ECORECYCLE VICTORIA BUSINESS PLAN

ECORECYCLE VICTORIA BUSINESS PLAN & STRATEGY

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Chairman’s Message 3

Business Plan and Strategy 1999-2002 4

The National Packaging Covenant 5

EcoRecycle Victoria 6

Executive Summary 8

Budget 13

Business Plan and Strategy Programs

Household Waste Reduction and Recycling 15

Marketing Development Program 17

Litter Prevention and Control 21

Waste Reduction in Commerce and Industry 23

Public Place and Event Recycling 25

Organics Recovery 26

Resource Recovery and Waste Management 29

Waste Wise Education 31

Communication and Information 34

Performance Measurement and Data 37

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CONTENTS PAGE

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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

It is with pleasure that we present EcoRecycle Victoria’s three-year Business Plan and Strategyfor 1999-2002.

This document outlines the vision of the organisation and addresses issues that respond to theState Government’s goals of reducing waste through sustainable methods of resource recoveryand the better disposal of residual waste.

Our Vision is:Victorians leading the world in the responsible use of resources because EcoRecycle Victoria and its partners:• stimulate community interest and action;• assist business to create sustainable futures; and• transform infrastructure and management systems, to protect the environment for the

benefit of present and future generations.

EcoRecycle is not a legislative body and seeks to reach its objectives through partnerships with local government, industry, educators, business, and the community. It is dedicated toencouraging all sectors to seek a means to reduce waste and divert resource materials going to landfill.

I acknowledge the contribution made to this plan by our stakeholders. An independent survey,undertaken by TQA Research Pty Ltd, has indicated that EcoRecycle has been well received byits stakeholders. We believe this is the result of our consultative approach to all market sectors.

When implemented, the National Packaging Covenant will significantly complement many ofour programs, particularly kerbside recycling programs, market development opportunities, andcommunity education.

New initiatives in the coming period include:• funding support for the rehabilitation of regional landfills;• a targeted industry waste reduction program in cooperation with EPA’s Cleaner Production

Partnerships Program;• funding for Regional Waste Management Groups towards better planning

and management; • encouraging Victorians to divert resources from landfill through home composting; and• reducing the use of plastic supermarket bags through industry consultation and

public education.

EcoRecycle will also remain a major source of community education and information.

I am confident that the outcome of this plan will be in line with our Vision. It is a plan aimed atprotecting the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.

Ted Tanner, Chairman

This Business Plan and Strategy has been prepared by EcoRecycle Victoria and approved bythe Minister for Conservation and Land Management, in accordance with Section 49J of theEnvironment Protection Act.

This 1999-2002 Plan takes into account:• a National Packaging Covenant that places strong product stewardship requirements on

the packaging chain, including a Packaging Code of Practice and a Kerbside Recycling Schedule;

• a three-year program for the transition of the current kerbside recycling system to operate on a more sustainable basis, as established in the National Packaging Covenant; and

• an established network of Regional Waste Management Groups across the State, withapproved (or near approved) Regional Waste Management Plans.

These factors provide a basis to pursue medium term goals over the next five to seven years.These goals include:• maintaining and enhancing the current high levels of community commitment to wise

resource use and recycling;• placing more emphasis on waste reduction (not just recycling), particularly in the

industry sector;• ensuring that recycling systems are driven by market demand for materials; and• enhancing the kerbside collection and sorting systems.

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BUSINESS PLAN AND STRATEGY 1999-2002

For the first time, the National Packaging Covenant illustrates a cooperative approach betweenindustry and all spheres of Government. This is essential to achieve a nationally consistentapproach to the lifecycle management of packaging and paper including its recovery,utilisation, and ultimate disposal. Central to the Covenant is the implementation of a sustainablekerbside recycling system.

EcoRecycle’s first three priorities deal directly with key elements outlined in the NationalPackaging Covenant and the Kerbside Schedule. Significant additional industry and landfill levyfunds, identified in the Covenant, will be used in these areas.

Final details of the Covenant’s Kerbside Schedule had not been finalised at the time ofpublication, however, in broad terms, there will be a three-year program to transform thepresent kerbside system into a sustainable market-based program. Additional industry andState Government funds will be made available over a three-year period, commencing in July 1999.

The Kerbside Schedule will cover the following areas:• Assistance to local government, collectors, and sorters to achieve agreed

service standards.• Market development programs for kerbside materials.• A market intelligence system.• Development of a materials pricing system.• An economic study of recycling.• Community education strategies.• An accreditation system for collectors.• A national recycling audit.• Short term infrastructure support.

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THE NATIONAL PACKAGING COVENANT

MISSIONTo minimise the creation of waste, promote the sustainable use of resources, and better managethe disposal of residuals.

OBJECTIVES• To incubate and nurture the growth of an ethos of environmental sustainability throughout

the Victorian community.• To ensure that every Victorian has the information needed and opportunity to make

environmentally sound choices in purchasing goods and services.• To ensure that a viable system exists statewide to recover unwanted materials for

recycling, reuse, or energy recovery, in preference to them being discarded.• To foster, wherever practicable, partnerships that add value and engender ownership of

initiatives, programs, and infrastructure.

ORGANISATIONAL VALUES• Openness, responsiveness, and collaboration with stakeholders.• Equity and transparency in project funding.• The provision of quality information.• Independence from any particular sectional interest.• Working with stakeholders.

PRIORITIES FOR 1999-20021. Driving and supporting an efficient lower cost kerbside recycling system that meets

consumer expectations. Pursuing defined best practice for the collection and sorting ofkerbside materials.

2. Promoting product and market development for recycled materials, particularly formaterials collected at kerbside.

3. Implementing a three-year infrastructure program to upgrade statewide facilities formaterials collected at kerbside.

4. Facilitating waste reduction in industry and commerce, through an expanded programlinked to EPA’s Cleaner Production Partnership Program (CPPP).

5. Reducing waste volumes and costs by providing public programs to encourage home composting.

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ECORECYCLE VICTORIA

Landfill SitesFunding support for the improvement to landfills and facilities including rehabilitation of sitesclosed in accordance with regional plans.

Industry Waste ReductionA statewide program to target waste reduction in priority industry sectors.

Regional Waste Management GroupsPerformance based funding to Regional Waste Management Groups towards better planningand management.

Encourage Home CompostingA three-year program to reduce household waste by promoting home composting.

Plastic Supermarket BagsReduce the use of plastic supermarket bags by 30%, by 2005.

EcoRecycle’s Business Plan and Strategy is structured around the following priority program areas:

• Household Waste Reduction and Recycling

• Organics Recovery

• Market Development for Recycled Materials

• Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facilities

• Litter Prevention and Control

• Waste Wise Education

• Waste Reduction in Industry and Commerce

• Communications and Information

• Event Recycling

• Performance Measurement and Data

NEW INITIATIVES FOR 1999-2002

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ECORECYCLE VICTORIA

PRIORITY PROGRAMS

Currently over 95% of Victorian homes have access to kerbside recycling. Householdparticipation in recycling is in the vicinity of 84% and growing. Prices paid for material collectedat kerbside has fallen over the last year while yields have increased.

