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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
December 2014
Project Number TW14004
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page ii
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Talis Consultants Pty Ltd
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www.talisconsultants.com.au
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Interim Report (Pre
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TW14004 – Priorities Assessment
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Incorporating client
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TW14004 – Priorities Assessment
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Executive Summary
The Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission (PDC) are working in partnership to
assist with the advancement of waste management systems within the Pilbara. This partnership
continues earlier work undertaken by the Waste Authority.
The Waste Authority commissioned Talis Consultants Pty Ltd (Talis) to undertake a Waste Data Study for
the Pilbara Region and Shire of Broome (the Waste Data Study) with the objective of gathering data
on all key waste streams to:
Assist in infrastructure planning and policy;
Facilitate the advancement of waste management systems in the Pilbara and Shire of
Broome; and
Provide a framework for the future management of waste data.
The Waste Data Study report was released in July 2013.
Talis then prepared the Pilbara Waste Projections Model and assisted the Waste Authority and the
PDC to conduct a workshop with key stakeholders within the waste industry of the region including
generators, private waste service providers and local governments. The workshop considered the
outputs of the model and discussed what is needed to improve waste management in the Pilbara.
The Waste Projections Model was released in December 2013.
The objective of this study is to analyse the recorded and projected data to identify and assess
Priorities that warrant further consideration by the PDC and the Waste Authority. Priorities may include
specific waste streams, establishment of waste infrastructure or development of markets.
In order to identify Key Priorities, the following areas were investigated:
Peak waste streams ;
Problematic waste streams;
Waste infrastructure gaps; and
Market gaps.
Methodology
The following related data studies were reviewed as part of this study:
The Waste Data Study; and
The Pilbara Waste Projections Model.
To supplement the Waste Data Study and Pilbara Waste Projections Model, new data was gathered
from key waste generators including resource companies and local governments.
The Waste Data Study produced a Waste Classification System (WCS) which comprised the following
three levels:
Stream - three traditional waste streams of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial and
Industrial (C&I) waste and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste;
Sector - sector of the economy from which waste was generated; and
Material Type - describing the composition of the waste.
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
The same seven Sub-catchment Areas (SCA) used for the earlier studies were also used in this study
to reflect the key generation, treatment locations and waste flows within the Study Area.
Key waste generators including resource companies and local governments were consulted to
collect further data on peak and problematic waste in the Pilbara.
The following resource companies were consulted and gave insight into current waste practices,
issues faced by resource companies and their view on peak and problematic wastes:
BHP Billiton;
Chevron Australia;
Fortescue Metals Group;
Rio Tinto; and
Woodside.
Following these meetings, an Industry Roundtable was held to collectively discuss waste practices,
issues currently faced and further explain the Pilbara Priorities Assessment project.
Census Data was provided by the Department of Environment Regulation (DER) and calls were
placed to local governments to discuss their problematic wastes and identify issues faced by local
governments.
Data from the Waste Data Study was combined with new data acquired from resource companies
and local governments. This combined data was analysed and formed the Key Priorities waste
model for each SCA.
To accurately present mixed waste streams in their component parts, the collected data was
manipulated to create a hypothetical maximum feedstock for certain processing types. This was
done by examining previous characterisation studies and diversions being achieved elsewhere.
A workshop was held in Karratha on 29 July 2014 to present the initial findings of the Priorities
Assessment and seek input from stakeholders. The workshop was attended by representatives of the
PDC, Waste Authority, waste generators, waste processors, Local Governments and Talis.
Following presentations from the PDC, Waste Authority and Talis on the purpose of the study and the
outcomes of the data analysis, attendees at the workshop considered the following topics:
Stakeholder’s choice of top four priority opportunities;
Reasons for and against those priorities;
Key barriers/constraints/potential solutions/risks for the top four; and
Opportunities for collaboration.
Key Findings
A number of potential opportunities in the Pilbara have been identified in this study and can be
categorised as follows:
Infrastructure opportunities;
Market opportunities; and
Opportunities identified at the Karratha Workshop.
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Infrastructure Opportunities
Current waste facilities in the Pilbara consist mainly of landfills with one inert processing facility in
Karratha and one materials recovery facility in Newman. This study has identified several potential
opportunities for improvement of existing facilities or establishment of new facilities.
The following potential infrastructure opportunities are listed in Table E1 below.
Table E1: Potential infrastructure opportunities identified
Opportunity Opportunity
Inert processing facility in Port Hedland SCA or a
regional inert processing system
Development of Class III and IV landfill cells
Material recovery facility in Port Hedland Material recovery facility in Karratha
Joint dirty MRF facility in Karratha and Port Hedland
Joint dirty MRF facility in Newman and Tom
Price
Thermal disposal facility in Karratha Thermal disposal facility in Newman
Thermal treatment – WTE facility in Karratha or Port
Hedland
Thermal treatment – WTE facility in Newman
Bio remediation facility in Karratha Bio remediation facility in Port Hedland
Mobile plant for processing green waste across
SCAs
Market Opportunities
The Pilbara region lacks local markets for recycled products and is isolated from State, National and
International markets due to its location. This study has identified opportunities for improving access
to markets in Table E2 below.
Table E2: Potential market opportunities identified
Opportunity Opportunity
Development of a containerised port within the
Pilbara region
Development of local community resource
recovery parks
Development of transfer stations
Adoption of quality standards for local
recycled materials
Support from Government to use recycled materials
Government support for the purchase of
energy from WTE facilities
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
The above market opportunities could increase access to markets and improve the feasibility of
processing facilities in the Pilbara. These opportunities will diversify industry in the Pilbara whilst directly
and indirectly increasing employment.
Opportunities Identified at the Karratha Workshop
Attendees of the workshop initially identified a range of opportunities for improving waste
infrastructure and systems in the Pilbara based on the findings of the data analysis. The attendees
then voted to establish top four priorities for further discussions. The four priorities nominated for more
in-depth analysis by stakeholders are listed in Table E3 below.
Table E3: Votes received from stakeholders to select priorities for further discussion
Priority Votes
Tyres and conveyors 22
Class III and IV landfill cells 18
Regional approach to waste management 17
Inert reprocessing facility in Port Hedland 9
Attendees then split into four groups which brainstormed one of the priorities each and listed
solutions and key actions which could potentially shape waste management in the future. Table E4
below presents the key actions proposed by each group.
Table E4: Proposed key actions for opportunities identified at the Karratha Workshop
Opportunity Potential Solutions and Proposed Key Action
Tyres and conveyors
Determine and address data gaps
Recommend policy settings
Establish a working group to continue with the development of a
waste tyre strategy for the Pilbara
Class III and Class IV
landfill cells
Set improved common standards for landfills
Focus on economic viability
Collaboration between landfill operators and waste generators to
support the development of best practice landfill cells
Regional approach to
waste management
Continue to facilitate and where possible formalise collaboration
between government, local government, waste generators, waste
collectors and waste processers
Collaboration outside of waste industry – planning, power and water
providers
Raise profile of waste management
Define waste vision with stakeholders
Inert processing in Port
Hedland
Utilise the DER approved process and monitoring system to manage
the asbestos risk
Locate special sites nearby or integrate into the current landfill facility
Create a market for reprocessed products with local governments
and industry agreeing to use the products
Conduct a detailed feasibility study for inert processing in Port
Hedland
Consider seeking expressions of interest to establish a facility on a
suitable site made available for that purpose.
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Table of contents
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................... iii
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Objective ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Scope of the Report ................................................................................................................ 2
2 Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Waste Stream Data Analysis .................................................................................................... 3
Waste Classification System ................................................................................................ 3 2.1.1
Sub-catchment Areas ......................................................................................................... 4 2.1.2
Data Gathering from Generators ........................................................................................ 4 2.1.3
2.2 Data Consolidation Process .................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Workshop ................................................................................................................................. 5
2.4 Data Manipulation .................................................................................................................. 5
2.4.1 Assumptions ......................................................................................................................... 5
3 Peak Waste Streams .................................................................................................................. 6
4 Problematic Waste Streams..................................................................................................... 12
5 Analysis of Waste Streams ....................................................................................................... 17
5.1 Concrete ............................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Mixed Refuse ......................................................................................................................... 17
5.3 Clean Fill ................................................................................................................................ 18
5.4 Kerbside Refuse ..................................................................................................................... 19
5.5 Non-packaging - Ferrous Metals ........................................................................................... 19
5.6 Non-packaging – Mixed Metals ............................................................................................ 20
5.7 Rubber ................................................................................................................................... 20
Tyres ................................................................................................................................... 20 5.7.1
Conveyor belts .................................................................................................................. 21 5.7.2
5.8 Waste Oil ............................................................................................................................... 21
5.9 Oil/Water Mixtures .................................................................................................................. 22
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
5.10 Contaminated Soils ............................................................................................................... 22
5.11 Timber Railway Sleepers ........................................................................................................ 23
5.12 Mercury Contaminated Wastes ............................................................................................ 24
5.13 Oil Contaminated Solids ....................................................................................................... 24
5.14 Wooden Pallets ...................................................................................................................... 25
5.15 Electronic Waste .................................................................................................................... 25
5.16 Mattresses .............................................................................................................................. 26
6 Analysis of Infrastructure .......................................................................................................... 27
6.1 Inert Processing...................................................................................................................... 27
6.2 Materials Recovery Facility .................................................................................................... 28
6.3 Dirty MRF ................................................................................................................................ 29
6.4 Green waste .......................................................................................................................... 30
6.5 Specialist ............................................................................................................................... 31
6.6 Alternative Waste Treatment.................................................................................................. 31
6.7 Thermal Treatment ................................................................................................................ 32
Disposal ............................................................................................................................. 33 6.7.1
WTE .................................................................................................................................... 33 6.7.2
6.8 Bio Remediation .................................................................................................................... 35
6.9 Landfill ................................................................................................................................... 35
6.10 Opportunities Based on Feedstock ....................................................................................... 36
7 Analysis of Markets .................................................................................................................. 38
7.1 Summary of Key Findings ...................................................................................................... 38
8 Workshop Outcome ................................................................................................................. 41
8.1 Identification of Opportunities ............................................................................................... 41
8.2 Priority Opportunities and Actions .......................................................................................... 41
9 Key Findings............................................................................................................................. 43
9.1 Infrastructure Opportunities ................................................................................................... 43
9.2 Market Opportunity ................................................................................................................ 43
9.3 Opportunities Identified at the Karratha Workshop ............................................................... 44
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Tables
Table 1: Waste Generation Projections of Peak Material Types in each SCA for 2020 (tonnes)
Table 2: Waste Generation Projections of Peak Material Types in each SCA for 2035 (tonnes)
Table 3: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Karratha SCA for 2020 and
2035 (tonnes)
Table 4: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Newman SCA for 2020 and
2035 (tonnes)
Table 5: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Onslow SCA for 2020 and
2035 (tonnes)
Table 6: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Port Hedland SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Table 7: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Tom Price SCA for 2020 and
2035 (tonnes)
Table 8: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Remote East Pilbara SCA for
2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Table 9: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Waste Types in each SCA for 2020 (tonnes)
Table 10: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Waste Types in each SCA for 2035 (tonnes)
Table 11: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Karratha SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Table 12: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Newman SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Table 13: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Onslow SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Table 14: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Port Hedland SCA for
2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Table 15: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Tom Price SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Table 16: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Remote East Pilbara SCA
for 2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Table 17: Maximum available feedstock for Inert Processing Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on
existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 18: Hypothetical maximum available feedstock for Inert Processing Facilities (tonnes per
annum) and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 19: Maximum available feedstock for Material Recovery Facilities (tonnes per annum) based
on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Table 20: Hypothetical maximum available feedstock for Material Recovery Facilities (tonnes per
annum) and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 21: Maximum available feedstock for Dirty MRFs (tonnes per annum) based on existing waste
flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 22: Maximum available feedstock for Green Waste Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on
existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 23: Maximum available feedstock for Specialist Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on existing
waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 24: Maximum available feedstock for Alternative Waste Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on
existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 25: Hypothetical maximum available feedstock for Alternative Waste Facilities (tonnes per
annum) and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 26: Maximum available feedstock for Thermal Treatment - Disposal Facilities (tonnes per
annum) based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently
operating
Table 27: Maximum available feedstock for Thermal Treatment – Waste to Energy Facilities (tonnes
per annum) based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities
currently operating
Table 28: Hypothetical maximum available feedstock for Thermal Treatment – Waste to Energy
Facilities (tonnes per annum) and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 29: Maximum available feedstock for Bio Remediation Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on
existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 30: Maximum available feedstock for Landfill Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on existing
waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Table 32: Potential opportunities for waste infrastructure based on maximum available feedstock
Table 33: Products generated from processing facilities
Table 34: Location of markets for products generated from waste facilities
Table 35: Market influences for products generated from waste facilities
Table 36: Opportunities identified by stakeholders
Table 37: Votes received from stakeholders to select priority opportunities for further discussion
Table 38: Proposed key actions for priority opportunities identified at the Karratha Workshop
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page xi
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Appendices
Appendix A: Waste Classification System
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
1 Introduction
The Waste Authority has recognised that the existing waste management systems within the Pilbara
region may struggle to deal with future growth in the resource industry and achieve sustainable
outcomes. The Waste Authority commissioned Talis Consultants Pty Ltd (Talis) to undertake a Waste
Data Study for the Pilbara Region and Shire of Broome (the Waste Data Study) with the objective of
gathering data on all key waste streams to:
Assist in infrastructure planning and policy;
Facilitate the advancement of waste management systems in the Pilbara and Shire of
Broome; and
Provide a framework for the future management of waste data.
