guide to best practice for organics recovery/media... · the guide considers technologies that...

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Guide to Best Practice for Organics Recovery

resourcesmart.vic.gov.au


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Disclaimer

Information in this document is current as of October 2009. While all professional care has been taken in preparing this document, Sustainability Victoria accepts no liability for loss or damages incurred as a result of reliance placed upon its content.

Acknowledgements

Sustainability Victoria acknowledges Blue Environment Pty Ltd for preparing this report.

© Sustainability Victoria 2009


1

Glossary 2

Abbreviations 3

1 Introduction 4

1.1 Organics recovery 4

1.2 Purpose and application of the guide 5

1.3 What is best practice 6

1.4 Local government 7

1.5 Existing facilities 7

1.6 Review of the guide 7

2 Planning and design 8

2.1 Feasibility assessment 8

2.2 Feedstock 9

2.3 Site suitability 10

2.4 Statutory framework 12

2.5 Approvals and licensing 12

2.6 Community consultation and education 13

2.7 Site layout 14

2.8 Design for sustainability 14

2.9 Design for risk control 15

2.10 Site infrastructure 16

3 Process technologies 17

3.1 Technology overview 17

3.2 Feedstock preparation 19

3.3 Types of technology 20

4 Operation and management 28

4.1 Risk control 28

4.2 Management systems 29

4.3 Managing for sustainability 30

Contents

4.4 Process control 31

4.5 Environmental protection 31

4.6 Plant and equipment 34

4.7 Access and traffic management 37

4.8 Emergency response and fire control 36

4.9 Community consultation and education 37

4.10 Monitoring 37

4.11 Other management aspects 37

4.12 Rehabilitation 39

5 Products and markets 40

5.1 Process management and quality assurance 40

5.2 Products 41

5.3 Potential market sectors 43

5.4 Market development 43

6 Further information 44

Figures

Figure 1.1 Management approach 5

Figure 3.1 Source separated organics process 19

Figure 3.2 Mixed residual organics recovery process 19

Figure 3.3 Stages in anaerobic digestion and fermentation 24

Tables

Table 3.1 Technologies suitable for organics processing 18

Table 3.2 Composting technologies and best practice issues and management approaches 22

Table 4.1 Odour sources and management measures 31

COnTEnTS 1



Aerobic biodegradation Decomposition of organic materials by bacteria active in the presence of oxygen

Amenity The quality of a local environment in relation to health and pleasantness

Anaerobic biodegradation Decomposition of organic materials by bacteria active in the absence of oxygen

Best practice Best practice represents the current ‘state-of-the-art’ and aims to produce outcomes consistent with the community’s social, economic and environmental expectations. Continuous improvement is an important component of best practice

Biosolids Stabilised organic solids derived from sewage treatment processes

Buffer distance The distance between a centre and residential or other sensitive land use

Combustion Chemical reaction in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen to produce heat and light

Composting Controlled biological process in which organic materials are broken down by micro-organisms

Contamination Materials and items within a recycling process that are not readily recycled by that process

Gasification Heating in a low-oxygen atmosphere to produce a combustible gas

Green organics Grass clippings, tree cuttings, plants and leaves

Groundwater Any water contained in or occurring in a geological structure or formation or an artificial landfill

Leachate Liquid released by waste, or contaminated water that has percolated through or drained from waste, and containing dissolved or suspended material from the waste

Litter Any material, generally waste, left where it should not be

Prescribed waste As defined in the Environment Protection (Prescribed Waste) Regulations 1998. These wastes require careful management and regulation because of their potential impact on human health or the environment

Pyrolysis Heating in an oxygen-free atmosphere to produce a liquid oil

Shredding Particle size reduction

Syngas/synoil Synthetic gas (including methane and carbon dioxide) or synthetic oil which can be used for generating electricity

Windrow Elongated pile where shredded organic waste undergoes biodegradation

Glossary


Abbreviations

AD Anaerobic digestion

BOD Biochemical oxygen demand

C&D Construction and demolition

C&I Commercial and industrial

CO Carbon monoxide

DORF Derived organics rich fraction

DPI Department of Primary Industries

EPA Environment Protection Authority Victoria

MSW Municipal solid waste

NOx Nitrogen oxides

N:P:K Nitrogen: phosphorous: potassium

OHS Occupational health and safety

RDF Refuse derived fuel

SEPP State Environment Protection Policy

SOx Sulphur oxides

VPP Victorian Planning Provisions

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1. Introduction

1.1 Organics recoveryOrganic wastes comprise a large percentage of Australian waste generation and offer a significant opportunity for reducing waste disposed to landfill. It is estimated that garden and food organics contribute in the order of 25-30% by weight of all solid non-prescribed waste landfilled in Victoria. Household waste is the greatest contributor to landfilled garden and food organics, followed by commercial and industrial (C&I) food organics and timber.

The continuation of past practices in waste generation and disposal will hamper initiatives for a more sustainable society. As a community we need to use resources more sustainably, reduce our current consumption patterns and decrease our environmental footprint, in order to allow future generations the opportunity for a similar quality of life. One step on the journey to sustainability is to reduce our generation of waste, reduce the amount of waste deposited to landfills and increase the amount of waste recovered for recycling and reuse. Diverting organic waste from landfill disposal delivers environmental, social and economic benefits.

Greater organics recovery is therefore a key waste minimisation priority of the Victorian Government. Victoria’s Sustainability in Action: Towards Zero Waste Strategy (Sustainability Victoria, 2005) sets targets for reduction and recovery of waste. These are an average 65% recovery by weight of municipal solid waste (MSW) and 80% recovery of C&I and construction and demolition (C&D) wastes by 2014. Victorian councils typically achieve recovery rates in the order of 25–35% without organics collection services and 45–55% with regular garden organics collection services. Regular garden and food organic collection services have achieved recovery rates of over 65%. Councils wanting to increase recovery rates will need to recover more garden and food organics through either regular source-separated collection services or processing the residual organics in general MSW.

As well as reducing dependence on landfilling waste, diversion of organics from landfill reduces the risk of greenhouse gas emissions from landfill, reduces the risk of methane and other gases impacting on the surrounding land, and reduces the risk of organic compounds and other contaminants polluting groundwater.

Recovery and processing of organics can also produce beneficial soil amendments (such as composts and fertilisers) for improving Australian soil profiles, increasing soil organic carbon levels, preventing soil erosion and reducing water use for growing plants and crops. Some recovery technologies also allow the generation of electricity, production of heat for industrial purposes and the generation of other fuels for secondary energy production.

Organics recovery covered in this guide can be undertaken either by separation of organic wastes at the source of generation, or as part of a recovery process for mixed residual organics. The management approach for source separated organics and residual organics and products generated is outlined in Figure 1.1.

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1.2 Purpose and application of the guideThe Resource Smart Guide to Organics Recovery is intended to promote best practice in the management of recovered garden, food and other organics. This guide was developed to replace the Guide to Best Practice: Composting Green Organics developed in 1998 and revised in 2001.

The Resource Smart Guide to Organics Recovery addresses the development and operation of facilities processing recovered organics and the framework of markets for finished products.

The guide does not seek to replace or repeat existing publications that detail elements of best practice management of organics recovery operations. Where relevant, the titles of (and hyperlinks to) these complementary documents are provided.

The guide provides recommended and preferred approaches only; compliance is not mandatory unless required by a planning approval, tender brief or similar. However, facilities that do not achieve best practice standards may increase the risk of exposure to environmental, social, health, safety and insurance problems.

Collection

Source-separated organics Residual mixed waste

Biological treatment Sort Biological treatment

Thermal treatment Biological treatment Sort

Screening/blending RecyclablesSort

Compost Soil conditionersLiquid fertilisers

Electricity Heat Refuse derived fuels

Key audiences for the guide include:

> existing organic processors looking to upgrade operations

> those interested in developing an organics processing facility

> local and regional government authorities procuring organics processing services

> local and state government planning agencies assessing facilities.