In 1998/99 EcoRecycle has:• significantly reduced the stockpile of mixed newspaper through its Paper Support Fund;• encouraged the private sector to invest in new infrastructure; and• retrieved over 200 tonnes of hazardous household chemicals from the community for

safe disposal.

KEY STRATEGIES• Facilitate the shift to a more effective kerbside collection system.• Improve the standard, performance, and services of collectors and sorters to enhance the

quality and value of collected materials.• Assist in the adoption of measures that will produce a more efficient, lower cost collection

and sorting system.• Monitor changes in packaging materials and make adjustments in the kerbside system to

accommodate developments.• Continue regular household chemical collections and establish permanent drop-off facilities.

NOTE: New projects are anticipated in this area as part of the National Packaging Covenant Kerbside RecyclingSchedule, but are not defined or costed at this stage.

In working with different market sectors, EcoRecycle Victoria is committed to marketdevelopment for recycled materials. More uses will provide price stability and a viable price forend products.

In 1998/99 EcoRecycle has:• been successful in presenting business seminars and major conferences to increase

market knowledge;• encouraged research and development in the private sector with the support of grants;• promoted recycled products through publications and a website; and• prepared strategies to increase secondary markets for paper, timber, and coloured HDPE.

KEY STRATEGIES• Secure primary markets for priority materials.• Develop secondary markets where appropriate.• Promote purchasing policies and programs for recycled products.• Provide financial support to industry for product and market development.• Provide a resource exchange service by linking waste generators with reprocessors, and

reprocessors with end markets.• Work with Business Victoria and Small Business Victoria to promote business development

in the recycling and recycled products industry.• Review the demand/supply balance for recyclable materials and identify priorities for

market development.

HOUSEHOLD WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MARKET DEVELOPMENT FOR RECYCLED MATERIALS

EcoRecycle has an active role in litter prevention through public education and infrastructure.Cigarette butts, paper, and plastics are the most littered items.

In 1998/99 EcoRecycle has:• worked with local government and others to reduce litter entering waterways by funding

litter traps;• launched a major advertising campaign Do Your Bit - Butt ‘n’ Bin It; and• supported regional Litter Prevention Task Forces through the network of Regional

Education Officers.

KEY STRATEGIES• Support of the Waste Wise Education Program.• Enhance the media campaign directed at changing community attitudes to litter.• Increase the effectiveness of EcoRecycle’s sponsorship of the Keep Australia Beautiful

Victoria (KABV) - Rural and City Pride Awards.• In conjunction with VicRoads, develop and implement programs to control highway litter.• Ensure reliable litter survey data is collected and reported in a useful form.• Increase the support for the installation of litter traps.• Seek partnerships with Water Catchment and Marine Conservation Authorities.

Commercial and industrial waste made up 65% of total solid waste going to landfill in 1996/97.Of the 2.3 million tonnes going to landfill, 1 million tonnes is building and demolition materials.

In 1998/99 EcoRecycle has:• worked with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and other agencies in addressing

the total solid waste stream;• developed resource kits, guidelines, seminars, and training programs for the manufacturing,

building, and food services sectors;• provided support for local waste audits and advisory programs;• promoted the Australian Supermarket Institute Plastic Shopping Bag Code of Practice;• sponsored industry awards for achievement in waste reduction; and• worked with the RMIT Centre for Design to encourage environmental design.

KEY STRATEGIES• Expand the program to assist companies and organisations to implement waste

reduction programs.• Work closely with other Government cleaner production partners to reduce waste in

business and industry.• Improve efficiencies of collection and processing for commercial and industrial materials.• Reduce the use of plastic supermarket bags by 30%, by 2005.• Promote and monitor the voluntary Plastic Shopping Bag Code of Practice.• Develop new programs in the office, accommodation, electrical, and automotive sectors.• Extend industry training programs.

LITTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

WASTE REDUCTION IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

EcoRecycle has developed an ’integrated’ recycling system, specifically for outdoor events, thatminimises contamination and encourages high public participation.

In 1998/1999 EcoRecycle has:• published The 7 Steps to a Waste Wise Event, providing organisers guidance in public

place recycling, including the use of reusable or recycle packaging; and• developed and produced special event recycling infrastructure that has been used

successfully at Moomba, Melbourne Grand Prix, and other major events.

KEY STRATEGIES• Promote the use of The 7 Steps to a Waste Wise Event to reduce waste and litter at

public events.• Encourage Regional Waste Management Groups, councils, collectors, and event organisers

to use the system.• Support the implementation of permanent recycling receptacles at major public venues.

Green organics (garden clippings, prunings, and untreated wood products) constitute a veryhigh proportion of the waste stream and offer opportunities for diversion of material from landfillinto a high standard of marketable products.

In 1998/99 EcoRecycle has:• published a best practice guide for the organics industry;• supported field trials and workshops in conjunction with the Institute for Horticultural

Development; and• established rapport with the organics industry.

KEY STRATEGIES• Improve the quality of composted green organics products.• Facilitate market development in the government, horticulture, and landscape sectors.• Implement a major home composting public education campaign.• Support infrastructure in line with the market strategy.• Implement a promotional campaign to support the industry accreditation program.

PUBLIC PLACE AND EVENT RECYCLING

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ORGANICS RECOVERY

EcoRecycle Victoria recognises the importance of improving recycling and waste infrastructureto provide greater efficiency and environmental benefits to all Victorians.

In 1998/99 EcoRecycle has:• provided infrastructure funding support for 56 projects during 1998/99, totalling $2.4

million. Funding assessment is nearing completion to distribute a further $4.15 million forimprovements to statewide infrastructure over the next three years;

• published and distributed to local government and private contractors a Best Practice Guide for Transfer and Recycling Centres; and

• produced a clear standard graphics package for the use of operators.

KEY STRATEGIES• Continue to fund infrastructure consistent with Regional Waste Management Plans.• Provide infrastructure funding in line with market development strategies.• Establish and market a statewide network of drop-off facilities at transfer stations.• Establish permanent facilities for paint and oil disposal in Melbourne.• Provide Regional Waste Management Groups with information and systems to assist in

establishing best practice facilities.• Support the installation of weighbridges at regional landfills.• Support the closure and rehabilitation of non-licensed landfills in accordance with Regional

Waste Management Plans.


The Waste Wise Community and School Education Program is designed to increase communityknowledge, improve attitudes, and encourage the sustainable use of resources.

A key element has been the successful establishment of Regional Education Officers to workwith stakeholders across the state. The Waste Wise program is implemented through schools,business, and industry.

KEY STRATEGIES• Use the network of Regional Education Officers to actively promote the EcoRecycle Waste

Wise programs.• Establish a comprehensive network of public education centres to promote the

‘How to’ of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.• Utilise the EcoRecycle website and other communications technologies to implement

the program.• Regularly evaluate and monitor the effectiveness and relevance of the program.• Support the use of mobile education centre material.


RESOURCE RECOVERY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

WASTE WISE EDUCATION

EcoRecycle provides information to stakeholders and the community to encourage them to reduce waste.

