Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association NSW & ACT (WCRA)

Not long now until WCRA's November Breakfast briefing featuring a presentation from Tony Chappel from NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), who has many initiatives and programs to update the industry on the recently announced infrastructure gaps. We will also be hearing from Darren Saunders from the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer to talk about the much-anticipated research the OCSE is conducting into Asbestos Contamination. The breakfast is sure to be a fantastic event with a lot of topical knowledge sharing. Don't miss out, Book now!

Great to see our industry associations working together and collaborating to further the skills of our industry and ensuring that the training provided is actually relevant to the needs of our workers. Thanks to Adam Pringle - MAIB for meeting with the state associations to have a robust discussion about the state of training in our sector.

We love seeing our members grow, innovate and deliver much needed infrastructure. Great work Concrete Recyclers (Group) Pty Ltd

Ten of Australia's peak waste and recycling industry organisations are demanding immediate measures, including a ban on battery disposal in household and commercial waste, to combat the growing hazard posed by batteries and electronics in conventional waste and recycling streams. https://lnkd.in/gmbN2NSZ Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) National Waste & Recycling Industry Council AORA - Australian Organics Recycling Association Limited Victorian Waste Management Association, Waste Recycling Industry Association (QLD) inc (WRIQ)The Waste and Recycling Industry Association of WA Waste and Recycling Industry SA - WRISA Waste and Recycling Industry NT - WRINT Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association NSW & ACT (WCRA) BINGO INDUSTRIES REMONDIS Australia Veolia Australia and New Zealand Cleanaway Waste Management NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Tasmania Environment Protection Authority South Australia (SA EPA)

WASTE AND RECYCLING INDUSTRIES UNITE FOR URGENT ACTION ON BATTERY FIRE CRISIS    Australia's leading peak waste and recycling industry organisations have joined together to call for urgent action on the growing hazard posed by batteries and electronics in conventional waste and recycling streams.   Ten peak state, territory and national industry groups—comprising the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR), AORA - Australian Organics Recycling Association Limited, National Waste & Recycling Industry Council, Victorian Waste Management Association, Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association NSW & ACT (WCRA), Waste and Recycling Industry NT - WRINT, Waste Recycling Industry Association (QLD) inc (WRIQ), Waste and Recycling Industry SA - WRISA , @Waste and Recycling Industry Association (WA),  and the Waste Recycling and Processing Industry Association (VIC)—are demanding immediate measures to confront this escalating crisis.   With around 30 battery-related fires occurring daily across the country—amounting to over 10,000 fires a year—there is an ongoing risk to the operational safety of waste and recycling infrastructure, as well as the well-being of workers and the health of the environment.   Batteries are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, particularly in lithium-based chemistries. When improperly disposed of in conventional waste or recycling streams, they pose a significant fire hazard. The growing use of products like e-scooters and devices with integrated batteries further exacerbates the risk of fires and the release of toxic gases.   To combat this urgent issue, the waste and recycling industries call on Australian, State and Territory Governments to implement the following measures:   Ban Battery Disposal: Prohibit the disposal of batteries in household and commercial waste, with penalties for non-compliance. Safe Disposal Networks: Establish easily accessible collection points for safe disposal of loose and embedded batteries across Australia. National Education Campaign: Launch a comprehensive awareness initiative to inform the public on proper disposal methods. Industry Support: Provide support and resources, including insurance backing, to manage and mitigate the risks posed by batteries. Extended Producer Responsibility:Expedite national regulations, mandating producer responsibility to fund safe disposal and processing of all batteries and consumer electronics products. Accountability Targets: Set ambitious recovery targets for batteries and consumer electronics to ensure accountability across the market. "The risks associated with improper disposal of batteries and consumer electronics are not just a concern for the waste and recycling industries; they affect every Australian," said Suzanne Toumbourou, CEO of the Australian Council of Recycling. "We must act now to protect our people, our infrastructure, and our environment." Read the full media release here : https://lnkd.in/gUtdhePU

We are excited to announce that we're now taking bookings for our upcoming Annual Dinner. We are also seeking nominations for the WCRA Industry Awards, to be awarded at the dinner (link below for form). A wonderful opportunity to enjoy a great night of entertainment and to celebrate the wins with our WCRA Industry Awards! Booking form: https://lnkd.in/gxNryaK2 Nomination Form: https://lnkd.in/gkAiU6hY

This is great news SULO!! Keep up the amazing work as we move towards a more circular future.

A Huge Thank You to Our Waste and Recycling Workers! 🌪️💪 As wild winds continue to lash our state, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible waste and recycling workers who are out there every day, ensuring our communities stay clean and safe. Your unwavering dedication, even in the face of challenging weather conditions, is nothing short of amazing. It’s a testament to the vital role you play in our society, and we appreciate your hard work more than words can express. Thank you for your resilience and commitment. Stay safe out there, and know that your efforts do not go unnoticed! 🙏 #WasteManagement #Recycling #EssentialWorkers #ThankYou #Community

🎉 What a Success! 🎉 WCRA’s 2nd Annual Safety Summit was an incredible event, and we’re thrilled to share the highlights! From Tim James inspiring kickoff to a diverse range of presentations on Overhead Lines, Fire Safety, groundbreaking technologies, and both mental and physical health—this summit had it all. A massive thank you to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for their invaluable support and sponsorship and to all of the presenters who gave up their time. Your contribution was key to making this event a resounding success. 🚀 And stay tuned for next year! We’re already planning to make it bigger, better, and even more impactful. Don’t miss out! #SafetySummit #Innovation #HealthAndSafety #WCRA #IndustryLeaders #ThankYou Endeavour Energy (NSW) Baraja Citation Group 🇦🇺 (formerly FCB) @baseAir AMCS Group Transport for NSW Ansell United Safety & Survivability Corporation Australia SafeWork NSW Engistics Acacia Connection (Acacia EAP)

This shows the power of advocacy, Tony Chappel’s recent speech at the Australian Battery Recycing and Manufacturing conference highlights that NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is taking the time to listen and understand the issues facing our industry and working towards practical and effective actions to mitigate the risks. We certainly haven’t solved the issue yet, with fires continuing to ravage our industry. Stay vigilant.