ispol701 regional waste management strategy · infrastructure services ispol701 regional waste...

Regional Waste Management Strategy

2013 – 2020

May 2013

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

ISPOL701 Regional Waste Management Strategy 2013 – 2020 21/07/2014 [Printed copies are uncontrolled. It is the responsibility of each user to ensure that any copies of system documents are the current issue.]

Contents 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................ 1

1 OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................................... 2

2 THE VISION ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

3 OBJECTIVE .......................................................................................................................................................... 2

3.1 STRATEGY OBJECTIVE .............................................................................................................................................. 2 3.2 ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................................................................... 3 3.3 STRATEGY FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................................................... 3

4 BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................................... 4

4.1 THE GYMPIE REGION .............................................................................................................................................. 4 4.1.1 Regional Economic and Residential Growth Predictions ............................................................................... 5

4.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ...................................................................................................................................... 5 4.2.1 National Waste Policy ................................................................................................................................... 6 4.2.2 Clean Energy Act 2011 .................................................................................................................................. 6 4.2.3 Australian Packaging Covenant .................................................................................................................... 6 4.2.4 Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets ........................................................................................................ 6 4.2.5 Environmental Protection Act 1994 (QLD) .................................................................................................... 6 4.2.6 Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (QLD) ........................................................................................... 7 4.2.7 Queensland Waste Reduction & Recycling Strategy 2010 - 2020 ................................................................. 8

4.3 POPULATION TRENDS AND WASTE GENERATION PROJECTIONS ........................................................................................ 9 4.3.1 Population Projections .................................................................................................................................. 9 4.3.2 Current Waste Data ...................................................................................................................................... 9

4.3.2.1 Sources of Waste .................................................................................................................................................. 9 4.3.3 Total Waste Projections .............................................................................................................................. 10 4.3.4 Goals and Targets ....................................................................................................................................... 10

5 STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................................11

5.1 STRATEGY GOALS ................................................................................................................................................. 11 5.2 WASTE FACILITY NETWORK PLANNING ..................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.1 Levels of Service .......................................................................................................................................... 11 5.2.1.1 Customer travel time to waste and recycling facility .......................................................................................... 11 5.2.1.2 Site Supervision ................................................................................................................................................... 11 5.2.1.3 Optimal Operating Days/Hours ........................................................................................................................... 12 5.2.1.4 Type of Facilities and Services ............................................................................................................................. 12

5.3 IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING POTENTIAL RISKS AND ISSUES .......................................................................................... 13

6 GYMPIE REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ..........................................................................................14

6.1 COLLECTION SERVICES ........................................................................................................................................... 14 6.1.1 Domestic Waste .......................................................................................................................................... 14

6.1.1.1 Type of Service .................................................................................................................................................... 14 6.1.1.2 Service Area ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 6.1.1.3 Service Revenue .................................................................................................................................................. 14 6.1.1.4 Service Delivery ................................................................................................................................................... 15 6.1.1.5 Risks and Issues – Domestic Waste Collection .................................................................................................... 15 6.1.1.6 Strategy Goals – Domestic Waste Collection ...................................................................................................... 16

6.1.2 Domestic Recycling ..................................................................................................................................... 18 6.1.2.1 Type of Service .................................................................................................................................................... 18 6.1.2.2 Service Area ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 6.1.2.3 Service Revenue .................................................................................................................................................. 18 6.1.2.4 Service Delivery ................................................................................................................................................... 18 6.1.2.5 Recyclable Materials Processing ......................................................................................................................... 18 6.1.2.6 Risks and Issues – Domestic Recycling Collection ............................................................................................... 18 6.1.2.7 Strategy Goals – Domestic Recycling Collection ................................................................................................. 18


ISPOL701 Regional Waste Management Strategy 2013 – 2020 21/07/2014 [Printed copies are uncontrolled. It is the responsibility of each user to ensure that any copies of system documents are the current issue.]

6.1.3 Services for Households Not Receiving a Wheeled Bin Service ................................................................... 19 6.1.3.1 Service Type ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 6.1.3.2 Service Area ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 6.1.3.3 Service Delivery ................................................................................................................................................... 19 6.1.3.4 Risks and Issues – Bulk Bin Sites .......................................................................................................................... 21 6.1.3.5 Strategy Goals – Bulk Bin sites ............................................................................................................................ 21

6.1.4 Commercial Waste and Recycling ............................................................................................................... 23 6.1.4.1 Type of Service .................................................................................................................................................... 23 6.1.4.2 Service Area ........................................................................................................................................................ 23 6.1.4.3 Service Revenue .................................................................................................................................................. 23 6.1.4.4 Service Delivery ................................................................................................................................................... 23 6.1.4.5 Risks and Issues – Commercial Waste Collection ................................................................................................ 23 6.1.4.6 Strategy Goals – Commercial Waste Collection .................................................................................................. 24

6.1.5 Collection Services for Council Premises and Facilities. .............................................................................. 25 6.1.5.1 Type of Service .................................................................................................................................................... 25 6.1.5.2 Service Area ........................................................................................................................................................ 25 6.1.5.3 Service Delivery ................................................................................................................................................... 25 6.1.5.4 Risks and Issues – Collection Services for Council Premises/Facilities ................................................................ 25 6.1.5.5 Strategy Goals – Collection Services for Council Premises/Facilities .................................................................. 25

6.1.6 Construction and Demolition Waste ........................................................................................................... 26 6.2 WASTE TRANSFER AND RECYCLING FACILITIES ............................................................................................................ 27

6.2.1 Risks and Issues – Transfer Stations ............................................................................................................ 27 6.2.2 STRATEGY GOALS – TRANSFER STATIONS .............................................................................................................. 28

6.3 LANDFILLS ........................................................................................................................................................... 30 6.3.1 Risks and Issues – Landfill Sites ................................................................................................................... 32 6.3.2 Strategy Goals – Landfill Sites ..................................................................................................................... 32

6.4 RESOURCE RECOVERY ........................................................................................................................................... 34 6.4.1 Risks and Issues – Resource Recovery ......................................................................................................... 35 6.4.2 Domestic & Commercial Recycling .............................................................................................................. 35 6.4.3 Recycling Sites/Facilities ............................................................................................................................. 35 6.4.4 Strategy Goals – Resource Recovery ........................................................................................................... 35 6.4.5 Waste Minimisation and Education ............................................................................................................ 36

7 STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION ...........................................................................................................................37

8 STRATEGY CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................37

ATTACHMENT “A” – RISKS & ISSUES MATRIX ............................................................................................................38

ATTACHMENT “B” – FACILITY CATCHMENTS & COLLECTION SERVICE AREAS .............................................................39

Strategy Goals

STRATEGY GOAL 1 - CONSOLIDATE DOMESTIC COLLECTION CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE A SINGLE CONTRACT ................................................ 16 STRATEGY GOAL 2 - DEFINE AND DECLARE WHEEL BIN COLLECTION AREAS. ....................................................................................... 16 STRATEGY GOAL 3 - PROVIDE SERVICES TO MAXIMISE THE COLLECTION OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. ....................................................... 18 STRATEGY GOAL 4 – PROVIDE DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS WITHOUT COLLECTION SERVICES. ..................................................... 21 STRATEGY GOAL 5 - DELIVER COMMERCIAL COLLECTION SERVICES. .................................................................................................. 24 STRATEGY GOAL 6 - GAIN EFFICIENCIES IN COLLECTION SERVICES FOR COUNCIL PREMISES AND FACILITIES. .............................................. 25 STRATEGY GOAL 7 - PROVIDE THE OPTIMAL NETWORK OF WASTE TRANSFER AND RECYCLING FACILITIES .................................................. 28 STRATEGY GOAL 8 - RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT OF WASTE TRANSFER & RECYCLING FACILITIES ......................................................... 28 STRATEGY GOAL 9 - PROVIDE EFFICIENT FACILITIES FOR THE REGIONS SHORT & LONG TERM LANDFILL NEEDS ........................................... 32 STRATEGY GOAL 10 - PROVIDE AND/OR FACILITATE SITES WITH RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................. 35 STRATEGY GOAL 11 - PROVIDE COMMUNITY WASTE EDUCATION .................................................................................................... 37


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Regional Waste Management Strategy 2013 – 2020 [Printed copies are uncontrolled. It is the responsibility of each user to ensure that any copies of system documents are the current issue.]

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This strategy will guide the way waste is managed and will provide a timetable for Gympie Regional Council (GRC) to prioritise how and when it addresses the issues associated with a growing community and a changing waste management landscape. It identifies the legislative and regional conditions that impact on waste management in the region, and assesses the existing practices.

Gympie Regional Council was formed following the amalgamation of the three separate council areas. It represents a growing region with the population expected to increase from 50,000 to over 67,000 in the next 20 years. This is one driver for reviewing and changing the current arrangements for managing waste as an increased population produces more waste. Other drivers for change include the types of services and infrastructure the community expects, the changes in contemporary waste management practices with ongoing moves to reduce waste disposal to landfill and to increase resource recovery and recycling, and the increasing legislative impacts on waste management activities.

The Regional Waste Management Strategy will be the overarching document to guide waste management planning for the region. It will be supported by detailed plans and review documents that are developed from time to time. In essence these additional documents form attachments to the strategy. Two such documents that have been commenced by GRC include a review of the organisation structure required to deliver the waste management functions for GRC, and a review of the pricing arrangements for waste management services.

GRC faces a number of critical issues that became obvious when developing the strategy goals. The strategy has developed a major focus on contractual and infrastructure issues as these are seen as critical in the short to medium term. A number of the initial activities relate to renewal of the waste and recycling collection contracts. These actions include reviewing the collection areas and service requirements so that the tender documents can be prepared and released to provide sufficient time for respondents and for contract assessment and award.

An assessment of the waste facilities in the region finds an over abundance of six operating landfill sites, all of which are nearing closure. Similarly there are eight bulk bin sites and one transfer station in the region making a total of fifteen operating sites for a population of 50,000 people. A majority of the sites are unsupervised during open hours and a number of facilities have limited infrastructure for resource recovery and recycling.

