Bayside joins drive for smarter waste solution

Bayside has joined 14 other councils in Melbourne’s south east to divert more waste from landfill.

They have formed a company – South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing Pty Ltd – to deliver an advanced waste processing facility to process household rubbish instead of burying it.

This type of company is called a special purpose vehicle (SPV) and is common in projects where there are many organisations working together.

Bayside City Council CEO Mick Cummins said by signing up to the SPV “we are strengthening our ability to secure the economic, environmental, and social benefits from the facility.”

“Advanced waste processing will do more with the resources that are being put into landfill,” Mr Cummins said.

“The SPV has its own legal identity and will enter into a contract for advanced waste processing on behalf of participating councils.”

Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG) is facilitating the procurement of advanced waste processing for councils.

“Councils coming together to form an SPV is a major milestone in what is the biggest tender for new waste management infrastructure ever undertaken by councils in Melbourne,” MWRRG CEO Jill Riseley said.

“The new facilities are expected to attract multi-million-dollar investment and create up to 400 temporary jobs during construction and up to 100 permanent operating jobs.

“Advanced waste processing facilities are being used safely and reliably around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and North America.”

Advanced waste processing facilities are regulated by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria.

Any facility will need to be appropriately located, constructed and operated according to strict regulations that minimise risks to the environment and people.

Advanced waste processing solutions will play a significant role in achieving the new target to divert 80% of household rubbish from landfill by 2030.

Kerbside recycling and green and food waste collection services will continue as part of a total approach to managing waste.

Bayside’s participation in the advanced waste processing SPV follows Council’s confirmation of a switch in the frequency of collections for general and food and green waste in July 2022. The switch is aimed at reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill, and in time, to the new advanced waste processing facility.

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