REMONDIS will nearly double the amount of waste it handles in the Hunter Valley at a multi-functional waste processing facility at Tomago.
The $22 million Tomago Resource Recovery Facility will be across two warehouses and deal with waste and recycling material from across the spectrum.
REMONDIS expects the facility to process and recycle nearly 100,000 tonnes of waste per year including paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, wood, concrete, out-of-spec packaged food products, garden organics, electronic goods, muds, hydrocarbons and liquids such as waste oil and oily water.
A Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) facility will be a centrepiece of the development. It will process waste into a solid fuel that can be used for energy-making in industrial settings, and as a cleaner alternative to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal.
The facility will handle waste from homes, businesses, construction and mining sites across the Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast, with up to 93 per cent of received matter to be processed for recycling.
Scott Smith, REMONDIS Hunter and Western Region NSW Manager said the facility will ensure the Hunter takes big strides forward when it comes to recycling.
“We’re talking about a whole lot of waste that will be captured, processed and recycled, as opposed to ending up in holes in the ground,” Smith said. “The Hunter recycling rate sits at about 40 per cent, whereas the New South Wales has statewide targets of 80 per cent and beyond. We’re confident this facility will narrow that gap.
“Our experience in the Hunter, nationally and globally tells us that people want more recycling, and for that to happen you need facilities such as this.”
Tony Khoury, Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association of NSW Executive Director said the facility is a waste management milestone for the Hunter.
“The aim of modern waste management is to do what’s possible to stop unrecyclable waste going into the ground,“ Khoury said.
“On that front this project ticks all the boxes, making it a big win for the environment and the broader community.”
REMONDIS’ smaller existing waste handling site at Thornton will gradually be wound back, with all operations folded into the new Tomago site without disruption to services. The Tomago site will employ 76 people, with eight new jobs to be created.
Subject to final EPA approvals, REMONDIS will start operations at the Tomago site by December and progress to full operations early next year.
For more information visit: www.remondis.com.au
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