The guide considers technologies that process both source separated organics and the organics component in mixed MSW. The guide considers a range of technologies that can be used to process organics, including aerobic composting, anaerobic digestion (AD), pyrolysis/gasification, combustion and refuse derived fuel (RDF) manufacture. In many instances, organics processing facilities may use a number of such technologies.

The guide recognises that technologies for processing organics vary and are continually being developed and refined. Circumstances also vary. The scale of operation, siting issues, and the key priorities and objectives of communities, councils and reprocessors will vary from facility to facility. Accordingly, this guide does not promote a single particular technology as ‘best practice’. It provides general principles and guidance on how different approaches and technologies can achieve best practice.

Figure 1.1 Management approach

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The main issues associated with organics processing and best practice include the following.

> Sustainable resource use Under the waste minimisation hierarchy, the objective

should be to recover the highest resource value practicable and achieve the best sustainability outcomes. Organics do not always neatly conform to the hierarchy of ‘avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover energy, treat and contain/dispose’. Although waste avoidance and reduction will deliver high environmental outcomes, there will inevitably be garden and food organics generated. Keeping these organics out of landfill or treating them prior to landfill will deliver significant benefit. However, unlike recyclables such as metals, paper products, plastics and glass, garden and food organics are not always recycled and manufactured into products that reduce demand for first use products. Where composted products substitute for or otherwise reduce the use of first use products (such as fertilisers or forestry derived mulches), they can be said to have higher resource use than compost products that do not. Where compost products do not reduce demand for first use products, energy recovery that reduces the use of fossil fuels may be a higher order use.

Processing converts organics into a range of products that can benefit the environment. However, the extent to which this is achieved depends on the quality of processing and products and the markets and actual end use of products. Commercial composting of garden and food organics is often a net user of energy and the main benefits are associated with avoided landfill. Often, a significant proportion of composted organics do not go to high value uses and the net environmental benefits are not as high as they could be. Energy recovery from organics provides renewable energy and has significant greenhouse and other environmental benefits where it reduces demand for fossil fuel energy. Best practice organics approaches are likely to integrate biological composting and AD technologies and potentially thermal energy recovery of fractions of the organics resource stream.

> Product quality and market demand Failure to produce good quality products that meet

market demand results in unsaleable products and excess products. Poor products also damage the reputation of the industry and products.

> Odour and other environmental risk management Putrescible organics have the potential to generate

odour as they biodegrade. Processing sites have other environmental risk associated with air and water pollution. Insufficient management of odour and other environmental risk damages the reputation of the organics recovery industry, increasing the costs of operation and establishing new facilities.

1.3 What is best practiceIn the context of this guide, best practice refers to the performance of operations according to triple bottom line accounting, which considers performance against financial, environmental and social indicators. The guide provides an overview of key financial, environmental and social aspects associated with organics recovery, and suggestions and recommendations of how operators can achieve best practice.

Adoption of best practice management implies:

> setting key performance indicators and targets for operations and management

> monitoring and continually improving performance against these indicators

> improving performance in all three areas – financial, environmental and social (i.e. triple bottom line accounting does not mean improving one of the areas to the detriment of the others)

> assessing or benchmarking performance against others in the industry

> adopting quality and environmental management systems, ideally seeking accreditation to recognised industry standards

> seeking and achieving performance beyond regulatory and enforced minimum standards

> reporting progress to stakeholders, including staff, clients, regulators and neighbouring communities.

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The benefits of best practice for organics recovery operations include:

> improved market demand and value through quality management and assurance of products

> improved process controls reduce risk

> improved knowledge of how components of the operation interact

> identification of potential cost savings and productivity improvements

> ability to demonstrate performance and continual improvement to potential clients such as local governments contracting for services; regulators such as the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), local government and WorkSafe Victoria; and neighbouring communities.

The guide contains details of what should be done to achieve best practice. The word must is used where legal requirements are referred to.

1.4 Local governmentLocal government has an important role in organics recovery as it is responsible for the management of large volumes of municipal organics; it may also be a large user of end products (such as composts and fertilisers) in the maintenance of community parks, gardens and sporting grounds.

The guide can be useful to local government for:

> indicating new opportunities for processing organics and recovering value from the waste stream

> identifying areas of potential risk in new and existing facilities

> outlining best practice for incorporation into service contracts

> detailing activities which contractors must or should be undertaking

> providing a benchmark for engagement between local communities and facility developers/operators

> supporting decision making based on a triple bottom line approach, considering the environmental, social and economic impacts of proposed organics recovery.

1.5 Existing facilitiesThe guide provides direction to existing facilities towards reaching best practice standards. Operators should review their operations against the guide and, where necessary, prepare an improvement plan to upgrade their process facility in line with the recommendations of the guide. The improvement plan should describe the changes to be made and a timetable for implementation. Where changes are made incrementally, all works should be undertaken within a broader vision of the final site plan.

Where changes are not considered appropriate, a rationale for that decision should be documented, together with alternative measures which may be in place (or put in place) to address the specific issue.

1.6 Review of the guideThe guide will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to reflect new standards in best practice as they occur. Stakeholders who have identified areas which require updating with new standards should contact Sustainability Victoria.

PLAnnInG AnD DESIGn 8


Appropriate planning, siting and design can avoid future problems due to unintended off-site impacts. It can also ensure that the facility operates at an efficient economy of scale and consistently produces application-specific products with sustainable markets.

This section provides guidance on the planning, siting and design processes involved in establishing an organics recovery process and facility. It covers feasibility assessment, feedstock issues, community consultation and education, site selection, statutory approvals, site infrastructure and design approaches to sustainability and risk control.

2.1 Feasibility assessmentThe feasibility of organics recovery should be assessed for proposed operations and facility upgrades. The business case for proceeding with the development of an organics recovery operation should be established and documented in a business plan.

The viability of an organics processing operation will depend on a number of issues, including the financial and technical feasibility of the proposed facility. Key aspects to be considered include:

> types of organic feedstocks to be accepted and likely contamination levels

> the ability of the proposed technology and operations to adequately process feedstock and manage contamination

> securing supply of feedstock required (including peak volumes and consideration of any seasonal variation in supply)

> the need for screening, processing and product cleaning technologies and systems to make marketable products from the proposed feedstocks

> any performance specifications of the proposed technology for particular feedstocks

> site and infrastructure requirements

> scalability and modularity of technology and infrastructure (particularly in non-metropolitan areas)

> operating and maintenance requirements (including contingency planning)

2. Planning and Design

> the products to be manufactured and a realistic assessment of the markets for these products

> market capacity, security and price points for products

> capital costs, including the cost of land for processing and storage, infrastructure, equipment and development costs

> operating costs, including labour, fuel and equipment costs, product testing, compliance monitoring, disposal, transport and marketing costs

> gate fees for different organics (including fees applying at alternative disposal facilities such as landfills)

> cash flow, including matching of peak periods of feedstock availability, product output and market demand

> break-even points of minimum performance and optimum economies of scale

> community needs.

Given the role of organics recovery in helping to deliver a sustainable community, its feasibility may best be considered by a triple bottom line assessment process; this considers the environmental, social and economic impacts of implementation in a balanced assessment approach.

Consultation with the relevant waste management group should be undertaken during the assessment process.

Consideration should also be given in the initial assessment to realistic timelines involved in developing an organics processing facility and implementing recovery systems. The varying complexity of different sites and technologies may involve project programs of between one and five years before operations at a new facility can commence; this may impact on feedstock supply, availability of markets, costs and a range of contractual arrangements.