To a large extent the current services and the network of facilities were established by the respective pre-amalgamation Councils. The strategy recommends some changes to these arrangements and proposes reviews of various sites and activities. Following detailed assessments of the issues that were identified a series of recommended strategy goals and actions have been developed.

The Regional Waste Management Strategy has a vision for cost effective, efficient and customer focused services and facilities to manage the regions waste. Adopting the actions contained in the strategy will enable GRC to transition to a more sustainable position from which to manage future growth and also to pursue improvements and innovations in waste management.

Prior to adopting a strategy Council will release the draft Regional Waste Management Strategy to the community for public consultation. The draft strategy will be made available for a minimum period of 28 days. Following the community consultation period a report of the community input will be presented to Council for direction prior to drafting the final report. Following this consultation process the final Regional Waste Management Strategy will be presented to Council for resolution and adoption.


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1 OVERVIEW Gympie Regional Council (GRC) has responsibility for managing a large portion of the wastes generated in the region. This strategy will guide the way waste is managed and will provide a timetable for GRC to prioritise how and when it addresses the issues associated with a growing community and a changing waste management landscape.

Managing waste today and in the future needs to consider and respond to a growing list of impacts that result from the ways we choose to manage discarded items. Community health and safety, economic conditions, environmental impacts, climate change, resource recovery and recycling are key areas of consideration. A number of these are influenced by legislated requirements which will be considered in the development of this strategy.

GRC does not have total responsibility for managing all waste. Principally Councils are required by legislation to have responsibility for collecting waste from households. The extent of Council’s involvement in other services including landfill, transfer stations, and commercial services is to a large degree influenced by private sector involvement in the various activities. For GRC as for most Councils the involvement extends into virtually all areas of waste management in the region. Therefore this strategy will attempt to address all solid wastes identifiable within the region.

2 THE VISION

The Gympie Regional Council provides cost-effective, efficient and customer focused services to manage the region’s wastes by focusing its resources and efforts on:

Collection of waste and recyclables from residents and businesses – Collection Services;

Having Waste Transfer and Recycling Facilities that receive waste for: o transfer of waste for disposal; o separation and recovery of resources and recyclables; o consolidating and/or processing of resources on site.

Having facilities for disposing of residual waste that cannot be recovered or recycled – Landfills;

Facilitating and supporting Resource Recovery.

3 OBJECTIVE

3.1 STRATEGY OBJECTIVE

This Regional Waste Management Strategy identifies the legislative and regional conditions that impact on waste management in the Gympie region, and assesses the existing practices. The objective is to provide short, medium and long term policy and planning objectives for GRC to implement. In general terms the intention is to provide strategy goals that provide:

Figure 1 - Strategy Goal Timeframes

Timeframe Strategy Goal Detail

Short Term 2013 to 2014 Goals supported by recommended actions

Information to inform policy positions

Medium Term 2015 to 2016 Goals supported by recommended actions

Long Term 2017 and beyond Project options (future project opportunities)


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3.2 ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

The Regional Waste Management Strategy will be the overarching document to guide waste management planning for the region. It will be supported and informed by detailed plans and review documents that are developed from time to time. In essence these additional documents form attachments to the strategy.

As examples GRC has commissioned two assignments that will impact to some degree on delivering the strategy outcomes.

The first is a review of the organisational structure for GRC’s waste management functions. The successful delivery of the actions and outcomes contained in the strategy will to a large extent rely upon internal staff resources.

The second is a review of pricing arrangements for waste management services and functions provided by GRC. This work is critical to identifying possible funding sources to deliver the strategy outcomes.

3.3 STRATEGY FRAMEWORK

The strategy is divided into logical waste management functions based on the areas that GRC will focus on as defined in the Strategy Vision. A description of the services involved with these functions is provided below.

Figure 2 - Strategy Framework

Waste Management Function Services Involved

Collection Services Domestic waste wheeled bins. Domestic waste bin sites Domestic recycling wheeled bins Commercial Waste Commercial Recycling Construction and Demolition Waste

Waste Transfer and Recycling Facilities Transfer Stations Sort and Processing Facilities (eg Dirty MRF

1)

Residual Waste Disposal Facilities Landfill sites

Resource Recovery Domestic Recycling Commercial Recycling Waste Minimisation and Education

1 Dirty MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) is generally a site that accepts and processes Construction and Demolition materials including timber, concrete, steel, plastics. The materials may be processed on site for supply direct to markets or consolidated and moved off-site to a recycling facility.


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4 BACKGROUND

4.1 THE GYMPIE REGION

The Gympie local government area (LGA), or Gympie Region, covers an area of almost 7,000 km2 and is part of the Wide Bay-Burnett Region. The main centre for the Gympie Region is the City of Gympie, which is located on Queensland’s main north-south rail line and on the Bruce Highway, some 170 km north of Brisbane.

The Gympie Region has experienced significant growth in recent years, based largely on the following contributing factors:

• Gympie is uniquely located on key road, rail and air transport corridors. With a stable and skilled workforce, the Gympie Region provides businesses with a secure opportunity to grow and plan for the future.

• A sizeable business community with in excess of 4,500 businesses (including some major manufacturers) and with an estimated gross regional product of around $1.9 billion

• Industrial land available for business establishment and expansion in all areas of the Region and serviced by major existing transport infrastructure

• Major Local, State and Federal Government infrastructure projects underway in the Gympie Region, providing ongoing opportunities for regional businesses to tender to supply goods and services. The Gympie Region has excellent utility services, infrastructure and a strong business network, including active Chambers of Commerce.

• The progressive and supportive Gympie Regional Council, proactive business organisations, strong existing industry base, major infrastructure developments, a very pleasant sub-tropical climate and family-orientated communities.

As a result of topography and historical land use (particularly large tracts of forestry), the GRC area comprises four distinct sub regions:

• Gympie City, the main centre with regional health and community service, education, sport and recreation and higher order retail and commercial facilities. It also has a sizeable and well performing manufacturing base, and a population of around 19,300;

• Eastern/Coastal, the area to the east of Gympie City encompassing significant tracts of plantation forests, National Park and the communities of Cooloola Cove, Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach, as well as a number of smaller villages. Its major industries are Tourism and Commercial Fishing and its population is around 10,800;

• Mary Valley, the area to the south west surrounding the Mary River and also encompassing significant tracts of National Park, State Forests and some plantation forests. The main communities in the Mary Valley are Imbil and Kandanga, as well as a number of smaller villages. The main industries in the Mary Valley are Forestry and associated Timber Processing, Agriculture and Tourism, and its population is around 6,900;

• Goomeri-Kilkivan and surrounds (referred to as Goomeri/Kilkivan), that part of the region that extends from the west, north-west and north of the Gympie City border. It is the largest of the subregions in area and is primarily good quality agricultural land. Goomeri/Kilkivan supports a significant beef industry as well as some cropping and a range of smaller agribusiness pursuits. The main townships are Goomeri and Kilkivan with a number of smaller villages, and its population is around 11,200.


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4.1.1 Regional Economic and Residential Growth Predictions

The GRC Economic Development Strategy outlines the Vision for the region as being:

The Gympie Region:

SEQs gateway to the north and north west, and a region that people are proud to call home

Sustaining diversity and capitalising on its natural assets to provide balance between lifestyle and widely recognised strength in industry, creativity and service provision.

Supported by:

• Gympie City and surrounds, a key regional centre providing higher order services and facilities, connecting the region and beyond and blending heritage, history and excellence in manufacturing.

• The Mary Valley, a naturally beautiful environment with a unique mix of agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, forestry value adding, and tourism supported by a network of villages each with their unique character and focus of interests.

• Eastern-Coastal sub-region, also a naturally beautiful and unique environment combining beach with fishing, access to national parks and world heritage areas, forestry and related value adding, and coastal residential communities. A hub for nature based and activity based tourism.

• Goomeri/Kilkivan, a centre for agriculture, agribusiness and equine industries, linking the region with the South Burnett wine area and the Surat Basin.

The goal is to place the Gympie Region within the top 5 locations for industry in the state and to grow its business and jobs base by

• creating a stronger business environment,

• encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship,

• encouraging new business formation,

• higher order service provision,

• expanding its market/trade area,

• increasing visitor expenditure within the region with new tourism opportunities and increased visitations,

• reducing expenditure leakage from the region, and

• growing the wealth of the regional population.

Household projections to the year 2031 indicate that the number of households in the Gympie Region will increase from 17,656 households in 2006 to 26,386 in 2031. This represents a total increase of 8,730 households, or an average annual increase of 1.6% over the period. Most of this additional population that goes with this growth in households is expected to reside in Gympie City and immediate surrounds.

4.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Virtually all activities that occur when managing waste are influenced by a regulatory environment. Principally these frameworks are defined at the National and State levels and they include both policies and laws.


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4.2.1 National Waste Policy

In November 2009 all Australian Environment ministers signed off a National Waste Policy (NWP). Its intent is to be a driver for change and future planning. A key principle of the NWP is the promotion of partnerships between various stakeholders, with each taking responsibility for their own waste minimisation. To date the NWP has focused on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with self funded programs being initiated in 2012 for the collection and management of items including electronic waste (end-of-life televisions and computers) and possibly tyres at a future time. These are similar to existing funded programs for chemical container and used oil collections. For GRC the expansion into other types of waste may involve providing or assisting with the collection of items.

4.2.2 Clean Energy Act 2011

Under the Clean Energy Act a carbon price mechanism is levied on a designated large landfill facility which is defined as having emissions of 25,000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2- e) in a single year. As a guide 1 tonne of waste placed in a landfill can over time result on 1 tonne of CO2- e. Complicated assessment and reporting arrangements apply therefore identifying whether a landfill is a designated facility can be difficult particularly for those sites operating around the threshold levels. This could be the case for GRC as the estimated waste to landfill volumes of approximately 40,000 tonnes are around threshold levels for the carbon pricing arrangements. The impacts on site costs and pricing arrangements will need to be assessed by GRC.