As part of the Waste Data Study, data was collected on the generation, collection and treatment of
the three key waste streams, namely Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial and Industrial (C&I)
waste and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. The Waste Data Study report was released in
July 2013.
The Waste Authority is now working in partnership with the Pilbara Development Commission (PDC) to
continue to assist with the advancement of waste management systems within the Pilbara. As part
of this process, Talis released the Pilbara Waste Projections Model in November 2013 and assisted
the Waste Authority and the PDC to conduct a workshop with key stakeholders within the waste
industry of the region including generators, private waste service providers and local governments on
7 November 2013. The workshop considered the outputs of the model and discussed what is
needed to improve waste management in the Pilbara. The final report from this phase of the project
and the Model were released in December 2013.
As part of the next step in advancing waste management in the Pilbara, Talis has undertaken a study
to analyse the recorded and projected data to identify and assess Key Priorities that warrant further
consideration by the PDC and the Waste Authority.
In order to identify Key Priorities, the following areas were investigated as part of this study:
Peak waste streams ;
Problematic waste streams;
Waste infrastructure gaps; and
Market gaps.
It should be noted that these Key Priorities have been identified due to the potential to do more with
these particular waste streams. However, they could also form an important basis of improved
systems and facilities, and so create opportunities for advancing the waste management systems of
the Pilbara.
1.1 Objective
The objective of this study is to analyse the recorded and projected data to identify and assess
Priorities that warrant further consideration by the PDC and the Waste Authority. Priorities may include
specific waste streams, establishment of waste infrastructure or development of markets.
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1.2 Scope of the Report
This report has been prepared to summarise the works, key findings and recommendations arising
from the Pilbara Priorities Assessment. This report will give detail to:
Methodology;
Peak Waste Streams;
Problematic Waste Streams;
Analysis of Waste Stream Priorities;
Analysis of Waste Infrastructure;
Analysis of Markets; and
Workshop Outcomes.
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
2 Methodology
The following section outlines the methodology utilised to complete the study including updating of
data and data analysis, consultation and the workshop.
2.1 Waste Stream Data Analysis
The following related data studies were reviewed as part of this study:
The Waste Data Study; and
Pilbara Waste Projections Model.
To supplement the Waste Data Study and Pilbara Waste Projections Model, new data was gathered
from key waste generators including resource companies and local governments.
Waste Classification System 2.1.1
To assist in data gathering and reporting as part of the Waste Data Study, Talis developed a Waste
Classification System (WCS) which consisted of a three-level coding system. Each waste material
was classified by:
Waste Stream – Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial & Industry (C&I) or Construction &
Demolition (C&D);
Sector – Sector of the economy within which the waste was generated (e.g. Sector 1 –
Domestic, Sector 2 – Mining, Sector 5 – Petroleum and natural gas processing); and
Material Type – Composition of the waste.
Waste Streams utilised in the Waste Data Study and used in the Pilbara Waste Projections Model can
be described as:
MSW – Residential waste typically managed by local government including kerbside or
verge collections, drop off waste, waste from public places, incidental commercial waste
collected via residential kerbside collection;
C&I – Waste generated from, or as a direct result of, commercial and industrial activities,
and that is not MSW or C&D waste; and
C&D – Materials generated as a result of construction, refurbishment or demolition activities.
Each Material Type was allocated a Material Code within the range of 101-899. For ease of use, the
Material Types were grouped into the following series:
100 series – Controlled Wastes (listed in the Department of Environment Regulation’s
Controlled Waste Guideline Series);
200 series – Other Hazardous;
300 series – Local Government Services;
400 series – Biodegradable;
500 series – Packaging;
600 series – Inert and Similar;
700 series – Liquid/Solids (not Controlled Waste); and
800 series – Wastes not otherwise specified.
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The use of the WCS was adopted for the Pilbara Waste Projections Model, and is consequently used
as part of this most recent data analysis.
Sub-catchment Areas 2.1.2
In addition to the WCS the previous studies have utilised the use of Sub-catchment Areas (SCAs)
within the Pilbara region. The development of the Sub-catchment Areas was based on the following
criteria:
Major population centres including a surrounding 100km radius; and
Groupings of isolated waste generation sources.
In addition to identifying the key areas of waste generation, the amalgamation of information into
the Sub-catchment Areas ensures the anonymity of the data provided by Study participants. The
following Sub-catchment Areas were used in the previous data studies:
Port Hedland Sub-catchment Area;
Karratha Sub-catchment Area;
Onslow Sub-catchment Area;
Tom Price Sub-catchment Area;
Newman Sub-catchment Area; and
Remote East Pilbara Sub-catchment Area.
As a consequence of SCAs being used in both previous waste data studies, their use has been
continued as part of the data analysis for this study.
Data Gathering from Generators 2.1.3
To collect further data on peak and problematic waste in the Pilbara, key waste generators including
resource companies and local governments were consulted.
A series of face to face meetings were held with resources companies based in Perth. As a part of
this process Talis consulted with the following resource companies:
BHP Billiton;
Chevron Australia;
Fortescue Metals Group;
Rio Tinto; and
Woodside.
These meetings were used to discuss the findings of the previous Waste Data Study and Pilbara
Waste Projections Model. Resource companies also gave insight into current waste practices, issues
faced by resource companies and their view on peak and problematic wastes.
Following from these meetings, an Industry Roundtable was held to collectively discuss waste
practices, issues currently faced and further explain the Pilbara Priorities Assessment project.
Correspondence requesting current data was sent to resource companies for compilation and
comparison with the previous Waste Data Study and Pilbara Projection Model.
Census Data was provided by the Department of Environment Regulation (DER) and calls were
placed to local governments to discuss their problematic wastes and identify issues faced by local
governments.
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
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2.2 Data Consolidation Process
For this study, data from the Waste Data Study and Pilbara Projections Model was combined with
new data acquired from resource companies and local governments. This combined data was
analysed and formed the Key Priorities waste model for each SCA.
2.3 Workshop
A workshop was held in Karratha on 29 July 2014 to present the initial findings of the Priorities
Assessment and seek input from stakeholders. The workshop was attended by representatives of the
PDC, Waste Authority, waste generators, waste processors, Local Governments and Talis.
The workshop was facilitated by Best Business Consulting and featured future visioning of the waste
management in the Pilbara with presentations by representatives of the PDC, Waste Authority and
Talis. Feedback provided by stakeholders attending the workshop has been incorporated into
Section 8 of this report.
2.4 Data Manipulation
After data was collected and consolidated, further manipulation was undertaken to produce the
hypothetical maximum tonnes. The hypothetical maximum manipulation was completed to give an
accurate representation of the composition of the recorded mixed waste streams. Previous waste
characterisation studies were reviewed to provide guidance on the anticipated composition of
common mixed waste streams such as mixed refuse, kerbside refuse and verge-side hard waste.
Where waste infrastructure was already operating in the Pilbara regions, diversion of the existing
facility in one sub-catchment was used as a guide for hypothetical diversion in another sub-
catchment. The following reports were reviewed as a part of this process:
A. Prince Consulting – Waste Stream Audit and Analysis for the Eastern Metropolitan Regional
Council (2004);
Department of Environment Regulation – Local Government Census data 2012/13 (2013);
Hofstede & Associates – Tamala Park Landfill – Mixed Bulky Waste Audit (2009);
Hofstede & Associates – Recycling Centre of Balcatta – Commercial Mixed Bulky Waste Audit
(2009);
Cardno – Geraldton MRF Development (2009); and
Southern Metropolitan Regional Council – Developing Strategies to Achieve Maximum
Recovery of Wastes (2011).
2.4.1 Assumptions
In order to manipulate the existing data to create the hypothetical maximum amount available for
each process type the following assumptions were made:
Recovery of materials through source separation does not recover all the available material
in the waste stream;
Differing generation sources have differing disposal behaviours effecting separation rates;
Reasonable investment in source separation systems can be made; and
Diversions achieved in other sub-catchments of the Pilbara and wider Western Australia
could be achieved all over the Pilbara region.
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PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
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3 Peak Waste Streams
The Waste Data Study identified the top ten material types (based on annual quantities generated)
within each SCA. These top ten materials were utilised in this report as the peak waste materials for
each SCA. It should be noted that the total waste quantities for the Pilbara as a whole, shown in the
following tables, do not equal the sum of the sub catchment areas due to different growth rates that
apply to the individual sub catchments which do not accurately correlate to the overall Pilbara
growth rate.
Table 1 presents the projected peak waste streams within the Pilbara region for 2020.
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page 7
Table 1: Waste Generation Projections of Peak Material Types in each SCA for 2020 (tonnes)
Material Code
Material Type Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East Pilbara
Total
602 Concrete 184,236 305 - - - 32 184,928
801 Mixed refuse 24,210 43,099 2,798 35,305 32,161 3,661 134,031
601 Mixed building rubble 37,760 15,316 9,225 69,692 9,428 - 133,889
613 Clean fill 43,759 - - 36,160 - - 79,615
302 Kerbside refuse 10,387 10,386 559 19,019 2,624 - 40,674
611 Rubbers – mixed and tyres 274 5,926 86 3,151 8,721 4,617 30,401
617 Ferrous metals (non-packaging) 19,032 7,188 183 224 2,326 1,513 29,888
619 Mixed metals (non-packaging) 5,482 2,652 - 20,509 265 4 27,029
209 Contaminated soil- Hydrocarbon 7,189 5,710 368 11,352 407 579 24,281
215 Waste oil 2,989 8,644 1,247 680 4,341 746 17,817
403 Mixed organics 1,848 7,034 157 559 1,137 1,274 11,451
106 Contaminated soils - misc. 11,224 - - - - - 11,247
622 Mixed inert 1,710 8,588 - 94 840 - 10,728
703 Sludges 1,262 9,569 - 1 - - 10,326
125 Oil sludges 259 4,229 178 377 1,483 930 7,062
183 Waste tyres 1,563 3,106 54 1,363 116 378 6,271
401 Food waste 4,615 - 1,220 - - - 5,790
308 Public place refuse 566 675 130 1,256 1,282 - 3,697
501 Mixed paper and cardboard 835 445 13 1,462 241 39 2,873
131 Engine coolants 73 1,394 135 179 48 409 2,116
126 Waste mineral oils - - - - - 1,871 1,759
TOTAL 359,273 134,266 16,353 201,383 65,420 16,053
Table 2 presents the projected peak waste streams within the Pilbara region for 2035.