In 1998/1999 EcoRecycle has:• produced over 49 publications from specialist best practice guides to the mass distribution

of ‘How-to’ material for the community; • run three statewide media campaigns: Recycling is Worth the Effort, Do Your Bit - Butt ‘n Bin It,

and a series featuring Denise Drysdale, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle;• provided a website and information telephone service for stakeholders and the community; and• shared information and achieved regular contact with stakeholders through seminars,

briefings, workshops, and conferences.

KEY STRATEGIES• Use communications, marketing, and sponsorship activities to build working relationships

with stakeholders and the public.• Communicate EcoRecycle’s resources, services, and grants effectively to stakeholders and

the public.• Provide information to assist stakeholders in planning and implementing programs and

influencing behavioural change.• Utilise technology to ensure the availability of information.• Liaise with the media to provide information and advocacy in support of EcoRecycle’s objectives.• Conduct community education multi-media campaigns.• Publish core documents including Annual Report, Business Plan, and bi-monthly newsletter.

NOTE: New projects are anticipated in this area as part of the National Packaging Covenant Kerbside Recycling Schedule,but are not defined or costed at this stage.

EcoRecycle collects data to measure performance and provide management information toEcoRecycle Victoria, local government, and the waste management industry.

In 1998/1999 EcoRecycle has:• developed an electronic survey of annual data from all 78 Victorian municipalities; and• commissioned waste generation and recycling surveys to identify the composition of

waste generated in various industry sectors.

KEY STRATEGIES• Targeted data collection to provide a measurement of EcoRecycle’s performance against

indicators specified in Business Plan.• Provide a central ‘clearing house’ for data from municipal, regional, industry, and other sources.• Collect data to cover industry waste sectors, domestic waste generation and recycling,

landfill disposal, diversion, and recycling rates.• Use data effectively as an advocacy tool in support of EcoRecycle’s objectives.• Conduct community attitude surveys on priority issues.

NOTE: New projects are anticipated in this area as part of the National Packaging Covenant Kerbside Recycling Schedule,but are not defined or costed at this stage.

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND DATA

The pie-chart indicates the distribution of funds to major areas.

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BUDGET

Performance Measurement & Data 4%

Communications & Information 12.1%

Waste Wise Education 11.6%

Resource Recovery Infrastructure 27.6%

Overhead Expenses 9.3%

Household Waste Reduction& Recycling 10.9%

Litter Prevention &Control 5.2%

Public Place & EventRecycling 1%

Waste Reduction inIndustry & Commerce

7.1%

Market Development forRecycled Materials 7.1%

Organics Recovery 4.1%

FORECASTS

1998/99 1999/2000 2000/01 2001/02

RECEIPTS

Landfill Levy $8,820,000 $8,820,000 $8,600,000 $8,200,00

Investment Income $600,000 $500,000 $450,000 $400,000

Bank Interest $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Other Income $9,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000

TOTAL INCOME $9,434,000 $9,365,000 $9,095,000 $8,645,000

PAYMENTS

Overheads

Employing Expenses $500,000 $566,500 $583,495 $550,000

Accommodation $102,000 $117,000 $120,510 $124,000

Operating $440,000 $449,500 $455,000 $445,000

Transport $55,320 $69,000 $71,070 $65,000

Professional Services $109,600 $102,500 $105,575 $100,000

Capital Items $94,500 $80,000 $80,000 $60,000

TOTAL OVERHEAD EXPENSES $1,301,420 $1,384,500 $1,415,650 $1,344,000

13% 9% 10% 14%

Programs

Household Waste Reduction and Recycling $1,800,00 $1,620,650 $900,200 $600,000

Litter Prevention & Control $900,000 $779,000 $723,000 $400,000

Public Place & Event Recycling $130,000 $154,000 $145,000 $145,000

Waste Reduction in Industry and Commerce $700,000 $1,063,575 $1,300,000 $1,100,000

Market Development for Recycled Materials $750,000 $1,059,508 $685,000 $595,000

Organics Recovery $600,000 $612,084 $330,000 $305,000

Resource Recovery Infrastructure $1,500,000 $4,123,000 $5,564,000 $2,600,000

Waste Wise Education $780,000 $1,731,334 $1,610,000 $1,195,000

Communications and Information $1,300,000 $1,805,595 $1,372,500 $1,022,500

Performance Measurement and Data $200,000 $598,000 $432,000 $274,500

TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES $8,850,000 $13,546,746 $13,061,700 $8,237,000

TOTAL EXPENSES $10,151,420 $14,931,246 $14,477,350 $9,581,000

ADD PRIOR YEARS LANDFILL LEVY $360,470

NET PROFIT ($1,077,890) ($5,566,246) ($5,382,350) ($936,000)

ADD SURPLUS FROM PREVIOUS YEAR $13,043,034 $11,965,144 $6,398,898 $1,016,548

SURPLUS $11,965,144 $6,398,898 $1,016,548 $80,548

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BUDGET

OBJECTIVES• Reduce total household waste generation to an average of 10 kg/wk.• Achieve household recycling rates at an average of 5 kg/wk.• Maintain kerbside recycling to all Victorian urban areas (1000+ population) where markets

exist for materials collected.• Facilitate the implementation of the National Packaging Covenant and the transition

arrangements in the Kerbside Schedule.• Facilitate the implementation of defined collection and sorting performance practices and

standards, for collectors and sorters of recyclables.• Maintain and improve the quality of collected recyclables.• Ensure councils continue to identify separate waste and recycling charges on rate notices.• Divert 150 tonnes per year of household chemicals for safe disposal.

STATUSCurrently over 95% of Victorian homes have access to kerbside collection with surveysindicating that the participation of households in recycling is over 84%. EcoRecycle’s PublicViews survey found that 97% saw kerbside recycling as an essential service, and that 52% areprepared to pay for that service.

Commodity prices for material collected at kerbside have continued to fall over the last yearwith yields climbing with the increased use of rigid collection containers. EcoRecycle’s PaperSupport Fund encouraged the installation of infrastructure for sorting paper on a sustainablebasis, diminishing mixed paper stockpiles.

The household chemical collections are occurring regularly in metropolitan and rural centresthroughout Victoria.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Maintain support for kerbside collection system.• Facilitate the shift to a more effective kerbside collection system.• Improve the standard and quality of collectors and sorters to enhance the quality and

value of materials collected.• Assist the adoption of measures that will produce more efficient, lower cost collection

and sorting systems.• Monitor changes in packaging materials and adjust the kerbside accordingly.• Continue regular household chemical collections and ensure systems are in place to

remove these materials from the general household waste stream.

PROJECTS 1999/2000• Finalise and complete the current Kerbside Development Program.• Administer an independent accreditation system to improve the collectors and sorters

performance to enhance the overall quality and value of recyclables.• Continue current contamination and education program assisting councils as requested on

how to recycle and minimise contamination.• Introduce a new generation of model contracts for kerbside collection and sorting of

recyclables.• Define service standards for a ‘small’ range of operational situations.

HOUSEHOLD WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING

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BUSINESS PLAN AND STRATEGY PROGRAMS

• Continue current collection system offering regular collections throughout Victoria, spread between Melbourne and other regional centres.

