Dates for the diary

• 5 November and 9 November — Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI) webinar: Implementing new packing instructions for road transport of mixed loads of batteries 
• 9-15 November — National Recycling Week  
• 3 December — Metropolitan Local Government Waste Forum meeting (rescheduled)  

Metro news

MWRRG guides councils to deliver recycling plans

All councils and alpine resorts across the state have submitted draft plans to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to show how they will transition their kerbside services to meet Recycling Victoria requirements.

MWRRG hosted online workshops, interpreted requirements for councils and provided support to ensure the development of the plans were completed on time.

Council workshops to inform statewide recycling procurement

Councils across Victoria participated in online workshops to help us understand their recycling services needs and infrastructure requirements as part of a statewide procurement project. Councils reported they want a procurement that delivered value, more competition and is fit for purpose.

Engagement helping tackle litter and illegal dumping challenges

Managing litter and illegal dumping around laneways and sports clubs has been challenging during venue closures. At our recent online Councils Litter Environment Action Network (CLEAN) meeting, waste officers shared their approach of working directly with building owners and waste contractors to deal with the issue. 

Attendees also learnt more about our new CLEAN Yammer network, an online space for members to tap into the education, enforcement, infrastructure and policy expertise of their peers between meetings.

Officers interested in joining CLEAN or CLEAN Yammer should email Program Coordinator Jess Hand, jess.hand@mwrrg.vic.gov.au.

Council spotlight

City of Wyndham takes Waste Watchers online

With restrictions in place across metropolitan Melbourne, councils have had to drastically change the way they deliver waste education programs to the community. For the City of Wyndham, this was an opportunity to take their successful Waste Watchers education program online and reach more residents than ever before.

Be informed

• The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and Planet Ark have launched Check It! Before You Chuck It—a consumer education campaign developed to remind Australians to look for the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on packaging and to follow its instructions to dispose of their packaging correctly. APCO have developed a range of campaign toolkits for government and industry stakeholders to support the campaign and encourage participation in the program. Find out more about the campaign and access the toolkits here.

• We welcome the news that Australia’s two largest household battery suppliers have committed to the Australian Battery Stewardship Scheme. Currently, around 16,650 tonnes of waste batteries (the equivalent of 810 million AA batteries), go to landfill every year. The commitment by battery manufacturers Duracell and Energizer is a great step to help address this challenging waste stream. Read more on the Battery Stewardship Council website.

Weird and wonderful waste news

Living coffin made from ‘nature’s recycler’ fungi fibres

A Dutch designer has developed a coffin made from mycelium — the mat of fibers that forms the underground part of fungi. The coffin will be absorbed back into the soil within six weeks of burial, enriching the area around it.

If you have a weird or wonderful waste news story to share, please email web.editor@mwrrg.vic.gov.au. 

Resource of the month

Buy Recycled Directory

Outdoor dining is a great opportunity for councils to use barriers and other infrastructure made from recycled materials. Try a product search on Sustainability Victoria’s Buy Recycled Directory to find the right recycled product for your council.

Stay tuned for our local government recycled procurement survey report for more information on opportunities for councils to increase their use of recycled products in infrastructure and urban design projects.

The Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Implementation Plan sets out four strategic objectives which underpin all of MWRRG’s activities:

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