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page 8
Table 2: Waste Generation Projections of Peak Material Types in each SCA for 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code
Material Type Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East Pilbara
Total
602 Concrete 299,434 554 - - - 59 301,780
601 Mixed building rubble 61,370 27,875 16,477 135,794 17,066 - 218,490
801 Mixed refuse 39,348 78,437 4,998 38,791 58,218 6,762 218,723
613 Clean fill 71,121 0 - 70,458 - - 129,923
302 Kerbside refuse 16,882 18,903 998 37,058 4,750 - 66,375
617 Ferrous metals (non-packaging) 30,932 13,083 326 437 4,210 2,794 48,773
619 Mixed metals (non-packaging) 8,910 4,826 - 39,961 480 7 44,108
209 Contaminated soil- Hydrocarbon 11,684 10,392 656 22,119 736 1,069 39,623
611 Rubbers - mixed 446 10,786 153 6,140 15,786 8,527 39,361
215 Waste oil 4,857 15,732 2,227 1,326 7,857 1,377 29,075
403 Mixed organics 3,003 12,801 280 1,090 2,059 2,353 18,687
106 Contaminated soils - misc. 18,242 0 - - - - 18,353
622 Mixed inert 2,780 15,629 - 182 1,520 - 17,507
703 Sludges 2,051 17,415 - 1 - - 16,851
125 Oil sludges 422 7,697 317 734 2,685 1,718 11,525
183 Waste tyres 2,540 5,653 96 2,655 211 697 10,234
401 Food waste 7,500 0 2,179 - - - 9,449
308 Public place refuse 920 1,228 233 2,448 2,320 - 6,033
501 Mixed paper and cardboard 1,357 810 23 2,848 436 71 4,688
131 Engine coolants 119 2,537 241 349 87 756 3,454
126 Waste mineral oils 0 0 - - - 3,456 2,870
TOTAL 583,918 244,358 29,204 362,391 118,421 29,646
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page 9
December 2014 | Page 9
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
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Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Table 3 presents the projected peak waste streams within the Karratha SCA for 2020 and 2035.
Table 3: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Karratha SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code
Material Type 2020 2035
602 Concrete 184,236 299,434
613 Clean fill 43,759 71,121
601 Mixed building rubble 37,760 61,370
801 Mixed Refuse 24,210 39,348
617 Ferrous Metals (non-packaging) 19,032 30,932
106
Solid/Sludge Waste Requiring Special
Handling - Contaminated soils 11,224 18,242
302 Kerbside refuse 10,387 16,882
209 Contaminated Soil- Hydrocarbon 7,189 11,684
619 Mixed Metals (non-packaging) 5,482 8,910
401 Food waste 4,615 7,500
TOTAL 347,894 565,423
Table 4 presents the projected peak waste streams within the Newman SCA for 2020 and 2035.
Table 4: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Newman SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code
Material Type 2020 2035
801 Mixed Refuse 43,099 78,437
601 Mixed building rubble 15,316 27,875
302 Kerbside refuse 10,386 18,903
703 Sludges 9,569 17,415
215 Waste Oil 8,644 15,732
622 Mixed Inert 8,588 15,629
617 Ferrous Metals (non-packaging) 7,188 13,083
403 Mixed organics 7,034 12,801
611 Rubbers - other 5,926 10,786
209 Contaminated Soil- Hydrocarbon 5,710 10,392
TOTAL 121,461 221,052
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page 10
December 2014 | Page 10
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Table 5 presents the projected peak waste streams within the Onslow SCA for 2020 and 2035.
Table 5: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Onslow SCA for 2020 and
2035 (tonnes)
Material Code
Material Type 2020 2035
601 Mixed building rubble 9,225 16,477
801 Mixed Refuse 2,798 4,998
217 Hydrocarbon Contaminated Materials 1,446 2,583
215 Waste Oil 1,247 2,227
401 Food waste 1,220 2,179
302 Kerbside refuse 559 998
209 Contaminated Soil- Hydrocarbon 368 656
161 Inorganic chemicals - Mercury 354 633
617 Ferrous Metals (non-packaging) 183 326
125
Oils and Emulsions - Oil sludges ie. Plate
separators 178 317
TOTAL 17,577 31,395
Table 6 presents the projected peak waste streams within the Port Hedland SCA for 2020 and 2035.
Table 6: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Port Hedland SCA for
2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code
Material Type 2020 2035
601 Mixed building rubble 69,692 135,794
613 Clean fill 36,160 70,458
801 Mixed Refuse 35,305 68,791
619 Mixed Metals (non-packaging) 20,509 39,961
302 Kerbside refuse 19,019 37,058
209 Contaminated Soil- Hydrocarbon 11,352 22,119
611 Rubbers - other 3,151 6,140
501 Mixed Paper and Cardboard 1,462 2,848
183 Miscellaneous - Waste tyres 1,363 2,655
308 Public place refuse 1,256 2,448
TOTAL 199,269 388,273
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page 11
December 2014 | Page 11
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
Table 7 presents the projected peak waste streams within the Tom Price SCA for 2020 and 2035.
Table 7: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Tom Price SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code
Material Type 2020 2035
801 Mixed Refuse 32,161 58,218
601 Mixed building rubble 9,428 17,066
611 Rubbers - other 8,721 15,786
215 Waste Oil 4,341 7,857
302 Kerbside refuse 2,624 4,750
617 Ferrous Metals (non-packaging) 2,326 4,210
125
Oils and Emulsions - Oil sludges i.e. Plate
separators 1,483 2,685
308 Public place refuse 1,282 2,320
403 Mixed organics 1,137 2,059
622 Mixed Inert 840 1,520
TOTAL 64,341 116,471
Table 8 presents the projected peak waste streams within the Remote East Pilbara SCA for 2020 and
2035.
Table 8: Waste Generation Projections of Top Ten Material Types in the Remote East Pilbara SCA
for 2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code
Material Type 2020 2035
611 Rubbers - other 4,617 8,527
801 Mixed Refuse 3,661 6,762
126
Oils and Emulsions - Waste mineral oils unfit
for their originally intended use 1,871 3,456
617 Ferrous Metals (non-packaging) 1,513 2,794
403 Mixed organics 1,274 2,353
125
Oils and Emulsions - Oil sludges i.e. Plate
separators 930 1,718
215 Waste Oil 746 1,377
209 Contaminated Soil- Hydrocarbon 579 1,069
131 Other Organic Chemicals - Engine Coolants 409 756
183 Miscellaneous - Waste tyres 378 697
TOTAL 15,977 29,508
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Priorities Assessment Report
Prepared for the Waste Authority and the Pilbara Development Commission
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page 12
4 Problematic Waste Streams
Problematic waste materials were recognised based on the knowledge gained from conducting the previous waste data studies and awareness of
available treatment options in the Pilbara. Consultation with resource companies and Local Governments was also undertaken to further discuss the
problematic wastes and the current treatment or disposal methods.
Table 9 presents the problematic waste types generated in 2020 in each SCA.
Table 9: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Waste Types in each SCA for 2020 (tonnes)
Material Code
Problematic Waste Type Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
299 Timber Railway Sleepers 2,377 - - 58,560 - - 60,937
183&611 Rubber 1,837 9,032 139 4,514 8,837 4,994 30,391
215 Waste Oil 2,989 8,644 1,247 680 4,341 746 17,817
106 Contaminated Soils 11,224 - - - - - 11,247
404&405 Wooden Pallets 3,223 3,381 - 1 - 35 6,465
217 Oil Contaminated Solids 1,276 2,645 1,446 103 775 192 6,175
124 Oil/Water Mixtures 356 575 20 82 168 102 1,251
161 Mercury Contaminated Wastes 233 - 354 - - - 572
201 E-waste 9 4 - - - - 12
PILBARA WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
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TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d December 2014 | Page 13
Table 10 presents the problematic waste material types identified for the Pilbara region in 2035.
Table 10: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Waste Types in each SCA for 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code
Problematic Waste Type Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
299 Timber Railway Sleepers 2,377 - 58,560 - - - 60,937
183&611 Rubber 2,986 16,438 249 8,795 15,997 9,224 49,595
215 Waste Oil 4,857 15,732 2,227 1,326 7,857 1,377 29,075
106 Contaminated Soils 18,242 - - - - - 18,353
404&405 Wooden Pallets 5,238 6,154 - 2 - 65 10,550
217 Oil Contaminated Solids 2,074 4,813 2,583 201 1,402 355 10,077
124 Oil/Water Mixtures 579 1,047 35 159 305 188 2,041
161 Mercury Contaminated Wastes 379 - 633 - - - 934
201 E-waste 14 6 - - - - 20
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Table 11 presents the projected problematic waste streams within the Karratha SCA for 2020 and
2035.
Table 11: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Karratha SCA for
2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code Material Type 2020 2035
183&611 Rubber 1,837 2,986
215 Waste Oil 2,989 4,857
124 Oil/Water Mixtures 356 579
106 Contaminated Soils 11,224 18,242
299 Timber Railway Sleepers 2,377 2,377
161 Mercury Contaminated Wastes 233 379
217 Oil Contaminated Solids 1,276 2,074
404&405 Wooden Pallets 3,223 5,238
201 E-waste 9 14
TOTAL 23,524 36,746
Table 12 presents the projected problematic waste streams within the Newman SCA for 2020 and
2035.
Table 12: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Newman SCA for
2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code Material Type 2020 2035
183&611 Rubber 9,032 16,438
215 Waste Oil 8,644 15,732
124 Oil/Water Mixtures 575 1,047
106 Contaminated Soils - -
299 Timber Railway Sleepers
161 Mercury Contaminated Wastes - -
217 Oil Contaminated Solids 2,645 4,813
404&405 Wooden Pallets 3,381 6,154
201 E-waste 4 6
TOTAL 24,281 44,190
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Table 13 presents the projected problematic waste streams within the Onslow SCA for 2020 and
2035.
Table 13: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Onslow SCA for 2020
and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code Material Type 2020 2035
183&611 Rubber 139 249
215 Waste Oil 1,247 2,227
124 Oil/Water Mixtures 20 35
106 Contaminated Soils - -
299 Timber Railway Sleepers - -
161 Mercury Contaminated Wastes 354 663
217 Oil Contaminated Solids 1,446 2,583
404&405 Wooden Pallets - -
201 E-waste - -
TOTAL 3,206 5,757
Table 14 presents the projected problematic waste streams within the Port Hedland SCA for 2020
and 2035.
Table 14: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Port Hedland SCA
for 2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code Material Type 2020 2035
183&611 Rubber 4,514 8,795
215 Waste Oil 680 1,326
124 Oil/Water Mixtures 82 159
106 Contaminated Soils - -
299 Timber Railway Sleepers 58,560 58,560
161 Mercury Contaminated Wastes - -
217 Oil Contaminated Solids 103 201
404&405 Wooden Pallets 1 2
201 E-waste - -
TOTAL 63,940 69,043
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d
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Table 15 presents the projected problematic waste streams within the Tom Price SCA for 2020 and
2035.
Table 15: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Tom Price SCA for
2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code Material Type 2020 2035
183&611 Rubber 8,837 15,997
215 Waste Oil 4,341 7,857
124 Oil/Water Mixtures 168 305
106 Contaminated Soils - -
299 Timber Railway Sleepers
161 Mercury Contaminated Wastes - -
217 Oil Contaminated Solids 775 1,402
404&405 Wooden Pallets - -
201 E-waste - -
TOTAL 14,121 25,561
Table 16 presents the projected problematic waste streams within the Remote East Pilbara SCA for
2020 and 2035.
Table 16: Waste Generation Projections of Problematic Material Types in the Remote East Pilbara
SCA for 2020 and 2035 (tonnes)
Material Code Material Type 2020 2035
183&611 Rubber 4,994 9,224
215 Waste Oil 746 1,377
124 Oil/Water Mixtures 102 188
106 Contaminated Soils - -
299 Timber Railway Sleepers
161 Mercury Contaminated Wastes - -
217 Oil Contaminated Solids 192 355
404&405 Wooden Pallets 35 65
201 E-waste - -
TOTAL 6,069 11,209
TW14004 - Pilbara Priorities Assessment.1d
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5 Analysis of Waste Streams Peak and problematic waste life cycles were analysed including generation sources, collection
systems, treatment methods and markets. Each waste type was investigated and consideration
was given to complimentary processing across waste types or processing already being undertaken
in the Pilbara. Generation profiles were also considered with many problematic wastes being
generated sporadically when maintenance is performed in the resource industry.
5.1 Concrete
Generation
Concrete is primarily used in the construction industry and mainly becomes a waste product during
demolition or from over supply. Concrete waste is typically generated during construction or
demolition phases of infrastructure and buildings. Concrete waste generation is therefore linked to
redevelopment works or the start-up phase of large resource projects in the Pilbara region. Once
projects become operational the amount of concrete waste generated is normally reduced.
