GONE are the days of make, take and dispose according to Bass Coast Shire Council.
The new buzz word for sustainable waste management is circular-economy.
Instead of a linear, straight-line product life where an item is designed, created, used and then thrown out, the circular economy is a system where materials aren’t wasted or thrown into landfill and are instead re-used for something else.
Six leading researchers on circular economy principles spoke at a Regional Circular Economy Summit at Berninneit in Cowes hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council last week.
“It’s a new approach,” said environment program coordinator for Bass Coast Shire Peter Maganov.
Practical on-ground solutions were provided at the summit for the implementation and integration of a circular economy within, across and beyond local organisations.
“The aim into the future is no landfill waste,” said Mr Maganov.
In a circular economy, we all want to ensure the product we have, can be used as material for another product according to Peter Maganov.
Globally recognised scientist, engineer, and inventor Professor Veena Sahajwalla from the UNSW SMaRT Centre
emphasised the need for utilising waste as a resource with niche industry solutions for heavy metals and e-waste.
Dr Martin Geissdoerfer Associate Professor of Circular Economy Transitions at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute spoke about business model innovation and sustainable business strategies.
With his experience in natural resource management, agriculture and community engagement Andrew Taylor from the Bega Circularity Group explained how the Bega Valley dairy industry has adopted a more circular economy.
“Bega is committed to creating circular solutions for all their dairy waste,” said Mr Taylor.
Leading a team of researchers focused on the restoration of natural and artificial freshwater wetlands Dr Martino Malerba from RMIT explained how he has tested floating wetlands to improve farm dam management and reduce emissions.
Roelof Vogel a circular economy researcher at Monash Business School spent two years studying sustainable business practices including the close relationship between circular economy and local government.
“People are so used to wasting stuff and then having to dispose of it,” said Mr Maganov. “Instead, we should try to keep using it as much as we can.”
Agriculture is seen as a high priority for Bass Coast’s Circular Economy Framework.
“How we can assist farmers and landholders to reduce their waste and support its re-use for other industries is a future priority for Council,” said Mr Maganov. “The circular economy will turn the economy on its head.”
Bass Coast has enabled residents to separate food waste into green bins to create fertiliser and soil conditioners.
“This material previously went into landfill creating potent greenhouse gases,” said Mr Maganov. “Our food waste collection service for residents represents a strong example of circular economy.
Bass Coast is now a leader in regional Victoria for food waste recovery representing best practice for local government.”
