AIEN Event
Overcoming Regulatory Barriers to Growing Markets for Recycled Organics
Webinar
10:00am – 12:00pm ADST
Wednesday 18 October 2023
TICKETS
AIEN & AORA Members: $77 inc GST
Non Member $110 inc GST
Recovery of diversion of organic waste materials is gaining significant momentum across the country. The organics recycling sector and composting industry has grown to meet the challenge – with organics recycling increasing from 5.15 million tonnes in 2006/07 to 8.35 million tonnes in 2020/211. Yet up to 50% by weight over the average red bin disposed to landfill is still food and garden organics. And many other organic waste streams, that contain valuable organic matter and nutrients are still lost to landfill.
In NSW, the Resource Recovery and Exemption framework was implemented in 2014 to help set out the regulatory requirements on the lawful use of waste materials in the environment, whether applied to land as a fertiliser, use in construction as fill or as a fuel. Whilst a series of general orders and exemptions have been published by the NSW EPA, a barrier to improved organics recycling is the need to apply for a Specific Resource Recovery Order and Exemption (SRRO/E) in cases where boutique or non-standard waste streams are accepted for recycling.
A recent independent review of the Resource Recovery and Exemption framework found that the system needs to be simplified to support the circular economy.
This webinar will provide an outline of the key factors for success in applying for a SRRO/E, and practical examples and lessons learnt by significant composting businesses that have successfully navigated the framework. A better appreciation of the regulatory requirements for organics recycling will help grow the sector, markets and the economic benefits of organics recycling.
PRELIMINARY WEBINAR PROGRAM
Colin Barker, Chair – Australian Industrial Ecology Network
Dr Mark Jackson, Jackson Environment and Planning Pty Ltd
Mr Anthony Savage, Manager Policy, NSW Environment Protection Authority
Mr Aaron Hudson, Chief Executive Officer & Mr James Sutton, Environmental Manager, ReDirect Recycling Pty Ltd
Mr Thomas Dewing, Commercial Development Manager, Worm Tech Pty Ltd
Led by Dr Mark Jackson, Jackson Environment and Planning Pty Ltd and John McKew, National Executive Officer, Australian Organics Recycling Association
Every effort has been made to present all the information contained in this website as accurately as possible. The AIEN reserves the right to change, without notice, any or all of these details.
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
Dr Mark Jackson
Director and Principal Consultant, Jackson Environment and Planning
Anthony Savage
Manager Policy, NSW Environment Protection Authority
In his current role, Anthony oversees the EPA’s delivery of actions to reform and strengthen the resource recovery framework, following an independent review of that framework completed in 2022.
Anthony has extensive experience in the policy, technical and operational arms of the EPA which he applies to complex issues across a range of sectors, including waste management and resource recovery, energy from waste, mining and industrial process regulation.
Prior to working at the EPA, Anthony worked domestically and internationally in environmental consulting.
Aaron Hudson
Chief Executive Officer, ReDirect Recycling Pty Ltd
Aaron Hudson is the CEO of reDirect Recycling (a Borg company). A Senior business executive experienced in P&L management and effective business growth of companies. A qualified Senior Executive with over 25 years’ experience in both private and Local Government principally in the Manufacturing, Waste Management and Resource Recovery sector. The last 15 years Aaron has held CEO roles that span complex management, planning, environment and circular economy solutions.
James Sutton
Environmental Manager, ReDirect Recycling Pty Ltd
James is environmental professional with 11 years of experience in the areas of contaminated land management (CLM), hazardous building materials (HBM), project management, waste, resource recovery and regulatory compliance. This experience been gained across a diverse range of management roles including consulting, client-side project management, and most recently the waste / resource recovery industry. Currently the Environmental Manager for reDirect Recycling (a Borg company), James has a focus on resource recovery innovation, circular economy solutions and associated compliance.
Thomas Dewing
Commercial Development Manager, Worm Tech Pty Ltd
Thomas is the Commercial Development Manager for Worm Tech, an Australian owned and operated large-scale commercial composting and vermiculture business based in the NSW Riverina Region.
He is currently working on several innovative resource recovery projects including developing end-of-life uniform diversion opportunities through vermiculture. Thomas is responsible for liaising with local councils and businesses in diverting organic waste from landfill and exploring opportunities for generating circular economies within this arena. He has also championed the successful launch of a retail brand of organic vermicast product to market aimed at both farmers and home gardening enthusiasts across Australia.
Prior to taking this role in 2021, Thomas spent a 20-year tenure in the supply and distribution of Australian fresh produce. He managed both customer-facing relationships and upstream internal and external stakeholders in a highly volatile and short shelf-life perishable supply chain, which serviced both domestic and international customers. Previous roles saw him working with blimps and in heavy industry.
Born and bred in the UK, Thomas is originally from a family farming background. He now enjoys living, working, and playing in a regional area of Australia with his wife and young family.
John McKew
National Executive Officer, Australian Organics Recycling Association
John McKew is the National Executive Officer for the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA), commencing in the role in June 2022. Prior to joining AORA, John had worked extensively in senior roles within the farming/primary production sectors including dairy, beef, fodder and most recently as CEO for the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association. John has also worked within the IT industry and the fast-moving-consumer-goods (FMCG) sector. John holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree (MBA) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.