Treatment – current
There is a C&D processing facility in Karratha which processes concrete waste generated mainly
from within the Karratha SCA. Outside of Karratha there is a significant volume of concrete landfilled
due to limited recycling opportunities.
Treatment – potential
Clean concrete, including reinforcement steel bars, is readily recyclable through crushing and
screening operations. The actual machinery to be used depends on the final recycled product.
Additional crushing or screening may be required to achieve the desirable size of materials for
particular products. Additional processes and crushing is required if concrete waste has
reinforcement steel bars embedded. The reinforcement steel bars can be separated and then sold
as scrap ferrous metal. As shown previously, approximately 184,928 tonnes of this material is
estimated to be generated across the Pilbara region per annum in 2020. Given the quantities of this
material and the mixed building rubble predicted in the Port Hedland SCA in 2020 there is a
potential opportunity for inert processing being expanded in the Pilbara, either through a new facility
to be built in the Port Hedland SCA or by using a mobile facility. These options could increase and
diversify employment in the SCA and divert this material from landfill back into the building and
construction industry.
Markets
Markets for recycled concrete are typically within the construction industry for use as aggregates,
sand, road base, fill and reuse in concrete batching plants. Markets for material generated from
concrete recycling are likely to be local as the product has low value making transportation of
recycled product over long distances uneconomical.
5.2 Mixed Refuse
Generation
Mixed refuse is generated from various sources from all three sectors MSW, C&I and C&D. These can
be refuse collections from residential or commercial buildings or self-hauled from large commercial,
construction and domestic generators.
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Treatment – current
This waste is currently disposed of to landfill across the Pilbara.
Treatment – potential
Mixed refuse can be:
Source separated for recycling;
Processed in a Dirty MRF to recover materials of value; and
Alternative Waste Treatment (AWT) or Thermal Treatment to recover materials and/or energy.
Mixed refuse could be suitable for AWT including thermal treatment but these treatment options can
require significant tonnage to make a facility viable without external economic drivers or rewards.
Assembling tonnes for treatment in Thermal Processing is advantageous in regions where a facility of
this type is located. In areas where Thermal Processing is not readily available and transport costs
reduce the feasibility of transporting long distances, this material could be processed in a Dirty MRF
to recover recyclable materials, with the residual material sent to landfill or thermal treatment.
Processing of this waste before disposal will reduce the volume sent to landfill, increase employment
and meet the Waste Diversion Targets in the Pilbara.
Markets
Depending on the process type employed, the products generated can vary. The products from
source separation including metals, plastics, paper, cardboard and potentially glass which can be
sent on to recyclers for further processing. Processing in a Dirty MRF could potentially provide similar
products as source separation with the addition of soil improver if separated green waste is further
processed. The soil improver has a limited domestic market and is more suited to use on broad
acre farming or rehabilitation of areas affected by civil engineering works.
5.3 Clean Fill
Generation
Clean fill is generated during earthworks where removal of excess soil is required. For material to be
described as clean fill it needs to be free of contaminants not found naturally in the soil.
Treatment – current
Clean fill generated is currently landfilled or used as daily cover in landfill operations in the Pilbara.
Treatment – potential
Clean fill can be used in construction to level ground, fill voids, backfill and as daily cover for landfill
operations. Temporal difference between generation and reuse can be a barrier to reusing this
material. If a suitable location is not available to stockpile clean fill then this material may be taken
to landfill and possibly used as cover material. Some clean fill will require processing to remove
contaminants in order to meet reuse specifications. Contamination in clean fill ranges from organic
matter to inert materials (bricks, concrete and rubble) to hydrocarbons or chemicals. Removal of
organics and inert material can be achieved in a number of ways including screening. Removal or
treatment of hydrocarbons and chemicals depends on the type of contaminant and their
concentration.
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Markets
Recycled clean fill is valuable to the construction industry as fill material. Markets for recycled clean
fill are likely to be local as long distances can make transporting recycled product uneconomical.
There is a large volume of this material in the Port Hedland SCA which could be combined with
mixed building rubble to create an opportunity for an inert processing facility in the Port Hedland
SCA.
5.4 Kerbside Refuse
Generation
Properties within the main population nodes of the Pilbara receive kerbside refuse services to dispose
of their waste. Kerbside services are provided by the Local Governments or their contractors or in
combination. These collections are generally weekly and utilise 240L Mobile Garbage Bins.
Treatment – current
The material collected through kerbside services is classified as putrescible and is currently disposed
of in local landfills.
Treatment – potential
Kerbside refuse is suitable for source separation of recyclables, processing in a Dirty MRF to separate
recyclables and AWT or Thermal Treatment to recover materials and/or energy. Large capital and
operating costs associated with AWT or Thermal Treatment facilities makes adopting these processes
economically challenging in regional areas. To be viable, facilities would require amalgamation of
Kerbside Refuse tonnages across several SCA which can also have significant transportation costs.
In some instances processing this material through a Dirty MRF is more viable as the costs associated
are much lower. Materials such as organics and recyclables are separated for further processing
and the residual waste can be sent to landfill for disposal. This can reduce the volume of material
going to landfill whilst employing more people than landfill operations alone.
Markets
Access to markets for recyclables is a key issue to the viability of treatment of these wastes.
Recyclables need to be transported by road to the Perth Metropolitan area as there is no container
port in the Pilbara region to send recyclables to overseas processors.
5.5 Non-packaging - Ferrous Metals
Generation
Ferrous metals are generated from waste streams including C&D, C&I and MSW. Ferrous metals can
be present in other waste types, such as reinforced concrete, or as a clean waste stream.
Treatment – current
Recycling ferrous metals is largely dependent on adequate access to markets. Currently scrap
ferrous metals collected in the Pilbara are sent to Perth where they are on sent to overseas markets.
Recovery of ferrous metals from mixed wastes can be achieved by using magnetic separators
providing the individual ferrous metal pieces are not too large. This material is readily recycled in the
region with services provided by various recycling companies.
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Markets
Development of a containerised port in the Pilbara would significantly boost the access of recyclers
to markets for their products, though this is not currently seen as a barrier for recycling ferrous metals,
but as an opportunity to expand current market opportunities and reduce transport costs.
5.6 Non-packaging – Mixed Metals
Generation
Mixed metals are generated as scrap metal from all sectors.
Treatment – current
Mixed metals are similar in nature to ferrous metals but have an increased difficulty when separating
from a mixed waste stream. Removal of mixed metals from a mixed waste stream is generally
achieved by hand sorting however mechanical systems of magnetic and eddie current separators
can be used for lower density items such as aluminium cans. The metals are then sold as a mixed
product for further separation into base metals. This step is usually completed overseas where
processing costs are lower.
Markets
Access to overseas markets for further reprocessing is seen as a barrier to recycling this material in
the Pilbara. Currently to access these markets, material is required to be sent to Perth where it is
containerised and sent overseas. Freight to Perth to recycle this material could be cost prohibitive
depending on the international metal prices. Development of a containerised port in the Pilbara
region could lower freight costs and make recycling mixed metals more economically viable.
5.7 Rubber
For the purpose of this report, Rubber is broken down into two categories, tyres and conveyor belts to
distinguish the different sources of this material and to better address specific issues surrounding
each.
Tyres 5.7.1
Generation
Waste rubber tyres are produced in large quantities by passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles
and large machinery as they are damaged or wear over time, requiring replacement.
Treatment – current
Currently tyres are stockpiled or landfilled (either as mixed waste or separately) across the Pilbara.
Baling and mono-filling of tyres in designated locations can be used so they can be recovered at a
later date. Baling tyres reduces the void size reducing the storage space required and reducing
areas where water can pool and breed mosquitoes. Burying tyres in designated areas reduces the
risks of tyre fires whilst still allowing for recovery later. Baling tyres is considered more advantageous to
shredding prior to landfilling as recovering shredded tyres from landfill cover material can be difficult.
There is also a fire risk associated with shredding as the rubber is heated in the process and the
increased surface area makes spontaneous combustion more likely. With increased surface areas
the risk of chemical leaching is also increased.
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Large machinery tyres used on mine sites are difficult to transport and safely handle. These tyres are
usually buried in on-site landfills. Some large machinery tyres could be repaired/reconditioned for
reuse in place of new large machinery tyres. Tyres beyond repair/reconditioning could be mono-
filled separately from other vehicles tyres. Mono-filling separately to other tyres enables both tyre
types to be treated at difference times using different processes.
Treatment – potential
Tyres can be used as fuel sources for line kilns and other fuel intensive industries if suitable emissions
controls are employed. Tyres can also be used as a feedstock for Waste to Energy (WTE) plants.
Markets
There are limited markets for the recycled rubber products globally. Commonly waste tyres are used
as a fuel source in lime kilns or WTE facilities.
Conveyor belts 5.7.2
Generation
Rubber conveyor belts used within the processing facilities associated with mining operations are
periodically replaced as they wear out or if they sustain damage.
Treatment – current
Currently conveyor belts are stockpiled or landfilled on mine sites and some external landfills.
Treatment – potential
As with vehicle tyres, the conveyor belt rubber can be used as a fuel source for line kilns or WTE
plants. Generally conveyor belts are more compact than tyres and do not need to be baled to
allow efficient transportation or storage. They will also generate a ‘char’ material after processing in
a WTE plant which will require disposal in a suitably designed landfill.
Mono-filling of conveyors will ensure the material can be recycled or processed in the future when
processes become available. Shredding conveyor belts prior to mono-filling is not recommended
due to the fire risk associated and the increased difficultly of separating crumbed rubber from cover
material. Due to a larger surface area, shredded rubber also has an increased risk of chemical
leaching compounds into the environment.
Markets
There are limited markets for the recycled rubber products globally. Commonly waste rubber is used
as a fuel source in lime kilns or WTE facilities.
5.8 Waste Oil
Generation
Waste oil from lubrication systems used in the resources sector could generate approximately 17,817
tonnes across the Pilbara annually in 2020.
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Treatment – current
Most waste oil that is recovered is taken to Bunbury for recycling and processing. Processing of used
oil involves removing contaminants and creating suitable products for re-use. This used oil can be
recycled into lubrication products or burnt as a fuel.
Treatment – potential
Road transportation of oil from the Pilbara to facilities in the South West of Western Australia can be
seen as inefficient and expansion of oil processing in the Pilbara could be investigated. Waste oil
could also be suitable for use as a feedstock for WTE plants but would need to meet conditions to
ensure that emissions are controlled.
Markets
Waste oil could be recycled in the Pilbara and reused as lubrication or fuel oil. There is an
opportunity for an Oil Recycling Facility to operate in the Pilbara. Alternatively development of a
containerised port could reduce the cost of transporting this waste to other markets for processing.
5.9 Oil/Water Mixtures
Generation
Oil water mixtures are generated when water ingresses into stored oil or if stored oil leaks into water.
Treatment – current
Oil/water mixtures are treated in the same manner that waste oil is treated but with one additional
step required to separate the oil from the water. Oil and water can be separated using a number of
techniques including belt skimming, floatation, separation funnels, filtration and evaporation. Once
the oil is separated it can be reprocessed into lubrication products or used as a fuel.
Treatment – potential
Road transportation of oil from the Pilbara to facilities in the South West of Western Australia can be
seen as inefficient and expansion of oil processing in the Pilbara could be investigated. Waste oil
could also be suitable for use as a feedstock for WTE plants but would need to meet conditions to
ensure that emissions are controlled.
Markets
Waste oil could be recycled in the Pilbara and reused in as lubrication or fuel oil in conjunction with
the processing of waste oil. There is an opportunity for an Oil Recycling Facility to operate in the
Pilbara. Alternatively development of a containerised port could reduce cost of transporting this
waste to other markets for processing.
5.10 Contaminated Soils
Generation
Contaminated soils are usually generated when there is a loss of containment of the contaminating
material. Typically this occurs when equipment fails or human error causes a leak such as burst
hydraulic hoses or spills when filling equipment, or storage container failure.
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Treatment – current
Currently, most contaminated soils are treated using bioremediation onsite. Soils too badly
contaminated for bioremediation, are taken to Class IV landfills for disposal. Previously, some of the
material was treated at the Wedgefield Incinerator in Port Headland. However, this facility is now
closed. Therefore, Class IV landfill disposal is the current treatment option. However this is located at
Red Hill Waste Management Facility in Perth which means the cost of disposing of these materials is
significant particularly due to transportation.
