Flinders Council Waste update
Waste Updates — March/April 2024
Facility Maintenance and Operations:
Recently, our team has been busy maintaining and operating our waste facilities. We've been handling everything from moving waste and recyclables to managing the active tipping areas. Efforts were particularly directed towards the maintenance of our transfer station skip bins, which underwent thorough cleaning, sandblasting, and repainting. While most skip bins have been refurbished successfully, one awaits completion as it required additional structural repairs. We want to remind businesses that it's important to use the Whitemark Waste Facility whenever possible. This helps make sure there's enough space for residents to dispose of their household waste at the Lady Barron Waste Transfer Station.
Recycling Efforts:
March also marked a period of focus on recycling initiatives. We are proud to report progress in recycling aluminium, lead-acid batteries, cooking oil, and products collected through the Recycling Hub. In total, a remarkable 4,400 kilograms of recyclable materials were shipped off the island for recovery. These efforts showcase our commitment to promoting sustainable waste management practices and reducing our environmental footprint.
Administration:
In addition to our operational activities, March saw comprehensive explorations into management options for waste motor oil storage and transportation, refrigerant reclamation, and recycling solutions for our mixed hard waste stockpile. These investigations are ongoing as we strive to identify and implement effective solutions for managing our waste streams and stockpiles responsibly. Furthermore, our team diligently prepared two submissions for the High Priority Infrastructure Grant, focusing on upgrading motor oil collection points and procuring a vertical baler for bulk bag processing. Additionally, March's waste data was collated, interrogated, and reported to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE). These reporting efforts play a crucial role in informing decision-making processes and resource allocation, ensuring that our waste management practices remain transparent, efficient, and environmentally sound.
Waste Updates — March 2024
Green Waste - Killiecrankie
Upcoming Skip Bin Refurbishment
Please be advised that the skip bins at both waste transfer stations (WTS) are scheduled for refurbishment over the next month. During this period, there will be a temporary reduction in bin availability.
To minimise inconvenience, we kindly request users of the Lady Barron WTS who do not reside within this community to consider disposing of their waste at the Whitemark Waste Facility whenever possible.
Additionally, all commercial users should utilise the Whitemark Waste Facility to ensure adequate space is available for residents.
Whitemark Waste Facility
Please be advised that effective Friday, 21st March, the Whitemark Waste Facility will temporarily stop accepting vehicle for disposal.
Over recent months we have seen a significant increase in vehicle and hard waste disposal. We find ourselves facing space constraints, compromising the accessibility and safety of the disposal area.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of all users and staff.
Recycling Hub
One-hundred and fourteen kilograms of difficult to recycle products have been collected through the Community Recycling Hub. This is a fantastic effort, and we can now do even more! We are excited to introduce two new programs:
- Cling wraps & small zip lock bags (clean please!)
- Brita Maxtra+ water filters.
These can now be dropped off at the tip gatehouse.
Unfortunately, we did experience a small set back. The contamination rate has gone up to 11% in the last month. Please read and follow the suggestions on the provided signs. Please remember we cannot recycle non-genuine printer cartridges, laundry bottles or juice bottles.
Wish-cycling, where people add material into the recycling bin in the hope that it will be recycled, does more harm than good. Instead, we suggest reaching out to your favourite brands and ask them to offer recycling programs through TerraCycle, Planet Ark or other free initiatives.
Waste Updates — January 2024
As we kick off the new year, our waste management team has been hard at work maintaining our facilities, sorting recyclables, and preparing aluminium bales and lead acid batteries for transport off-island. Behind the scenes, our team has been diligently fulfilling our waste data reporting obligations and reviewing community feedback from the proposed waste strategy. Additionally, we've been actively seeking out solutions for managing hazardous wastes to ensure compliance with regulations and promote environmental sustainability. Inspections of our facilities have provided valuable insights into areas where we can enhance our practices. We've identified gaps in our current processes and are working to address these challenges.
Appropriate disposal of hazardous waste materials is a priority for us. While we work on enhancing the current infrastructure and signage, please take note of the following information:
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Hazardous materials require special handling and disposal procedures to ensure the safety of our community and environment. The following materials may be disposed of at Whitemark Waste Facility, but please note that there are restrictions and specific disposal requirements. Please reach out to our waste management team for more details.