2.2 FeedstockProcessors need to consider the availability and characteristics of particular feedstocks to determine:

> whether they will always have the right mix of materials for the technology they propose to use and the products they propose to make, including the optimum carbon:nitrogen ratio

> potential income from different types of organics

> seasonal variability in the volumes and types of feedstocks received

> market competition for feedstocks.

Types of feedstock

The processes, end products, site management, and EPA approvals and licence conditions will determine the types of materials that can be used as feedstock. The main categories of feedstocks and some of the key issues associated with these include the following.

> Garden organics These materials are typically secured through local

government organics recovery contracts for receival of materials collected at kerbside and resource recovery centres. Smaller amounts of garden organics can be obtained through the operation of private drop-off or transfer station operations or through arrangements with gardening contractors and land developers. Smaller but still significant amounts of garden organics are found in C&I and C&D waste streams.

The availability and mix of garden organics varies according to season. Typically, the months from late September through to early January are the period of greatest material generation, with typically about 50% of the annual amounts of organics recovered over the four-month period, usually peaking in November. A smaller peak of supply typically occurs following autumn rains from April to June. The actual quantities and distribution over the year will depend on the season. Facilities need to have capacity to receive, process and store peak volumes of materials.

Over the period from September to December/January, higher levels of lawn clippings are usually present. This material can be malodorous when received and needs special management. In composting operations, it also needs to be balanced with higher carbon woody materials to avoid odour issues developing. Garden organics may contain weed and plant disease propagules. The organics recovery technology must be able to kill these effectively if the end products are to be applied to land or used in horticulture.

> Food organics This includes household food preparation scraps and

discarded food, and waste from food manufacturing, food services (hospitality and institutions) and food wholesale and retail. The amounts of household, food services and food retail organics are significant and do not vary greatly over the year. Food organics from manufacturers and wholesalers can vary if the activity is seasonal, for example, olive, grape or tomato processing. Food organics typically have a high moisture content and the potential to quickly become malodorous, and require special management.

> Other putrescible organics Within mixed household waste, items such as nappies,

sanitary pads and soiled paper are potentially recoverable with appropriate technology.

> Timber/wood waste Wood waste including timber, sawdust, and large tree

waste can provide valuable feedstock for composting and thermal energy recovery operations. Equipment typically used to process woody garden organics can usually also process timber. In composting systems, woody waste is useful for balancing carbon and nitrogen and moisture levels.

> Prescribed industrial waste organics Some prescribed industrial waste such as biosolids,

grease trap, paunch, fish processing waste, paper pulp and waste water with organic and/or nitrogen loads may be useful feedstock. These materials can provide nitrogen and moisture to processes and end products. They have a high risk of being malodorous and require special treatment.



> Manures and animal litter and bedding Chicken, cattle and horse manures as well as litter and

bedding from feedlots and stables can provide valuable nitrogen to processes and end products. These wastes also have a high risk of being malodorous and require special treatment.

> Soils Blended soils are a major market for organics from

composting and some AD facilities. Suitable waste soils and sands may be received and blended with organic products. Where this is undertaken, protocols need to be in place to ensure that no contaminated soils enter products.

> Other materialsThere are other wastes that can be used to add value to organic products. For example, plasterboard waste can be processed and added to products as a conditioner of clay soils, some resin manufacturing results in loads of urea waste that can provide extra nitrogen to end products, and coal dust can add carbon and colour to products.

2.3 Site suitabilityPotentially suitable sites should be identified taking into account a range of issues, although some criteria may be weighted as more important than others. Final site selection should be done in consultation with the local community and planning consent authorities.

Planning

Facilities must be sited in accordance with local planning schemes. Consideration may also be given to siting facilities within complementary precincts such as resource recovery parks.

New facilities should not be located at sites listed on the Victorian Heritage Register or containing indigenous heritage. Proponents should investigate previous site uses and planning controls to identify any restrictions placed on-site functions and activities, as well as assess the risk of pre-existing soil pollution.

Consideration should also be given to traffic management planning, with attention to the impacts of traffic to and from the facility on local amenity and traffic conditions.

Area required

Potential sites should provide sufficient land, taking into consideration:

> technology type

> current and projected feedstock volumes and handling requirements (allowing for future expansion capacity)

> equipment storage and maintenance

> vehicle movement and queuing requirements, including any seasonal variation

> processing operations

> curing of products

> bagging and/or retail operations (where needed)

> projected community growth surrounding the site.

Buffer distances

Recommended buffer, or threshold, distances between organics processing facilities and sensitive land uses have been set by the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) and EPA guidelines. The purpose of such buffer distances is to enable facilities to operate without causing off-site amenity impacts from odour, dust, noise, pest animals and insects.

The VPP outline recommended threshold distances from the processing site’s boundary or main works and any land zoned for sensitive uses.

The EPA guidelines provide recommended buffer distances based on the size of operation, feedstock materials and the types of technology used in the processing of materials. Buffers required for enclosed facilities are considerably less than those required for open windrow.

Odour control

Odour modelling must be undertaken at the planning stage to determine the likelihood of detrimental odour impacts on the amenity of surrounding properties and residents. The modelling must be undertaken in consultation with the EPA.

Open windrow composting can be particularly susceptible to odour emissions; if composting is deemed to be the most appropriate technology to use, consideration should be given to the use of aerated static pile or enclosed composting as an alternative.



Odour control can be addressed in the planning stages through:

> ensuring adequate buffer distances are established and maintained from adjoining properties

> locating potential odour sources away from and downwind of sensitive receptors

> establishing operations within an enclosed building

> establishing an appropriately sized biofiltration system

> installing air extraction systems in enclosed facilities

> ensuring that all materials on-site, including input organics, active composts, and stockpiles of maturing and finished products are managed appropriately to avoid and contain odours

> ensuring any ponds accepting leachate maintain aerobic conditions (this may require mechanical aeration and/or sludge removal).

Natural site conditions

Natural site conditions will influence the design, management practices and control measures adopted at a facility. The following should be considered:

> Climate Local climatic conditions should be considered as these

can affect litter generation, storage requirements, odour generation, site amenity and stormwater management requirements. Prevailing wind direction and the impact of terrain on local wind effects, as well the potential formation of inversion layers (where a cold layer of air sits over warmer air, preventing dispersion of odour), should be considered. Local wind speed and direction, rainfall and other climatic information is available from the Bureau of Meteorology (http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/ca_vic_names.shtml).

> Hydrological and hydrogeological features Sites with high water tables or in groundwater recharge or

discharge areas should be avoided where possible. Sites with a large catchment area should also be avoided so that works associated with diverting and treating surface water flows are minimised.

> Ecology If previously undisturbed land, or land containing areas

of remnant vegetation, is being considered, a flora and fauna study should be conducted to determine whether any unique, endangered or threatened species or vegetation communities are present. Such sites should be avoided if possible.

> Terrain Many of the main odorous gases formed at organics

recovery facilities are heavier than air and will flow downhill and collect in lower areas on cool still nights and days. Terrain can also impact localised wind effects.

Transport distances

The cost of transport from feedstock sources and to product markets can play an important role in the economic feasibility of an organics recovery facility. When siting the facility, consideration should therefore be given to the transport distances to existing and potential feedstock sources and product markets.

Access to utilities

The site should have access to all necessary utilities, including water, electricity and sewerage. Sites should have access to reticulated water for processes and fire control.

Where electricity generation will occur, the site should be in close proximity to transmission lines for feeding into the electricity grid. Where heat energy is captured for use off-site, the site should be located within a feasible transfer distance to the user. The capacity of substations to accommodate additional power load needs to be determined by consulting power companies.

Storage of hazardous substances

Fuel and gas storage facilities and any hazardous chemicals stored on-site must be in compliance with the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and dangerous goods provisions within the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Biogas and syngas generation facilities must also store and manage gas in compliance with these.