Treatment – potential
Creation of a thermal treatment facility or Class IV Landfill(s) in the Pilbara region would reduce the
transport associated with appropriate disposal of soil not suitable for bio remediation. Depending on
the concentration and type of the contamination in the soil it could also be suitable as feed stock
for a WTE facility, providing it met that facility’s waste acceptance criteria.
Markets
If contaminants in the soil can be reduced by treatment to an acceptable level, then this material
could potentially be used as fill. Higher contaminated soil will require disposal to a suitable Class IV
landfill facility. The availability of this waste could contribute the viability of creating a Class IV landfill
in the Pilbara.
5.11 Timber Railway Sleepers
Generation
Old treated timber railway sleepers were used in railway lines servicing the iron ore industry. They are
currently being progressively replaced with more durable concrete sleepers as they become
unserviceable.
Treatment – current
There is an estimated 60,928 tonnes of timber railway sleepers stockpiled along the train lines and in
store yards across the Pilbara. These sleepers were treated with dieldrin, a carcinogenic pesticide,
and require suitable disposal or processing. These sleepers are considered a legacy waste issue as
generation of these sleepers will cease once all old timber sleepers are replaced with concrete in
the Pilbara region.
Additional investigation is required to assess whether dieldrin is present in overburden along railway
lines. If the overburden is contaminated this will require suitable disposal or processing. It is
estimated that there could potentially be 11,000 tonnes of overburden which would require disposal
or processing.
Treatment – potential
Suitable disposal or processing of old timber railway sleepers could involve disposal directly to Class
IV landfill or processing in a suitable thermal treatment or WTE facility.
There are currently no Class IV landfill facilities in the Pilbara and transport to Perth for disposal of this
material is considered cost prohibitive. The availability of this waste could contribute to the viability of
creating a Class IV landfill in the Pilbara.
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Markets
There is no market for Timber Railway Sleepers as they are a hazardous waste requiring suitable
disposal.
5.12 Mercury Contaminated Wastes
Generation
Mercury is naturally occurring and can be generated as a by-product from oil and gas processes. It
can occur as elemental mercury, or contained in compounds present within the waste material. It
typically presents as contaminants of sludges, absorbents, catalysts and activated carbon.
Treatment – current
Currently mercury contaminated wastes are encapsulated and disposed in of a Class V Intractable
Waste landfill facility at Mount Walton.
Treatment – potential
There are two main paths for mercury containing wastes depending on their concentration. Higher
levels of contaminated waste material can go through a process for concentrating the mercury,
such as thermal desorption, prior to recovery and resale, or encapsulation and disposal. If the level
of contamination is relatively low (such as with contaminated personal protection equipment) then
the waste can be treated in a thermal treatment facility in which the mercury is vaporised and
scrubbed from the heated gas in the flue gas cleaning system which is then disposed of to a Class V
landfill.
Recovered mercury can be encapsulated or treated to form mercury sulphide in preparation for
landfilling. Mercury sulphide is a non-hazardous chemical compound produced from a
spontaneous reaction by mixing mercury and sulphur.
Encapsulated mercury waste is usually disposed of in a Class V intractable waste facility such as the
facility at Mount Walton. There is currently no facility in Australia for recovering mercury from mercury
contaminated wastes. This has to occur overseas, necessitating the international transport of the
highly hazardous waste, approval for which is becoming more difficult.
Markets
Markets for concentrated Mercury are diminishing due largely to a global effort to reduce the
volume of Mercury used worldwide.
5.13 Oil Contaminated Solids
Generation
Oil contaminated solids include drilling muds or rags arising from workshops. Drilling muds are used
to lubricate drill bits, carry drill cuttings to the surface and ensure the stability of the well. They also
provide hydrostatic pressure to keep reservoir fluids out of the well whilst drilling. Drill muds can be
water or oil/synthetic based and can contain a number of different compounds to create the
desired fluid properties.
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Treatment – current
Hydrocarbon based drilling muds are normally either thermally treated or encapsulated prior to
landfilling. The only available thermal treatment facility for these materials in Australia at the
moment is located in Victoria.
Treatment – potential
Due to the various ingredients in oil contaminated solids there are a number of different treatment
options.
Where practical, drill muds could be refined into products such as lubrication oil or fuel oil. Waste to
energy could also be utilised as a suitable alternative to landfill disposal.
Markets
There are no markets for oil contaminated solids.
5.14 Wooden Pallets
Generation
As equipment and supplies are transported to site, they are usually packaged on wooden pallets.
Some of the pallets are heat treated and so are not contaminated during production. Others have
been treated with a chemical fumigant and may be contaminated.
Treatment – current
Currently wooden pallets generated in the Pilbara are landfilled.
Treatment – potential
Most pallets that are used originate from Perth. Transporting these back for reuse is considered cost
prohibitive. Pallets that are heat treated could be chipped to rehabilitate degraded landscapes or
used as a fuel in WTE plants.
Although this issue was not identified in the data, discussions with Industry have highlighted that more
research into the potential for recycling wooden pallets in the Pilbara could be justified.
Markets
Wooden pallets are suitable for reuse within the Pilbara or alternatively used as a fuel for a WTE
facility. Untreated pallets could also be used to create woodchips to rehabilitate degraded
landscapes or as mulch.
5.15 Electronic Waste
Generation
E-waste is generated at employee camps when items such as TVs and computers require
replacement due to damage, faulty units or redundancy. E-waste can contain precious metals and
rare earth minerals as well as potentially hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium and
brominated flame retardants.
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Treatment – current
Currently E-waste generated from commercial operations is disposed of in landfill. There is E-waste
recycling already operating for residential properties in the Pilbara.
Treatment – potential
This material is covered by the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme for households
and small businesses and there are a number of collection locations in the Pilbara. Certain retailers
in Karratha, Port Headland, Newman and Tom Price act as collection points for TVs and computers
from households and small business covered under the Scheme. Discussion with collection points
and agents could result in a mutually beneficial partnership to recycle E-waste at employee camps.
The collected material would still be required to be transported large distances to recyclers in
metropolitan centres but there could be cost savings in combining residential and commercial
waste streams for transport.
Markets
Markets exist for materials recovered from E-waste recycling processes. Generally these markets are
overseas.
5.16 Mattresses
Generation
Waste mattresses are generated when old mattresses are replaced with new mattresses in homes
and employee camps. Mattresses were raised as a problematic waste during discussions with
resource companies.
Treatment – current
Waste mattresses generated in the Pilbara are currently landfilled.
Treatment – potential
In the Perth metropolitan area, mattress recycling is rapidly expanding with a number of companies
collecting and recycling mattresses by various means. Generally this involves disassembling the
mattress into its component parts so they can be recycled.
The low density of mattresses and being difficult to compact make them undesirable in landfills.
However, there is currently no alternative to landfilling in the Pilbara region. Transportation of
mattresses from the Pilbara to Perth for recycling is cost prohibitive as the value of products
generated would not offset the cost of transportation.
Markets
Some of the material generated from recycling mattresses locally could be used in the Pilbara. Coir
matting could be used to stabilise earthen slopes from erosion or as weed control measures during
rehabilitation works in the resources industry. Other materials such as metals springs would need
further processing (shredding or baling) to make them economical to transport for further recycling.
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6 Analysis of Infrastructure
From the analysis of the available data the following infrastructure options were examined and to
determine their potential suitability for processing wastes generated in the Pilbara. This section
discusses the technologies and identifies complementary wastes that could be amalgamated to
support the viability of the processing infrastructure. Each section presents a table based on the
maximum available feedstock as derived from the collected data (i.e. based on current waste
collection systems) – Maximum Available Feedstock – with some presenting an additional table
based on the same data but assuming maximum source separation of currently mixed waste
streams – Hypothetical Maximum Available Feedstock. The hypothetical maximums were
determined for the following waste processes:
Inert Processing;
MRF;
Alternative Waste Treatment;
Thermal Treatment – Waste to Energy; and
Landfill.
6.1 Inert Processing
Inert processing involves crushing, sorting and screening of C&D waste to create products suitable
for re-use in the construction industry. C&D wastes are easily recycled, however processing can
create dust and noise potentially creating off site impacts and consequently a negative public
perception of facilities. Stockpiling of unprocessed and processed materials is also required which
can potentially generate dust and be visually unattractive.
Table 17 shows the maximum available Inert Processing feedstock in each SCA based on existing
waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities operating in each SCA.
Table 17: Maximum available feedstock for Inert Processing Facilities (tonnes per annum) based
on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
269,733 24,567 9,225 105,946 10,267 32 409,097
Max
Feedstock
2035
438,390 44,712 16,477 206,435 18,585 59 667,599
Number of
Facilities 1 - - - - - 1
Table 18 shows the hypothetical maximum available Inert Processing feedstock in each SCA and
the number of facilities operating in each SCA.
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Table 18: Hypothetical maximum available feedstock for Inert Processing Facilities (tonnes per
annum) and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
269,733 29,222 9,528 109,759 13,740 427 423,573
Max
Feedstock
2035
438,390 53,183 17,017 213,864 24,873 789 691,221
Number of
Facilities 1 - - - - - 1
The above hypothetical maximum available feedstocks for Inert Processing were calculated using
the diversion currently being achieved in the Karratha SCA and applying this rate onto the mixed
refuse waste stream in other SCAs.
Currently there is one C&D recycling facility located in Karratha servicing the Karratha sub-region with
the potential for another facility to be located in the Port Hedland SCA. Opportunities may exist for
similar facilities in other regions to coincide with major infrastructure projects such as that occurring
near Onslow. Based on the projections of feedstock, Port Hedland could potentially support an inert
processing facility in the future. An option may also exist for a regional solution whereby mobile
equipment is shared between a number of centres and stockpiled inert material is processed
periodically. The option of transporting waste to a central facility for processing may be viable,
however the cost of transport may make it unviable.
As the cost of landfill is increased through various means (levies or recouping the costs of
construction of engineered landfills), processing of C&D material becomes a more viable option for
generators. Incentives for processors could be used to attract them to areas not currently serviced
by existing facilities. Incentives could take the form of leasing of land or subsidies, particularly of
capital costs.
6.2 Materials Recovery Facility
Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) sort dry comingled recyclables such as cardboard, plastic, metal
and glass packaging and paper into separate fractions to be sent to markets. These facilities come
in a range of sizes and technological capabilities. Low technology solutions involve workers
manually picking items off a conveyor belt and placing them into separate bins for baling and
transport. High technology facilities employ conveyors in conjunction with mechanical sorting
systems such as optical sorters, trommels, air separators, eddie current separators and magnets to
separate waste fractions. In both types of facilities the residual waste is usually taken to landfill for
disposal. Table 19 shows the maximum available MRF feedstock in each SCA based on existing
waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities operating in each SCA.
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Table 19: Maximum available feedstock for Material Recovery Facilities (tonnes per annum)
based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently
operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
2,539 6,165 37 1,491 616 182 10,539
Max
Feedstock
2035
4,127 11,220 67 2,906 1,115 337 17,197
Number of
Facilities - 1 - - - - 0
Table 20 shows the hypothetical maximum available MRF feedstock in each SCA and the number
of facilities operating in each SCA.
Table 20: Hypothetical maximum available feedstock for Material Recovery Facilities (tonnes per
annum) and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
10,009 17,466 752 13,464 7,860 915 47,932
Max
Feedstock
2035
16,268 31,787 1,344 26,235 14,228 1,689 78,219
Number of
Facilities - 1 - - - - 0
The above hypothetical maximum available feedstocks for MRFs were calculated by estimating the
quantities of material that could reasonably be diverted from the kerbside refuse, public place
refuse, special event refuse and mixed refuse waste streams by source separation and modified
collection systems. The estimates were based on the current diversions being achieved in the Perth
metropolitan area by Councils operating a two bin collection system.
6.3 Dirty MRF
Wastes of a mixed nature such as mixed refuse and kerbside refuse contain several fractions of
waste such as metals, plastics and organics that are recyclable if they can be recovered. These
waste streams are therefore potentially suitable for processing in a Dirty MRF. A Dirty MRF separates
these fractions for recycling. The fractions separated depend on a number of factors including the
composition of the available feedstock, cost of sorting and access to markets for the recovered
materials.