• Establish permanent drop-off facilities for household chemicals in Melbourne regions. These facilities would focus on the recycling or disposal of oil and paint.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES• Accreditation rates: 10 sorters/collectors registered, 5 Councils to require accreditation as

part of kerbside contracts.• Household total waste generation to an average of 10 kg/wk.• Household recycling rates at an average of 5 kg/wk.• Household recycling contamination rate at an average of less than 5%.• Diversion of chemicals from the household waste stream of 150 tonnes per year.

OUTCOMES 1999/2000• Accredited sorters and collectors using model contracts.• Successful introduction of National Packaging Covenant Kerbside Schedule.• Permanent household chemical drop-off points allowing the number of Melbourne

metropolitan collections to decrease.

STRATEGIES 2000-2002• Support sustainable kerbside collection systems.


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OBJECTIVES• Facilitate the implementation of the National Packaging Covenant and the transitional

arrangement in the Kerbside Schedule.• Secure primary markets and create viable secondary markets for major recycled materials.• Increase demand for recovered materials.• Increase awareness of the availability and quality of recycled products.• Support recycling and reprocessing industry development.

STATUSIndustry Overview (Victoria)

*Estimate of material handled through councils in 1998, excluding material processed in 6 out of 16 Regions.+ National recycling rate.

Paper During 1998/99, the paper recycling industry experienced oversupply and consequently pricesfell, both locally and overseas. This situation was caused by lower demand, particularly fromAsia, and low prices for virgin fibre.

This situation eased in 1999 due to increased demand for newsprint by Fletcher Challenge andrallying markets (and prices) from some South East Asian paper mills.

EcoRecycle Victoria played a successful role in facilitating a shift from mixed paper collectionsto sorting paper into more desirable grades, through its Paper Support Fund.

MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

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Price/tonne forMaterial Tonnes Recycling rate collected/baled

Recycled 1997 1997 material(Feb/Mar 1999)

Kerbside glass 105,000 44%+ $80

Kerbside HDPE 4,450 44% (natural)+ $100 (coloured), $320 (natural)

Kerbside PET 6 050 30%+ $250 - $350

Kerbside steel 4,200 36%+ $55 non-metro, $85 metro

Kerbside Aluminium 1,500 61%+ $1,100

Liquidpaperboard 1,500 36% $150

Paper (newsprint 92,000 45% $20 (casual) -$60 (contract)

and magazines)

Cardboard 28,000 71% $0 (casual) -$50 (contract)

Green organics 184,000* NA $ 0

Concrete 800,000 NA (-$5) - $0 gate fee

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PlasticsRecycling capacity for kerbside plastics has increased with the commissioning of two newrecycling facilities: Coca-Cola Amatil in NSW (PET) and Visy Plastics in Reservoir (PET, LDPEand HDPE).

Prices of recycled PET and HDPE resin fell during 1998/99, which was reflected in prices paidfor baled bottles from kerbside. This was largely due to oversupply of virgin polymers anddepressed demand in Asian markets.

EcoRecycle is currently preparing a market development strategy for HDPE. Industry grantprojects approved in 1998/99 are investigating the use of recycled PET in packaging, vine postsand geotextiles, as well as the use of recycled HDPE for pipe and sheet.

GlassThe price of glass dropped from $80 to $72 per tonne in July 1999. Glass from kerbsidecollections is processed by Recyclers of Australia to meet ACl’s specifications for cullet. Most of the material is used in the manufacture of packaging, with a small quantity sold into the abrasives market.

AluminiumThe international price of aluminium fell to a five-year low during 1998/99. The pricepaid for aluminium beverage cans ranges between $750 - $1,250 per tonne. Between15-20% of cans collected is derived from kerbside collections, with the remainder comingthrough scrap metal dealers and professional collectors.

The cans are processed into aluminium can sheet by Kaal Australia, or for secondary marketssuch as car parts. Good export markets also exist for the material.

SteelThe price paid for baled steel cans fell by $10 per tonne in June 1999, due to the depressedinternational market for scrap steel. The Asian currency crisis has contributed to oversupply inthe market.

LiquidpaperboardThe price paid for baled liquidpaperboard is $150 per tonne. The material is beingexported until Amcor can resume taking gable top cartons, which is expected in late1999. Both Amcor and Visy currently accept aseptic or foil-lined cartons in either the mixedpaper or cardboard streams.

ConcreteConcrete recycling is well established and poised for further growth. In Victoria, theindustry is dominated by Recycling Industries Pty Ltd, with a number of smalleroperators. The development of new markets for recycled concrete, such as crushed rock inroad bases, has been the main catalyst for past growth in the industry.

EcoRecycle is currently funding trials of recycled concrete in high strength applications andrecreational facilities.

Timber Timber is recycled into a range of products including structural timber, furniture, mulch andcompost. It is a major component of the waste stream from manufacturing, construction anddemolition. A recent survey by EcoRecycle found that only 23% of timber waste from thecommercial and industrial sector is being recycled.

EcoRecycle is currently preparing a strategy for collection of timber waste in the Melbournemetropolitan area.

PlasterboardThe recycling of plasterboard in Victoria is limited to the recovery of pre-consumer waste fromthe three key plasterboard manufacturers - Pioneer, CSR and Boral. The material is either remanufactured into billets for the packing and transportation of plasterboard sheets, orreprocessed into gypsum for soil conditioner.

Green Organics Collection and processing facilities for green organics are being established in metropolitan andnon-metropolitan regions. There are some concerns that markets are not sufficiently developedto absorb all of the material available. Despite considerable research and product development,there are still difficulties in obtaining market acceptance for composted green organics. This willrequire a concerted effort by the industry to improve product quality and demonstrate productbenefits in a range of applications.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Prepare market development strategies to secure primary markets, while developing

appropriate secondary markets for priority materials.• Promote purchasing policies and programs for recycled products.• Provide financial support to industry for product and market development, consistent with

the recycled materials strategy.• Provide an efficient resource exchange service by linking waste generators with

reprocessors, and reprocessors with end-markets.• Work with Business Victoria and Small Business Victoria to promote business development

in the recycling and recycled products industry.

PROJECTS 1999/2000Materials Strategies• Continue to develop and implement materials strategies for paper, glass, HDPE, PET,

timber, and green organics.• Work with the Secondary Market Development Network to prepare a coordinated and

effective national strategy for market development.• Work with PACIA and PCA to prepare Design for Recycling Guidelines for Plastics

Packaging.

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Buy Recycled Program• Develop a statewide ‘buy recycled’ commitment program for State and Local Government.• Provide resources for government and business purchasing officers, including purchasing

guidelines, model purchasing policy, product catalogue, information on specific products, and contract / tender guidelines.

• Work with Regional Waste Management Groups to run a series of briefings for local government purchasing officers.

Market Development Grants• Provide grants for product and market development in the priority areas of kerbside

collected materials, construction and demolition waste, and green organics.• Promote the outcomes from completed market development projects.