WorkSafe Victoria, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade or Country Fire Authority and, where gas is being generated and stored, Energy Safe Victoria, should be consulted regarding regulatory obligations and safety planning requirements.



2.4 Statutory frameworkOrganics processing facilities must be developed and operated consistent with all statutory planning, environmental and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements. Key statutes are outlined below; a full list of relevant legislation and regulations is included in Section 6.

Other key documents relevant to organics processing in Victoria include:

> EPA Environmental Guidelines for Composting and Other Organic Recycling Facilities (Publication 508, June 1996)

> EPA Guidelines for Environmental Management: Biosolids Land Application (Publication 943, 2004)

> Standards Australia Australian Standard for Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches (AS 4454).

Planning

The Planning and Environment Act 1987 sets out the framework for land use, planning and development in Victoria, including the preparation and administration of planning schemes. Under the Act, the VPP provide standard land use zonings and a template for individual municipal planning schemes. Municipal planning schemes are binding on all people and corporations, and set out permitted land uses for different land zoning. Zones and permitted uses are contained in the VPP, which defines composting as a “use with adverse amenity potential”.

Environmental protection

The Environment Protection Act 1970 is a key legislative tool used in Victoria to protect the environment. Subordinate legislation under the Act includes:

> state environment protection policies for specific segments of the environment such as air and groundwater

> waste management policies governing the management of specific wastes

> environment protection regulations.

Organics processing facilities must comply with relevant environmental protection legislation, policies and regulations. Facilities should also be consistent with the local and regional waste management plans relevant to their location.

Scheduled premises regulations

The Environmental Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations 2007 prescribe the premises that are subject to works approval and/or licensing by EPA, and provide for exemptions in certain circumstances. They provide a means to effectively manage these premises in a transparent way, which ensures an adequate level of community confidence is maintained. Under the regulations, any premises with aerobic or anaerobic composting which is designed to or has a capacity to process more than 100 tonnes of waste per month must have EPA works approval and an operating licence.

Prescribed waste regulations

The Environment Protection (Prescribed Waste) Regulations 1998 provides schedules of prescribed waste. These are wastes that pose environmental, health and amenity risks and cannot be managed through conventional landfilling. Prescribed wastes must be managed by premises scheduled and licensed to receive the materials, and transported by approved vehicles and operators using waste transport certificates to track the correct transport and management of materials.

Some prescribed wastes such as biosolids, wastewaters, food processing wastes, grease trap and paunch waste have organic loads and can be managed through composting and digestion technologies. Any facility receiving such materials must be licensed to do so and complete waste transport certificates for materials received.

Occupational health and safety

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 establishes the statutory framework for providing a safe working environment. Like the Environment Protection Act 1970, this Act has subordinate legislation and several guidance documents relevant to the recovery of organics.

2.5 Approvals and licensingDevelopment of an organics processing facility must only be undertaken in accordance with statutory approval and licensing conditions. Sufficient time should be allowed for gaining the relevant approvals within the development program.



Planning approval

Once a site has been chosen, it should be determined whether a planning permit is required. This should be done through discussion with a council planning officer. Early discussion will also identify any other council requirements which may need to be met.

Composting and recycling facilities which process more than 100 tonnes of waste per month always require a planning permit and are not permitted in, or within a recommended threshold distance of, land zoned for sensitive uses, such as residences, business districts, schools or hospitals. The threshold distance is the minimum permitted distance from any part of the land of the proposed use or buildings and works, or the site where the organics or recycling facility is to be developed, to land zoned for sensitive uses.

Where a planning permit is required, applicants will need to provide supporting information to the local council or other responsible authority. This information may include an assessment of the potential impacts of the facility on the environment, traffic and surrounding land use.

EPA works approval

An EPA works approval and licence is required for the establishment of organics processing facilities designed or having a capacity to process more than 100 tonnes of waste each month. An application for approval should be completed in consultation with the EPA as all EPA works approvals and licences will reflect specific site and process circumstances. Reference should be made to Instructions for Completing Works Approval, Licence and Licence Amendment Applications (EPA Publication 375.7) and to Environmental Guidelines for Composting and Other Organic Recycling Facilities (EPA Publication 508).

Licence conditions set by the EPA typically include the following principles:

> no detection of offensive odours beyond site boundaries

> no discharge of nuisance particles beyond site boundaries

> no burning of waste or compost at the site

> no discharge of waste, wastewater or litter to land, groundwater or water environments

> no visible matter (such as scum, colour or litter) in stormwater runoff from the site

> acceptance of EPA approved waste types only

> ongoing annual performance reporting in accordance with EPA licence approval conditions.

In assessing works approval applications, EPA will, among other things, consider the need for the following:

> an assessment for historical compliance performance for existing sites

> limits on the tonnage of waste that may be received by the facility

> the use of best practice technologies

> the enclosing of part or all of the composting process and use of appropriate odour controlling technologies to treat air removed from the facility

> minimum buffer distances to sensitive land uses (for example, residential)

> the installation of energy recovery facilities where the process generates significant greenhouse gases.

2.6 Community consultation and education

The community should be involved as early as possible in the development process so that expectations and concerns can be identified and addressed. Proposed extensions or modifications to existing facilities should also involve community consultation.

The level of community consultation will vary depending on the type, size and location of the planned facility. A community consultation plan should be developed and implemented, detailing:

> who will be consulted, for example, local residents, waste contractors, others

> process to maximise engagement with the community

> how information will be communicated, for example, public meetings, newsletters, formation of a community consultative committee

> what information is to be communicated

> how the community can comment on proposals, for example, written/verbal submissions

> the consultation period.

The key to successful source separation of organics from contaminants lies in the actions of waste generators. Education of specific feedstock generators and the wider community should therefore be undertaken to raise awareness of the importance of correct separation procedures to support contamination reduction programs.



2.7 Site layoutSafety, efficiency and maximisation of resource recovery are key considerations in site layout. The design of an organics processing facility will be dependent on the constraints of each site but should:

> use natural site features to minimise the works required

> consider prevailing wind direction and potential impacts on surrounding environment

> allow for separation of truck, car and pedestrian traffic movements

> provide a separate area for processing operations which is not accessible to members of the public.

2.8 Design for sustainabilityDesign of organics processing facilities should consider green building principles and opportunities for enhanced sustainability.

Transport

Collection systems and product distribution networks should be designed to minimise transport distances involved. Consideration should be given to the use of transport modes which minimise the use of non-renewable energy and fuel sources, and minimise the emission of greenhouse gases.

Use of materials

When selecting building materials for construction, consideration should be given to the ecological footprint of comparable products. Where practical, priority should be given to materials which have a recycled content, low embodied energy, do not deplete non-renewable resources and/or have been produced locally.

Where soil amendment products are packaged prior to sale, consideration should be given to the type of packaging used in order to minimise its ecological footprint, for example, maximise the recyclable content of packaging and use material which can be recycled at end-of-life.

Water and energy efficiency

Design of the facility should incorporate the following to minimise the use of water and energy:

> using low maintenance and preferably local native vegetation for site screening and landscaping

> using natural light and ventilation

> using energy-efficient processing equipment and lighting

> reusing, where feasible, leachate and recovered water within the organics recycling process

> using any energy produced on-site first (to reduce losses in transmission)

> optimised use of all energy produced on-site, including heat energy

> installing rainwater tanks for collection from roofed areas and collecting stormwater for reuse on-site

> using, where feasible, waterless urinals, composting toilets and other facilities that minimise use of water and other resources

> installing, where feasible, a greywater collection, treatment and reuse system

> using, where feasible, solar power or other renewable energy options for energy requirements.