Dirty MRFs can process waste prior to it being processed in WTE or C&D Recycling facilities to remove
unsuitable items and recover recyclables. The proposed WTE plant in the Port Headland SCA is
intending to process the feedstock waste in a dirty MRF prior to thermal treatment. This process
recovers valuable items and removes from the waste stream items that are unsuitable for thermal
treatment. Dirty MRFs can also be employed in conjunction with landfills to recover recyclable items
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prior to disposal in landfill. This not only extends the life of the landfill but recovers recycles or
separates waste for further processing. Table 21 shows the maximum available Dirty MRF feedstock
in each SCA based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities
operating in each SCA.
Table 21: Maximum available feedstock for Dirty MRFs (tonnes per annum) based on existing
waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max Feedstock
2020 35,184 54,497 3,549 56,208 36,677 3,661 179,956
Max Feedstock
2035 57,184 99,181 6,339 109,521 66,393 6,762 293,668
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
Access to a containerised port could decrease the cost of sending products to markets after
separation and could potentially expand the number of waste fractions with available markets.
Grants to reduce the capital cost required to establish a Dirty MRF could be used to encourage the
construction of this type of facility. Increases in landfill costs will also increase the business case for
sorting waste before disposal in landfill.
6.4 Green waste
Green waste processing involves shredding separated green waste into mulch. This can be sold as
mulch or undergo further processing to create compost. Both of these products can be applied to
soil to improve water retention and reduce weeds with compost also adding nutrients to the soil.
Previously this material was burnt to reduce its volume before landfilling. Currently most green waste
is sent directly to landfill without processing. Mulching is a relatively low cost solution that uses simple
and proven technology and is utilised across WA. There are a number of applications for mulch.
Some local governments provide it to the community free of charge for their own personal use while
others utilise mulch for their own parks and maintenance works.
Composting is a biological process through which biodegradable material is broken down by
naturally occurring micro-organisms in the presence of oxygen (aerobically). Aeration may be
achieved by mechanically turning the material, or through forced aeration.
Composting or partially composting mulch destroys pathogens and seeds that may be within the
green waste, lessening the risk of them being spread.
Table 22 shows the maximum available Green waste feedstock in each SCA based on existing
waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities operating in each SCA.
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Table 22: Maximum available feedstock for Green Waste Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on
existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
3,519 4,484 50 196 488 35 8,495
Max
Feedstock
2035
5,719 8,161 89 381 844 65 13,863
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
6.5 Specialist
Some wastes such as mattresses, batteries, scrap metals and waste oil need to be treated using
specialist technologies. For example, mattress recycling involves dismantling into separate fractions
and sending these fractions to processors for further recycling. Also, waste oil can be treated to
create fuel oil and lubrication fluids. There are currently no specialist waste processing facilities in the
Pilbara.
Table 23 shows the maximum available specialist feedstock in each SCA based on existing waste
flows and collection methods and the number of facilities operating in each SCA. This table shows
the total of all of the specialist wastes. It would be necessary to determine the quantities of a
particular specialist waste stream from sections 3 and 4 above when considering the viability of
establishing a specialist waste treatment process in the Pilbara.
Table 23: Maximum available feedstock for Specialist Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on
existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
33,155 31,512 1,794 26,477 16,856 9,729 114,157
Max
Feedstock
2035
53,886 57,351 3,204 51,590 30,514 17,969 186,291
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
6.6 Alternative Waste Treatment
Alternative Waste Treatment (AWT) processes involve breaking down the organic fraction of the waste
stream using anaerobic or anaerobic digestion. AWT creates a soil improver which can be applied
to soil to increase its organic content. There are currently no AWTs in the Pilbara but there are several
operating in Perth including Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s Regional Resource Recovery
Centre, Mindarie Regional Council’s Resource Recovery Facility and Western Metropolitan Regional
Council’s DiCOM facility. A facility of this type in the Pilbara would need large amounts of waste to
operate, requiring amalgamation of wastes from several sources across the Pilbara SCAs.
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Table 24 shows the maximum available AWT feedstock in each SCA based on existing waste flows
and collection methods and the number of facilities operating in each SCA.
Table 24: Maximum available feedstock for Alternative Waste Facilities (tonnes per annum)
based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently
operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
13,203 11,527 1,427 756 1,625 1,309 28,975
Max
Feedstock
2035
21,459 20,979 2,548 1,473 2,942 2,418 47,284
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
Table 25 shows the hypothetical maximum available AWT feedstock in each SCA and the number of
facilities operating in each SCA.
Table 25: Hypothetical maximum available feedstock for Alternative Waste Facilities (tonnes per
annum) and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
22,702 29,916 2,569 21,362 12,766 2,407 87,466
Max
Feedstock
2035
36,897 54,445 4,589 41,623 23,110 4,447 142,733
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
The above hypothetical maximum available feedstocks for AWTs were calculated by estimating the
quantities of material that could reasonably be diverted from the kerbside refuse, public place
refuse and mixed refuse waste streams by maximising source separation through introducing
additional bin collection services. These include organics only bin for households and some
commercial properties. This was estimated based on the current diversions being achieved in the
Perth metropolitan area by existing AWTs.
6.7 Thermal Treatment
Thermal treatment of waste can be broken down into two sub categories based on the purpose of
the processing:
Disposal - destruction and/or concentration of hazardous substances; and
WTE – volume reduction and recovering energy from wastes.
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Disposal 6.7.1
Thermal treatments can be used to destroy hazardous wastes by breaking down the structure of the
waste compounds and producing less hazardous or non-hazardous substances. Alternatively, if the
hazardous waste is an element, then thermal treatment can be used to capture and concentrate
the hazardous material by it being vaporised and then captured in the flue gas emissions control
system. Hazardous substances such as mercury can be concentrated using thermal treatment
reducing the volume of the material requiring safe disposal.
Possible suitable materials for thermal disposal or concentration include mercury containing
substances, oil contaminated solids, waste oil and timber railway sleepers. Many of these materials
are generated periodically when maintenance is performed on processing plants. Any facility
designed to process these materials would require either consistent generation of feedstock, ability
to process the waste stream in batches or sufficient space to stockpile quantities generated
periodically. Feedstock could be amalgamated across SCAs to increase material available for
processing. Table 26 shows the maximum available Thermal Treatment - Disposal feedstock in each
SCA based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities operating in
each SCA.
Table 26: Maximum available feedstock for Thermal Treatment - Disposal Facilities (tonnes per
annum) based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities
currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
3,313 14,376 551 904 1,688 1,032 20,860
Max
Feedstock
2035
5,385 26,163 985 1,762 3,056 1,906 34,041
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
Based on the quantities above, Newman SCA has the highest generation of this material type and is
potentially the most suitable for a facility of this type.
WTE 6.7.2
Thermal processing of Waste to produce energy in the form of electricity and heat is only now being
seriously proposed for development in Western Australia. Plants of this nature involve the high
temperature combustion of the waste (combustion processes) or gas or oils produced from the
waste (gasification or pyrolysis processes).
In most instances the heat produced from the combustion phase is used to generate steam which
in turn produces electricity through a steam turbine. Some thermal processes boast a landfill
diversion rate of 100% when the ash that is produced is used to manufacture other products such a
tiles or bricks. Current Thermal Technologies conform to high environmental standards including
emissions standards for exhaust gases. They are used extensively worldwide especially in Europe and
Japan. WTE is considered more beneficial than direct disposal to landfill due to the recovery of
energy. Table 27 shows the maximum available WTE feedstock in each SCA based on existing
waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities operating in each SCA.
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Table 27: Maximum available feedstock for Thermal Treatment – Waste to Energy Facilities
(tonnes per annum) based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of
facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
45,217 77,973 6,554 61,826 50,860 12,031 241,587
Max
Feedstock
2035
73,490 141,908 11,706 120,467 92,067 22,220 394,241
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
Table 28 shows the hypothetical maximum available WTE feedstock feedstock in each SCA and the
number of facilities operating in each SCA.
Table 28: Hypothetical maximum available feedstock for Thermal Treatment – Waste to Energy
Facilities (tonnes per annum) and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
59,774 89,967 8,031 62,387 52,976 13,343 272,699
Max
Feedstock
2035
97,150 163,735 14,345 121,561 95,898 24,644 445,013
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
The above hypothetical maximum available feedstocks for Thermal Treatment – Waste to Energy
were calculated by including the following existing waste streams as feedstock for a Thermal
Treatment – Waste to Energy facility:
Vergeside hard waste;
Food waste;
Greenwaste;
Mixed organics;
Timber –treated;
Timber – untreated;
Sawdust;
Shredded greenwaste;
Mixed plastics; and
Non-composted waste/off-spec compost.
The feasibility of WTE facilities in the Pilbara is currently being assessed with one facility approaching
financial approval phase in Port Headland.
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6.8 Bio Remediation
Bio remediation involves using bacteria or fungi to breakdown or neutralise contaminants within soils
so that the processed soil can be safely reused. This can occur both in situ and ex situ. In situ bio
remediation occurs at the site where the contamination has taken place and ex situ involves the
material being transported off site for treatment. Based on Talis’ discussions with waste generators in
the Pilbara, both of these processes are taking place in the Pilbara region. Remote sites are more
likely to have in situ bio remediation while contaminate concentrations often determining if ex situ
processing is required. Generally contaminated soil can be periodically turned to aerate the soil to
assist in the breakdown of contaminants. Soils that are too contaminated for bio remediation are
either thermally treated or landfilled.
Table 29 shows the maximum available Bio Remediation feedstock in each SCA based on existing
waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities operating in each SCA. Ex situ bio
remediation is generally undertaken within facilities of the waste generators. There are no
bioremediation facilities available in the Pilbara available to all waste generators.
Table 29: Maximum available feedstock for Bio Remediation Facilities (tonnes per annum) based
on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
18,413 5,710 368 11,352 407 579 35,527
Max
Feedstock
2035
29,926 10,392 656 22,119 736 1,069 57,976
Number of
Facilities - - - - - - 0
The Karratha SCA has the highest generation of bio remediation feedstock, accounting for over half
the amount generated.
6.9 Landfill
Current landfills in the Pilbara are unlined and are not suitable for the acceptance of Class IV waste,
including contaminated soils, oil contaminated solids and timber railway sleepers that are
generated within the region. New landfills being investigated in the Pilbara region are likely to be
lined Class III facilities with some Class IV cells being considered. Higher construct costs of Class IV
landfills are seen by some to be a barrier to constructing these facilities within the Pilbara. As more
accurate data is made available to Landfill operators then a higher level of certainty over long term
Class IV feedstock can be established. Establishment of Class IV landfills or cells in the future will
reduce the cost of transportation as less material will be transported to Perth for disposal.
Development of Class III and Class IV landfills in the Pilbara is important due to the nature of
materials being generated as by-products of the extractive industries. Currently there is only one
Class IV landfill in Western Australia located in Perth. This results in large transportation costs for
disposal of material requiring Class IV burial. Table 30 shows the maximum available Landfill
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feedstock in each SCA based on existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of
facilities operating in each SCA.
Table 30: Maximum available feedstock for Landfill Facilities (tonnes per annum) based on
existing waste flows and collection methods and the number of facilities currently operating
Karratha Newman Onslow Port
Hedland Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara Pilbara
Max
Feedstock
2020
47,515 56,130 3,617 58,921 37,653 3,732 197,400
Max
Feedstock
2035
77,225 102,154 6,461 114,808 68,159 6,893 322,134
Number of
Facilities 3 18 1 5 12 2 41
6.10 Opportunities Based on Feedstock
Analysing the maximum available feedstock based on existing feedstocks and the hypothetical
maximum feedstock revealed opportunities for the development of new waste infrastructure across
the Pilbara region. Existing facilities were considered when selecting opportunities for waste
infrastructure development. Consideration was also given to potential collaboration and
amalgamating feedstocks across SCAs to achieve economies of scale where feasible. The
identified potential opportunities are presented in Table 31 below.