Resource Exchange• Develop an internal database to monitor and follow up resource exchange inquiries.• Provide up-to-date information on reprocessors through the Guide to Recycling in Victoria

and EcoRecycle’s Website.

Business Development• Work with Business Victoria to provide access to business support including business

planning, marketing, and training.• Publish a brochure on government assistance (from EcoRecycle Victoria, Ausindustry,

Business Victoria, Small Business Victoria, and other agencies) to the recycling industry.• Run a series of Business Forums to provide information on government assistance and

business issues.• Publish a bi-monthly Market Report to provide industry with business intelligence.• Undertake research to establish industry size, turnover, rate of growth, regional distribution,

and business development needs.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES• Number of products with recycled material content.• Quantity of materials recycled and reprocessed.• Number of organisations with a ‘buy recycled’ policy.

OUTCOMES 1999/2000• Diversion rates for recycled materials maintained or increased in line with market demand.• Materials strategies developed and being implemented for paper, glass, HDPE, PET, green

organics, and timber.• 10 new applications for recycled materials.• 20 government organisations with a ‘buy recycled’ policy.

STRATEGIES 2000-2002• Review demand/supply balance for recyclable materials and identify priorities for market

development.


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OBJECTIVES• To reduce litter on identified highway ‘hot spots’.• Prevent litter entering major waterways in urban centres.• Reduce litter by 20% compared to the average levels over the past three years.• Increase awareness of littering and its impact on the environment.

STATUS Surveys Statewide, quarterly litter surveys have recommenced through a contract with Keep AustraliaBeautiful Victoria (KABV). The initial results show that cigarette butts continue to be the mostlittered item followed by paper then plastic items. The most littered areas are landfills followedby schools and industrial sites.

InfrastructureEcoRecycle has provided funding for 1,764 side-entry litter traps and 23 in-line traps since 1996.

Education EcoRecycle screened a series of television, radio and poster advertisements focussing oncigarette butt litter. A number of Regional Litter Prevention Task Forces have been establishedthrough the network of Regional Education Officers.

Proposals are being considered for expanding the Adopt-A-Highway program to deal effectivelywith roadside litter across the State. The program would involve key state agencies andcommunity based organisations.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000 Community Education• Continue the support of the Waste Wise Litter Education Program.• Repeat or enhance the media campaign directed at changing community attitudes to

specific litter issues.• Increase the statewide and year-round impact of EcoRecycle’s sponsorship of the

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) - Rural and City Pride Awards.

Roadside Litter• In conjunction with VicRoads, develop and implement programs to control highway litter.

Litter Surveys• Ensure litter survey data is collected and reported in a form that is useful for program

development and performance measurement.

Litter Infrastructure• Increase the total funding support for the installation of litter traps and seek partnerships

with Catchment and Marine Conservation Authorities.

LITTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL

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PROJECTS 1999/2000• Continue the support of Waste Wise litter education component through Regional

Education Officers and litter prevention task forces.• Provide sponsorship for KABV Rural Pride and City Pride programs.• Continue the current KABV Statewide quarterly litter surveys, with enhanced reporting for

each region.• Look towards repeating or enhancing existing public litter education campaigns.• Implement a pilot program for an enhanced Adopt-A-Highway program following

acceptance by all agencies.• Implement increased funding support for litter trap infrastructure across the State.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES• Litter counts in key areas.• Number of highways adopted/length.• Litter traps installed.• Litter Prevention Task forces formed.• Behavioural change of litterers.

OUTCOMES 1999/2000• Reduced litter as observed by surveys.• Increased litter removal prior to entry into Victoria’s waterways.• Successful extension of VicRoads Adopt-A-Highway.• Increased regional focus on litter prevention measures.

STRATEGIES 2000-2002• Continuation of current programs with reduced weighting.

Note: The budget for supporting the Waste Wise litter education component through Regional Education Officers is fullyaccounted for under the Waste Wise Education Program. Similarly, the sponsorship of KABV is accounted for in theCommunication Program budget.

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OBJECTIVES• Over three years, reduce commercial and industrial waste by 10% from 1996/97 levels.• Over three years, reduce construction and demolition waste going to landfill by 10% from

1996/97 levels.• Raise awareness about the commercial and environmental benefits of waste reduction in

business.• Reduce the use of plastic supermarket bags by 30%, by 2005.

STATUSCommercial and industrial (C & I) waste made up 66% of total solid waste going to landfill in1996/97, approximately 2.3 million tonnes (see below). This includes waste from commercialand industrial premises, institutions, and building and demolition sites.

Of the 2.3 million tonnes, building and demolition materials constitute approximately 1 milliontonnes of waste going to landfill. Materials include concrete, timber, brick rubble, plastics,insulation, asphalt, glass, and carpet.

EcoRecycle Victoria focuses on non-hazardous solid waste and works with EPA and otheragencies to address the total solid waste stream.

Waste reduction resource kits, guidelines, seminars, and training programs have beendeveloped for the manufacturing, health, higher education, building, and food services sectors.

EcoRecycle is:• providing support for regional and local waste audits and advisory programs through

councils, Regional Waste Management Groups and industry networks;• promoting the Australian Supermarket Institute Code of Practice for Shopping Bags in

supermarkets;• sponsoring industry awards that recognise and promote achievements in waste reduction;

and• working with RMIT Centre for Design to promote waste reduction and resource recovery

through environmental design.

WASTE REDUCTION IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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Domestic Waste 34%

Other Waste (C&I) 66%

COMPOSITIONOF WASTE TO

LANDFILL

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Expand program to assist companies and organisations to implement waste reduction

programs.• Work closely with other Government cleaner production partners to increase effort to

reduce waste in business and industry.• Improve efficiencies of collection and processing for C&l materials.

PROJECTS 1999/2000Major Extension of Current Programs• Extend the current regional and market sector programs with the funding of audits.• Support waste minimisation initiatives in partnership with relevant industry groups; regional

EPA, Regional Waste Management Groups, and local industry.

Food Services Sector• Continue current strategy in food services, with promotion through industry associations.• Continue with consultants who assist companies to reduce waste.

Building and Demolition Sectors• Establish a strategic approach to reduce waste and encourage businesses to become

Waste Wise.• Develop a guideline for waste minimisation for demolition contractors.

Industrial Packaging• Develop opportunities to influence a packaging reduction in the C&l sector.

Plastic Supermarket Shopping Bags• Promote and monitor the voluntary Code of Practice to reduce plastic shopping bags, in

conjunction with the major supermarket chains and Australian Supermarket Institute (ASI).

Performance Measures• Reduction in waste from commerce and industry disposed to landfill.• Reduction in waste from building and demolition sites and disposed to landfill.• Industrial packaging - material type and amount diverted from landfill relating to

C&l sector.• A 30% reduction in the use of plastic supermarket shopping bags by 2005.

OUTCOMES 1999/2000• This year, achieve a 10% reduction in building and demolition waste going to landfill from

1996/97 levels.• This year, achieve a 10% reduction in commercial and industrial waste from 1996/97 levels.• Reduction in the consumption of shopping bags from 1997 levels.

