31 May 2021
AORA May News
From the National Executive Director
It has been another very busy month for AORA, and there is so much good news to share.
 
However, that’s not for this month!
 
For now, I have a short and simple message: if you haven’t already booked for the AORA 2021 Annual Conference, do so right now. A huge spurt of interest in recent weeks sees us nearing capacity for both attendees and accommodation, and you do not want to be the one that misses our industry’s biggest event in two years.
 
If you do, you will miss:
  • An incredible lineup of presentations from industry leaders and experts from across Australia and the globe
  • A full house of renowned industry suppliers and supporters in the exhibition area
  • The chance to get hands on with the latest equipment at our exhibition day
  • The fun that comes with an event in the midst of one of Australia’s greatest wine districts
  • The opportunity to mix, mingle and share knowledge (and COVID-19 war stories) with friends and colleagues from across our industry and across the nation.

Make sure you don’t miss out by booking now at: http://www.aoraconference.com.au/

See you at the Conference!
Peter Olah
National Executive Officer
Certified Compostables - the smarter choice
AORA Partner News

Australian brands are reacting to the Australian Government’s 2025 targets to make all packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable, causing interest around certified compostable packaging solutions to skyrocket and resulting in a strong need to ensure that organics recycling infrastructure, such as composting is also prepared well in advance. BASF has been researching certified compostable and therefore biodegradable polymers to support the development of certified compostable packaging solutions for more than a quarter of a century.

Rowan Williams, Regional Market Development Manager- Biopolymers at BASF says that while solutions exist, having the correct infrastructure available for collection and processing of this organic waste and the certified compostable packaging is critical in responding to the increasing amounts of source separated food waste.

“We’re seeing some councils around Australia commit to introducing Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection, and more are considering every day, but some are still projecting this out to 2030 – it makes it difficult to implement widespread certified compostable packaging for kerbside collection as we then rely on consumers to have home composting systems. As a consequence, food soiled packaging is not recycled and food waste generally ends up in landfill. We have to do better than this."


AORA VIC accredited to EPA Victoria's Industry Partnership Program

As the introduction nears of Victoria’s new Environment Protection Act on 01 July there is a need for information about the new regulations to be communicated to industry, companies and individuals. EPA Vic has created an Industry Partnership Program (IPP) that provides funding and training modules to industry bodies to assist in this communications blitz.
 
AORA Vic is delighted that its long-term, detailed consultations under the chairmanships of Michael Wood, Frank Harney and, currently, Sage Hahn with EPA Vic, Sustainability Victoria and the Department of Land, Water and Planning have led to it being accredited under the IPP structure.

There will be a strong focus on instruments known as “Determinations” that will facilitate transactions in Manures and so-called Processed Organics with minimal documentation provided there is adherence to published criteria. The final wording of the Determinations is expected this week but AORA Vic are already able to state that they feel their submissions have received due consideration.
 
EPA Vic seeks to have the information roll out completed by the end of June. AORA Vic will shortly advise Members and targeted non-Members about the format and scheduling of sessions during this period. We want as many people as possible to take part, as the information is vital in terms of compliance with industry-specific provisions of the new Act.
Only two weeks to go until the AORA Conference - don't miss out!
Did you miss the Budget Q and A
with Minster Trevor Evans?

You will need to be logged in to the AORA Member Portal to watch this webinar. If you are having trouble accessing, please email [email protected]
Get your booth in the AORA Organics Zone
AWRE is on from August 25-26 at the ICC in Sydney and is the premier business event for the waste, recycling and resource recovery sector.

The popular AORA Zone is going to be bigger and better in 2021. With an new earthy feel, timber look back walling, moss green carpet and citrus and herb plants, it will definitely be appealing to visitors.  
 
As an AORA member only area, each space is offered at $2,950 ex GST and includes a 3x2 space with walling, a table, 2 chairs, signage, power and PLI.
 
This year, with the assistance of a newly formed Advisory Committee, they have expanded the event further to include an innovation zone and awards, a high level summit and a gala dinner. Even more reason for the waste and recycling community to come together to connect; and for you to be part of the exhibition in the AORA Zone! 
Book your space now;
Mark Whearem Client Manager
Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo
M: 0433 156 959
P: +61 3 92614650
 
Or
Melissa Clendinen Product Manager
P: 0412 547 664
Save the Date

AORA NSW Breakfast event

Wednesday 25 August
8am - 9.30am
Novotel Sydney Darling Square

(prior to opening of AWRE)
Of interest
Organics Processing Service - EOI open
Bega Valley Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from the private sector for an organics processing service. 

Rethink packaging design: use less, use longer and use again
As natural resources are rapidly diminishing, pollution and GHG emissions worsen, oceans and waterways are filling up with packaging waste and integral ecosystems are becoming irreparably damaged, the world has been put on notice that the time for talk is over.

Boston expanding textile and organics recycling as it ramps up zero waste plan
Efforts to hit an 80% recycling rate by 2035 were delayed in part by the pandemic, but moves to expand drop-off programs show new momentum. Curbside organics collection remains an unresolved priority.

What Is Australia’s Composting And Product Sales Capacity?
AORA research provides assessment metrics that can be used by other countries, reports Biocycle.

Using compost to regenerate soils on large cropping farms
After more than two decades of continuous cropping, Forest Hill farmers Andrew and Karly Dumaresq know they have a lot to thank their soils for.

Biogas plant at Toronto Zoo turning manure and food waste into power
It took 11 years, but a working biogas plant beside the Toronto Zoo is finally running, turning zoo manure and grocery store waste into liquid fertilizer and power.

Compost Pellets Down the Tube
MRA Consulting recently complete a trial application of pelletised compost down the tube of an airseeder. Results show an increase in crop yield and profit per hectare.

San Francisco celebrates 25 years of food scrap recycling
2021 marks the 21st year that San Francisco residents and businesses can place their food scraps and yard trimmings in green bins at the curb for collection and composting.

If you have a story, link or news to share with AORA members, please email Alex
Thanks to our Partners
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Founding Members
AORA - Australian Organics Recycling Association
0434 625 472| [email protected]