• Agricultural & veterinary chemical drums — empty & triple rinsed.
• Asbestos containing materials — by prior arrangement only.
• Clinical waste — by prior arrangement only.
• Cooking oil — within sealed containers.
• Expired marine flares.
• Fire extinguishers.
• Fluorescent tubes.
• Gas bottles — empty
• Household batteries (AA, AAA, button, 9v, etc) — both terminals taped.
• Lead acid batteries.
• Motor oil & oil filters — within sealed containers.
• Tyres — de-rimmed.
It is important to remember that these materials must never be disposed of in general or hard waste bins, stockpiles, or within the landfill. Failure to adhere to these disposal guidelines may pose risks to public health and the environment.
If you have hazardous materials that need to be disposed of, please reach out to our waste management team for advice and guidance on appropriate disposal methods.
Lady Barron Waste Transfer Station
This facility underwent a makeover, with resurfacing, gravel addition and the removal of stockpiled green waste, to improve traffic flow and operational activities. While we continue to enhance this facility, please note that currently only the following streams are accepted:
• General Waste
• Cardboard (flattened, please!)
• Glass
• Aluminium cans
• Scrap metal
• Green Waste
Disposal of motor oil and lead acid batteries is suspended until containment areas are implemented. Please note that mixed builders’ waste, white goods, tyres, and cooking oil are no longer accepted at this facility. However, these items can be disposed of at the Whitemark Waste Facility during its opening times:
Mon, Fri & Sun: 13:30–16:30
Tue & Thu: 07:00–10:00
Wed: 08:30–11:30
Waste Update — December '23 to January '24
Waste Strategy
The community consultation period for the Waste Management Strategy 2024-2028 has been extended until Monday 8am January 29th, 2024. We highly encourage and appreciate community feedback. The strategy document and feedback form is accessible here.
Cash-4-Cans
During 2023, community members successfully sorted a total of 11 bales of aluminium cans. This year, Flinders Council, Flinders Island District High School Association, and Eastern Line Shipping will be collaborating to intensify efforts to remove as much aluminium from the island as possible. Sorting events will recommence in February, with dates to be announced soon. Express your interest in volunteering with the Waste Team by emailing wastemanagement@flinders.tas.gov.au.
Facility Upkeep
During December, the Waste Team started relocating and stacking of waste tyres. For improved resource management, it is advised to dispose of tyres without rims in the existing location behind the drumMUSTER cage. The waste team is currently exploring alternative management options.
Regular efforts are underway to cover general waste more consistently and to address litter management in sections of the Whitemark Waste Facility. Users are urged to exercise caution when entering and driving around the facility, being mindful of Waste Officers and volunteers on-site. New speed signs will be erected in the coming month or two.
Both waste transfer stations (WTS) have undergone bi-weekly servicing. At Killiecrankie WTS, overhanging branches were trimmed and removed to facilitate glass disposal and mitigate the risks of falling branches. The updated skip bin locations and segregation signage at Lady Barron are proving effective. Builders using the Lady Barron WTS are reminded that builder’s waste should be directed to the Whitemark Waste Facility. Transfer stations are designated for household waste and small quantities of commercial waste only.
Recycling Hubs
In December, the Community Recycling Hub collected 15.1 kg of eligible products, bringing the total diverted from landfill to 79.6 kg since the hub's launch. Waste staff proudly dispatched 21 kilograms of resources for recycling via Australia Post.
The current top five performing programs are:
🔋 Battery: 26.9 kg
🖨️ Printer Cartridges: 19.8 kg
☕ Nespresso Capsules: 11.0 kg
📱 MobileMuster: 8.1 kg
🧖♂️ Skincare: 3.4 kg
The percentage of ineligible products stands at 5.6%, mainly non-genuine printer cartridges and laundry containers. To enhance this initiative, Waste Staff have placed stickers on the price tags of eligible products at Walker’s IGA. When in doubt, leave it out, and feel free to reach out to the waste team at wastemanagement@flinders.tas.gov.au for clarification.
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Waste Update - December 2023
CHANGES TO LADY BARRON WASTE TRANSFER STATION
At Lady Barron Transfer Station, new signage has been installed to clarify accepted waste streams.
Please note: Mixed builders waste, white goods, tyres, and cooking oil are no longer permitted to be deposited at Lady Barron Transfer Station. These items can be disposed of at the Whitemark Waste Facility during its opening times.