STRATEGIES 2000-2002• Roll out the health and higher education waste reduction programs.• Develop new programs in the office, accommodation, and electrical and automotive

sectors.• Extend industry-training programs with associations and industry training boards.

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OBJECTIVES• To reduce waste and litter at public events through effective recycling programs.• Implement cost effective recycling programs at events.• Increase awareness and understanding of best practice public place recycling.

STATUSEcoRecycle’s The 7 Steps to a Waste Wise Event, introduced in January 1999, providesguidance in planning and managing recycling at events through an integrated approach, which includes the use of only reusable or recyclable materials.

Event recycling infrastructure, to assist materials separation, has been introduced with broadacceptance by event organisers, sponsors, and event promoters.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Promote the use of The Seven Steps to a Waste Wise Event to reduce waste and litter at

public events through effective recycling programs.• Encourage Regional Waste Management Groups, councils, collectors, and event organisers

to use the materials separation infrastructure.

PROJECTS 1999/2000Waste Wise Events• Promote the Waste Wise Seven Steps model by partnering sponsors, event organisers, and

Regional Education Officers.• Manage the provision of EcoRecycle Victoria’s Waste Wise Event infrastructure.• Ensure that Waste Wise Events audit the waste reduction performance of events.

Permanent Public Place Recycling• Support the implementation of permanent public place receptacles at major public venues

such as the Royal Melbourne Zoo and Royal Botanic Gardens.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES• Adoption of the ‘Waste Wise’ model by one significant event in each region.• Use of EcoRecycle Victoria’s event recycling equipment at four events in each region.• Adoption of EcoRecycle Victoria’s event signage by 12 regions.• Establishment of permanent infrastructure at two key public venues / locations.

OUTCOMES 1999/2000• Implementation of The 7 Seven Steps to a Waste Wise Event - Best Practice Guide.• Recycling at least 50% of waste from major events.• Contamination rates of less than 5% at events.• Introduction of public place recycling at two prominent Victorian locations.

STRATEGIES 2000-2002• Continuation of current programs monitoring performance and effectiveness.

PUBLIC PLACE AND EVENT RECYCLING

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OBJECTIVES• Divert significant quantities of organics to viable and safe recovery and reuse.• Develop sustainable markets for products made from processed green and food organics.• Increase the community participation in home composting.

STATUS• Green organics constitute a high proportion of the waste stream and offer opportunities for

diversion of material from landfill to value-added marketable products. The Audit of GreenOrganics in Victoria (1998) identified 184,000 tonnes of material currently being handled bycouncils, although this figure is considered to be extremely conservative. Green organicscomprise 20% of the domestic waste stream.

Source: Beverage Industry Environment Council (BlEC)/EcoRecycle Victoria Recycling Audit & Garbage Bin Analysis 1997.

• Food organics comprise 41% of the domestic waste stream (BIEC 1997) and 17% of thecommercial and industrial waste stream. EcoRecycle Victoria is negotiating with a companyto establish a major food waste processing facility in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

ORGANICS RECOVERY

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Food Organics 41%

Other 39%

Green Organics 20%

COMPOSITIONOF DOMESTIC

WASTE

Food Organics 17%

Green Organics 5%

Other 78%

COMPOSITIONOF C&I WASTE

Source: Beverage Industry Environment Council (BIEC)/EcoRecycle Victoria Recycling Audit and Garbage Bin Analysis 1997.

MARKET DEVELOPMENT The success of organics recovery will depend on the development of a strong market. At acommercial level the organics industry is relatively young. Success in the market will depend onthe ability to meet customer requirements for quality and price. Field trials, currently underwaywith EcoRecycle support, are investigating the potential benefits and application rates forcomposted organics products in horticulture, viticulture, landscaping, and agriculture.

HOME COMPOSTINGSurveys indicate that 63% of Victorian households claim to have a compost heap or worm farm,however, an estimated 61% of domestic waste going to landfill is green and food organics(BIEC 1998). Effective home composting could reduce the need for weekly garbage collections,reduce volumes by 187,000 tonnes, and save an estimated $18 million in waste disposal costs.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Develop a market growth strategy at the industry level for composted materials.• Improve the quality of composted green organics products.• Facilitate market development in the government, horticulture, and landscape sectors.• Support infrastructure in line with the market strategy.• Implement a major home composting promotion program.

PROJECTS 1999/2000Quality of Composted Green Organics• Develop an organics accreditation program and enhance quality standards in conjunction

with the industry and other stakeholders.• Continue to fund the Industry Extension Program through IHD, including promotion of

industry best practice through an advisory service and further development of training modules.

Market Development for Green Organics Products• Assess the competitive position of green organics in key market sectors and develop a

market growth strategy for the industry.• Continue and, if justified, extend the current field trials focussing on key market segments

(horticulture, landscaping, and government agencies).• Consistent with the marketing strategy:

- promote the results of field trials with end-users;- develop standard methodology and product specifications for green organics

products in target markets; and- work with Standards Australia to promote the standard terminology for

organics products.

InfrastructureContinue funding support to assist Regional Waste Management Groups to implement greenorganics drop-off, collection, and processing facilities where defined and sustainable markets exist.

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Home CompostingDevelop and implement a comprehensive three-year program for the promotion of homecomposting including:

- a resource kit for councils and retailers;- local community training programs; - an education program; and- selected public events and festivals to promote home composting.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES• Green waste volume collected and processed.• Food waste volume collected and processed.• Number of processors accredited.• Participation rate for home composting.• $ value of markets for compost.

OUTCOMES 1999/2000• Accreditation program established and pilot program underway in three companies.• At least 250,000 tonnes of green organics diverted from landfill.• Market research completed for landscape and horticultural products.• Training provided to 35 people through the Organics Industry Extension Program.

STRATEGIES 2000-2002• Implement a promotional campaign to support the industry accreditation program.• Facilitate market development in the government, horticulture, and landscape sectors.• Implement a major home composting promotion campaign.• Improve the infrastructure for green organics collection and processing.

OBJECTIVES• Improve the quality of recyclable materials for processing and lower the cost of sorting

and transporting these materials.• Establish a Victorian network of strategically located drop-off and resource recovery

facilities for commercial and industrial waste, and construction and demolition waste.• Establish an extensive network of best practice resource recovery facilities with transfer

stations throughout Victoria.• Consolidate Victorian landfills.• Implement best practices at Victorian landfills.

STATUSFunding has been provided for all non-metropolitan regions to develop their Regional WasteManagement Plans. Infrastructure funding support has been approved for 56 projects to a valueof $1.9 million. A further $4 million of infrastructure funding support, for a large number ofproposals, is under consideration.

Best Practice Guide for Transfer Stations has been published, distributed and in use.A standard graphics package has been developed to support drop-off and recycling at transferstations.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Continue to fund infrastructure consistent with Regional Waste Management Plans.• Support implementation plans arising from the Packaging Covenant Kerbside Schedule

transitional arrangements.• Provide targeted infrastructure funding to specific identified needs in line with market

development strategies.• Establish a statewide network of drop-off facilities at transfer stations.• Establish permanent facilities for paint and oil disposal in Melbourne.• Provide Regional Waste Management Groups with information and systems to assist in

best practice facilities.

