Sustainability Victoria is providing a one-stop-shop for local councils to use and source recycled products.
Sustainability Victoria has launched the Buy Recycled Service to boost the use of recycled products in local government projects and empower councils to become leaders in sustainable procurement.
The service provides tools and resources to upskill officers, build capability within councils and increase confidence to ensure recycled products are considered at each stage of the procurement cycle. It also raises the profile of industry developing these products and features local suppliers.
The service is part of the Victorian Government’s Recycled First Local Government program, as set out in the circular economy plan, Recycling Victoria: A new economy, which steps out change that’s needed to cut waste, boost recycling and reuse resources.
Paul Murfitt, Director – Industry and Infrastructure at Sustainability Victoria, says “Councils are a key player in Victoria’s transition to a circular economy. Not just because of their role in local waste management, but because of their focus on community education and the delivery of infrastructure”.
He says councils have an opportunity to drive the demand for recycled products through their everyday purchasing decisions.
“By purchasing and using recycled products, councils send a message that they have confidence in the products, which will grow the market for recycled materials. More and more, it’s becoming standard practice to use recycled products in roadworks. A lot of successful projects that have used recycled products have been driven by councils, in response to their communities who want to see sustainable options used.
“Councils also play a key role in driving product development and supporting the use of products in new applications, beyond roads. To continue this work, council officers need to know where they can find recycled products.”
He says the service is trying to mainstream buying recycled into general procurement processes at council.
The Buy Recycled Service lets councils explore recycled products from more than 100 suppliers across Victoria.
Fact sheets include product details, specifications, applications, benefits and limitations. It also provides a list of questions that councils can ask suppliers. Case studies featured showcase councils that have successfully used recycled products. A Procurement Toolkit provides practical guidance including evaluation criteria.
Paul says Sustainability Victoria is working with the Victorian Government’s Big Build project, which uses recycled products in major construction projects, and is translating their experience for local government.
“We can lean on the guidance and resources they have developed and translate that to local government.”
As part of the Buy Recycled Service, a series of masterclasses is being planned to bring councils together to discuss successful projects, their challenges and insights, and provide councils with tips and tools when buying recycled.
Councils are encouraged to use the Buy Recycled Service, ask questions and sign up for updates as more resources and new events are released.
For more information, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/buy-recycled-service
The first council masterclass will be held on May 18. For more information, visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/boosting-the-circular-economy-through-local-government-procurement-tickets-323580908207
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