Ecology and aesthetics

Any areas of ecological significance should be protected and left undisturbed. Consideration should be given to using existing vegetation to visually screen the site, provide a windbreak, limit litter dispersion and improve site amenity. Facilities should be designed to blend in with the surrounding environment. Vegetation should be planted to screen unpleasant views.



2.9 Design for risk controlDesign of organics recovery systems and processing facilities should incorporate measures to reduce and/or appropriately manage potential risks.

Health and safety

Organic processing facilities should be designed to minimise risks to the safety of workers, facility users, site neighbours and the environment. Safety considerations should include the storage of any dangerous goods on the site; control measures implemented must be in accordance with WorkSafe Victoria regulations.

Risks should be considered throughout the design process through consultation with employees, contractors, manufacturers and others. The draft design should be subjected to a risk assessment and be revised as needed.

Collection systems

Most organics are generated by households. The type of collection systems used to recover these organics will influence the levels of contamination and the nature of feedstock. Key elements of a contamination plan for collection systems include:

> setting maximum acceptable levels of contamination and monitoring these criteria

> ensuring that collection contractors have processing systems that can manage the target levels of contamination

> community engagement and education to inform of the correct use of collection systems, supported by regular reminders to reinforce correct sorting

> continual improvement programs operated by local government and their contractors to monitor contamination levels from particular areas and identify households not using collection systems appropriately

> working closely with collection contractors to ensure that incidents of gross contamination are addressed.

Contamination

Physical and chemical contaminants damage the performance of technologies and the quality of end products. Contamination can clog and damage equipment and become a litter problem at the processing site. Contamination in products damages product appearance and can impact on sales. Chemical contamination in products has the potential to damage market reputation and restrict allowed uses for products. Higher value products generally result when contamination is avoided or removed prior to processing.

Common and problematic contaminants in organics derived from source-separated collection and mixed waste processing include:

> treated timber

> plastic film (bags and bin liners)

> rigid plastics (pots and garden ties)

> glass (bottles and jars)

> metals

> paper (this material will decompose but can be a litter and visual contaminant)

> soil (can add to equipment wear and tear)

> naturally occurring copper and zinc in garden organics

> household and garden chemicals

> batteries, light globes and other electrical and electronic equipment containing heavy metals (in mixed waste).

There is a need to develop systems to reduce the level of contamination in feedstocks and install equipment that can remove higher levels of contamination. Contamination management systems should start at the point of collection and continue through to final screening of products.



Acceptance criteria

Organics recovery facilities should have acceptance criteria and related operating procedures for the management of received organics that is enforced as part of daily operations. The acceptance criteria will be specific to the technology and processes undertaken at the facility but may include:

> types of waste accepted within EPA licence conditions

> traceability of generation source, especially of industrial organics

> required documentation accompanying prescribed industrial wastes

> feedstock volumes within the operating capacity of the facility

> contamination levels within the operating parameters of the process technology

> odour

> where applicable, off-site pretreatment processes undertaken.

If materials contain contaminants above acceptable levels, effort should first be made to isolate and remove sections of the load containing the contaminants. If this is not effective, loads should be managed through additional pre-screening or be rejected. If received materials are malodorous or at risk of becoming so, they should be immediately managed on-site (through containment or blending with materials that will adsorb odour and reduce potential for odour generation) or be rejected and sent to an alternative site with lower risk of off-site odour.

For further information see:

> Victorian Compost Contamination Guidelines

> Reducing Contamination of Dry Recyclables and Garden Organics at the Kerbside – The NSW experience.

Preparation

Some technologies may require pretreatment of feedstocks before they can be processed. Pretreatment requirements may differ depending on the type of technology used but may include:

> shredding and particle size reduction

> using magnets to separate metals

> using bag-breakers, trommels, air separators, clarifiers and other machinery for organics recovered from mixed waste streams.

2.10 Site infrastructureStructuresSite structures must comply with relevant building codes, building regulations and planning regulations.

The site should incorporate a gatehouse to manage and control vehicles entering and leaving the site, collection of gate fees, inspection of incoming organics and direction of users to appropriate areas of the site.

Other infrastructure common to organics processing facilities may include:

> a weighbridge to monitor and record types and quantities of feedstock (subject to facility size)

> hardstand areas for feedstock receival and preparation

> enclosures for storage of equipment and materials

> site security such as fencing and gates.

UtilitiesDesign of organics processing facilities should include:

> adequate firefighting facilities

> sufficient lighting to allow work to be performed safely on dull days in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1680

> adequate water supply to meet requirements for fire control, drinking, washing, cleaning and dust suppression

> a suitable method of communication from the site in case of emergency.

Amenities should be provided in accordance with WorkSafe Victoria’s Compliance Code: Workplace Amenities and Work Environment and include:

> staff toilets, washing facilities, dining areas and drinking water

> where relevant, staff change rooms, showers and storage facilities

> appropriate lighting, cooling and heating measures.

The Compliance Code: Workplace Amenities and Work Environment also specifies design requirements (such as size and placement) for certain amenities and equipment.

SecurityAdequate site security measures should be incorporated to keep intruders and animals out of the facility, prevent theft and vandalism and prevent illegal dumping of unacceptable waste. All facilities should have a perimeter fence, lockable gates and be attended when open. A wire mesh fence at least two metres high should be constructed around the site boundary.

http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/documents/Contamination_guidelines.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/warr/2007211kerbsidedryrecy.pdf



PROCESS TEChnOLOGIES 17


3. Process Technologies

3.1 Technology overviewOrganics can be derived from source separated collection systems or extracted from mixed MSW and C&I wastes. The types of organics and how they are refined for processing will influence the technologies used for processing and the value of outputs from processing. Increasingly, organics processing facilities use a number of different integrated technologies to recover material and energy resources from organics.

Technologies considered in this section are:

> biological processing > aerobic composting/stabilisation

> anaerobic digestion

> anaerobic fermentation

> thermal processing > heat treatment

> pyrolysis/gasification

> combustion technologies

> refuse derived fuel (RDF) manufacture.

These technology types, suitable feedstocks and potential products are summarised in Table 3.1.

All facilities must meet EPA requirements for buffer distances; in most cases this will require the use of controlled environment processing for facilities processing more than 20,000 tonnes per annum of garden organics (and more than 10,000 tonnes per annum of garden and food or other potentially malodorous materials). Controlled environment processing can ensure consistency of processing and product quality and will, at minimum, control air emissions during the most odorous stages of operation. Controlled environment technologies range from controlled aeration and treatment of odorous emissions during the initial phase of processing, through to fully enclosed facilities where emissions from all stages of receival, processing and storage and handling of materials are contained and treated. The levels of controls required will depend on siting, feedstocks, processing technologies used and site management issues.