Accepted waste streams at Lady Barron Transfer Station:
- General Waste
- Green Waste
- Cardboard
- Glass
- Aluminium cans
- Vehicle batteries
- Engine Oil
- Scrap metal
- Treated and untreated timber
We've also repositioned the bins to enhance operational efficiency and user convenience. Additionally, to improve separation efforts, we've allocated one open skip bin specifically for cardboard. A red mobile trailer has also been positioned at the Transfer Station to streamline the collection of aluminium cans.
Cash-4-Cans
Eastern Line Shipping has generously offered to transport baled aluminium cans to the recycler in Launceston at a reduced fee, as a donation to this initiative. The recent shipment of five bales has yielded a profit of $1083.99. Volunteers dedicated a total of 32 hours to produce these 5 bales, which translates to a donation of $33.87 per volunteer hour benefiting the Flinders Island District High School.
Our November events were the most successful this year, resulting in a total of 4 bales generated by the efforts of 14 community members.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all contributors who participated in sorting events this year. Your invaluable time and effort significantly contribute to waste reduction and supports our school in providing enriching opportunities for local children.
Recycling Hubs
Since its inception, the Community Recycling Hub has successfully collected a total of 64.49 kilograms of eligible products. Here are the top five performing programs to date:
🔋 Battery: 22.27 kg
🖨️ Cartridges: 18.22 kg
☕ Nespresso Capsules: 7.53 kg
📱 MobileMuster: 7.28 kg
🧖♂️ Beauty & Skincare: 2.29 kg
We are planning to deploy more hubs and new programs in the new year. Stay tuned for more details.
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September - October Update
Cash-4-Cans
September and October witnessed two successful events with active participation from community members. Since August, a total of five bales have been sent off-island for recycling from four held events. Kudos to all involved for this impressive effort. Next sorting event is on Saturday 25th November, 10 am to 12pm. Register to come along by contacting Sabrina on 0456 730 174.
Facility Upkeep
We've been actively maintaining the Whitemark Waste Facility. Efforts are being made to move, compact, and cover general waste with clean fill on a more regular basis. At Killiecrankie Waste Transfer Station, a red trailer has been installed as a trial for improved aluminium can collection. Pending its success, a similar trailer will be installed at Lady Barron WTS.
Recycling Hubs
We're delighted to report that the Community Recycling Hub at Walkers IGA is making a significant impact since its successful launch in September. To date, the hub has collected an impressive 51.135 kilograms of eligible products. We've seen 2.4 kg of ineligible items dropped off, primarily non-genuine printer.
The top-performing programs are:
- Battery: 17.973 kg
- Cartridges: 16.274 kg
- Nespresso Capsules: 6.38 kg
- MobileMuster: 6.026 kg
It's encouraging to see this program heading in a positive direction.
drumMUSTER
Adam from drumMUSTER conducted a training session on Flinders Island, guiding council staff on inspecting, recording, and managing drum collections. The process involved cleaning the cage, removing numerous ineligible containers, inspecting, counting, and stacking over 500 eligible containers. New signage has been added for program clarity.
This experience emphasised the need for clarification that the drumMUSTER program specifically accepts agricultural and veterinary chemical drums. Drums for motor oil, sanitising products, and other non-agricultural chemicals are not compatible. It's essential to remember that no chemicals of any kind can be accepted for disposal at our waste facilities. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure safety and effectiveness while safeguarding the environment.
To enhance program efficiency, we will host drumMUSTER drop-off days every first Wednesday of the month. The next one is scheduled for December 6th from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Farmers with large quantities are encouraged to reach out to the Waste Management Supervisor.
Worm Farms
EGC Pty Ltd has received funding from the NRM North for Community Worm Farms. Following an initial trial period at the Whitemark Waste Facility, established by March 2024, the farms will be launched at all Flinders Island waste facilities. It is envisioned that the project will be managed by community members with some assistance from Flinders Council Waste Staff and Magdalena from ECG. Stay tuned for more details.
Waste Strategy
The earlier review of the draft 2021–2025 Waste Strategy presented to Council in July gained a positive response. However, it was agreed that a change to the coverage period would allow for comprehensive 5-year planning. As such, we’ve been diligently finalising the Flinders Council Waste Management Strategy 2024–2028. This new strategy is set to be presented to Council in November, followed by a period for community feedback prior to adoption by Council.
