Green waste recycling skyrocketed at Port Hedland’s landfill site in April, thanks to a pilot program initiated by Pilbara Regional Council (PRC).
Formed in 2005, PRC assists its four member councils in the coordination of resource sharing and common issues, and also assists them to attract funding.
It comprises the Shires of Ashburton, East Pilbara, Roeburn and the Town of Port Hedland, which cover 512,000 square kilometres and serve a population of 42,750 people.
PRC leased the shredder on behalf of the councils and then created a timetable so that they all had fair usage of the machine.
The Town of Port Hedland had the machine for one week, in which it processed more than 500 tonnes of green waste, including grass, weeds, tree loppings and wooden pallets.
Town of Port Hedland Mayor Stan Martin said the impressive piece of equipment is capable of shredding 30 tonnes of light steel, tyres and general waste per hour.
He said the shredder is faster and more efficient than Council’s current mulching machine.
“Council was very impressed and satisfied with the results and we will be working closely with the Pilbara Regional Council to identify long term opportunities to support the program,” he said.
The trial program originates from Pilbara’s Regional Waste Management Plan, which was endorsed by PRC last year.
The plan explores opportunities for Local Government throughout the Pilbara to decrease environmental harm and increase life spans of landfills by implementing sustainable waste management strategies at a local level and sharing of resources to maximise recycling opportunities.
PRC Executive Officer, Adrian Ellson, said that as part of this plan a contractor was hired to develop a business case for gasification technology at Pilabara’s eight Local Government owned landfill sites.
Gasification is the process of burning waste within a sealed incinerator system and using the resultant gases to produce energy.
The energy can then be sold to the electricity grid.
“Trialling the shredder was part of this plan, as if we proceed with gasification, waste needs to be shredded down to a size that can fit into the incinerator,” Adrian Ellson said.
“PRC and its member councils are now evaluating the results of the trial and deciding on a longer term solution of leasing, sharing or purchasing a similar piece of equipment for recycling purposes or to assist with future gasification projects.
“All four councils have been impressed with the capacity of this mid range shredder and there are a number of opportunities here for us to work together.”
For further information contact Adrian Ellson on (08) 9187 0687.
