schools, council facilities etc.
4.4 – Brochures & Develop and print waste education brochures and publications suitable for schools, 2016 - 2024
Publications workplaces, residents and visitors. Existing publications include:
- Towards Zero Waste brochure about domestic 3 bin service and A-Z recycling
guide.
- Your Stay in Noosa – recycling information for Visitors and accommodation
compendiums
- Waste Collections Calendar
4.5 – Website Provide waste education information on Noosa Council’s website. Keep information 2016 – 2024
updated.
4.6 – Media Continue to develop newspaper advertisements, videos and social media updates. 2016 - 2024
4.7 – Residents Disseminate waste education information to residents via resident and ratepayers 2016 - 2024
associations, body corporates, community groups, links on website etc.
4.8 – Visitors Disseminate waste education information to visitors via visitor accommodation providers, 2016 - 2024
visitor information centre and Tourism Noosa etc.
4.9 – Schools Provide waste education curriculum resources to primary and high school students. 2016 - 2024
4.10 – Businesses Disseminate waste education information to businesses via chamber of commerce 2016 - 2024
organisations and business associations etc.
4.11 – Industrial & Commercial Visit and conduct waste audits on selected commercial and industrial businesses and 2016 - 2024
provide information and advice on how they may improve their recycling rates.
4.12 - Construction & Disseminate waste education information to construction and demolition operators via the 2016 - 2024
Demolition appropriate associations.
4.13 – Incentives & Rewards Investigate incentives and rewards to support waste minimisation and positive behaviour 2016 - 2024
change.
4.14 – Litter and Dumping Draft and implement a Litter and Dumping Management Plan. Include a strategy to address 2016 - 2017
unsolicited mail ending up in the environment.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 26
Section 29
5. Local Government Activities Action Description Timeframe 5.1 – Divert garden waste Green waste from Council parks, gardens and rural road maintenance is mulched on site by 2016 - 2024 from landfill. portable (rented) tub grinder. 5.2 – Divert construction C&D waste generated by Council activities is recovered at the former quarry site at Ringtail 2016 - 2024 and demolition waste from Creek. landfill. 5.3 – Improve recycling Council administration offices, depots, libraries etc. have recycling bins and some facilities 2016 - 2024 and composting at Council have worm farms for the composting of food scraps. facilities. Continue to educate and support staff to recycle and compost. 5.4 – Improve waste Council administration offices, depots, libraries etc have mini desk bins and centralised waste 2016 - 2024 minimisation at Council bins rather than individual bins. facilities. Continue to educate and support staff in waste minimisation at work. 5.5 – Council staff Implement Towards Zero Waste behaviour change program with Council staff such as 2016 - 2024 behaviour change promoting Boomerang shopping bags, battery recycle bin etc. 5.6 – Procurement Policy Ensure that Council staff adhere to the procurement policy. 2016 - 2024 Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 27
Section 30
13. Monitoring and Evaluation Noosa Council will collaborate both internally across different departments and externally with local schools, visitors, businesses and the general community to help implement and achieve the targets within this Plan. The key focus area actions will be reviewed annually and reported to Council. The overall WRRP will be reviewed every 3 years and amended accordingly. 14. Appendices Appendix 1: Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, Chapter 6. Appendix 2: Previous Waste Study Recommendations. Appendix 3: 2012 - Composition of the Northern Region Kerbside Domestic Waste Stream. Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 28