Some of the waste and resource recovery sector’s brightest minds were recognised at the 2024 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards.
Industry came together at a packed gala dinner held at The Trust in Melbourne’s CBD, for the award ceremony.
Sponsored by Veolia, REMONDIS, Re.Group and Visy, the awards recognised excellence from across the sector with an outstanding field of finalists.
Congratulations to all the winners.
INNOVATION AWARD, proudly sponsored by Veolia Australia and New Zealand.
Awarded to ReSource for its pioneering ethical and innovative recycling.
Recognising that the old way of recycling e-waste isn’t enough to tackle the volume of e-waste and process it as efficiently and sustainably as possible, ReSource has invested in technology to raise the standards.
The e-waste specialist has introduced new technology, including AI-driven battery sorting, recycling of alkaline and zinc carbon batteries and high-efficiency recycling for low-value items.
It has implemented dual-stage activated carbon filters to ensure heavy metal or volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from its processing don’t enter the atmosphere. It’s also implemented AI-powered thermally activated fire cannons to stop any fires that might come from e-waste. It is also the first company in Australia to be energy negative in processing, due to its 860-kilowatt solar system.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR, proudly sponsored by REMONDIS Australia.
Awarded to Thomas Anton, from Repurpose It.
Thomas, head of customer experience at Repurpose It, is driven by his passion to provide circular outcomes for customers. He manages the entire customer experience, including the front line of communication, ensuring a positive experience, and fostering long-lasting relationships with customers.
With 15 staff in customer-facing roles across the business, setting expectations and building leadership and autonomy has been paramount to Thomas’ team’s success. The team works across multiple sites – Epping, Montrose, and Hallam, and Thomas actively participates in the day-to-day activities of all sites ensuring staff are engaged and supported.
OUTSTANDING WARR PROJECT – REGIONAL
Awarded to Queensland Corrective Services for its Environmental Management Recycling Program.
Lotus Glen is the northern most correctional facility in Queensland. In 2022 it commenced the Environmental Management Recycling Program, the largest recycling program in a correctional facility in Queensland.
Using prisoner labour, it diverted about 50 per cent of its waste from landfill. With seventy-four per cent of the population at Lotus Glen, First Nations, the facility is not only looking to protect the environment, but also provide training and opportunity for people on release.
The end goal is to use all resources available to reduce waste to the lowest possible level, offset carbon, increase sustainability, and provide opportunity to reduce recidivism.
OUTSTANDING WARR PROJECT – METRO
Awarded to Waste Circularity Team – Frankston City Council for the implementation of its separate glass service.
Frankston City Council implemented a separate glass service to all residential households in October 2023.
The rollout was seamless due to planning and communication with the community, which included the implementation of a gender impact assessment, allowing for an intersectional approach to communications, and accurate data for service providers.
The new separate glass service was also introduced simultaneously with a reduction to the annual waste charge.
WOMAN OF WASTE Proudly Sponsored by Re.Group.
Awarded to Vanja Marjanovic from the City of Melville.
Vanja is the Waste Co-ordinator at the City of Melville. Since moving from Croatia to Perth in 2000 to escape conflict, she’s learned English, completed her studies and quickly risen the ranks of the waste industry.
Industry peers know her for her ability to improve operations, align strategy and respect and support her staff.
Vanja is responsible for overseeing a team of 30, more than $10 million in fleet, a further $5 million in assets and plays a key role in behaviour change, best practice innovative waste management practises and expert guidance on waste management plans to internal and external stakeholders. She also ensures efficient contract management and contributes to the development of annual operational and capital budgets for the department.
OUTSTANDING FACILITY AWARD
Awarded to Rino Recycling for its new recycling facility.
Rino Recycling is a state-of-the-art construction and demolition waste recycling facility in Pinkenba, Brisbane, transforming 1.5 million tonnes per year of co-mingled waste into high-quality recycled construction materials, including aggregates, road base, fill, and sands.
The facility is the world’s largest under one roof by volume and the first of its kind globally. Setting this facility apart is the integration of wet and dry processing technologies and automated processing, sorting, and separating technologies to process diverse waste streams, enhancing waste recovery rates and efficiency.
It represents a ground-breaking step towards a circular economy by significantly reducing landfill and carbon emissions.
LEADER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to Narelle Anderson from Envirobank.
Narelle Anderson is the founder and managing director of Envirobank, a company revolutionising recycling in Australia.
Narelle has championed innovative solutions to combat waste, fostering a culture of sustainability. Her leadership has positioned Envirobank as a leader in environmental stewardship, implementing cutting-edge technology and consumer-friendly initiatives to enhance recycling efficiency.
Through her leadership, Narelle continues to drive impactful change, promoting a cleaner, greener future for Australia and beyond.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUCCESS, Proudly Sponsored by Visy.
Awarded to Bayside City Council for its Bayside Roving Repair Program
Bayside launched an exciting initiative focused on reducing waste by encouraging repair and reuse rather than throwing items away.
The program started a repair culture across Bayside, giving the community opportunities to repair items destined for landfill, while building knowledge and social connections through events.
Workshops had different themes – from repairing textiles, books, electronics, furniture and bicycles – but were also spaces where the community could learn new skills, exchange knowledge, and form connections.
The roving nature of events meant they were held in a range of locations, making them accessible to a wider audience.