We appreciate your continued support as we collaborate for a cleaner future.
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August - September Update
Killiecrankie WTS Update
A shipping container has been set up at the Killiecrankie Waste Transfer Station, which will serve as a future base for the Killiecrankie Glass Crushers. They'll continue to hold their glass crushing events here. We've also added new collection bins for glass next to the container to minimise breakage and make it easier to load into the crusher.
Cash-4-Cans
We recently held two community-supported Cash-4-Cans events that were a big hit. We managed to sort enough aluminium cans to create two bales weighing 300 kilograms each. To make the sorting process more efficient, please remember to separate aluminium cans from tin cans and other objects. Also, refrain from putting cigarette butts and bottle tops inside the aluminium cans.
Recycling Hubs
We've been working closely with local businesses Walkers Supermarket and the Lady Barron Store to set up our new Recycling Hubs. Fourteen new programs for hard-to-recycle items have been confirmed. Plus, we've earned accreditation from the Battery Stewardship Council to collect household batteries. The first Recycling Hub will be in operation on Wednesday, 20th September, at Walker's IGA, where you can drop off a variety of items including printer cartridges, light bulbs, beauty and skincare packaging, mobile phones, and accessories. To boost our efforts, we've also placed two recycling bins at the airport—one for aluminium cans and another for glass bottles. These bins are proving effective in encouraging recycling among airport visitors.
Facility Upkeep
We've been busy tidying up our waste facilities. This includes clearing out excess recyclables from the Killiecrankie Waste Transfer Station and cleaning the aluminium can sorting area. We've also addressed the issue of inert waste spilling onto the access road at the tip.
Regulatory Compliance
Two officers from the EPA paid a visit to the Whitemark Waste Facility recently. This was a great chance for us to discuss important issues and work on meeting regulatory standards. Our team also mapped out areas with previous landfill activity and other land uses like mining and quarrying. This will help us plan remediation work to stay in compliance with regulations.
We appreciate your ongoing support and participation in these initiatives!
Waste Update - July 2023
The recently implemented digital data recording system has been a resounding success. This efficient system has reduced waste data reporting time by one-tenth of its previous duration. To continue our waste data improvements, staff have been provided with training and essential resources in waste data collection, classification, and volume estimation.
In line with our commitment to continuous improvement, Flinders Council has recently completed a comprehensive review of the Waste Strategy. The finalised strategy will be presented to Council for consideration, followed by an opportunity for community feedback prior to it being adopted by Council.
During July we have also been actively exploring multiple recycling programs for inclusion in our soon to be released Recycling Hubs. Attention is being given to household battery recycling, as improper disposal poses significant environmental threats. Council hopes to be able to provide this service in the coming months. Additionally, new waste signage has been finalised and ordered to improve waste segregation at all waste facilities.
Finally, Council is proud to report that the deep burial trench has successfully undergone an audit by Biosecurity Tasmania. The trench was found to be compliant with regulations, ensuring the proper and secure disposal of biosecurity waste.
Waste Update - June 2023
During the month of June, we implemented a digital data recording system at the Whitemark Waste Facility to enhance our waste management practices. Officers were provided with the necessary resources and training to effectively utilise this new system. This development greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of our waste data collection and reporting procedures.
To ensure continued compliance and proper disposal of hazardous waste, a new deep burial trench was excavated at the facility. This trench is designated for the disposal of asbestos, medical, and biosecurity waste. It is important to note that access to this area is strictly limited to authorised persons only. To clearly demarcate the restricted zone, new signage has been erected, ensuring the public is aware of the boundaries. For any future disposal of hazardous waste, it is essential to make prior arrangements with the waste management supervisor.
Minor changes to the data collected at Whitemark Waste Facility will be introduced in July as directed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. Starting from Sunday 2nd July, our officers at the Whitemark Waste Facility will be conducting more thorough checks and inquiries to ensure accurate waste data recording. This information allows us to precisely monitor our progress in waste minimisation efforts and helps align our practices with the requirements of the Waste and Resource Recovery Regulations 2022. We kindly request all visitors to stop at the office when entering the Waste Facility for further assistance and guidance.
We appreciate the ongoing support and cooperation of the community as we strive to improve our waste management practices