Table 31: Potential opportunities for waste infrastructure based on maximum available feedstock
Infrastructure Type Karratha Port
Hedland Onslow Newman Tom Price
Remote East
Pilbara
Inert Processing Existing Potential
Materials Recovery Facility Potential Potential Existing
Dirty MRF
Potential Joint Facility Potential Joint Facility
OR Potential joint mobile contract with storage and processing in each
SCA
Green waste Potential joint mobile contract with storage and processing in each SCA
Landfill Upgrade current landfills to Class III, opportunities for Class IV cells
Specialist Analysis of individual quantities by material types
Alternative Waste
Treatment Possible Mobile Aerated Floor composting in SCAs
Thermal Treatment –
Disposal Potential Potential
Thermal Treatment – WTE Potential Potential
Bio Remediation Potential Potential
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It should be noted that the above opportunities are established from the maximum available
feedstock based on existing feedstocks and the hypothetical maximum feedstock assuming
modified waste collection systems. These quantities are indicative only. Some waste streams are
suitable for more than one processing type and contribute tonnes to multiple processing types. This
means that the development of a particular processing facility is likely to reduce the available
feedstock for alternative facilities. In depth analysis of waste streams and verification should be
conducted as a part of due diligence prior when considering the construction of any facilities.
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7 Analysis of Markets
Markets for recycled materials generated in the Pilbara are currently local, state, national or
overseas. When local markets exist they keep the waste material in the Pilbara and employ local
workers to sort and/or treat the waste. Recyclables destined for the other markets are transported
from the Pilbara via road, mostly to Perth.
Development of local markets for waste material will result in a higher degree of certainty for the
local waste processors and will assist in providing economic diversity in the region. With the Pilbara
being isolated from other population centres in the State, development of local uses for products
may enable the local market to enjoy cost advantages as their competition products from other
regions are likely to involve transportation over vast distances.
A containerised port could increase access to overseas markets for recycling and treatment
products. This could increase employment and also reduce the costs associated with shipping to
overseas markets which in turn increases the likelihood of diversion from landfill.
7.1 Summary of Key Findings
Following the assessment of opportunities for waste infrastructure, an analysis of markets was
undertaken. The analysis identified the common products generated from each infrastructure type.
The common products generated are presented in Table 32 below. “Inputs” in the Uses column
refers to the Product being an input to other processes, such as recycled paper which is subject to
further processing to produce cardboard. “Product” refers to situations where the output from the
facility is a saleable Product, rather than an Input, for example electricity or oil that can be sold to
the public.
Table 32: Products generated from processing facilities
Product Processing Facility Uses
Recycled Packaging MRF Input
Metals Source Separation/MRF/Dirty MRF Product/Input
Used Oil Refinery Product
Energy WTE Product
Inert Material Inert Processing Product
Organics Green waste Product
E-waste E-waste Product/Input
Shredded Timber Green waste Product/Input
Locations of markets were also identified for the common products generated. The location of
markets is presented in Table 33 below.
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Table 33: Location of markets for products generated from waste facilities
Product Local State National International
Recycled Packaging X X X
Metals X X X
Used Oil X X
Energy X X
Inert Material X
Organics X
E-waste X X X
Shredded Timber X X
Following the identification of market locations the market influences for each product were
considered. The Market Influences considered were:
Distance;
Value;
Policy; and
Demand.
Distance to markets was considered a key market influence as the Pilbara is isolated from most
markets for recycled products.
The viability of recycled products is influenced by the value of the materials produced; if a high
value material is produced then this correlates to a positive influence. It is possible to transport
higher value products to more distant markets, improving the potential viability of recycling those
products.
Government policies can influence markets by encouraging recycling for wastes that may not
necessary be recycled under normal market conditions. An example of a policy having a positive
impact on recycling and resource recovery is the Landfill Levy that applies in the Perth metropolitan
area. Greater enforcement of landfill standards is also having an impact on landfill costs across rural
Western Australia, making recycling and resource recovery more attractive. Landfill bans for
particular types of wastes can also have a positive effect in increasing the diversion of a specific
waste material from landfill.
Demand for products is considered a market influence as all recycled products need to be utilised
to have value. No demand or under demand for a product can make a facility unviable.
The market influences for the common products are presented in Table 34 below.
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Table 34: Market influences for products generated from waste facilities
Product Market Influences
Distance Value Policy Demand
Recycled Packaging Negative Negative - -
Metals - Positive - Positive
Used Oil Negative Positive Positive Positive
Energy - Positive Positive Positive
Inert Material Negative Positive - Positive
Organics Negative Negative - -
E-waste Negative Positive Positive Positive
Shredded Timber Negative Negative - -
From the above analysis and tables the following opportunities for improvement were identified:
Transportation infrastructure/systems – to address distance and demand market influences;
Local market development – to address demand and distance market influences; and
Policy – to address value and demand market influences.
Examples of initiatives that could be considered in light of the above are as follows:
Transportation infrastructure/systems:
o Development of a Pilbara based container port;
o Development of a network of local community resource recovery parks
incorporating:
regional mobile processing infrastructure and equipment for the processing
of certain waste types for local recycling and recovery.
transfer facilities supported by appropriate transport equipment to efficiently
move certain wastes and products within the region where warranted,
Local market development:
o Adoption of quality standards for locally produced recycled or recovered materials
o support from governments (State and Local Governments) to use those materials;
Policy:
o Government support for the purchase of energy from waste to energy facilities in the
region;
o Use of government funding to assist with meeting the capital costs of resource
recovery projects to assist in their viability.
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8 Workshop Outcome
The PDC and the Waste Authority held a workshop in Karratha on 29 July 2014 to present the initial
findings of the Priorities Assessment and to seek further input from stakeholders in determining the key
priorities. The workshop was attended by representatives of the PDC, Waste Authority, waste
generators, waste processors, Local Governments and Talis.
The workshop was facilitated by James Best from Best Business Consulting and featured future
visioning of Pilbara waste management. Following presentations from representatives of the PDC,
Waste Authority and Talis, a discussion session was held coving the following topics:
Stakeholder’s preference of top four priority opportunities;
Reasons for and against those priorities;
Key barriers/constraints/potential solutions/risks for the top four; and
Opportunities for collaboration.
8.1 Identification of Opportunities
Following the presentations, the attendees were divided into four groups with broad representation
from waste generators, waste collection companies, government officers, local government officers
and waste consultants. These groups were asked to identify four key opportunities based on the
future vision of waste management in the Pilbara. The opportunities identified by attendees are
listed in Table 35 below.
Table 35: Opportunities identified by stakeholders
Opportunity Opportunity
Tyres and conveyor belts Source Separation
Used Oil Waste to energy
Organic waste for waste to energy Data collection
Dirty MRF E-waste
Inert waste processing facility in Port
Hedland Mobile plants
Class III and Class IV landfill cells Policy drivers for markets
Regional approach to waste management
8.2 Priority Opportunities and Actions
Following on from identifying opportunities, attendees then voted to establish four top priority
opportunities for further discussions. The four priority opportunities nominated for more in-depth
analysis by stakeholders are listed in Table 36 below.
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Table 36: Votes received from stakeholders to select priority opportunities for further discussion
Priority Opportunities Votes
Tyres and conveyor belts 22
Class III and IV landfill cells 18
Regional approach to waste management 17
Inert reprocessing facility in Port Hedland 9
Attendees then decided which of the above opportunities they wished to analyse and four groups
were formed. The groups then brainstormed their selected priorities and listed solutions and key
actions which could potentially improve waste management in the future. Table 37 below presents
the key actions proposed by each group.
Table 37: Proposed key actions for priority opportunities identified at the Karratha Workshop
Opportunity Potential Solutions and Proposed Key Action
Tyres and conveyors
Determine and address data gaps
Recommend policy settings
Establish a working group to continue with the development of a
waste tyre strategy for the Pilbara
Class III and Class IV
landfill cells
Set improved common standards for landfills
Focus on economic viability
Collaboration between landfill operators and waste generators to
support the development of best practice landfill cells
Regional approach to
waste management
Continue to facilitate and where possible formalise collaboration
between government, local government, waste generators, waste
collectors and waste processers
Collaboration outside of waste industry – planning, power and water
providers
Raise profile of waste management
Define waste vision with stakeholders
Inert processing in Port
Hedland
Utilise the DER approved process and monitoring system to manage
the asbestos risk
locate special sites nearby or integrate into the current landfill facility
Create a market for reprocessed products with local governments
and industry agreeing to use the products
Conduct a detailed feasibility study for inert processing in Port
Hedland
Consider seeking expressions of interest to establish a facility on a
suitable site made available for that purpose.
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9 Key Findings
A number of potential opportunities in the Pilbara have been identified in this study and can be
categorised as follows:
Infrastructure opportunities;
Market opportunities; and
Opportunities identified at the Karratha Workshop.
9.1 Infrastructure Opportunities
Current waste facilities in the Pilbara consist mainly of landfills with one inert processing facility in
Karratha and one materials recovery facility in Newman. This study has identified several potential
opportunities for improvement of existing facilities or establishment of new facilities.
The following potential infrastructure opportunities have been identified:
Inert processing facility in Port Hedland SCA or a regional mobile inert processing system;
Development of Class III and IV landfill cells;
Mobile plant for processing green waste across SCAs;
Material recovery facility in Karratha;
Material recovery facility in Port Hedland;
Joint dirty MRF facility in Karratha and Port Hedland;
Joint dirty MRF facility in Newman and Tom Price;
Thermal disposal facility in Karratha;
Thermal disposal facility in Newman;
Thermal treatment facility –WTE in Karratha or Port Hedland;
Thermal treatment facility –WTE in Newman;
Bio remediation facility in Karratha; and
Bio remediation facility in Port Hedland.
These infrastructure opportunities identified warrant further investigation into their feasibility. These
facilities will diversify jobs in the Pilbara and create useful products for the Pilbara region.
9.2 Market Opportunity
The Pilbara region lacks local markets for recycled products and is isolated from State, National and
International markets due to its location. This study has identified the following opportunities for
improving access to markets:
Development of a containerised port within the Pilbara region;
Development of local community resource recovery parks;
Development of transfer facilities;
Adoption of quality standards for local recycled materials;
Support from Governments to use those materials; and
Government support for the purchase of energy from WTE facilities.
The above market opportunities could increase access to markets and improve the feasibility of
processing facilities in the Pilbara. These opportunities will diversify industry in the Pilbara whilst directly
and indirectly increasing employment.
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9.3 Opportunities Identified at the Karratha Workshop
The following opportunities were identified at the Karratha Workshop:
Tyres and conveyors – establish a waste tyre strategy working group;
Class III and IV landfill cells – set improved common standards, increase collaboration;
Regional approach to waste management – facilitate collaboration both within and outside
of the waste management industry;
Inert processing in Port Hedland.
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Appendix A: Waste Classification
System
Waste Projections Model - Karratha
Waste Classification System
Table 3
MATERIAL
CODEMATERIAL TYPE - Controlled Wastes
Category
Group
Category
No.