4.2.3 Australian Packaging Covenant

The Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) formerly known as the National Packaging Covenant (NPC) provides a mechanism for industries involved in consumer packaging supply chains to contribute to managing the impacts of packaging waste. Funds created by the covenant arrangements are applied to projects and previously this has included funding to local governments for packaging related projects including littering and collection/processing of recyclables. GRC should maintain a watching brief to identify any project funding opportunities available from the APC.

4.2.4 Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets

Australia has adopted targets for renewable energy generation with the arrangements being managed under several pieces of supporting legislation and regulations. In 2010 Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets (MRETS) were established which require 20% of Australia’s energy generation to come from green or renewable energy sources by 2020.

One area of interest in achieving the targets is Bioenergy which includes energy from waste. The types of technologies that convert waste to energy are generally more expensive than traditional landfill costs however those landfills that attract the carbon tax will become more costly particularly as the carbon certificate prices increase. The less expensive and somewhat simpler processes such as wood waste to energy are likely to be more attractive. GRC should maintain a watching brief on these targets and associated technologies.

4.2.5 Environmental Protection Act 1994 (QLD)

The Environmental Protection Act (1994) is the Queensland legislation that controls the general environmental impacts of managing waste. This act and subordinate legislations are aimed at protecting the environment while allowing for development to occur in a sustainable way. The design and operations of waste facilities particularly landfills are significantly controlled by requirements of this legislation.


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4.2.6 Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (QLD)

In 2011 the Queensland Government introduced the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act with the aims being to:

Promote waste avoidance and reduction, and resource recovery and efficiency actions;

Reduce the consumption of natural resources and minimise the disposal of waste by encouraging waste avoidance and the recovery, re-use and recycling of waste;

Minimise the overall impact of waste generation and disposal;

Ensure a shared responsibility between government, business and industry and the community in waste management and resource recovery;

Support and implement national frameworks, objectives and priorities for waste management and resource recovery.

This Act also strengthens the requirement for all parties including Local Governments to report waste and recycling data.

The Act provides:

A waste disposal levy on all waste sent to landfill;

A requirement for Queensland Government agencies and local governments to prepare waste reduction and recycling plans;

Introduction of product stewardship arrangements for any waste products that are identified as a growing problem for landfill in the future;

Strengthened litter and illegal dumping offences, including public reporting of vehicle-related littering offences.

Subsequent to the adoption of the Act a newly elected Queensland Government has amended the legislation including the removal of the waste disposal levy.

All local governments must adopt a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan which must, where reasonably practicable, include the following:

Waste reduction and recycling targets for:

o Waste generated by the local government in carrying out its activities;

o Waste generated by households in the local government’s area;

o Other waste generated in the local government’s area other than by the local government.

Actions to be taken to improve waste reduction and recycling of:




Details of current and proposed waste infrastructure;

The management and monitoring of the local government’s performance under the plans;

Information about achieving continuous improvement in waste management.

When preparing a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan a local government is required to consider how it will contribute to achieving the targets and aspirations of the Queensland Waste Reduction


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and Recycling Strategy. The Act prescribes that local governments must adopt a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan by 1st December 2012. However the Qld Government has signalled its intentions to review the current Qld Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy and to adopt a new strategy by early 2014. The Qld Government has therefore proposed an extension of the due date for local governments to adopt Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan to 1st July 2014.

4.2.7 Queensland Waste Reduction & Recycling Strategy 2010 - 2020

The Queensland Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy 2010-2020 was adopted prior to the introduction of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act. It promotes the creation of a price signal (waste levy) however as noted above the Queensland Government has since effectively removed the levy impost.

Strategy targets have been identified for reducing waste to landfill, increasing recycling and reducing the generation of waste. The priority targets listed include:

Reduce waste to landfill by 50% by 2020;

Reduce landfill gas emissions by 50% by 2020;

Increase the recovery and recycling of materials across target waste streams;

Reduce the per capita generation of waste; and

Reduce litter dumping and associated effects.

The Qld Government has signalled its intentions to review the current Qld Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy and to adopt a new strategy by early 2014. Therefore the existing strategy targets and actions do not provide realistic guidance for local government waste management planning.


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4.3 POPULATION TRENDS AND WASTE GENERATION PROJECTIONS

4.3.1 Population Projections

Using population growth figures provided by the Queensland Government - Population Information Forecasting Unit (PIFU), the number of residents within the GRC area is set to increase from approximately 49,287 persons in 2011 to 67,373 persons by 2031. The Medium series population growth projections contained in the Table below has been selected for the purposes of modelling.

Figure 3 – Gympie Region Population Projections

Year 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

Low Series 49,036 51,901 54,992 58,269 61,636

Med Series 49,287 53,217 57,669 62,443 67,373

High Series 49,506 54,568 60,391 66,608 72,974

4.3.2 Current Waste Data

For the year July 2011 to June 2012 an estimated 1.04 tonne of waste was generated per person in the GRC area. This represents the total waste stream and includes waste that was disposed to landfill as well as materials that were recycled including such items as the contents of kerbside recycling bins and green wastes that were processed for reuse. In comparison to other available benchmark data this is a relatively low waste generation rate per person. It is common to have waste generation rates of 1.8 to 2.1 tonne per person.

A low waste generation rate is partly explained by GRC not having direct control of a large part of the Construction and Demolition (C&D) portion of the waste stream. It appears the majority of the heavy C&D waste items such as concrete go directly to a private facility. C&D waste can represent 1/3 of the total waste stream therefore not having all C&D data available can significantly reduce the waste generation rate.

Waste data are generally based on volumes represented as tonnage. For GRC the disposal sites, specifically landfills, do not have weighbridges to capture this data. Similarly most sites have not been operated to capture statistics on site usage. Therefore it should be noted that data represented in this document as waste tonnages are generally based on estimates using industry benchmarks and site assessments. This can invariably lead to some distortion of the data.

Developing a waste management strategy for GRC requires some understanding of the types of waste generated in the region and an assessment of the current arrangements to manage those wastes. Once the sources and volumes of waste are known then the appropriate assessments can be made and well informed conclusions and plans can be formulated.

4.3.2.1 SOURCES OF WASTE

For GRC as with many areas of Queensland, the lack of good waste data is a fact. The Queensland Governments legislation requires Councils to plan for and report on all waste within their respective area where practicable. This recognises that other factors such as private commercial operators will limit the controls and planning that councils can exercise over all wastes. It is reasonable to expect that some waste collection and/or disposal may result in waste being transported outside the Gympie region. Therefore this strategy can only focus on known waste sources and the estimated volumes of those wastes that are currently managed.

The information below provides an estimate of the waste managed for each waste source in 2011/2012.


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Figure 4 - Estimated Waste Tonnages 2011/12

Tonnage % of Total

Waste

Municipal Waste

Kerbside wheeled bins21638 42%

Self Haul (Waste delivered by resident to

disposal facility)4648 9%

Construction & Demolition 1023 2%

Commercial & Industrial 7528 15%

Total Waste to landfill 34837 68%

Municipal Kerbside Recycling wheeled bins 3168 6%

General Recycling 2255 4%

Green Waste 11080 22%

Total Recycled 16503 32%

51340 100%

Waste to

Landfill

Recycling

Type

TOTAL

Note: Tonnage are based on GRC estimates for 2011/2012

4.3.3 Total Waste Projections

Combining the population projections with the current total waste data provides a future view of the amount of waste that would be expected to be generated in the GRC area. These projections do not take account of any waste reduction or diversion that may occur. They are meant to indicate the quantum of waste that will require managing at various time intervals.

Figure 5 - Projected Total Waste (Tonnes)

Year 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

Total Waste 51,340 55,434 60,071 65,044 70,180

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Waste reduction targets set nationally and continuously promoted to reduce the amount of waste to landfill have not seen a significant reduction in waste tonnages. Locally this is not caused through the endeavours of Council to reduce waste to landfill through recycling and reuse but is recognised as a function of lifestyle and consumption patterns.

There needs to be an increased effort to ensure that Council faces the added challenge of managing these increased wastes not only from consumption but from the increases in domestic and industry growth and associated issues.

4.3.4 Goals and Targets

Setting future waste reduction and recycling targets for the various waste streams including municipal, commercial/industrial and construction/demolition wastes will require a degree of confidence in the accuracy of the detailed baseline data. Without this the targets will be unrealistic. The existing data related to the tonnages and composition of the various waste streams has been developed using industry comparisons and site assessments. This level of accuracy is not conducive with sound target setting. GRC will need to establish consistent processes to capture and audit the accuracy of waste data before developing the required targets.


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5 STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT

5.1 STRATEGY GOALS

Waste management strategy goals must be developed and implemented if GRC is to continue to move forward with waste management planning and provide facilities and services for commercial and residential customers into the future.

Strategy goals are developed by examining the existing waste management arrangements for the region, considering GRC’s objectives for waste reduction and recycling, and then designing the goals that will move the region to a preferred future position in terms of managing the regions waste.

5.2 WASTE FACILITY NETWORK PLANNING

Waste facilities represent a key part of the waste management system. The facilities are supported by collection services provided by Council and private operators. The type, number and location of facilities will impact on the overall waste management cost and levels of service.

5.2.1 Levels of Service

The reason for defining a level of service is to balance the needs of domestic and commercial customers with economic and environmentally sustainable service delivery requirements. Defining the level of service generally involves consideration of such issues as:

Customer travel time to facilities

Site supervision

Facility opening hours

Types of facilities and services required

5.2.1.1 CUSTOMER TRAVEL TIME TO WASTE AND RECYCLING FACILITY

Customers will create a perception of the level of service provided based on the time taken to reach a facility. This level of service will define what the community can expect from Council and will also assist in identifying the appropriate number and location of facilities. Generally accepted industry best practice levels of service are:

80 per cent of the population within a 20 minute travel time to a facility; or

95 per cent of the population within a 30 minute travel time to a facility.