Technology Feedstock for organic recovery operation Products /outputs from organic recovery operation

Open windrow composting > Source separated garden organics

> Limited amounts of food and other wet organics

> Mulches

> Composts

> Blended products

> Potentially woody material for pyrolysis, combustion or refuse derived fuel (RDF) manufacture

Controlled environment open composting

> Garden organics

> Limited amounts of food and other wet organics

In-vessel composting > Garden organics

> Food and other wet organics

Anaerobic digestion (AD) > Food and wet organics

> Organic load extracted from source separated organics or derived organics rich fraction (DORF) from mixed waste

> Renewable energy

> Organic fertilisers

Anaerobic fermentation > Starchy or sugary organics

> Potentially woody organics

> Bio-products (alcohols, organic compounds that can be used to synthesise polymer products and fuels)

> Potentially gas for renewable energy

Pyrolysis/gasification > Predominantly dry woody organics from source-separated collection, DORF or residual from other organics recovery technology

> Renewable energy

> Syngas and synoil products for further refinement and use as fuel

> Biochar and other charcoal products

Combustion > Mixed waste

> Derived organic/calorific fraction from mixed waste

> Woody organics from other organics recovery operations

> Renewable energy

> Ash and emissions scrubbing wastes which may require management as prescribed waste

RDF manufacture > Derived organic/calorific fraction from mixed waste

> Woody organics from other organics recovery operations

> RDF for use as fossil fuel replacement

Mechanical biological processing > Mixed waste is screened to recover DORF

> Anaerobic and/or aerobic treatment

> Restricted use compost and stabilised organic products

> Potentially renewable energy

> Potentially some unrestricted use organic products

> Stabilised organics to landfill

Biological mechanical processing > Mixed waste is first processed using aerobic composting, followed by screening of organics and recoverable recyclables

> Stabilised organic fraction for landfill, restricted land application or thermal energy recovery

Table 3.1 Technologies suitable for organics processing



3.2 Feedstock preparationMaterials need to be prepared for further processing. Pretreatment requirements will differ depending on the type of technology used in the processing of organics. Typical processes for source separated organics and mixed residual organics processing facilities that recover a derived organics rich fraction (DORF) are shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2.

Aerobic composting processes with unsophisticated systems for screening contaminants before, during and after processing can lead to problems with plastic and glass contamination which devalue end products. Gross visual contamination mainly ends up in coarse grades of products, with soil conditioners and fine mulches being largely free of contamination. Using current grinding and screening processes, typically 10-20% of final volumes of materials are unsaleable ‘over-size’ or ‘seconds’ due to visual contamination and large and inconsistent particle sizes in coarser screened products.

There is also some risk of chemical contamination; in particular, copper and zinc levels are often close to or exceeding EPA Environmental Guidelines for Composting and Other Organic Recycling Facilities (Publication 508) levels for unrestricted use of products. State regulations and guidelines are incorporated into an Australian Standard for composts (AS 4454). There is some risk of very low levels of residual chemical contamination from the use of domestic garden chemicals. Levels detected in some samples of compost have been low, and this risk is only likely to be of concern if products are being marketed as certified ‘organic’ or used on very sensitive horticultural crops, for example, some herbicide residual may reduce germination and growth of crops.

Metal items and rocks and masonry in input organics can also damage processing equipment.

Figure 3.1 Source separated organics process

Visual inspectionManual or mechanical removal of gross contaminants

and potentially hazardous items

Size reduction

Batching/homogenisation

Primary processing

Secondary processing

Screening and grading of organics products for sale or further value adding

Figure 3.2 Mixed residual organics recovery process

Mechanical screeningto remove recyclables

and DORF forfurther processing

Receival

Bag splitting

Visual inspection and gross contamination removal

Processing

Mechanical screeningto remove recyclablesand derive an organics

product for sale orfurther value adding

DORF processing



3.3 Types of technologyThe following section provides an overview of technologies and best practice principles which apply.

Aerobic processing

Aerobic composting or stabilisation uses naturally occurring thermophilic (heat loving) composting bacteria to biodegrade organics. Commercial composting of organics is a controlled process, with management of materials to ensure optimum conditions for the bacteria to convert the organics into compost products. The controlled conditions in composting accelerate natural processes that occur to organics on a forest floor, with greater conversion of organics to humus and other beneficial compounds. Composts also contain beneficial bacteria and fungi and have other beneficial physical and chemical attributes in soil.

Best practice facilities will base quality attributes of products on the Australian Standard for composts (AS 4454) and ‘Certified Compost’ product specifications.

COMPOSTING PROCESS

Regardless of the composting technologies used, best practice composting processes typically have the following stages.

> Batching materials This involves getting the right mix and conditions for

controlled composting. Typical measures required are:

> moisture levels of at least 30% by weight, and preferably 50-60%, but not more than this

> a balanced mix of wet/green and dry/woody materials to provide the sugars, starches and amino acids required for rapid heating and the proteins, cellulose and hemicellulose for humus production

> a balance of carbon and nitrogen with an initial ratio of 20:1 to 40:1. A higher ratio will reduce the risk of odour generation, but will slow the rate of composting. The ratio will fall during the composting process to between 10:1 and 20:1

> pH balance to within an initial range of 5.5 to 8.5. This should be maintained through the composting process, with pH typically moving toward a neutral 7. Lower pH favours fungi and the breakdown of cellulose and lignin, and the formation of humus. A pH above 9 will typically indicate high levels of ammonia, resulting in odour

> particle sizing and homogenous mixing to allow airflow through composts.

> Pasteurising or ‘hot’ compost phase Depending on the technology and management

of materials, this period will typically take between seven and 21 days. Energy released by the metabolism of thermophilic bacteria generates heat which kills most other bacteria and fungi as well as weeds and plant disease.

During this process, materials are held at temperatures above 45-65oC. All materials should be kept at temperatures of greater than 55oC for at least three days to kill weeds and pathogens. Temperatures above 65-70oC will inhibit composting.

> Active phase Following the initial pasteurisation period, composts

remain active and self-heating, maintaining temperatures of greater than 50-55oC. The easy to decompose materials such as sugar and starches are consumed and organics more resistant to degradation such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are ‘softened up’ by heat and high levels of biological activity for degradation in the second stage of composting.

During this period, composts are heavy users of oxygen and moisture; these must be managed to prevent odorous anaerobic conditions and also to prevent materials from becoming too dry. Oxygen levels should be greater than 5% in active piles at all times. Composts develop a heat profile, with the centre and upper levels of the composting materials becoming hottest. Typically populations of other beneficial bacteria and fungi will survive in cooler parts of the composting materials, and recolonise the compost once the composting process progresses to cooler stages. Static compost piles may have to be turned or agitated to ensure that all materials are subjected to temperatures of greater than 55oC. After a period of at least four to 12 weeks (depending on the technology), the bacteria will start to exhaust their food supply and their activity and heat will start to fall.



At this stage, materials are still active and have the potential to generate odour and damage plants in gardens through nitrogen and other imbalances, as pasteurised compost draws nitrogen from the soil and damages plants. At this point, materials are not composted and should be referred to as pasteurised. Pasteurised mulches are suitable for some weed control and moisture conservation measures, but may have negative effects on sensitive plants. Pasteurised materials typically do not have high levels of humus as this is formed in later stages of the composting process.

> Curing phase Depending on the technology and management

of materials, this stage will take between two and eight weeks, with shorter periods for more controlled processes and longer periods for open windrow operations. Materials are still biologically active, but levels of activity and temperatures begin to fall to 40-45oC. Under these conditions, bacteria and fungi that can break down cellulose and lignin thrive and produce humus. Bacteria continue to break down more biologically active materials, moving the material towards being stabilised.

A fall in biological activity and temperature is not always an indication of stability of materials, and may be a result of allowing moisture levels to fall. If this occurs, materials can pose a greater risk of nutrient draw-down. Moisture levels should be maintained at 30-60%.

Oxygen levels must continue to be maintained at greater than 5% by weight to avoid anaerobic conditions and odour.

Depending on the technology and the allowed length of the curing phase, the end products can be considered to be ‘composted’, accordingly meeting the minimum requirements of AS 4454.

Materials may still have high levels of biological activity and may not be fully stable, as indicated by their self-heating potential, and will have to be used with caution for sensitive uses. Active materials also have risk of odour generation and should be managed accordingly by ensuring aerobic conditions, reducing exposed surface area and minimising disturbance of materials at times when there is risk of off-site odour impacts on sensitive areas.

> Maturation phase Materials are allowed to further degrade. With falling

temperatures, there is more fungal activity resulting in more humus production. Beneficial bacteria continue to degrade remaining biologically active material, further stabilising the compost. Biological activity creates risk of odour and requires appropriate management.

