Metro Waste News
March 2021

Dates for the diary

13 April – Sustainability Victoria Campaign Lab #3: Using behaviour change models to develop a campaign (for council officers). If you didn’t receive an invitation to previous labs, register your interest.
15 April – Metropolitan Local Government Waste Forum: Delivering change and reform
22 April – Earth Day

Metro news

Helping councils apply for funding

We provided councils with guidance and advice on how to write successful grant applications at the February meeting of our Local Government Waste Education Network. Thanks to representatives from the City of Monash and Cultivating Community Garden, who shared their experiences of successfully applying for project funding. The session was delivered as part of our role in supporting councils and community groups apply for the Recycling Victoria Councils and Community Funds.

MWRRG funded project recognised in National Plastics Plan

The Australian Government’s new National Plastics Plan has identified the role of industry engagement program Operation Clean Sweep® to help prevent plastics entering waterways. Between 2015-2017, our Litter Hotspots Program funded Tangaroa Blue Foundation to deliver Operation Clean Sweep® to prevent plastic resin pellets making their way into in Port Phillip Bay. Congratulations to Tangaroa Blue Foundation on the ongoing success of Operation Clean Sweep®, and its recognition in the National Plastics Plan.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day—held each year on 8 March—provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women working in waste and resource recovery at MWRRG, councils, industry and across government. To mark the occasion, we highlighted the achievements of some of the great women who work at MWRRG, as identified by their colleagues.

Read the profiles

Portfolio news

Victorian Government banning problematic single use plastics

Single use straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers, and cotton bud sticks will be banned from sale or supply in Victoria by February 2023. Find out more about the ban.

Find out what Victoria’s new environmental laws mean for you

In 2021, Victorians will see the biggest change in 50 years to our environment protection laws. A change that will help Environment Protection Authority Victoria prevent harm from pollution and waste for generations to come. Find out what our new laws mean for you.

Waste warriors

Michael Jansen, Manager Sustainability and Waste at the City of Casey

Passionate people make the world of waste go around. Each month, we profile a Waste Warrior – someone whose dedication to minimising waste and maximising resource recovery is helping make Melbourne a more sustainable and liveable place.

This month, Michael Jansen, Manager Sustainability and Waste at the City of Casey shares his experience of a pivotal moment in Victoria’s waste management history, and his hopes for an advanced waste processing solution to help address south east Melbourne’s landfill shortage.

Council spotlight

Cardinia’s compost corner showcases home composting systems

Cardinia Shire’s newest outdoor space at Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham is not only offering residents the opportunity to play and be active, but also to learn about home composting and worm farming.

Read about the compost corner

Do you have a council achievement you'd like to highlight? Email web.editor@mwrrg.vic.gov.au

Composting systems on display at Cardinia's new compost corner

Weird and wonderful waste news

Single use chopsticks given second life

A Canadian business is upcycling used chopsticks into new household items, ranging from desks to dominos.

Resource of the month

Food waste recycling images for councils

Nearly 100 food waste recycling images are available to help councils explain to residents how to recycle their food waste at home—in their green bin or home compost system. These images are available to all Victorian councils, and can be used for digital or print collateral, on your website or social. Contact Joshua Rule to access them today.

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

Reduce waste sent to landfill

Deliver community environmental & economic benefits

Increase organic waste recovered

Plan for Melbourne’s growing population

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Metro Waste News March 2021