New advanced waste processing facilities as alternatives to landfill are expected to attract investment of up to AUD 650 million and create temporary jobs during construction as well as permanent operating jobs.State government agency, Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group, will lead this process and has been working with local government on a collective procurement of an advanced waste processing solution to reduce Melbourne’s reliance on landfill.Advanced waste processing facilities use proven technologies to put household waste to more productive use and provide an alternative to sending waste to landfill.Advanced waste processing will complement the government’s circular economy policy, a more than AUD 300 million package of landmark reforms and investment, including a statewide four-bin recycling system, a container deposit scheme and nearly AUD 100 million to support businesses and drive innovation.Recycling Victoria sets ambitious new targets for improved recycling and recovery in Victoria, including reducing our reliance on landfill with a target to divert 80% of waste from landfill by 2030.The government’s focus on reforming household recycling services, including food organics and garden organics, will continue as part of its overall approach to waste management and resource recovery.The introduction of advanced waste processing will reduce the overall amount of waste that is sent to landfill, also reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfill contributing to Victoria’s long-term emission reduction target.It is expected that the process will take close to two years to reach a final tender stage and a 20 to 25-year contract will be awarded by 2022, with construction starting in 2023.
Quotes attributable to Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group, CEO, Jillian Riseley
“State government and local government are working together to deliver a vital alternative to landfill that will transform how waste is managed in Melbourne.”“A collective procurement of advanced waste processing solutions will drive new investment in the waste and resource recovery sector to deliver the infrastructure Victoria needs and create new jobs.”“Advanced waste processing has an important role to play as part of a circular economy for Victoria. When materials can no longer be reused or recycled, advanced waste processing puts rubbish to more productive use than burying it in the ground.” ■
