Recycling, waste minimisation and waste-to-energy to gain traction

Cost is by far the most-mentioned challenge in delivering municipal solid waste services in Australia. It is also, unsurprisingly, the single most important criterion for councils when selecting a waste management service provider. 

Australia introduced a carbon pricing mechanism (CPM) on 1 July 2012 that applied to open landfills exceeding the 25,000 tonne CO_2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) threshold. This and other operational cost increases present councils in the country with their most significant challenge. In responding to this challenge, councils have made waste minimisation their highest priority.

‘Australian Municipal Waste Management - Voice of the Customer Study’ is Frost & Sullivan’s recently completed study that analysed feedback from 42 councils across all states and territories in Australia.

Frost & Sullivan Industry Director Ivan Fernandez said, “There is a growing opportunity for outsourced services; more from recycling than from disposal activities. Demand for larger and more complex waste-recycling facilities is likely to drive consolidation and increased opportunity for large providers. These providers will also benefit from the trend toward aggregating procurement amongst councils.”

“The waste-to-energy sector is expected to see significant growth over the long term, as councils proactively seek ways to ‘monetise’ waste,” he added. “Given the significant untapped potential in Australia, companies with proven technologies and clear demonstration of viability will hold a significant competitive edge. Specific opportunities in the short term will revolve around retrofitting existing facilities with waste-to-energy technologies.”