Due to space requirements, this stage is typically conducted using windrow technology and, depending on management and desired final product application/specifications, it can take between an additional four to 12 weeks.

Composting technologies and best practice elements associated with these are summarised in Table 3.2.



Technology description Best practice issues Best practice management approachesAll composting systems > Product quality management > Certification to AS 4454 or ‘Certified Compost’ scheme

> Contamination management (pre–screening and final cleaning) appropriate to feedstocks and markets

> Consistent batching of feedstocks

> Consistent processing

> Monitoring of processes

> Monitoring of products

> Customer engagement and feedback actively sought as part of continual improvement program

Open turned windrow

Batched organics are aggregated and periodically turned or agitated to aerate and mix materials. No emissions controls. Process takes at least 8-12 weeks, resulting in large volumes of exposed organics emitting some odour.

> Odour, dust, water management

> Consistency of product quality

> Receival of malodorous materials

> Stockpiles of feedstock emitting odour

> Windrows emitting odour

> Stockpiles of maturing and finished products emitting odour

> Movement of materials during grinding, turning, screening and loading

> Weather events can create on- and off-site problems (wind, stormwater, cool air effects)

> Aeration of piles depends on operators

> Overheating of piles can inhibit composting and result in charring or even combustion of materials

> Vector management (vermin, birds, insects)

> Limiting scale of operation appropriate to the siting and operation of the facility

> Limits set on types and quantities of materials received

> Strict odour management protocols for receival of materials, including rejection of loads or immediate mixing with materials that will adsorb odour

> Strict standard operating procedures for monitoring and responding to conditions of windrows (temperature, moisture and/or oxygen)

> Permanent monitoring probes

> Strict standard operating procedures to allow for weather conditions before moving materials

> Maintaining high carbon:nitrogen ratios (40:1 to 20:1)

> Maintaining moisture levels of 50% to ensure healthy composting and moisture to adsorb some odour molecules

> Having higher average particle size to allow airflow

> If necessary, using additives to composts to adsorb/absorb odour molecules

> Limiting movement of materials

> Minimising stockpiles of feedstocks and finished product on-site

> Wet materials prior to or during turning to reduce dust and maintain moisture levels

> Efficient watering systems and stormwater drainage to prevent waterlogging and lying water on-site

> Management of leachate/stormwater collection ponds to prevent anaerobic and odorous conditions

> Melbourne Fire Brigade or Country Fire Authority approved fire management plans

> Erring on the side of caution

Table 3.2 Composting technologies and best practice issues and management approaches



Technology description Best practice issues Best practice management approachesAerated static pile (open)

Batched organics are placed on pad or bays with aeration at the base to maintain oxygen in piles. Air can be drawn or blown through piles.

> As for open windrow composting, but with less risk from the turning of materials during ‘hot’ composts

> Materials are prone to drying

> Anaerobic pockets can form in static piles

> As for open windrow

> Automation of aeration systems based on continual automated monitoring of conditions in piles to keep oxygen level above 5% and temperatures at 45-65oC at all times

> Management of emissions from aeration system. If air is drawn through piles, the exhaust can be treated through filters. If it is blown, then the rate of emissions from piles needs to be limited. Low airflow velocities over a prolonged period are generally better for odour control than shorter ‘bursts’ of air at higher velocities. Systems that capture and treat exhausts are preferred

> An extended period of aeration to slowly ‘flush’ the materials with fresh air immediately prior to moving materials can reduce odour emissions during handling

Aerated static pile (covered)

As above, but piles or bays are covered with a synthetic membrane to contain odour and moisture. Air can be either drawn or blown through piles.

> As for open aerated static piles, but with better odour and moisture control and less risk from weather events

> As above

Housed composting systems

Windrow or open bay systems conducted in housed areas. Receival operations are typically housed. Maturation of materials may occur in the housed area or through open windrow management.

> Management of air in housed area to contain odour

> Management of air quality in shed for OHS

> Management of maturation and product movements occurring outside housed area

> Minimise odour generation from received materials through protocols on receival

> Minimise odour from composting operation by maintaining aerobic and optimal composting conditions

> Use exhaust systems to extract air for treatment through a filter

> Use exhaust and dust control systems and appropriate protective equipment to protect staff from OHS risks

> Operations outside of housed areas should be scaled to be appropriate to siting and management. Manage any operations outside of the housed area according to best practice management approaches for windrow operations.

In-vessel (tunnel and drum)

Composting occurs in fully enclosed vessels with aeration and control of exhausts. These processes are generally rapid with high temperature and moisture.

> Anaerobic pockets can form in materials

> High temperatures can inhibit composting and result in charring or even combustion of materials

> Vessels can be odorous when unloaded

> Automation of aeration systems based on continual automated monitoring of conditions in piles to keep oxygen level above 5% and temperatures at 45-65oC at all times

> Management of exhausts from aeration systems to filters

> An extended period of aeration to flush the materials with fresh air immediately prior to moving materials can reduce odour emissions during handling

> Unloading vessels to take account of weather conditions and sensitive land uses

> Operations outside of housed areas should be scaled to be appropriate to siting and management. Manage any operations outside of the housed area according to best practice management approaches for windrow operations

Table 3.2 Composting technologies and best practice issues and management approaches (continued)



Anaerobic processing

DIGESTION

Anaerobic digestion (AD) technologies use selected bacteria to convert organics into biogas (methane) for energy generation. Fermentation uses bacteria and yeasts to produce alcohols (mainly ethanol and methanol) and organic substrates for the manufacture of biofuels and bioproducts (organic compounds synthesised from simpler substrates). Figure 3.3 shows the stages in the conversion of organics via AD and fermentation. This shows that organics undergo different biochemical stages to be converted into useful end products. Materials that have been processed anaerobically can retain odorous compounds. A period of aerobic management can reduce odour but materials should be managed with recognition of their odour potential.

VERMI-COMPOSTING

Vermi-composting uses worms and sometimes a hot composting system to process and pasteurise organics. If materials are not put through a hot pasteurising process, end products can contain viable weed seeds and plant pathogens. Vermi-composting is best suited to small-scale management of C&I food organics or treated biosolids that are known to be free of weed seeds. Where the technology is applied to MSW, the hot composting phase will be typically conducted before the worm phase; if the hot composting phase is conducted after the worm phase, then all beneficial worms and worm eggs and castings will be lost. Management approaches to open or housed vermi-composting operations will be similar to open windrow or housed composting respectively as shown in Table 3.2.

INPUTORGANICS Fats

Coarse (non-soluble) solids recoverable to compost or RDF

Sludges from digestersrecoverable as soil amendment or as an additive to composts

Proteins

Sugars

Carbonic acids and alcohols

HydrogenCarbon dioxide

Ammonia

Fatty acidsHydrogen

Acetic acidCarbon dioxide

Amino acids

PRETREATMENT HYDROLYSIS ACIDOGENESIS ACETOGENESIS METHANOGENESIS

Fermentation products Biogas recovery

MethaneCarbon dioxide

Carbohydrates

Figure 3.3 Stages in anaerobic digestion and fermentation

(Adapted from Marshall, Stages of anaerobic digestion, 2008)



The bacteria used in AD and fermentation can break down sugars, starches, cellulose, lactose, and some vegetable and animal oils, but are not able to readily process hardwood lignin and some forms of cellulose. This means that some woody garden organics and Australian newsprint are not well suited to these technologies.

Current AD technologies being used for municipal and industrial waste streams include:

> pretreating organics to extract soluble organic load (often referred to as biochemical oxygen demand or BOD, which is the unit in mg/L used to measure organic load in water) from organics by mixing them with water and then extracting the high BOD water to digesters

> pulverising organics mechanically and/or using steam and pressure to liquefy materials and expose more of the organics to digestion

> flooding AD vessels loaded with solid organics with water containing the required bacteria and yeasts to create anaerobic conditions suited to biogas production. The vessel is then drained (with the microbe and BOD-rich water being used to flood another loaded AD vessel), dried and composted/stabilised aerobically.