PROJECTS 1999/2000• Provide funding support for infrastructure in line with Regional Waste Management Plans.• Review Melbourne resource recovery and recycling, and provide funding where

appropriate.• Support the establishment of waste paint and oil drop-off facilities in Melbourne.• Support the installation of weighbridges at regional landfills.• Support the closure and rehabilitation of non-licensed landfills in accordance with

Regional Waste Management Plans.• Promote the materials drop-off network for household, commercial, industrial, and

construction and demolition waste.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES• Rationalisation of unsatisfactory landfills.• Measurement of waste diversion for sites that have received infrastructure funding.• Network of transfer stations with resource recovery programs that meet EcoRecycle best

practice standards.

RESOURCE RECOVERY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

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OUTCOMES 1999/2000• Continued upgrade and expansion of transfer stations and resource recovery sites.• Completion of over 30 infrastructure projects in 1999/2000 year.• $2.25 million to be spent on infrastructure development reducing the amount of waste

going to landfill.

STRATEGIES 2000-2002• Continuation of current programs.• Reduce funding levels in line with lower demand and reduced landfill levy income.


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OBJECTIVES• To achieve a demonstrated increase in community knowledge, and improved attitude and

practice in sustainable use of resources including waste avoidance, recycling, and litter management.

• To facilitate and encourage Regional Waste Management Groups, councils, and schools toimplement the Waste Wise Program.

STATUSThe Waste Wise Community and School Education Program has completed the first year of thethree-year plan. Waste Wise is being recognised by many environmental educators and wastemanagers around Australia as ‘the best in the country’ and ‘leading the way’.

The elements are:1. Regional and council-based Waste Wise Program2. Waste Wise Schools Program3. Education Centre Support Program

• 14 Regional Waste Management Group education plans are in place or under development.• 20 Councils have Waste Wise Education Strategies in place or under development.• 16 Regional Education Officers (REOs) are in place with up to another four to

be appointed.• 347 teachers have been trained in Waste Wise with demand exceeding places.• An estimated 265 schools are implementing Waste Wise programs.• Four joint initiatives run with Department of Education using its satellite TV network.• Engagement of the Melbourne Zoo’s three campuses to include Waste Wise elements in

student classes (approximate 120,000 students and 20,000 teachers and parents per annum), will promote Waste Wise to teachers.

• Generic portable education centre resources available to all 16 Regional Waste Management Groups.

• Two permanent Waste Wise sites supported at Gould League and Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies (CERES) education centres.

• Participation by 49,845 people in organised waste and litter programs at the Gould League and CERES.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Use the network of Regional Education Officers to promote and implement the EcoRecycle

Waste Wise Program, including statewide priorities as indicated in the Business Plan.• Establish a comprehensive network of education centres to promote the ‘How to’ of

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.• Utilise our website and other communications technologies as an effective means to

implement the Waste Wise Program.• Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the program and modify to ensure its continuing

relevance.

WASTE WISE EDUCATION

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PROJECTS 1999/2000Regional Waste Wise Program• Continue funding support for the Regional Education Officer Network (up to 20 positions).• Continue the community grants project funding.• Develop and implement REO training and networking opportunities.

Waste Wise Schools Program• Continue current schools Waste Wise project consultancy with the Gould League.• Continue to implement initiatives and promotions with the Department of Education

and others.

Education Centre Support Program• Support for Regional Education Centre Network and Gould League and CERES education

centres.• Provide support for strategically important Waste Wise education centres across Victoria.• Support the use of mobile education centre material in each region.

Website Development and Curriculum Distribution• Ongoing development of the education section on EcoRecycle’s Website.• Facilitate access to, and the distribution of, curriculum and other kit material to Waste

Wise registered educators.

Integration of Waste Wise Program• Ensure the Waste Wise Program effectively supports other EcoRecycle programs through

Regional and Council Waste Wise programs.• Facilitate training programs for Regional Education Officers.

Monitoring and Evaluation• Develop and implement appropriate instruments to monitor and evaluate behavioural

change in the community.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES• Number of Regional Education Plans adopted.• Number of REOs.• Number of Waste Wise Council Programs.• Number of Regional Community Networks.• Number of Waste Wise Events.• Schools introduced to and using Waste Wise Kit during 1999/2000.• Number of teachers trained in Waste Wise Program.• Number of support schools.• Number and location of Education Centres supported.• Qualitative measures of the impact of Waste Wise actions.

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OUTCOMES 1999/2000• Regional Education Plans developed and implemented, with the support from REOs, in all

16 Regions.• Measurable Waste Wise action at the local level.• Schools Program implemented under contract with a further 300 schools using the

schools kit.• A further four education centres supported with Waste Wise displays.• Website providing waste educators with ready access to Waste Wise

educational resources.• Evaluation process for impact of Regional / Council Waste Wise Programs developed and

being implemented.

STRATEGIES 2001-2002• Maintain the momentum for local implementation of Waste Wise where an increasing

number of councils, contractors, schools, businesses, community groups, and other organisations are in the first or second year of implementing their education strategies.

• Refine and continue support at a decreasing proportion for local implementation through the Regional / Council Based Program, Waste Wise Schools Program, and Education Centre Support Program.

• Continue monitoring and evaluation to track progress on behavioural change in thelocal community.


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OBJECTIVETo provide relevant, up-to-date, readily available information to assist all stakeholders inplanning and implementing programs and in influencing desired behavioural change.

STATUS• Produced and disseminated 49 publications to support the industry through promotions

and information, ‘Best Practice’ and ‘How to’ guides, industry research and trials, and industry data information.

• Over 34,000 visits were recorded on EcoRecycle’s Website.• Use of the Infoline grew with an average of 35 calls per day.• EcoRecycle seminars, briefings, workshops, and conferences achieved regular contact with

stakeholders, with 1,160 industry stakeholders attending various events throughout the year.

• Three EcoRecycle statewide media campaigns were conducted: Recycling is Worth the Effort, Do Your Bit - Butt ‘n’ Bin It, a series with Denise Drysdale, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

• Over 1,200 copies of the quarterly newsletter, EcoVoice, were circulated to stakeholders.• Eight editions of the EcoRecycle Bulletin were produced and distributed to stakeholders.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Use communications, liaison, marketing, and sponsorship activities to build effective

working relationships with all stakeholders.• Communicate effectively with Regional Waste Management Groups, and local government,

to market the services and support of EcoRecycle Victoria.• Provide relevant, up-to-date information to assist all stakeholders in planning and

implementing programs, and in influencing desired behavioural change.• Utilise appropriate information technologies such as e-mail and the Internet to ensure the

widespread availability of information.• Liaise with the media to provide information and advocacy in support of EcoRecycle

Victoria’s objectives.

PROJECTS 1999/2000Sponsorships and Business Awards• Implement a coordinated, centralised approach to sponsorships.• Continue the Keep Australia Beautiful program sponsorship and ensure benefits for

EcoRecycle throughout the year.• Provide major sponsorship and support for the International Solid Waste Association

Conference in Melbourne in 2003.• Review current sponsorship and awards program, and ensure that objectives and

outcomes are maximised.