Customer travel times are identified by the compilation of existing waste management facility location data on each facility. To gain a view of the GRC area the facility data have been entered into a geographical information system (GIS) to produce views showing the location of waste infrastructure and their relationship to other features such as population centres and non populated areas (eg national parks).

Attachment B shows the waste facility locations for GRC. Boundaries have been shown around each facility to provide an indicative catchment area of customers for each site. These sites will require assessment as part of the waste management strategy development.

5.2.1.2 SITE SUPERVISION

Waste management facilities by nature can expose people to health and safety risks. Similarly inappropriate placement of wastes can create risks and can render recycling materials unrecyclable. Appropriate supervision of site activities is necessary to reduce risks and to ensure proper disposal practices occur. At least one staff member must be present while the facility is open to the public.


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5.2.1.3 OPTIMAL OPERATING DAYS/HOURS

Historically waste facilities have generally over-serviced communities with many examples of facilities being available 24 hrs, 7 days a week. Given the requirement to supervise waste facilities Council must consider the operating costs and balance these with the customers perceived service levels. The desired result is to provide opening days and hours applicable to the usage the facility receives.

A generally accepted industry benchmark is applicable for smaller sites defined as facilities with predominately residential clients which receive less than 5,000 visitors per year. It is normal for these sites to open for approximately 12 hours per week with the norm being to open for a half day on the weekend days and another half day during the week. Larger sites with higher usage are assessed on an individual basis.

5.2.1.4 TYPE OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES

5.2.1.4.1 Transfer Stations

Waste transfer facilities operate to:

consolidate smaller loads into larger more efficient loads for transfer off-site;

provide safe and more environmentally acceptable customer interface;

provide facilities for the collection of reusable and recyclable items;

provide a permanent waste disposal site.

Transfer stations are long term waste management assets located within a site user catchment area. Unlike landfills the site location should not need to change and they do not generally have a defined end of life for the site. Therefore the site should have sufficient footprint and be designed to allow it to change over time should the community grow or waste management practices change.

Major transfer stations are considered to be those facilities that will accept large volume waste from large vehicles such as waste collection compactor trucks. Generally this includes the transaction of large commercial vehicles on a price per tonne basis and weighbridge installation is common at these sites. Major transfer stations also generally accept waste and recyclables from domestic and smaller commercial customers. Design usually incorporates machinery to push/load waste into large transfer vehicles.

Minor transfer stations are facilities that only accept smaller domestic and commercial vehicles, generally vehicles up to 4.5 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM). Two types of facility designs allow either for waste to be deposited by the customer directly into a large (RORO) bin or onto a sort floor for sorting prior to loading and transfer. Given the focus of waste management is moving strongly towards waste reduction and recycling the sort floor facility is preferable as it provides an option to remove items from the waste stream without relying on the customer to correctly remove and place items. A small machine (eg loader) is used to enable the sorting of waste, site maintenance, stockpile management, and to compact waste to ensure adequate load weight is achieved to minimise transport costs. Providing weighbridges at minor transfer stations is dependent on pricing arrangements and should consider site traffic volume. Where a low volume of payment transactions occurs the capital outlay exceeds the return and these sites are better calculated as a price per m3 with transaction data being captured on a hand held device. Weights for waste removed from minor transfer stations will be captured at the landfill weighbridge.

5.2.1.4.2 Landfill

When reviewing Council’s current waste management assets, landfills are strategic assets which have defined lives based on approved closure plans. Council has some control over the life of the asset by varying the closure profile but there are limits and accepted norms that control these


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decisions. GRC can also influence the defined life through its actions to increase recycling and reduce waste going to landfill.

Landfill sites operate under an environmental authority (licence) which includes operational requirements and nominates a cap on the volumes of waste that can be disposed of annually. A landfill is generally a difficult facility to locate due to strict environmental and planning requirements and generally has low community acceptance of this type of facility. This places importance on maximising the opportunities available from existing landfill assets. Landfill site selection, acquisition, planning, development and approval processes will generally take at least 7 to 10 years. Therefore any moves to identify a new site will require a long lead time prior to the site being established.

Poorly located or operated landfills can be a liability due to significant site management and compliance costs. Closed landfills can also represent a financial liability where closure requirements are not planned and where costs and ongoing monitoring have not been considered and funded.

A common misconception in the community is that new technologies will remove the need for landfill. There are no examples of processing technologies which remove the need for a landfill all together.

5.2.1.4.3 Resource Recovery

Residential and commercial customers self-transporting waste typically need recycling facilities for green waste, timber, steel, cardboard, reusable items, oil, batteries and other household hazardous waste. Commercial customers generally have larger volumes of green waste, timber, steel, cardboard and concrete along with some plastics.

Federal legislation is facilitating the increased collection and reprocessing of some wastes. This has occurred previously to facilitate programs such as used oil recycling which GRC has adopted at most of its waste management facilities. Impending changes will see eWaste (electronic items such as computers and TV’s) being addressed by similar programs. GRC will need to remain informed of these programs and assess site changes that may be required to facilitate collection of such items.

Mature markets exist for many recyclable items such as steel, plastic, cardboard and paper. These commodities are generally valued and traded in a global market which can be affected by economic conditions however these markets remain reasonably constant. Such recyclable items can be simple to segregate and manage at collection locations providing the site activities are properly supervised.

In addition to traditional waste management facilities such as landfills and transfer stations other more specialised waste sorting and processing facilities are used to separate and process items. Examples include Material Recovery Facilities (MRF’s) where kerbside collected recyclables are sorted and consolidated for sending to markets, organic and green waste facilities such as composting sites, and construction and demolition waste sorting facilities where items including concrete, timber and steel are separated and processed or consolidated for sending to markets. These facilities can be co-located with the more traditional landfill and transfer station sites.

5.3 IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING POTENTIAL RISKS AND ISSUES

GRC has a number of critical issues that have been highlighted when developing the strategy goals. A risk and issues matrix has been used to assist in identifying the risks and issues and to prioritise the actions required to address each item. The matrix is included as Attachment A.

The matrix provides a score (1 – 3) in relation to the level of the risk/issue based on the consequences of an outcome existing or occurring. A score of 1 – 3 is also assigned to the likelihood/probability of the risk/issue occurring. These 2 score are combined in a matrix to provide an overall score for the risk/issue. The overall score provides some indication of the urgency of actions required to address the risk/issue.


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6 6.GYMPIE REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

6.1 COLLECTION SERVICES

A range of collection services are provided throughout the region. GRC manages the collection of domestic waste from local residents. In addition Council provides commercial waste collection services for local businesses. Private commercial operators also offer services to commercial businesses as well as construction and demolition waste services.

The service with the highest profile is the waste collection service provided via wheeled bins. This service is the public face of waste management operations. A weekly wheeled bin service is provided to the majority of premises in major urban areas. A number of outlying and low-population rural areas are also provided with services depending on their proximity to townships and proximity to current collection vehicle routes.

Providing a wheeled bin collection service is the best waste service that Council can provide to residents. Putrescible waste is collected in a timely and hygienic manner and transported directly to an authorised disposal location. This represents the best value for money service that Council can provide.

6.1.1 Domestic Waste

6.1.1.1 TYPE OF SERVICE

Residential properties in serviced areas are provided with a 240ltr wheeled bin for weekly collection of domestic waste.

Residents in Rainbow Beach receive an additional weekly wheeled bin collection service during school holiday periods.

6.1.1.2 SERVICE AREA

A mix of collection areas exist in the region. The existing wheeled bin collection areas are shown on the map included as Attachment B.

Over time the service areas have been adapted to cater for changes and growth. A number of these changes in particular in rural areas have not been recognised in the declared collection areas. This will need to be addressed prior to calling tenders for new collection services.

6.1.1.3 SERVICE REVENUE

Services are charged to properties within the respective service areas. A variable pricing structure exists based on services delivered and regional location.

Figure 6 - Domestic Waste Collection Service Revenue

Description Location Charge Comments

Cleansing Charges (Household waste collection)

Former Cooloola Council area (excluding Rainbow Beach) $271.30 Per service per annum

Rainbow Beach $337.96 Per service per annum

Former Kilkivan Council area $185.95 Per service per annum

Former Tiaro Council area $185.95 Per service per annum


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6.1.1.4 SERVICE DELIVERY

The domestic wheeled bin collections are performed under 3 separate contract arrangements. To identify the existing contract arrangements the former Council names are used to easily identify the areas.

Figure 7- Existing Domestic Waste Wheeled Bin Collection Contracts

Area Bin Type Contract Expiry

Former Kilkivan Shire Council 240 L Wheeled Bin 1st

September 2013

Former Cooloola Shire Council 240 L Wheeled Bin 30th

June 2014

Former Division 3 Tiaro Shire Council 240 L Wheeled Bin 30th

June 2014

6.1.1.5 RISKS AND ISSUES – DOMESTIC WASTE COLLECTION

The following issues have been identified for the domestic waste collection service.

Figure 8 - Risks and Issues - Domestic Waste Collection

Issue Consequence Co

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Multiple contracts with differing end dates

Operational inefficiencies with high level cost impacts.

1 1 1

This issue has been addressed by Council negotiating extension of the ex Kilkivan Shire collection contract to end on 30

th June 2014.

Insufficient time allowed to prepare & release collection services tender.

Late awarding of contract does not leave sufficient time for contractor to mobilize. Possibly additional short term service costs.

1 2 1 Commence preparation of new collection services tender documents

Service areas not defined or declared.

Services delivered by the contractor dont align with defined service areas

2 2 2 Investigate and define service areas.

Inefficient design of collection service areas. Eg do not service all properties on travel routes.

Operational inefficiencies.

Reduced service levels to customers.

2 2 2 Investigate options to extend service areas

Unable to provide suitable access for collection vehicles

Possible structural failure and/or damage (ie road network).

Significant long term disruptions to services and operations.

