Media release - new recycling facility for Adelaide's south
Published on 16 March 2020
THREE LOCAL COUNCILS JOIN FORCES TO BUILD NEW RECYCLING FACILITY IN ADELAIDE’S SOUTH
Holdfast, Marion and Onkaparinga councils will build a new material recycling facility (MRF) in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, through their joint subsidiary, the Southern Region Waste Resource Authority (SRWRA).
The plant will be located at SRWRA’s existing Seaford Heights resource recovery and landfill site and is expected to be operational in 2021.
SRWRA CEO Chris Adams said the new facility was a huge win for the environment, SA local government and the residents they serve.
“The unanimous support of our constituent councils will see us moving positively towards a circular economy and reducing our reliance on recycling companies,” Mr Adams said.
“The MRF will be important in building a foundation for the circular economy so that recyclables can be re-processed and manufactured locally, as well as creating 20 or more full-time equivalent jobs at the new plant, and process approximately 30,000 tonnes of recyclable materials per annum, with the scope to move to 60,000t if the need arises.”
Mr Adams said the councils and SRWRA will now work together to finalise the project schedule and seek funding support from state and federal government, with the intent for site works to commence as soon as possible in 2020.
“We will also continue to seek additional council and waste authority customers for the facility to deliver better outcomes for the environment and maximise return on investment.”
“SRWRA’s catchment extends from Holdfast Bay through the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, representing an estimated 388,644 people, so the potential is there to process a large percentage of SA’s domestic recyclables at our new plant.”
Comments from Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson
“The changing waste and recycling landscape in Australia has presented significant challenges for all councils, waste authorities and state and federal governments.
But this situation has also presented us with an opportunity to move toward a goal we should all embrace – the effective recycling and reuse of our own waste without the need to ship these materials interstate or overseas.
The added efficiencies delivered by our new processing plant will reduce our waste service and processing costs significantly, which is better for the organisation and our ratepayers.”
Comments from City of Holdfast Bay Mayor, Amanda Wilson
“This is an important step to take control of our waste, create local employment, and move towards a circular economy.
“The development of the material recovery facility will enable us to manage ratepayers’ waste in the most productive way, keeping the recovery and reuse of valuable recyclable materials in Australia, driving new green economies and supporting a sustainable environment.”
Comments from City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna
“Marion is pleased to be part of a proactive move to improve the management of recyclable materials for the benefit of our community.
“The new facility puts councils in a strong position to manage waste efficiently and have greater control over how materials are recycled.
“We need the State Government help to get this over the line and I am confident they will support such a desperately needed project.”