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

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Stakeholder Workshops, Briefings, Seminars and Tours• Implement a coordinated schedule of workshops, seminars, conferences, and tours to

support key program priorities and address major issues across the organisation.• Build closer relations and greater understanding with stakeholders.

Multi-media Advertising Campaigns• Implement two major campaigns targeting home composting and litter.• Implement other media campaigns, as appropriate, to address key issues.• Assist the Regional Education Officer network to extend communication campaigns into

the local community.

Newsletters and Publications• Consolidate current EcoRecycle publications into one bi-monthly publication.

Media Relations• Implement an effective media program addressing priority issues including coverage in

trade, regional, and suburban media.

Promotional Material• Develop and make available to Regional Education Officers and others promotional

materials supporting waste reduction (at a cost where appropriate).

Website/lnfoline• Continue the current Website and Infoline services and promote appropriately.• Further develop the technology to ensure customer satisfaction, given the growing

demands on this service.

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES• Number of attendees at seminars and other EcoRecycle events.• Number of press releases sent.• Average number of articles achieved per release.• Number of reports published.• The number of Australian Website visits.• Number of Infoline contacts.

Others - Through Qualitative Research• Recollection of ad campaigns.• Perceived influence on behaviour.• Qualitative awareness of EcoRecycle programs.

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OUTCOMES 1999/2000• An enhanced profile for EcoRecycle Victoria.• Improved relationships with stakeholders.• Successful development and implementation of multi-media campaigns.• Timely production of core documents.• Readily accessible telephone information services.• Greater awareness and use of EcoRecycle website.• Improved stakeholder understanding of EcoRecycle initiatives.

STRATEGIES 2000-2002• Targeted Sponsorships.• Stakeholder workshops, briefings, seminars, and tours.• Multi-media advertising campaigns.• The Home Composting Program.• Newsletters and publications.• Effective media relations.• Promotional material supporting waste reduction.• Website/lnfoline.


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ObjectiveTo ensure that data is available to measure performance in meeting objectives and to providemanagement information to EcoRecycle Victoria and the waste management industry.

STATUS Landfill Data Waste to landfill data in Victoria has been gathered by EPA since 1992/93. Up to 1996/97, a splitin tonnages for ‘Municipal’ (ie Domestic) and ‘Other’ (ie Industry) waste was gathered, due todifferential rates in levies paid. Since 1997/98 this sectoral split in the data is no longer available.

Municipal Data Since 1993, the Beverage Industry Environment Council’s Recycling Audit & Garbage BinAnalysis has been the main source of data on domestic waste and recycling streams. The 1998BlEC/EcoRecycle survey was conducted in November 1998 and is due for release in August1999, however, the survey only provides data on the 30 metropolitan municipalities and can beinfluenced by the time of year in which the survey is conducted.

EcoRecycle Victoria has developed an electronic survey for the collection of annual data from all78 Victorian municipalities. The Municipal Survey will become the prime source of datacollection for the domestic waste generation and recycling sector.

Industry DataWaste generation and recycling surveys have been conducted to identify the composition ofwaste generated, materials recycled, and opportunities and barriers in the Supermarkets,Offices and Clothing Manufacturers sectors, and for benchmarking in the Food Outlets sector.

A major survey of building & demolition (B&D) waste at landfills has identified the major sourcesof B&D waste as 39.3% from the residential demolition sector, and 33.3% from the commercialdemolition sector. Since 1994, EcoRecycle Victoria has gathered annual data on materialsrecycled in Victoria. Data has also been sought on the prices of materials (ranges) during theperiod.

STRATEGIES 1999/2000• Targeted data collection to provide a measurement of EcoRecycle’s performance against

key performance indicators specified in the Business Plan.• EcoRecycle to provide a central ‘clearing house’ for data from municipal, regional, industry,

and its own sources.• Data collection to cover key industry waste sectors, domestic waste generation and

recycling, landfill disposal, diversion and recycling rates, as well as data on stakeholder attitudes and perceptions.

• Use data effectively as an advocacy tool in support of the objectives of EcoRecycle Victoria.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND DATA

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PROJECTS 1999/2000Landfill DataIn conjunction with EPA, implement the collection of waste disposal data via a WasteCategorisation System at landfills, reflecting the Australian Waste Database categories formaterial source (ie Municipal, Commercial & Industrial and Building & Demolition). Maintainthese records in digital form using computerised systems.

Municipal (Domestic) DataIn conjunction with Regional Waste Management Groups, continue to collect financial year dataon the services and costs of waste management in each municipality via the annual EcoRecycleSurvey of Municipalities.

Industry Data• Complete Motor Vehicle and Part Manufacturing Sector and Residential Demolition

surveys and waste reduction strategies.• Continue program of waste and recycling surveys and the development of waste reduction

strategies on a sector by sector basis in the commercial and industrial arena. Two ANZSIC sectors to be surveyed during 1999/2000: Accommodation and Electrical Equipment & Appliance Manufacturing.

• Continue the annual survey and publication of data on estimates of major categories of materials recycled.

Attitudes Surveys• Conduct community attitude surveys on priority issues, e.g. plastic shopping bags and

cigarette litter.

Key Performance Measures• Waste Categorisation System established and adopted by key landfill sites by the end of

1999/2000 financial year.• Annual Survey of Municipalities (seeking data for 1998/99 financial year) completed.• Waste Reduction Strategies developed for two ANZSIC sectors: Accommodation and

Electrical Equipment & Appliance Manufacturing, and completed for Motor Vehicle & Part Manufacturing and Residential Demolition sectors.

• Data gathered annually (financial year) by material category on estimates of materials recycled in Victoria, and gather pricing data quarterly.

• Regular reporting and monitoring of performance measurement data embedded via KPI database.

• Attitudinal surveys completed.

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OUTCOMES 1999/2000• Data collected to cover key industry waste sectors, domestic waste and recycling, landfill

disposal, diversion, and recycling rates.• Data from municipal survey developed to model different systems and yields, establish

benchmarks and trends, and provide an overview of waste management services throughout Victoria.

• Ongoing development of KPI database to report on progress against identified key performance indicators.

• Attitudinal data gathered to guide EcoRecycle’s communications strategy development.

STRATEGIES 2000/2002• Targeted data collection to provide a measurement of EcoRecycle’s performance against

key performance indicators specified in Business Plan.• To provide a central ‘clearing house’ for data from municipal, regional, industry, and its

own sources.• Data collection to cover key industry waste sectors, domestic waste generation and

recycling, landfill disposal, diversion and recycling rates, as well as data on stakeholder attitudes and perceptions.

NOTE: New projects are anticipated in this area as part of the National PackagingCovenant Kerbside Recycling Schedule, but are not defined or costed at this stage.

Level 4, 478 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002Telephone: 03 9639 3322 Facsimile: 03 9639 3077

Email: [email protected]

Recycling Infoline FreeCall 1800 35 32 33 (Victoria Only)

Documents

ECORECYCLE VICTORIA BUSINESS PLAN