Board Meeting: March 2014
Agenda Number: 12 (ix)
File Ref: EV0004
LORD HOWE ISLAND BOARD
Business Paper
ITEM
Waste Management Facility Performance and Future Program
BACKGROUND
The Lord Howe Island Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy was prepared in
March 1998 with funding provided by the NSW Government through the Waste Planning and
Management Fund Waste Reduction program. The strategy was adopted by the Board in
March 1998.
The Waste Strategy set an ambitious target to reduce combustible and putrescible waste by
86%. To achieve this target, a comprehensive approach was needed.
The implementation took two years, during which time extensive community engagement,
training and education occurred as this project was primarily about long-term community
behaviour change. The new waste program was officially launched in June 2000 and
attracted local, national and international media coverage.
The overall Lord Howe Island landfill diversion rate fell from a high of 90% in 2004-05 to a
low of just 57% in 2007-08, due to the lack of glass recovery. The glass recovery issue was
addressed in 2011 when a refurbished crusher was purchased and installed.
In 2010, a Status Report and Review of the Strategy was undertaken. The review made 48
recommendations to maximise resource recovery and minimise waste generation, treatment
and disposal through the use of economic instruments and community education.
CURRENT POSITION
Of the 48 recommendations from the 2010 review, 26 have been completed, 21 not
completed and 2 are no longer relevant.
For 2012/13, 86% of waste diversion from landfill was achieved, 20% more than the NSW
Government’s target and well above any other local government area in NSW. Based on
data until the end of January 2014, the running diversion rate for 2013/14 is 89%. The
attached charts show:
1. The improving trend in waste diversion from landfill since 2011/12.
2. The impact of a large amount of glass which was re-processed on the mainland in
late 2011/12 and early 2012/13.
3. The increased amount of compost waste for 2013/14 compared to previous years.
4. The reduced amount of landfill waste for 2013/14 compared to previous years.
5. The increased amount of material handled through the WMF in 2013/14, mostly
due to the re-processed glass exporting.
Page 1 of 2
These results are due to a combination of significant effort from the community and
businesses and the staff at the Waste Management Facility. To continue the improvement, a
target of 90% is proposed for the Board’s 2014-16 Corporate Plan which is under
development. Board staff intend to publicise this information through waste industry media
on the mainland and also at the WMF, the Tourism Association and the Board website.
The key infrastructure requirements at the WMF over the next 3 years are:
1. Concrete hardstand for the composting area to reduce environmental impact and
allow the production of a better quality compost.
2. A trommel screen to remove contaminants and oversized material from the
compost.
3. Replacement of the Vertical Composting Unit (VCU).
4. Improved community drop-off facilities for the storage and handling of difficult
materials such as fluorescent tubes, oils, chemicals, paints and e-waste.
To assist with the above infrastructure needs, there are a number of grant opportunities
under the NSW Government’s Waste Less Recycle More program which Board staff will be
pursuing over the next 2 or 3 years. The elements relevant to Lord Howe Island include:
1. Food waste avoidance education – Love Food Hate Waste.
2. Organics infrastructure
3. Community Recycling Centre Drop Offs
Some of these programs will require a 50% capital contribution from the Board.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board note the above information, particularly the excellent
landfill diversion rate of 86% for 2012/13.
Prepared Andrew Logan
Manager, Infrastructure & Engineering Services
Endorsed Penny Holloway
Chief Executive Officer
Page 2 of 2