What’s the word on the street following the 2024 Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) ? Let’s just say “packed” and “productive” are the top two trending terms, says Ali Lawes, Event Director.
“Exhibitors and visitors alike raved about the atmosphere at this year’s show,” Ali says.
More than 2600 attendees and 124 exhibiting companies passed through the doors of the two-day event at Sydney’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre in July.
The AWRE Summit, an immersive one-day program aimed at tackling the critical roadblocks impeding Australia’s transition to a sustainable future, was again a major drawcard.
Ali says this year’s summit brought together industry leaders, government officials and waste generators for a full day of collaboration. It was underpinned by engaging keynote sessions, lively panel discussions that sparked new ideas and exclusive networking breaks that fostered valuable connections.
Ali says the summit’s continued popularity can be attributed to its focus on delivering a program that inspires and informs.
“By showcasing industry thought leaders such as Suzanne Toumbourou (Australian Council of Recycling), Brett Lemin (Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association of NSW), Asela Attapatu (NSW Environment Protection Authority), and Daniel O’Dea (Fire and Rescue New South Wales), the event provided attendees with valuable insights into the key issues impacting the waste management, resource recovery and recycling sectors today,” she says. “The inclusion of case studies, risk mitigation strategies, and innovative solutions for waste disposal and recycling further enhanced the summit’s relevance and appeal to professionals in the industry.”
On the exhibition floor, the free-to-attend seminar program has in the past been a barometer of the waste and recycling industry. This year’s program was no different, with discussions on key industry actions and insights from policy and regulation, trends and insights to practical and tangible solutions.
One of the more popular streams was the food organics garden organics (FOGO) speaker series, curated by Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA).
State and national government policies mandate the introduction of FOGO recycling services, with the responsibility largely falling to local governments or regional council groups. The series provided an opportunity to identify and share best practice and lessons learned.
John McKew, AORA National Executive Officer, highlighted the challenges of FOGO contamination and what was needed for the industry to reach the desired levels of organics recycling into the future. While Penrith City Council’s Aisha Poole, offered an insight into one council’s solution to tackle contamination.
The council developed a contamination service with a four-strikes and you’re out policy.
“We’re not there with a big stick. We want to help residents find the reasons why they’re not using the right bins,” Aisha said.
“But after the fourth contamination occurrence we remove the FOGO bin and charge them for a bigger red bin.”
Ali says the Built Environment Speaker series, which looked at circular economy in design and the future of waste management and resource recovery in the built environment, also attracted plenty of attention.
The session encouraged stakeholders to rethink the way buildings are designed, with a focus on re-use and retaining materials.
In another session, Kim Hall, Chief People, Safety and Environment Officer for Veolia ANZ, discussed the importance of changing the perception of the industry to attract a skilled workforce.
“We’re a rapidly expanding sector with an ageing and shrinking workforce,” Kim says. “Waste and resource recovery is not on the employment radar but we need to let people know we are more than just waste.
“It may not be the most glamorous industry, but it offers diverse career paths and a chance to contribute to Australia’s sustainable future.”
She flagged an industry-wide campaign with peak bodies to make the waste sector an employee of choice.
With all eyes on Western Australia and Australia’s first waste-to-energy facilities about to come online, a discussion about the future of resource recovery and alternative energy sources was timely.
The session outlined strong moves toward WtE across several states and the policy challenges.
Another highlight was the Innovation Pitch Fest, a chance for extraordinary new businesses to show how they are changing the game.
Ali says it is by fostering continued innovation and collaboration that the waste and recycling sector can effectively tackle national waste targets and remain at the forefront of global sustainability advancements.
“Australia’s transition to a circular economy hinges on the resource recovery sector. The event showcased this industry’s pivotal role, highlighting both established leaders and emerging innovators who are driving sustainable change,” she says.
“We really want this event to be a catalyst for change. Our aim is that everyone who walked through those doors, whether they’re seasoned exhibitors or just curious visitors, left feeling inspired and empowered to weave circular practices into the very fabric of their waste management, recycling, and resource recovery projects.
“Across the two days of the event, we’ve been discussing ideas and having those ‘aha’ moments that lead to innovative solutions and a real shift towards a more sustainable future.”
For more information, visit: www.awre.com.au