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Australia faces a significant waste management challenge, with approximately 76 million tonnes of waste produced annually. As the population grows and urbanisation increases, managing this waste efficiently has become a pressing issue. In November 2024, the New South Wales Government acknowledged that Greater Sydney is on the brink of a waste crisis, and without action, landfill capacity is predicted to be exhausted by 2030.
This blog explores Australia's evolving waste management landscape. It highlights policies, case studies, and innovative technologies aimed at reducing landfill reliance and promoting sustainability.
Australia’s waste management
The country's waste is generally divided into three categories: municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, and construction and demolition (C&D) waste. A large proportion of Australia's waste still ends up in landfills, with an estimated 50% of waste being diverted through recycling or waste-to-energy processes. Australia previously shipped a significant portion of its plastic, paper, and cardboard to its Asian neighbours, but now national processing of recyclable materials is being encouraged due to bans on 32 categories of recyclable waste.
Australia's landfill system is under increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns, particularly the methane emissions from landfills, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas impacts. The push for more sustainable and efficient waste management practices has led to the development of several innovative technologies aimed at reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling, and generating sustainable energy from waste. Below are examples of policies and incentives introduced by government agencies to facilitate and encourage more sustainable waste management.
Policies and incentives
Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF):
- The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) is a key policy under the Clean Energy Regulator that offers financial incentives for landfill operators to reduce emissions through landfill gas capture technologies.
Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC):
- The CEFC is a government-owned corporation designed to provide financing for renewable energy projects, including waste-to-energy (WTE) and landfill gas-to-energy projects. The CEFC has invested in several high-profile waste and recycling initiatives across the country.
Waste and Resource Recovery Act 2001 (updated 2022) (NSW):
- This act aims to improve waste management practices in New South Wales (NSW) by focusing on resource recovery and diverting waste from landfills. It includes provisions for increasing recycling rates and establishing new energy-from-waste (EfW) projects.
- The act also requires waste facilities to apply for and maintain environmental protection licences, ensuring proper waste handling, pollution control, and mitigation of methane emissions.
- The National Waste Policy is Australia's roadmap for managing waste in a sustainable way.
- The National Landfill Gas Strategy provides guidelines for methane management and landfill rehabilitation.
Case studies
Case study 1: Landfill gas-to-energy projects
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted from landfills, is captured and converted into electricity or heat through landfill gas-to-energy technologies. These projects help mitigate the environmental impact of landfills by reducing methane emissions and generating renewable energy. Examples of current landfill gas-to-energy projects supported through government funding include:
Brooklyn landfill gas-to-energy project (Melbourne, Victoria):
- Located in Melbourne, this project captures methane emissions from one of Victoria's largest landfills. The gas is used to generate 7.5 MW of electricity, enough to power 7,500 homes. The electricity is sold to the national grid, contributing to the state's renewable energy supply.
- This project has been running since 2011 and has significantly reduced the landfill's methane emissions.
Bunyip Road Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project (Moreton Bay Regional Council, QLD):
- Methane gas is extracted using a series of wells and pipes installed at the landfill (Image 1). This captured methane is then processed and used to power a gas-to-energy facility that generates electricity.
- The plant generates around 1 MW of electricity, which is sufficient to power approximately 1,000 homes annually. The electricity produced is fed back into the local grid, supporting renewable energy efforts in the region.
- The project also aligns with the National Waste Policy's goals to reduce emissions and promote the circular economy.
Image 1: Landfill gas-to-energy plants at our waste facilities - City of Moreton Bay. Source: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Waste-Recycling/Sustainable-Waste-Initiatives/Green-Energy
Case studies
Case study 2: Waste-to-energy (WTE) plants
Waste-to-energy (WTE) plants convert non-recyclable waste, including plastics and organic waste, into energy using technologies such as thermal treatment, pyrolysis, or gasification. WTE facilities play a key role in reducing landfill reliance while generating renewable energy. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has provided funding for WTE research, particularly in the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly WTE technologies. Examples of current WTE projects supported through government funding include:
Eastern Creek waste-to-energy facility (NSW):
- In 2020, the Eastern Creek WTE plant was launched, processing 500,000 tonnes of waste annually and converting it into 30 MW of renewable energy —enough to power approximately 40,000 homes. The project diverts waste from landfills and supports NSW's transition to a circular economy.
Kwinana waste-to-energy facility (WA):
- The Kwinana WTE facility in Western Australia (Image 2) is another major project that uses gasification technology to generate electricity from waste. The plant processes 400,000 tonnes of waste annually and will generate 36 MW of renewable energy once fully operational.
Image 2: ACCIONA acquires Kwinana Waste-to-Energy facility in WA. Source: https://esdnews.com.au/acciona-acquires-kwinana-waste-to-energy-facility-in-wa/
Case studies
Case study 3: Landfill final landform design and rehabilitation
Overview of final landform design:
- Landfill final landform design ensures that landfills are closed in a way that prevents long-term environmental harm. This involves capping the landfill with soil, installing gas collection systems, and restoring the area for future use.
Alexandria landfill (Sydney, NSW):
- The Alexandria Landfill has been rehabilitated into a public park (Image 3), featuring green spaces and recreational areas. The landfill was capped with a multi-layered system to reduce leachate and methane migration.
Melbourne’s Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Facility (MWRRF) (Melbourne, Victoria):
- This site not only focuses on advanced waste-to-energy technology but also includes an important component for biodiversity conservation.
- The project involves the creation of a biodiversity zone around the facility, aiming to balance industrial development with environmental stewardship and conservation.
- The biodiversity zone is designed to provide a safe, sustainable environment for local flora and fauna.
Image 3: Sydney Park voluntary management proposal - City of Sydney. Source: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/public-health-safety-programs/sydney-park-voluntary-management-proposal
Conclusion
Australia's waste management system is evolving with a focus on sustainability and circular economy principles. Innovative technologies, such as landfill gas-to-energy systems and waste-to-energy facilities, are helping to reduce landfill dependency while generating clean energy. Rehabilitation efforts are transforming closed landfills into valuable community spaces. Government policies and continued funding will be essential to reaching national goals in sustainable waste management practices and supporting innovative projects.
About Atlantech
Atlantech is a leader in environmental management, providing expert solutions for waste management, sustainability, and resource recovery. Our specialists are dedicated to implementing innovative, sustainable practices that benefit both businesses and the environment. Contact us today at www.atlantech.com.au/contact-us/ to learn how we can help you achieve your environmental goals.