1 1 1 Assess road networks to determine accessible locations.


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6.1.1.6 STRATEGY GOALS – DOMESTIC WASTE COLLECTION

Strategy Goal 1 - Consolidate domestic collection contracts to provide a single contract

Description Gain operational efficiency and cost savings by consolidating all collection services into one consolidated contract.

Waste collection contracts exist in a competitive market and Council will benefit from amalgamating all services into one contract to increase service volume and therefore attract favourable prices. The existing contract end dates have been aligned by extending the ex-Kilkivan Shire contract arrangements to 30

th June 2014 expiry date.

The preferred lead time from calling of tenders to commencement of a new integrated collection contract for the size of the GRC contract is 18 months. This provides 6 months for tenders to be properly considered and submitted by collection contractors, 3 months for tender assessments and contract award, and a subsequent 9 months post tender award for truck delivery and mobilisation. For a new consolidated collection contract to be fully operational by mid-2014 tenders would need to be called by 1

st January 2013. This date is not achievable for GRC. Any delay in

releasing the tender documents will reduce the time for contractor’s to research and prepare tender submissions and will reduce the gearing up time for a contractor to be ready to provide a seamless introduction of a new collection contract.

Recommended Actions Timeframe Dependencies Resources Required

1.1 Negotiate Extension to ex-Kilkivan Shire contract

Completed Internal GRC staff

1.2 Prepare new collection contract tender Advertise tender

Short term Kilkivan contract extension. Declare service areas.

Internal GRC staff/consultants. Legal services.

1.3 Assess tenders and award contract Short term Tender advertised Tenders assessed Contract awarded

Internal GRC staff/consultants Legal services. Financial services.

1.4 Contract commencement Short term Tender assessment and contract award

Internal GRC staff Contractor

Measures and Targets

All GRC waste collection services are operated under one consolidated collection contract by July 2014.

Strategy Goal 2 - Define and declare wheel bin collection areas.

Description

Review, define and confirm existing collection areas. Extend collection areas to maximise service availability and service delivery efficiency.

Where direct access to individual properties is not possible, GRC will provide alternate collection arrangements enabling convenient collection of wheeled bin waste.

Queensland environmental legislation provides for councils to declare waste collection areas. Declared collection areas are also a necessity for defining waste collection services for contract arrangements. The Gympie region has experienced growth since the last waste collection contracts were commenced. In some instances services occur where the area has not been incorporated into the declared collection areas. The declared collection areas will need to be reviewed to include all existing collection services. This review should consider extending the services to all areas where collection vehicles can gain access. The review should also include extending the declared collection areas to include all premises that can be serviced along collection vehicle transport routes between the declared collection areas.

The existing defined waste collection areas exclude a number of properties in areas where the collection vehicle does not or cannot gain access. A review of the waste collection areas should include identification of suitable wheeled bin cluster locations. A wheeled bin cluster site consists of a number of bins (eg 8 waste and 8 recycling wheeled bins) with the bins being contained within a defined fenced area. The site is not fully enclosed allowing resident’s easy access. An example of a cluster site is the existing Manumbar bulk bin site, but with wheeled bins instead of bulk bins. Residents will then be able to deliver their small domestic waste items including putrescible wastes to the nominated bin locations for collection. Providing wheeled bins for this service is preferred to bulk bins as the same collection vehicle that provides the wheeled bin service can service the wheeled bin cluster sites when in the area.


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2.1 Review and declare collections areas

Short term Staff member to drive and review all areas. Engineering Dept input to determining accessible roads.

2.2 Determine wheeled bin cluster sites

Short term

2.3 Establish wheeled bin cluster sites Short term In conjunction with new collection contract

Internal GRC staff Engineering Dept


95% of assessable properties receive a wheeled bin collection service or have access to a local wheeled bin cluster site.


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6.1.2 Domestic Recycling


Residents in serviced areas are provided with a 240ltr wheeled bin collected fortnightly.


The service is provided to residential properties in the former Cooloola Shire area. Other areas receiving a wheeled bin waste service do not receive a fortnightly recycling service.


Pricing for recycling services are included in the domestic waste collection cleansing charges.


The recycling collection services are provided under the existing ex-Cooloola Shire area waste collection contract.

6.1.2.5 RECYCLABLE MATERIALS PROCESSING

The acceptance, sorting and processing of recyclable materials from kerbside collections is managed under the existing ex-Cooloola Shire area waste collection contract.

6.1.2.6 RISKS AND ISSUES – DOMESTIC RECYCLING COLLECTION

The following issues have been identified for the domestic recycling collection service.

Figure 9 - Risks and Issues - Domestic Recycling Collection


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Inconsistency and inequity in the provision of kerbside recycling. Services only provided to former Cooloola Shire Council area.

Residents not provided an opportunity to seperate materials for recycling meaning inequity in service levels and increased waste to landfill.

2 1 1 Extend the recycling wheeled bin service area to include all properties in the declared waste service area.

Limited opportunity to expand recycling services.

If expanded service area is not included in new contract, next opportunity will be in 10 years at expiry of new contract

1 2 1

6.1.2.7 STRATEGY GOALS – DOMESTIC RECYCLING COLLECTION

Strategy Goal 3 - Provide services to maximise the collection of recyclable materials.

Description Provide residents with wheeled recycling bins.

The current domestic recycling service only includes the former Cooloola Shire Council area. At the Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting held on 10 March 2010, GRC resolved to adopt a recommendation “to include 240 litre recycling as part of tender documents for the 2013/14 cleansing contract for the current refuse collection areas in the former Kilkivan Shire Council and Division 3 Tiaro Shire Council which now forms part of the Gympie Regional Council area” (minute reference CS14/03/10). Therefore the recycling collection area needs to be reviewed in conjunction with the preparation of the new collection contract to extend the recycling collection area.


3.1 Include extended recycling area in new collection contract.

Short term Staff preparing new collection tender


100% of customers receiving a bin collection service have access to recycling collection services by July 2014.


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6.1.3 Services for Households Not Receiving a Wheeled Bin Service

6.1.3.1 SERVICE TYPE

GRC provides a network of 3m3 Bulk Bin sites which are primarily to provide a disposal option for households who do not receive a wheeled bin collection service.

The bin sites are not intended to be a substitute for a transfer station or landfill as the bins are provided to accept small volumes of household waste.


Each of these bin sites would cater for the household waste from the properties within the catchment area for the respective bin site. To determine the catchment areas a map is included as Attachment “C”. This map shows all current GRC facilities including bin sites that would be accessible by households and provides an indicative catchment boundary for each site.

Service Revenue

Properties that are occupied and do not receive a wheeled bin collection service are charged a Utility Charge. This represents a contribution toward the facilities that are provided as an alternative disposal option to the wheeled bin service.

Figure 10 - Properties not receiving wheeled bin collection - service revenue

Charge Comments

Waste Management Utility

Charge

General rate category that are occupied and

do not receive bin service$230.00 Per annum

Waste Management Utility

Charge - Western

General rate category that are occupied and

do not receive bin service$60.00 Per annum

Description


GRC provides eight bulk bin sites for residents. By using the suggested catchment areas shown on Attachment B, it is possible to estimate the number of households who may access the various sites.

Figure 11 - Household Wheeled Bin Waste – 3 m3 Bulk Bin Sites

WasteGreen

Waste

Other

Recycling

TOTAL

TONNESTotal Cost Cost per tonne

Assesed

Properties in site

capture area

Cost per

assessed

property

Woolooga 70 0 0 70 $14,175 $202.00 248 $57

Amamoor 421 0 0 421 $78,182 $186.00 864 $90

Traveston 351 489 81 921 $90,941 $99.00 523 $174

Southside 421 980 220 1621 $181,907 $113.00 4058 $45

Tansey 70 184 20 274 $39,048 $143.00 229 $171

Sexton 140 368 20 528 $68,637 $130.00 833 $82

Widgee 140 368 58 566 $80,290 $142.00 584 $137

Manumbar 18 0 0 18 $3,544 $202.00 77 $46

1,632 2,389 399 4,420 $556,724 $125.95 7,416 $75

Facility

Tonnes Site Catchment Area

Bin Site Total

Costs

Note: Tonnage are based on estimates for 2011/2012 Cost estimates are based on GRC adopted 2012/13 budget

Costs are understated as green waste collected on sites excluding Southside is incinerated.


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Woolooga Bin Site Amamoor Bin Site

Traveston Bin Site Southside Bin Site

Tansey Bin Site Sexton Bin Site

Widgee Bin Site Manumbar Bin Site


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6.1.3.4 RISKS AND ISSUES – BULK BIN SITES

The following issues have been identified for the domestic bulk bin sites.

Figure 12 - Risks and Issues - Bulk Bin Sites


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Control Options

Site activities generally unsupervised.

Potential exposure to high level personal harm (death, permanent disability).

1 3 2

Review waste facilities locations and activities and provide for all publicly accessible sites to be supervised during all open hours.

Potential illegal/unsafe waste disposal activities

1 1 1

Poor data collection for reporting and future planning.

2 1 1

Limited if any opportunity for waste reduction and recycling at some sites

Reusable items and recyclables being disposed to landfill.

2 1 1 Establish standardised recycling infrastructure at all sites in conjunction with site supervision.

Inefficient network of publically accessible sites

Significant ongoing operational inefficiencieswith high level cost impacts.

1 1 1 Review waste facilities locations and activities and rationalise number and types of sites.

Bins used for putrescibles waste disposal must have fitted lids closed at all times to seal the contents from vermin and pests. (eg bulk bins at some existing sites have no lids)

Potential non compliance with Qld environmental legislation. Potential health risks from exposure of putrescible waste to vermin and pest

1 1 1 Provide 240 ltr wheeled bins at selected sites for depositing of household putrescibles waste.

Sites being used as bulky item transfer stations

Potential unsafe waste disposal activities Significant ongoing operational cost impacts from regular site cleanups.

2 1 1 Convert selected bulk bin sites to minor transfer stations.

