Waste and disposal in Australia follows similar trends to other major economies. In the twenty-first century, eco-friendly disposal techniques like recycling have become more preferred.
That being said, waste management systems still rely on globally tested models like disposal at municipal landfill sites. It should be noted that such infrastructure still has an important place in waste disposal.
This is, in part, because effective waste management practices rely on various types of disposal techniques and technologies. This blog explores the various practices in a hope to highlight the complexities of waste and disposal in Australia.
Waste and Disposal Explained
Waste and disposal go hand-in-hand, but refer to two separate objects. The two form a core part of how waste is managed. Both need to be understood.
Waste is anything that no longer serves a purpose, is no longer wanted, or is in excess. It can take various forms, such as chemical waste, hazardous waste, and organic waste.
Disposal is a method of dealing with waste. It is a waste management practice that seeks to remove waste materials from immediate contact with human beings.
- Be sure to check out “What is Waste Management” for more information.
Waste in Australia
Waste in Australia is managed by various waste management companies like Cleanway. These companies follow both global waste best practices and regulations from governing bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Types of Waste in Australia
There are many different types of waste found across Australia. These types of waste are not necessarily distinct to Australia, but they do reflect both its economy and its resources.
- Chemical waste
- Liquid Waste
- Solid Waste
- Hazardous and Non Hazardous Waste
- Organic Waste
- Food Waste
- Biohazardous Waste
- Clinical waste
- Medical waste
It’s important to note that the different types of waste require different disposal methods. Additionally, waste types like hazardous waste can be dangerous to human health and the environment. Be sure to contact a waste management team to handle potentially harmful waste.
Statistics on Waste in Australia
Waste in Australia presents some interesting points and statistics. Looking at them is the best way to understand the industry.
- Waste Generation: Australia produces approximately 67 million tonnes of waste per year, which equates to about 2.7 tonnes per person.
- Recycling Rates: In Australia, the recycling rate for municipal waste (household waste) is approximately 58%, including materials such as paper, glass, plastics, and metals.
- Landfill: Approximately 21 million tonnes of waste are sent to landfills, highlighting their place in the waste management system.
- Plastic Waste: Australia generates approximately 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, with only a small percentage recycled (around 9%).
- Electronic Waste: E-waste is also an issue. Australians discard over 540 000 tonnes of e-waste each year, but only about 17% of it is recycled.
- Food Waste: Every year, approximately 7.3 million tonnes of food are wasted across the Australian supply chain, from production to consumption.
- Construction and Demolition Waste: This sector generates approximately 20 million tonnes of waste each year, with efforts being made to increase recycling rates.
Many of these statistics were taken from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Waste and Disposal Practices
Waste disposal best practices follow what is known as the Waste hierarchy. I’ve unpacked it in various other blogs, so be sure to check out some of the other major blogs linked below.
The general principle of the waste management hierarchy is to promote environmental sustainability and efficiency. It prioritises practices like recycling and reuse over municipal landfills.
That being said, landfills and dumpsites still make up a large part of Australia’s waste management stream. This is because it safely removes waste from human beings and the surrounding environment.
Environmental Waste Management
Environmental waste management practices include recycling, reusing, and reducing the total amount of waste produced in the first place.
Recall that waste and disposal are linked. By reducing the creation of waste, we in turn reduce the amount that needs disposal. It’s effectively addressing both waste and disposal during the manufacturing process.
Waste reduction remains the most environmentally friendly waste management practice. It deals with waste and disposal, but it also affects the entire manufacturing process. This helps to turn the entire economy towards more greener and efficient solutions.
Sustainable Waste Initiatives
Sustainable waste initiatives form part of the industry’s effort to create a greener economy. It adds onto reducing the total amount of waste and subsequent disposal needed by promoting technological innovations.
This includes grants from the Australian government to promote environmental best practices. The most recent example is National Packaging Target which seeks to make packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable in the near future.
The important thing to remember when it comes to sustainable waste initiatives is that they need to be feasible and attainable in both the short and long term. There’s no point in developing and promoting a new technology if it cannot be adopted by the industry.
Additionally, there must be a degree of public support in government funding these projects and ideas. Alternatively, private businesses can try to find ways to upgrade their industrial practices.
Waste Management Challenges
This speaks to the waste management challenges that must be addressed when it comes to waste and disposal in Australia. Waste disposal methods develop through implementation and practice. Best practices cannot be enforced without the support of those creating and handling waste.
It’s also no secret that many people do not think about waste beyond their immediate surroundings. It’s the kind of public system that people only really think about when it fails.
For this reason, it is challenging to promote public awareness about new waste management practices. Public awareness and support remains a key challenge for waste management teams.
Additionally, new regulations surrounding climate change and the environment seek constant changes in how waste is managed and disposed of. While this helps to constantly improve waste systems, it does present its own challenges.
The Future of Waste and Disposal
The future of waste and disposal in Australia and across the globe will likely continue to promote environmental waste practices, sustainability, and increased efficiency in how waste is handled.
Recent years have seen the rise of waste-to-energy, a practice that converts waste into energy forms like electricity. This helps to lessen reliance on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide.
Additionally, a rise in recycling infrastructure and resource recovery municipal solid waste disposal sites points towards a desire for innovative solutions for waste management and disposal.
Closing Thoughts
Waste and disposal in Australia looks at various forms of waste services and types in order to effectively manage waste across the country. The sector deals with hazardous waste, garden waste, e waste, and various forms of recycled content. There are many layers of complexity to understand.