• May 23, 2025
• By JEP Team
• Articles, News

At the Waste 2025 conference, held on the 13th-15th of May in Coffs Harbour, Tas Rangwala, Senior Environmental Planner for JEP Environment & Planning presented a paper on planning strategies to boost the capacity of existing resource recovery facilities.

The paper highlighted that waste generation is on the rise worldwide, with high-income countries expected to see a 19% increase per capita annually. According to the World Bank, only 20% of total waste is recycled, while a staggering 80% ends up in landfills.

Australia produces 76 million tonnes of waste annually, with construction waste comprising 38% of this total. Rapid population growth in urban areas has intensified housing shortages, leading to increased construction activity and greater pressure on waste management systems. The surge in high-density developments highlights the urgent need to enhance recycling infrastructure and promote resource circularity.

However, landfills are filling up at an accelerated rate, threatening both their lifespan and economic viability. If current disposal practices persist, land scarcity will become a pressing issue. For example, Greater Sydney Landfill is projected to run out of space by 2030 unless immediate action is taken.

In New South Wales, nearly 80% of building waste is recycled, yet existing facilities struggle to keep pace with demand. The limited processing capacity of current resource recovery facilities forces many recyclable materials into landfills. While operational upgrades can alleviate some strain, they come with high costs and logistical hurdles.

Securing funding for facility upgrades is challenging, as these projects are classified as business expansions, requiring high-interest loans. Additionally, regulatory approvals can take over 18 months, making upgrades complex and financially demanding. Upgrading facilities while keeping them operational further complicates the process, leading to service disruptions.

Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, requiring careful planning to protect ecosystems and address community concerns. Many local stakeholders adopt a NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) approach, opposing new facilities or expansions near their residences. Successful upgrades must strike a balance between improving infrastructure and engaging with communities to foster support.

The presentation explored case studies of facility upgrades, showcasing strategies to increase throughput capacity, modernise operations, and enhance environmental performance. Through careful planning and collaboration, we aim to develop future-ready facilities that meet both industry needs and community expectations.

A copy of the presentation can be downloaded here