6.1.3.5 STRATEGY GOALS – BULK BIN SITES

Strategy Goal 4 – Provide disposal facilities for residents without collection services.

Description Review the network of Council 3 cubic metre bulk bin sites in conjunction with the expansion of the wheeled bin collection area, and reviews of transfer station and landfill sites.

GRC currently provides eight 3m3 Bulk Bin sites for residents to dispose of wheeled bin waste. As a substitute for a

collection service the bin sites are seen as part of the waste service offered to households. Where no wheeled bin collection is provided residents are likely to need to visit one of these sites regularly (eg weekly) to dispose of household waste that would normally go into a wheeled bin. The bin sites are not intended to be a substitute for a transfer station or landfill as the bins are provided to accept small volumes of household waste.

Woolooga – is located 20km (20min) from Kilkivan landfill. The suggested extension of the waste collection service area will include part of the capture area for this site. The requirements for waste disposal for residents will be considered in the review of transfer stations. This site is not located on a former landfill therefore there are no specific closure requirements.

Amamoor – is located within the wheeled bin collection area and is located 12km (15min) from Mary Valley Transfer Station. This site is meant to serve the outer areas. The waste disposal requirements of the residents in the outer areas can be assessed as part of the review of the collection service areas and the consideration of bin cluster sites. This site is located on a former landfill and final closure works have been completed.


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Traveston - Traveston bin site is 22km from the Mary Valley transfer station. Traveston is located in close proximity to an adjoining Council area and would be an attractive disposal option for those residents who are faced with high disposal charges in their own Council area. Given the infrastructure investment at the Mary Valley Transfer Station, the close proximity of Traveston to the Mary Valley Transfer Station and the operational costs to continue operating the site, the waste disposal requirements of residents will be considered in the review of transfer stations. The site is a former landfill that has had final closure works completed therefore closure costs will be minimal.

Southside - 60% of the waste received at the Southside bin site is Green waste. Residents have alternative disposal options at Bonnick Rd or Widgee. Travel distance from Southside to Bonnick Rd is 8km. The requirements for waste disposal for residents will be considered in the review of transfer stations. The site may offer some strategic opportunity to GRC for other purposes such as a greenwaste or C&D waste processing area. This should be further explored.

Tansey – is located 27km (30min) from Kilkivan landfill and 17km (15 mins) from Goomeri landfill. While not centrally located in the far western area, Tansey is located on a major access route. The requirements for waste disposal for residents will be considered in the review of transfer stations. The site is a former landfill and requires closure works to be performed. These works would be required regardless of the future use of the site.

Sexton – is located 25km (30min) from the Bonnick Rd facility. The suggested extension of the waste collection service area will include part of the capture area for this site. The requirements for waste disposal for residents will be considered in the review of transfer stations. The site is a former landfill and requires closure works to be performed. These works would be required regardless of the future use of the site.

Widgee – is located 30km (30min) from both Bonnick Rd and Kilkivan facilities. The requirements for waste disposal for residents will be considered in the review of transfer stations.

Manumbar – Bulk bins sites offer a variety of risks to GRC and site users. This site is suitable for conversion to a wheeled bin cluster site so that the standard wheeled bin truck can provide the service.


4.1

Prepare a report for council consideration reviewing the network of existing 3 m3 Bulk Bin sites to address :

Risks

Level of Service

Value for money

Community need

Short to medium term

In conjunction with expansion of collection areas and review of other publically assessable sites including the transfer station and landfill network.

Internal GRC staff Community engagement


Provision of a sustainable waste disposal solution to households where no collection service is available.


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6.1.4 Commercial Waste and Recycling


GRC offers 240 ltr wheeled bin, bulk bin and stationary compactor services to commercial customers.

Private waste companies also offer comparable services to commercial customers.


The GRC service is provided to commercial customers located within existing domestic collection areas. Wheeled bin recycling services are provided in the former Cooloola Shire area.


All commercial properties within declared collection areas are charged a minimum of one wheeled bin collection service. Additional 240 ltr wheeled bin services are available to commercial customers. Variable pricing is based on regional locations.

Figure 13 - Commercial Waste Collection - Service Pricing

Description Location Charge Comments

Cleansing Charges (Commercial waste collection)

Former Cooloola Council area (excluding Rainbow Beach) $457.20 Per service per annum

Rainbow Beach $8.82 Per service

Former Kilkivan Council area $185.95 Per service per annum

Former Tiaro Council area $185.95 Per service per annum

Bulk bin and stationary compactor services are elective by the individual business.


The GRC commercial wheeled bin waste and recycling collection services are provided under the existing waste collection contracts. Bulk bin services are also provided under the existing contract arrangements. The larger stationary compactor services are provided under separate arrangements.

6.1.4.5 RISKS AND ISSUES – COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION

The following issues have been identified for the commercial waste collection service.

Figure 14 - Risks and Issues - Commercial Waste Collection


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Combining waste and recycling services as a single rated charge without opt out provisions.

Possible breach of competition legislation – restrictive trade practices.

2 2 2

Separate commercial waste and recycling service charges and allow opt out arrangements for recycling services.

Benefits of GRC competing in the commercial bulk bin and stationary compactor marketplace.

Operational inefficiencies with medium to low level cost impacts.

2 2 2 Council has assessed the impacts of withdrawing from commercial bulk bin and stationary compactor services and has concluded to continue providing commercial bulk bin services but to withdraw from stationary compactor services.

Future involvement must be decided prior to establishing the new collection contract.

Tender documents cannot be finalised until the issue of GRC involvement in commercial waste collections is decided.

1 2 1


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6.1.4.6 STRATEGY GOALS – COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION

Strategy Goal 5 - Deliver commercial collection services.

Description Define the commercial collection services GRC will provide.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Gympie Regional Council held on 13th

February 2013, Council resolved to adopt the following recommendations:

That Council authorise the Executive Manager- Services to include the following in the new waste collection contract: That Council:

a) Exclude stationery waste compactor services from the contract. b) Include commercial bulk bin services in the contract excluding Rainbow Beach. c) Include commercial 2 x 240ltr Mobile Garbage Bin waste and recycling services (waste service

multi/weekly, recycling service fortnightly) in the new contract.


5.1

Develop and let contracts for commercial services in accordance with Councils resolution.

Short term In conjunction with the preparation of the new waste collection tender

Internal GRC staff


Commercial properties have commercial waste and recycling services available from GRC.


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6.1.5 Collection Services for Council Premises and Facilities.


GRC undertakes 240 ltr waste and recycling wheeled bin services for Council premises and facilities.

Bulk bin services are also provided to Council premises and facilities. These include Council depots and water and sewerage treatment plants.

GRC also services bulk bins at the domestic waste bulk bin sites.


The service is generally provided within existing service areas.


Commercial wheeled bin and bulk bin waste and recycling collection services are provided under the existing waste collection contracts.

GRC also operates its own front-lift collection vehicle to service bulk bins. This truck generally services Council premises and facilities and some of the domestic bulk bin sites.

6.1.5.4 RISKS AND ISSUES – COLLECTION SERVICES FOR COUNCIL PREMISES/FACILITIES

The following issues have been identified for the collection services for Council premises/ facilities.

Figure 15 - Risks and Issues - Collection services Council Premises and Facilities


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Control Options

GRC front-lift collection vehicle is significantly underutilised.

Significant ongoing operational inefficiencies with high level cost impacts.

1 1 1

Decommission GRC front-lift vehicle and establish alternate contract service arrangements for GRC premises and facilities.

Lack of data on waste generated through Council activities.


2 2 2 Review Council internal waste activities and establish data collection processes.

6.1.5.5 STRATEGY GOALS – COLLECTION SERVICES FOR COUNCIL PREMISES/FACILITIES

Strategy Goal 6 - Gain efficiencies in collection services for Council premises and facilities.

Description Identify and appropriately manage waste generated in Council activities.

Council currently operates its own collection truck to provide services to some Bulk Bin sites and Council facilities. This vehicle is due for replacement with an expected capital outlay of over $500,000 for a new vehicle. This truck is significantly underutilised and only works part days for 3 days per week. Further reduction in workload may result as GRC reviews bulk bin sites. Collection efficiency and productivity for front-lift vehicles is dependent on density of the work and routing schedules. Unless Council is going to enter into providing commercial services with the vehicle, it is doubtful Council will gain any benefit from retaining a front-lift vehicle and utilising the vehicle for selected services. Council should consider ceasing the operation of its own front-lift collection vehicle. Where Council does cease this activity the services required at Council facilities can be provided under the existing collection services contracts.

The Qld Waste Reduction and Recycling Act requires all local governments to identify, manage and report on waste generated as part of council activities. GRC will need to gather data related to waste involved in its activities.



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6.1 Consider ceasing the provision of bulk bin services with GRC front-lift vehicle.

Short term Provide required services using existing contracts to 30/06/2014

Existing staff

6.2 Develop processes to identify and capture data for all waste generated in Council activities

Short term Existing staff


Level of Service for Council premises and facilities

6.1.6 Construction and Demolition Waste

The collection of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste is undertaken by private operators such as skip bin companies. GRC does not participate in providing these services. A mature market exists in the GRC area to satisfy the collection of C&D waste.


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6.2 WASTE TRANSFER AND RECYCLING FACILITIES

There is one minor transfer station facility operated by GRC. The facility located in the Mary Valley is provided for residents and businesses to dispose of general waste items and recyclables.

A privately operated facility in the Gympie area accepts demolition waste including concrete/brick waste for re-processing and sale to markets.

By using the suggested catchment areas shown on Attachment C, it is possible to estimate the number of households who may access the site.

Figure 16 - Transfer Stations

WasteGreen

Waste

Other

Recycling

TOTAL

TONNESTotal Cost Cost per tonne

Assesed

Properties in site

capture area

Cost per

assessed

property

Mary Valley 433 735 171 1339 $164,075 $123.00 1329 $123

433 735 171 1339 $164,075 $123.00 1329 $123

Facility

Tonnes Site Catchment AreaCosts

Transfer

Station Totals


Mary Valley Transfer Station

6.2.1 Risks and Issues – Transfer Stations

The following issues have been identified for the transfer stations.