Category Group
Name
MATERIAL
CODEMATERIAL TYPE - Other Hazardous
MATERIAL
CODEMATERIAL TYPE - Inert and Similar
101 Biological Wastes - Animal wastes 1.01 201 Ewaste 601 Mixed building rubble
102 Biological Wastes - Septage wastes 1.02 202 Household and Industrial Batteries 602 Concrete
103 Biological Wastes - Grease wastes 1.03 203 Vehicle and marine batteries 603 Conrete - reinforced
104 Biological Wastes - Vegetable oils and derivatives 1.04 204 Fluorescent tubes 604 Bricks
105 Biological Wastes - Sewage waste from the reticulated sewage system 1.05 205 Mixed household hazardous waste 605 Tiles and ceramics
106 Solid/Sludge Waste Requiring Special Handling - Contaminated soils 2.01 206 Radioactive waste 606 Asphalt
107 Solid/Sludge Waste Requiring Special Handling - Fly ash 2.02 207 Medical and vetinary waste 607 Glazing
108 Solid/Sludge Waste Requiring Special Handling - Filter cake 2.03 208 Asbestos 608 Gypsum products
109 Solid/Sludge Waste Requiring Special Handling - containers or drums 2.04 209 Contaminated Soil- Hydrocarbon 609 Insulation
110Solid/Sludge Waste Requiring Special Handling - Encapsulated, chemically-
fixed, solidified or polyerised wastes2.05 210 Contaminated Soil- Pesticide 610 Limestone
111 Solid/Sludge Waste Requiring Special Handling - Explosive 2.06 211 Contaminated Soil- Acid Sulfate 611 Rubbers - other
112Solid/Sludge Waste Requiring Special Handling - Industrial waste treatment
plant sludges and residues2.07 212 Contaminated Packaging 612 Mixed Soil and sand
113Clinical and Pharmaceutical Wastes - Clinical and related wastes
(biomedical)3.01 213 Biosecurity Waste- (Quaratine Waste) 613 Clean fill
114 Clinical and Pharmaceutical Wastes - Pathogenic substances 3.02 214 Batteries- Miscellaneous 614 Rock
115 Clinical and Pharmaceutical Wastes - Cytotoxic substances 3.03 215 Waste Oil 615 Mixed crushed rock
116Clinical and Pharmaceutical Wastes - Waste from the production or use of
pharmaceutical products3.04 216 Mixed Commercial Hazardous 616 Tars
117 Pesticide Wastes - Concentrates 4.01 217Hydrocarbon Contaminated
Material617 Ferrous Metals (non-packaging)
118 Pesticide Wastes - Solutions 4.02 299 Other Hazardous not specified 618 Non-Ferrous Metals (non-packaging)
119 Pesticide Wastes - Organochlorine pesticides 4.03MATERIAL
CODE
MATERIAL TYPE - Local Government
Services619 Mixed Metals (non-packaging)
120Paints and Resins - Wastes from the production, formulation or use of inks,
dyes, resins, adhesives, glues, latex or plasticisers5.01 301 Kerbside Commingled recyclables 620 Roadbase
121 Paints and Resins - Oil based paints (all options) 5.02 302 Kerbside refuse 621 Aggregates
122 Paints and Resins - Water based and acrylic paints (all options) 5.03 303 Kerbside greenwaste 622 Mixed Inert
123 Oils and Emulsions - Oil interceptor waste 6.01 304Kerbside mixed organics (including
kitchen waste)623 Garnet
124 Oils and Emulsions - Oil/water mixtures 6.02 305 Vergeside Greenwaste 624 Remediated Soil
125 Oils and Emulsions - Oil sludges ie. Plate separators 6.03 306 Vergeside bulk metals 699 Other C&D not specified
126 Oils and Emulsions - Waste mineral oils unfit for their originally intended use 6.04 307 Vergeside Hard wasteMATERIAL
CODE
MATERIAL TYPE - Liquid/Solids (not
Controlled Waste)
127 Solvents - Halogenated aliphatics 7.01 308 Public place refuse 701 Tailings
128 Solvents - Non-halogenated aliphatics 7.02 309 Public place recycling 702 Drilling muds
129 Solvents - Halogenated aromatics 7.03 310 Street cleaning residues 703 Sludges
130 Solvents - Non-halogenated aromatics 7.04 311 Special event refuse 704 Slurry
131 Other Organic Chemicals - Engine Coolants 8.01 312 Special event recycling 799 Other Liquid/Solids not specified
132 Other Organic Chemicals - Ethers 8.02 399 Other LGA waste not specifiedMATERIAL
CODE
MATERIAL TYPE - Wastes not
otherwise specified
133Other Organic Chemicals - Highly odours organic chemicals (including
mercaptans and acrylates)8.03
MATERIAL
CODEMATERIAL TYPE - Biodegradable 801 Mixed Refuse
134 Other Organic Chemicals - Isocyanate compounds 8.04 401 Food waste 802 Comingled Recyclables
135Other Organic Chemicals - Organohalogen compounds other than
substances referred to elsewhere in this schedule8.05 402 Greenwaste 803 Textiles
136 Other Organic Chemicals - PBBs (polybrominated biphenyls) 8.06 403 Mixed organics 804 Mattresses
137 Other Organic Chemicals - PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) 8.07 404 Timber - untreated 805 Hard waste
138 Other Organic Chemicals - PCNs (polychlorinated naphthalenes) 8.08 405 Timber - treated 806 Absorbants
139 Other Organic Chemicals - PCTs (polychlorinated terphenyls) 8.09 406 Sawdust 807 Waste gases and containers
140Other Organic Chemicals - Phenols and phenol compounds including
chlorophenols8.10 407 Shredded Greenwaste 808 Fire extinguishers
141Other Organic Chemicals - Phosphorous compounds including
chlorophenols8.11 499 Other Biodegradable not specified 809 Bottom ash
142 Other Organic Chemicals - Surface acting agent (surfactant) - detergents 8.12MATERIAL
CODEMATERIAL TYPE - Packaging 810 Fly ash
143Other Organic Chemicals - Surface acting agent (surfactant) - wetting
agents8.13 501 Mixed Paper and Cardboard 811
Non-composted waste/off-spec
compost
Waste Stream and Sector Descriptions 144 Other Organic Chemicals - Surface acting agent (surfactant) - emulsifiers 8.14 502 Paper 812 Ash - Miscellaneous
Table 1 145 Acids 9 9 Acids 503 Cardboard 813 Printer Cartridges
STREAM
CODEStream Name Definition 146 Alkalis 10 10 Alkalis 504 Glass Packaging 899 Waste not otherwise specified
147 Chromium 11 11 Chromium 505 Plastic 1 - PET
148 Cyanide - Inorganic cyanide 12.01 506 Plastic 2 - HDPE
149 Cyanide - Organic cyanide 12.02 507 Plastic 3 - PVC
150 Inorganic chemicals - Antimony or antimony compounds 13.01 508 Plastic 4 - LDPE
151 Inorganic chemicals - Arsenic or arsenic compounds 13.02 509 Plastic 5 - PP
152 Inorganic chemicals - Barium compounds (excluding barium sulphate) 13.03 510 Plastic 6 - PS
153 Inorganic chemicals - Beryllium or beryllium compounds 13.04 511 Plastic 7 - Other
154 Inorganic chemicals - Boron 13.05 512 Mixed Plastics
155 Inorganic chemicals - Cadmium or cadmium compounds 13.06 513 Ferrous Metals - packaging
156 Inorganic chemicals - Chlorates 13.07 514 Non-Ferrous Metals - packaging
Table 2 157 Inorganic chemicals - Cobalt compounds 13.08 515 Mixed metals - packaging
SECTOR
CODESector Name Definition 158 Inorganic chemicals - Copper compounds 13.09 599 Other Packaging not specified
159 Inorganic chemicals - Fluorine compounds (excluidng calcium fluoride) 13.10
160 Inorganic chemicals - Lead or lead compounds 13.11
161 Inorganic chemicals - Mercury 13.12
162 Inorganic chemicals - Metal carbonyls 13.13
163 Inorganic chemicals - Nickel compounds 13.14
164 Inorganic chemicals - Non toxic salts 13.15
165 Inorganic chemicals - Perchlorates 13.16
166 Inorganic chemicals - Phosphorous compounds 13.17
167 Inorganic chemicals - Photographic waste 13.18
168 Inorganic chemicals - Selenium or selenium compounds 13.19
169 Inorganic chemicals - Sulphides 13.20
170 Inorganic chemicals - Tellurium 13.21
171 Inorganic chemicals - Thallium 13.22
172 Inorganic chemicals - Vanadium compounds 13.23
173 Inorganic chemicals - Zinc compounds 13.24
174 Low strength waste water - Industrial wash waters 14.01
175 Low strength waste water - Storm water 14.02
176 Low strength waste water - Pond water 14.03
177 Low strength waste water - Fire debris and wash water (may vary) 14.04
178Miscellaneous - Residues from industrial waste treatment or disposal
operations15.01
179Miscellaneous - Waste from the manufacture, formulation and use of
wood preserving chemicals15.02
180Miscellaneous - Waste chemical substances arising from research and
development or teaching activities including those which are not 15.03
181Miscellaneous - Waste resulting from surface treatment of metals and
plastics (potentially various categories)15.04
182Miscellaneous - Waste tarry residue arising from refining, distillation or
pyrolytic treatment15.05
183 Miscellaneous - Waste tyres 15.06Solid and Liquid Waste Management
Facilities
Residue materials from solid and liquid
waste management facilities
Remote employee camps directly
related to a particular C&I enterprise
(only to be used for C&I)
15 Miscellaneous
Low strength
waste water
13.
08.Human/animal healthcare and/or
related research
1409. Other/Mixed Sectors
Commercial and industrial activities not
defined within Sectors 2-8 or 10 - 13, and
mixed C&I Sectors
10. Employee camps
11. Public Facilities and InstitutionsPublic institutions (library, schools,
universities), recreation
12. Public Infrastructure Networks
Infrastructure networks designed for
public use including transportation
(roads, bridges, railways), utility services
(power, water, sewage)
06. Chemical processing
07.Metals processing and thermal
processes
04.
Wood processing and production of
panels, furniture, pulp, paper and
cardboard
05.
Petroelum refining, natural gas
purification and pyrolytic treatment
of coal
02.
Mining, exploration, quarrying,
physical and chemical treatment of
minerals
03.
Agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture,
forestry, fishing, food preparation
and processing
A.Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW)
Residential waste typically managed by
local governments including:
- kerbside or vergeside collections, or
dropped off waste
- waste from public places including
from road verges, reserves, beaches,
litter bins, events and street cleaning
- incidental commercial waste collected
via kerbside collections
12 Cyanide
13
Inorganic
chemicals other
than inorganic
chemicals
referred to in
Category Groups
9 - 12
B.Commercial & Industrial
(C&I)
Waste generated from, or as the direct
result of, commercial and industrial
operationsand that is not MSW or C&D
waste.
C.Construction & Demolition
(C&D)
Materials generated as a result of
construction, refurbishment or demolition
activities
01. Domestic
Premises where people reside excluding
remote employee camps (only to be
used for MSW and C&D)
Material Type
7 Solvents
The third aspect of the coding system reflects the composition of the
waste. Each of the waste Material Types is given a MATERIAL CODE
within the range of 101 – 899. Codes with the range of 101 – 183
are Material Types in the Department of Environment Regulation's
Controlled Waste Guideline Series. The reference to these guidelines
has been incorporated into the WCS to ensure compliance with
previously existing waste management systems. MATERIAL CODE’s
within the Range of 201 – 899 are waste Material Types identified
based on those in the EWC and AWD.
For ease of use, the Material Types have been grouped into the
following series:
• 100 series - Controlled Wastes
• 200 series - Other Hazardous
• 300 series - Local Government Services
• 400 series - Biodegradable
• 500 series - Packaging
• 600 series - Inert and Similar
• 700 series - Liquid/Solids (not Controlled Waste)
• 800 series - Wastes not otherwise specified
8Other Organic
Chemicals
A list of Material Types is provided in Table 3.
The source of the waste is further identified in the second part of the
WCS by the Sector of the economy from which the waste was
generated. A total of 13 Sectors have been used, based on a similar
concept to the Classification of Economic Activities within the
European Commission’s EWC and also within the Australian Waste
Database (Sub-stream 1 Secondary Source).
3
Clinical and
Pharmaceutical
Wastes
4 Pesticide WastesExamples of Sectors are ’01. - Domestic ’, ’02. - Mining, Exploration,
quarrying, physical and chemical treatment of Minerals’ and ‘05. -
Petroleum refining, natural gas purification and pyrolytic treatment
of coal’ . Sector ’10. - Employee Camps’ has been given its own
Sector, to differentiate it from ’01. - Domestic ’ as it is to be used for
remote employee camps directly related to a particular C&I
enterprise (only to be used for C&I waste). Each Sector is given a
SECTOR CODE within the range of 01. to 13.
5 Paints and Resins
6Oils and
EmulsionsThe Sectors are shown in Table 2.
Each waste type is classified by the Waste Classification System (WCS)
using a three level coding system including Stream, Sector and
Material Type. The following sections describe the breakdown of
each of these tiers. Each level is colour coded for ease of reference
and has a unique Waste Classification Code allocated.1 Biological Waste
Waste Stream
The first part of the WCS identifies the source of the waste by stream.
• Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
• Commercial and Industrial (C&I)
• Construction and Demolition (C&D)
2
Solid/Sludge
Waste Requiring
Special HandlingDefinitions of each waste stream are provided in Table 1.
Sector
Material Types (Controlled Waste 101-183) Material Types (201-599) Material Types (601-899)
The Waste Classification Sysytem Structure Existing DER Controlled Waste Guideline
Series
Waste Class i fi cation System Page 1 of 1