Good quality land
Goal: Protect land from the adverse impacts of pollution and waste by addressing historical site contamination, advising and regulating industry and promoting sustainable waste management (through the waste hierarchy).
State of the Environment South Australia 2013 observations:
- Knowledge and remediation of site contamination has increased.
- Between 2006 and 2011, total waste generated has increased by 40% to 3 250 kg per person. About 75% of this is recycled.
Key achievements for 2013–14 include the following.
Working with industry on waste reforms
Through discussion with industry and stakeholder groups during the year, the EPA has identified the key drivers and issues currently influencing its ability to effectively regulate waste. From this, options to reform future waste regulation included:
- introduction of mass balance reporting by waste and resource recovery facilities to better monitor the path of waste, including volumes recovered or sent to landfill
- modification and simplification of the Waste Derived Fill Standard to enhance clarity around when waste materials can be reused as fill or processed into material suitable for use as fill
- requirement for the preparation of enhanced plans for the reliable production of safe, suitable products derived from waste
- consideration of the introduction of an upfront waste levy liability for resource recovery facilities
- exploration of how enforcement and compliance tools are used by the EPA, including their potential expansion.
The EPA outlined these options through a series of industry stakeholder meetings in January–June 2014. Industry will continue to be closely engaged as detailed planning for, and implementation of, reform options occur.
New online system set to improve waste tracking in SA
The EPA’s new online waste tracking system, WasteTracker, will replace the current paper-based system used to track movements of listed wastes. Expected benefits to industry include significant reductions in time and effort, including improved access to consistent information in real time.
Customisation and testing of the trial system is now underway. The EPA has commenced training with selected waste producers, transporters and operators of receiving facilities (including waste depots, recyclers and composters) to facilitate their individual needs.
Full implementation of WasteTracker is scheduled for early 2015.
New landfill bans for e-waste and fluorescent lighting
As at 1 September 2013, landfill bans for electronic waste were expanded so that additional e-waste (such as vacuum cleaners, hair dryers and electric drills) as well as whitegoods, televisions, computers and fluorescent lighting from across the state are now banned from direct disposal to landfill, under the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010.
Waste audits
The EPA and Metropolitan Fire Services jointly carried out the Wingfield Waste Precinct Stockpiles Audit in December 2013 for the 12 licensed EPA sites in this precinct. As a result, plans were developed or improved to manage stockpile materials at each site.
Raising awareness about health risks associated with asbestos fibres
The EPA and SafeWork SA collaborated with the community on a joint campaign to raise awareness about asbestos in the home.
Information focused on the safe handling and transportation of asbestos, and the dangers involved in the dumping of this material.
Activities included a segment on Channel Nine’s ‘Building Ideas’ program, and events held at the Master Builders Association Building and Home Improvement Show at the Adelaide Showgrounds, annual Metropolitan Fire Service Open Day. and Bunnings In-Store Trade Breakfast at Mile End. There was also an online and social media presence.
‘By using a licensed asbestos removalist you can ensure that both you and our environment stay safe.’ – Brett Pfeffer, Safe Work SA, on Building Ideas.