Figure 17 - Risks and Issues – Transfer Stations


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Control Options

Public waste disposal relies largely on rapidly expiring landfill sites and unsupervised bulk bin sites as customer access facilities

Inappropriate and inefficient waste disposal practices. Heightened need to establish a network of long term facilities that satisfy service levels and

provide efficencies.

1 1 1 Establish a transfer station network.

All sites to be supervised during open hours and all transactions recorded

Unsupervised activity on site with possibility of unsafe practices or inappropriate site entry.

1 1 1 Introduce devices to record all transactions. Formalise contracts for all contracted services.

Require formal contracts for site operations by contractors.

Ad-hoc contract arrangements leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

2 2 2


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6.2.2 STRATEGY GOALS – TRANSFER STATIONS

Strategy Goal 7 - Provide the optimal network of waste transfer and recycling facilities

Description Determine locations for transfer stations that provide acceptable access arrangements for customers.

The GRC Economic Development Strategy indicates that as a result of topography and historical land use (particularly large tracts of forestry), the GRC area comprises four distinct sub regions:

• Gympie City and surrounds. • The Mary Valley. • Eastern-Coastal sub-region. • Goomeri/Kilkivan (western).

The location of waste facilities must take account of these geographical sub-regions. Designing the optimum transfer station network also requires alignment with landfill disposal sites. GRC has an over abundance of landfills which are all expected to close during the life of this strategy. Therefore GRC is well placed to consider and design a future waste facility network.

Actions Required Timeframe Dependencies

Resources Required

7.1

Prepare a Transfer Station Network review/plan for council consideration including:

Risks

Level of Service

Value for money

Community need

Short to Medium term

Internal staff. Contractors

7.2 Implement the Transfer Station Network plan to coincide with landfill closures

Medium to Long term

To coincide with landfill closures

Internal staff


Provide a sustainable network of transfer stations.

Strategy Goal 8 - Responsible management of waste transfer & recycling facilities

Description Waste Transfer and Recycling facilities that are well designed and operated will provide efficiency, safety and environmental benefits to GRC and customers in terms of service quality, cost and waste reduction and recycling.

GRC will need to consider future changes and expansions to the transfer station network based on the review of bulk bin sites and landfill sites. The changes should address the capturing of customer and waste data for all sites. Quality data is required by GRC to inform future decisions and for reporting purposes. The changes would be expected to involve significant capital outlay to the transfer station network and will include the establishment of major and minor transfer stations.

Providing weighbridges at minor transfer stations is dependent on pricing arrangements and should consider site traffic volume. Where a low volume of payment transactions occurs the capital outlay exceeds the return and these sites are better calculated as a price per m3 with transaction data being captured on a hand held device. GRC uses a similar arrangement at the existing Bonnick Rd and Tin Can Bay landfills. Weights for waste removed from minor transfer stations will be captured at the landfill weighbridge.

Waste management facilities by nature can expose people to health and safety risks. Similarly inappropriate placement of wastes can create risks and can render recycling materials unrecyclable. Appropriate supervision of site activities is necessary to reduce risks and to ensure proper disposal practices occur. GRC enters into individual site contracts for the management of recycling activities and general site oversight for the transfer stations. In future these contractual arrangements will need to be varied to include specific site and customer supervision include the capturing of customer transactions. The suggested expansion of the waste transfer station network will require establishment of contracted RORO bin services.

Actions Required Timeframe Dependencies Resources Required


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8.1 Introduce hand held devices to capture transactions at all non-weighbridge sites


Progressively as supervision is introduced.

Internal staff

8.2 Establish new contracts to supervise and manage all sites


Progressively as minor transfer stations are established.

Internal staff

8.3 Establish contracts to service RORO bins at minor transfer stations


Progressively as minor transfer stations are established.

Internal staff


GRC Waste Transfer and Recycling sites are established and activities are supervised during all opening hours by 1 January 2015.


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6.3 LANDFILLS

GRC operates the only landfill facilities in the area. No privately operated landfills currently exist and there are no known plans to establish privately operated sites. All six of the GRC landfills are expected to reach capacity and close during the term of this strategy.

By using the suggested catchment areas shown on Attachment B it is possible to estimate the number of households who may access the various sites.

Figure 18 - Landfill Sites

Waste to

Landfill

Green

Waste

Other

RecyclingTOTAL Total Cost Cost per tonne

Assesed

Properties in site

capture area

Cost per

assessed

property

Goomeri 1184 298 70 1552 $199,650 $129.00 595 $336

Kilkivan 688 377 70 1135 $179,790 $159.00 703 $256

Gunalda 562 320 74 956 $145,243 $152.00 449 $323

Bonnick Rd 26125 5246 1068 32439 $988,054 $31.00 10342 $96

Rainbow

Beach184 735 125 1044 $228,570 $219.00 1177 $194

Tin Can Bay 4941 980 278 6199 $367,656 $60.00 3065 $120

33684 7956 1685 43325 $2,108,963 $50.00 16331 $129

Facility

Tonnes Site Catchment AreaCosts

Landfill Totals


It is evident that having six active landfill sites is not a cost-effective arrangement for GRC. The high operating cost at sites like Goomeri, Kilkivan, Gunalda, and Rainbow Beach is not commensurate with the low waste volumes. A number of the sites have limited or no supervision and fees are only collected at Bonnick Rd and Tin Can Bay.

To be able to calculate the remaining volume (available airspace) for a landfill requires the site to have a Closure Plan. The Closure Plan includes the final design profiles and ongoing monitoring arrangements. A number of the GRC sites do not have these plans. Based on estimates from available data the expected remaining life for each site is shown below.

Figure 19 - Existing Landfills and Estimated Remaining Life

Landfill Site Estimated Remaining Landfill Life

Goomeri Less than 3 years

Kilkivan Less than 7 years

Gunalda Less than 7 years

Bonnick Rd Less than 10 years

Rainbow Beach Less than 3 years

Tin Can Bay Less than 3 years


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The estimated remaining landfill life is based on historical information about volumes used and does not take account of any prolonging of the available airspace. Council has recently changed its work method at a number of sites and has introduced a tracked loader (drott) to provide improved compaction of the waste. This will achieve improvements in compaction densities and reduce airspace consumption. Providing site supervision to ensure the removal of recyclable materials will also prolong landfill life.

Each of the sites accepts recyclable materials including green waste and metals. As with the bin sites the costs for Goomeri, Kilkivan and Gunalda are understated as the green waste collected on site is incinerated.

Goomeri Landfill Kilkivan Landfill

Gunalda Landfill Bonnick Road Landfill

Rainbow Beach Landfill Tin Can Bay Landfill


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6.3.1 Risks and Issues – Landfill Sites

The following issues have been identified for the landfill sites.

Figure 20 - Risks and Issues – Landfill Sites.


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Control Options

Limited remaining landfill capacity at most sites

Need to close sites and establish alternative disposal options.

1 1 1 Extend the life of selected sites while establishing a new landfill.

Site activities generally unsupervised at some sites.


1 3 2 Review waste facilities locations and activities and provide for all publicly accessible sites to be supervised during all open hours. Close remaining unsupervised sites.


1 1 1

Poor capturing of transaction records and data collection for reporting and future planning.

2 1 1

At some existing sites limited if any opportunity exists for waste reduction and recycling

Very limited if any opportunity to seperate materials for recycling at some sites. increased waste going to landfill instead of being recycled.

2 1 1

Establish standardised recycling infrastructure at all sites in conjunction with introduction of site supervision.

Inefficient network of sites due to historical pre-amalgamation boundaries.

Significant ongoing operational inefficiencies with high level cost impacts.

1 1 1 Review waste facilities locations and activities and rationalise number and types of sites.

6.3.2 Strategy Goals – Landfill Sites

Strategy Goal 9 - Provide efficient facilities for the regions short & long term landfill needs

Description Assess the existing landfill network and develop plans to maintain, develop, close and rehabilitate sites to ensure long term waste disposal capacity.

GRC has 6 operating landfills, all of which are expected to reach close during the life of this strategy. The current situation of impending landfill closures highlights the importance of having accurate predictions of landfill capacity. To provide for normal and emergency disposal requirements GRC should ensure long term waste disposal capacity exists.

Goomeri

Goomeri landfill has a very limited life. The closure of the Goomeri landfill should be investigated.

Kilkivan

The predicted life based on current expected closure profiles is medium term. It may be possible to extend the life of the Kilkivan landfill by reviewing the closure profile and introducing new operational practices including site supervision. GRC should investigate the option of extending the life of the existing Kilkivan landfill. The site should be secured, the opening hours reviewed and the landfill must be supervised during all open hours. Prior to final closure of the site the future western transfer station/landfill will need to be developed

Gunalda

At current waste volumes the Gunalda landfill has a life expectancy of medium term. The site should continue to operate until final site profiles are achieved.

Bonnick Rd

Bonnick Rd will remain as the major regional landfill. GRC has commenced a project to construct a new landfill cell at Bonnick Rd. The new landfill cell construction needs to be progressed urgently to provide sufficient short and medium term waste disposal capacity.

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach landfill poses significant operational issues and has a very limited life. Prior to the closure of the Rainbow Beach site the waste disposal options for residents and businesses in the area will need to be reviewed.


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Tin Can Bay

Based on existing closure profiles the site has a limited life. The life can be extended for a number of years if the closure profile is changed. GRC should proceed with a review of the closure profile with a view to redesigning and extending the life of the site.

Recommended Actions Timeframe Dependencies

Resources Required

9.1

Review landfill development and operations including:

Investigate closure of Goomeri Landfill.

Investigate closure of Rainbow Beach landfill.

Establish Toolara landfill.

Extend the life of Bonnick Rd Landfill – construct new landfill cell.

