The Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG) has announced a shortlist of companies to develop an alternative to landfill in Melbourne’s south east.
In March 2020, MWRRG called for expressions of interest for solutions to provide an alternative to landfill for 16 councils.
After a competitive tendering process, three companies have been shortlisted to join the solution development stage of the procurement: Veolia Environmental Services Australia, Sacyr Environment Australia and a Pacific Partnerships and REMONDIS consortium.
According to a MWRRG statement, landfills in the south east of Melbourne are filling up and no more are planned to be built.
“Household rubbish in the 16 councils is projected to increase by 40 per cent over the next 25 years,” the statement reads.
“Veolia Environmental Services Australia, Sacyr Environment Australia and Pacific Partnerships and REMONDIS will work with the 16 councils to develop an advanced waste processing solution that delivers environmental, economic and social benefits to the community.”
MWRRG said the best outcomes will be achieved by minimising waste and reusing or recycling, with leftover material managed through advanced waste processing.
“Advanced waste processing will help the Victorian government deliver on its circular economy strategy – Recycling Victoria – a 10 year plan that will completely overhaul Victoria’s recycling sector and reduce waste going to landfill,” the statement reads.
“Advanced waste processing solutions will play a significant role in achieving the new target to divert 80 per cent of household rubbish from landfill by 2030.”
The advanced waste processing procurement will ensure facilities meet best-practice environment protection requirements and energy efficiency standards, and do not displace or inhibit innovation to reduce or recycle materials.
Additionally, the procurement will ensure the facilities reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to the waste and energy services they displace.
“Advanced waste processing technologies have been used successfully and safely overseas for years as an alternative to landfill,” the statement reads.
“The new facilities are expected to attract investment of around $650 million and create jobs during construction and permanent operating jobs.”
It is expected the process will take close to two years to reach a final tender stage, with a 20 to 25-year contract to be awarded by 2022. Construction is expected to commence in 2023.
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