Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are comprised of a series of mechanical, electronic and manual sorting processes which sort the commingled recycling stream into individual material types.
This is achieved by both extracting materials suitable for recycling and removing those that cannot be recycled.
Recyclable materials will be sourced from Council’s kerbside collections, waste depots and other Council owned entities such as Holiday Haven Tourist Parks. Opportunities for processing materials from beyond our region are also being investigated.
Background
On 10 December 2019, Council adopted the business case to establish a best practice MRF at its existing West Nowra Waste Management Precinct to process commingled recycling.
The key objectives of the MRF are:
- to produce high quality, sorted and separated recyclable products
- to control recycling within our region, reducing the dependency on external and third party services to provide greater flexibility to adapt to market changes
- improve Council’s landfill diversion rate
- assist the transition towards a circular economy
- increased employment opportunities for local residents.
In March 2024, the contractor responsible for constructing the building entered into voluntary administration, with the project yet to be completed.
Works resume on recycling facility
Following a decision of Council on 15 August 2024, the construction of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at West Nowra was given the green light to resume with the contracting of specialist trades.
At the Council meeting on 28 October 2024, councillors voted to proceed with the proposed funding model. Since that time the following has progressed:
- Council has engaged specialist trades to complete the project.
- Works to the base building completed
- Fire detection and suppression system installed within base building
- Electrical installed within base building
Australian Bale Press Company has completed the installation of the processing plant within the building and are now undertaking the commissioning of the plant.