Review Tin Can Bay landfill site profile to extend the landfill life.

Review Kilkivan landfill site profile to extend the landfill life.


Internal staff

9.2

Prepare a landfill development and operations plan for councils consideration addressing:

Risks

Level of Service

Value for money

Community need


Internal staff


Maintain long term waste disposal capacity.


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6.4 RESOURCE RECOVERY

All sectors of our community have a responsibility to manage the waste they create and/or handle in an environmentally sound manner. Our actions in how we manage our waste items can be guided by the waste hierarchy which is used to show the preferred actions for achieving waste reduction and recycling. Gympie has a number of existing recycling activities which contribute to the recycling achievements shown in Figure 4.

Figure 21 - Waste Hierarchy Most Preferred

Least Preferred

In 2011 the Queensland Government introduced the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act with the aims being to:

Promote waste avoidance and reduction, and resource recovery and efficiency actions;

Reduce the consumption of natural resources and minimise the disposal of waste by encouraging waste avoidance and the recovery, re-use and recycling of waste;

Minimise the overall impact of waste generation and disposal;

Ensure a shared responsibility between government, business and industry and the community in waste management and resource recovery;

Support and implement national frameworks, objectives and priorities for waste management and resource recovery.

Under this Act all local governments must adopt a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan which must, where reasonably practicable, include the following:

Waste reduction and recycling targets for:




Actions to be taken to improve waste reduction and recycling of:





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Details of current and proposed waste infrastructure;

The management and monitoring of the local government’s performance under the plans;

Information about achieving continuous improvement in waste management.

When preparing a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan a local government is required to consider how it will contribute to achieving the targets and aspirations of the Queensland Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy. The Act prescribes that local governments must adopt a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan by 1st December 2012. However the Qld Government has signalled its intentions to review the current Qld Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy and to adopt a new strategy by early 2014. The Qld Government has therefore proposed an extension of the due date for local governments to adopt Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan to 1st July 2014.

6.4.1 Risks and Issues – Resource Recovery

The following issues have been identified for Resource Recovery.

Figure 22 – Risks and Issues - Resource Recovery


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Control Options

Recycling services provided vary at different sites

Increased waste to landfill 2 2 2 Provide consistent and comprehensive recycling options at all sites.

No short, medium or long term arrangements exist for managing/processing green waste.

Increased green waste to landfill

1 1 1 Establish short term arrangements for green waste processing and investigate long term options.

Buy back centre (Tip Shop) arrangements are not consistent and need to be formalised.

2 2 2 Establish formal Tip Shop arrangements where appropriate.

Current waste education is limited and ad-hoc.

Waste education is ineffective and residents and businesses are not aware of services and options leading to increased waste to landfill.

2 2 2 Develop and deliver a waste education program.

6.4.2 Domestic & Commercial Recycling

GRC has existing domestic and commercial recycling collection services. These services are described and strategy goals proposed in Strategy Goals 3 & 5.

6.4.3 Recycling Sites/Facilities

This strategy outlines a number of reviews of the network of waste management facilities within the region. In conjunction with any reviews would be the provision of recycling opportunities for domestic and commercial customers. For sites operated by GRC the intention would be to provide consistent recycling arrangements at each site where this is appropriate.

6.4.4 Strategy Goals – Resource Recovery

Strategy Goal 10 - Provide and/or facilitate sites with recycling opportunities

Description Provide consistent recycling services at council sites and opportunities to increase recycling.


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Residential and commercial customers self-transporting waste typically need recycling facilities for green waste, timber, steel, cardboard, reusable items, oil, batteries and other household hazardous waste. Commercial customers generally have larger volumes of green waste, timber, steel, cardboard and concrete along with some plastics.

A major impediment to effective recycling is mixed loads of waste. This is an issue for GRC where site activities are not supervised and recycled items are mixed with other wastes. Some GRC sites are accepting comingled recycling items similar to those placed in recycling wheeled bins. Should GRC expand the kerbside recycling service to all areas receiving a waste bin service this requirement will be reduced. GRC’s kerbside recycling items are currently transported to the Sunshine Coast for processing at a purpose built Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The new collection services tender process will need to consider the processing of these recyclable materials.

Green Waste

Green waste is a significant portion (20%) of the total waste stream identified by GRC. Unlike many other recyclable items, processed green waste is generally reliant on local or regional markets for reuse. This has lead to many operations having closed down when supposed markets have proven unsustainable. Council’s were impacted by a recent failure of an operation near Brisbane. GRC will look at establishing long term arrangements to manage green and timber waste. These arrangements must be founded on using/facilitating a sustainable outcome for the region. A sustainable outcome should include locations and sites able to hold large volumes of this waste where processing disruptions occur.

Construction and Demolition Waste

A privately owned facility operates in the Gympie area to accept concrete/bricks for processing and resale. Many customers are taking waste direct to this facility for processing. This alleviates the issues associated with collecting and processing this material on Council sites and GRC should encourage and promote this recycling option.

Aside from concrete/brick waste, Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste generally contains large volumes of timber, steel, plastics and soils. Private waste operators including skip bin companies can benefit from establishing or having access to specific facilities for segregating and processing C&D wastes.

Tip Shops

Every supervised GRC waste facility should, where appropriate, provide the opportunity for customers to separate reusable items (eg furniture, clothing, sporting equipment, electrical items, toys). GRC already provides this opportunity at some sites. These items can be assessed and where appropriate made available for sale to the public via a tip shop arrangement. Formal tip shop facilities should be established for all supervised sites in conjunction with the respective site operating contracts/arrangements.


10.1

Prepare a recycling/waste minimisation report for Councils consideration including:

Investigate establishing consistent general recycling options at all GRC sites.

Investigate establishing a 2 year contract for green and timber waste removal and processing

Investigate options for greenwaste and/or C&D waste processing.

Investigate establishing (where appropriate) formal “Tip Shop” arrangements at all GRC supervised waste management sites accessed by the public.

Short to Medium term

Internal staff


Report prepared for Council consideration on waste recycling opportunities including:

Waste reduction targets

Statutory compliance

Community needs

Level of service

6.4.5 Waste Minimisation and Education

GRC and private operators will invest significantly in providing waste facilities and services in the Gympie region. The success of achieving good waste management outcomes is heavily reliant on the users being informed and educated about how the facilities operate and what is desired to achieve improvements in waste management. Therefore education of householders and business operators is a key component.


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Strategy Goal 11 - Provide community waste education

Description Provide waste minimisation and education services designed to increase awareness of resource recovery and recycling opportunities

Households

Householders require information and advice about how GRC’s waste management systems operate including collection services and how and where to dispose of unwanted items and how to segregate items for disposal at facilities. Other general information should include:

Home composting

Waste avoidance

Reuse and recycling

Schools

Teachers and students are a key target for waste education therefore the waste education program should include a school visit program. General waste management information about composting, waste avoidance and resource recovery/recycling should form the basis of the school program.

Businesses

Business and industry will require specific information about the services available in the region, both from GRC and private operators. The industry program should include advice and support on:

Cleaner production

Government support programs

Optional waste audits and waste reduction/recycling advice.

Actions Required Timeframe Dependencies Resources Required

11.1 Design, implement and resource a Community Waste Education Program

Short term Internal staff


Community members including residents, schools and businesses have access to waste education resources that provide advice and assistance to enable improved waste management practices and performance in the Gympie region.

7 STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION The review of existing activities has identified a number of issues and has concluded strategy goals and recommended actions that will assist GRC to move forward with waste management for the region. Following adoption of the Regional Waste Management Strategy by GRC, the strategy will become a living document providing future direction for Council and the community.

8 STRATEGY CONSULTATION Prior to adopting a strategy Council will release the draft Regional Waste Management Strategy to the community for public consultation. The draft strategy will be made available for a minimum period of 28 days.

Following the community consultation period a report of the community input will be presented to Council for direction prior to drafting the final report. Following this consultation process the final Regional Waste Management Strategy will be presented to Council for resolution and adoption.


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ATTACHMENT “A” – RISKS & ISSUES MATRIX Level Description of Consequence

High (1) (High level impact)

Operational


Major structural failure/damage.

Major contract breach


Significant long term disruptions to services and operations Compliance

Ongoing breach of operating licence, illegal operations.

Significant (high exposure) one-off breach of compliance requirements. Waste Reduction and Recycling

Very limited if any opportunity to seperate materials for recycling

Highly ineffective waste seperation and recycling activity Efficiency


Significant ongoing operational inefficiencieswith high level cost impacts.

Medium (2) (Medium level impact)

Operational

Potential exposure to personal injury with temporary disability

Minor structural failure/damage.

Ongoing contract non-conformance

Short-term to medium term disruptions to services or operations. Compliance

One-off breach of compliance requirements (reportable - not high exposure). Waste Reduction and Recycling

Minimal opportunities to recover resources or recycle

Ineffective waste seperation and recycling activity Efficiency

Operational inefficiencies with medium to low level cost impacts.

Low (3) (Low level impact)

Operational

Potential exposure to personal injury

Minor equipment damage.

Minor one-off contract non-conformance

Minor short-term service disruption to services or operations. Compliance

One-off minor breach of compliance requirements (not reportable). Waste Reduction and Recycling

Minimal opportunities to recover resources or recycle

Ineffective waste seperation and recycling activity Efficiency

One off operational inefficiencies with minimal cost impacts.

Level Likelihood / Probability

Likely Could happen frequently

Moderate Could happen occasionally

Unlikely May occur only in exceptional circumstances.

Consequence Likelihood / Probability

Likely (1) Moderate (2) Unlikely (3)

High (1) 1 1 2

Medium (2) 1 2 3

Low (3) 2 3 3

Class/Ranking Description / Requirements

1 Major risk/issue - Requires short term intervention to mitigate risk exposure.

2 Medium risk/issue - Requires medium term operational planning.

3 Minor risk/issue - Requires localised control measures.


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ATTACHMENT “B” – FACILITY CATCHMENTS & COLLECTION SERVICE AREAS

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