Products from AD include:

> Biogas energy, which is typically directly combusted in internal combustion generators to produce power. It can also be used to fire boilers for heating or to drive steam turbines, or be cleaned and used as a substitute for natural gas in heating or transport. Waste heat from generators and turbines can be recovered for heating at the AD (which require optimal heating of digesters) or used for industrial heating.

> Coarse, insoluble organics which can be composted or used for thermal energy recovery.

> Sludges from digestion chambers. This sludge is a combination of settled fine particles of insoluble organics and alive and dead bacteria. This material can be either dried and converted to organic fertiliser products or added to woody materials and composted.

AD can use single- or multi-chamber units. In the former, the entire process after pretreatment is carried out in a single digester. Multi-chamber digester systems isolate the different biochemical stages of digestion in separate tanks. This allows the conditions in tanks to be manipulated to accelerate decomposition and digestion and maximise methane production. Multiple chamber systems also have the advantage of allowing cleaning and maintenance of sections of the system without the need for total system shut down. Some single chamber digesters are designed to allow manipulation of conditions in different parts of the tank to accelerate processes.

AD is a proven technology for the treatment of high-BOD wastewaters. There are examples of the systems being used for the management of the municipal organics stream. The extent to which AD systems can process woody garden organics (particularly hardwood) and contamination is largely unproven. Some of the limited number of alternative waste technology facilities operating in Australia have reportedly had problems associated with ‘clogging’ of digesters with woody organics and other contaminants that have not degraded in the tanks.

Markets for organic fertiliser products from AD facilities are not well established. However, if the products are clean of contaminants, comply with fertiliser standards, and have useful nitrogen:phosphorous:potassium (N:P:K) and other nutrients, there are growing domestic gardening, horticultural and agricultural markets for organic fertilisers.

The processes that concentrate valuable nutrients in AD sludges also concentrate any heavy metals and potentially other contaminants in the sludges and end products. In source-separated garden organics, heavy metals naturally present in the organics (particularly copper and zinc) may be concentrated to levels of concern. Where mixed waste processing facilities feed organics or BOD extracted from organics into AD, metals present in the mixed organics such as mercury, lead, nickel, cadmium, zinc and copper and other chemical contaminants may be concentrated in AD sludges and end products. Systems and community awareness programs are required to reduce the levels of these contaminants in the mixed organics stream, as well as technologies to remove contaminants prior to extraction of organics/BOD for AD processing.



Alternatively, mixed organics AD could focus on biogas energy generation and organics stabilisation, with organic residues from the process going to landfill, RDF and/or restricted use land application (e.g. landfill or mine site rehabilitation where the future long term use of the site will not involve food production, housing or other sensitive uses). Some processes feed AD residues to aerobic composting facilities where they are mixed with source-separated organics. Any contaminants in sludges are effectively diluted with cleaner composts through this process. Although this may result in end products that meet contamination standards, it is not considered to meet best practice principles for waste management as the final products will contain higher levels of potential pollutants than they would if the sludges were not added to the source separated materials.

FERMENTATION

Current fermentation technologies typically use source-separated food waste, sugars and starchy organics (cereal grains or food production by-products). Work is also being undertaken to isolate or genetically modify bacteria that can better convert lignin to ethanol via fermentation; this will allow ethanol production from woody waste and crop stubbles. In the event that such technologies are developed and commercialised, the woody component of the municipal and industrial solid waste streams (timber waste, woody garden organics, and low-grade paper/cardboard) may also have value as a fermentation feedstock.

Best practice measures for anaerobic processing are:

> control and management of feedstocks to suit the technology and proposed end products. This includes having the right mix of materials to keep AD units working efficiently, removing contaminants (such as plastic film) that can block plumbing, and removing contaminants that will damage the value of end products

> having systems to monitor and maintain optimum conditions within digesters. These may include storing or having access to ‘seeding’ bacteria and yeast to restart or maintain levels of microbial activity

> management of odour from receival and processing of feedstocks and end products

> management of exhausts from combustion

> management of fugitive emissions

> management of odours during equipment maintenance and de-sludging operations

> Gas storage in compliance with Dangerous Goods regulations and provisions within the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

Where residual organics from AD processes are managed through aerobic composting or thermal energy recovery, refer to the relevant sections of this guide.

Thermal treatment and energy recovery

HEAT TREATMENT

Heat treatment is the ‘cooking’ or ‘autoclaving’ of mixed organics to sterilise, desiccate and partially stabilise organics prior to screening to recover metals, glass and some plastics, as well as a DORF. The DORF can be used in composting or for thermal energy recovery. Best practice elements associated with heat treatment include:

> scaling and management of operations appropriate to siting

> management of received materials to avoid off-site odour and pest animals and insects

> management of emissions to air, which can be highly malodorous, through appropriate filters

> management of DORF so it is clean enough for composting or thermal energy recovery

> greater recovery of paper products and other recyclables not effectively recovered through other recycling systems

> appropriate management of residual wastes, which may contain a significant proportion of organics as well as chemical contaminants.



ENERGy RECOVERy

There are a range of technologies for recovering energy from organics.

Pyrolysis and gasificationThese technologies thermally degrade organics in a low-oxygen environment into syngas (H

2, CH

4 and other

combustible gases) and synoil (liquid hydrocarbons containing a range of hydrocarbon chain-length molecules and other organic compounds). Although some technologies can also process wet organics, they are more efficient with dry and woody organics. Syngas can be cleaned and combusted in internal combustion engines to generate power. Without further refinement, synoil is typically a low-grade fuel with potentially poor quality emissions. Syngas and synoil can be refined further to produce better quality fuels or even synthesised polymers such as plastic and rubber. Both processes also produce heat, which can be recovered for heating or potentially steam turbine power generation. Pyrolysis can also produce biochar and other charcoal products with application in agriculture and industrial processes.

Combustion A range of combustion technologies are available using fluidised bed or direct combustion systems. These technologies generate heat used to create steam for power generation and/or industrial or community heating. Clean organics streams can be used for smaller scale facilities similar to those currently used by some sawmills and timber drying facilities. However, due to the high costs of pollution control, any combustion facility burning mixed waste or organics with high levels of contamination will likely need to be on a large scale, for example, over 100,000 tonnes per annum.

Refuse derived fuel production RDF is made from calorific materials in waste (dry organics, paper products, plastics, rubber and textiles). Materials are screened, size reduced, dried and pelletised into a standardised fuel for industrial uses. RDF can be used by power generators, furnaces, cement kilns and other industrial processes that are designed for solid fuel and have adequate emissions controls. Facilities burning RDF from clean organics streams will need less costly emissions controls than facilities using RDF that does or may contain plastics.

The main best practice issues associated with thermal energy recovery from organics are associated with emissions to air. Without adequate emissions control and treatment systems, variability and contamination of feedstocks could result in toxic emissions to the atmosphere. Sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrous oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), incompletely combusted hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and dioxins formed due to the presence of chlorinated and brominated plastics that may be in the organics stream are of particular concern.

There is also potential for end products and residual solids from thermal energy recovery to contain pollutants.

Best practice measures for thermal energy recovery include:

> scale and management appropriate to siting

> management of feedstocks to minimise contamination of end products and to minimise the generation of toxins during combustion

> adequate emissions controls and monitoring

> testing of products to determine contaminant and toxin levels in products

> appropriate management of residuals from processes as these may contain contaminants and toxins

> appropriate management of pollutants recovered from emissions treatment

> in the case of synoil and RDF, ensuring that:

> product specifications for contaminants and toxins are always met and monitored

> those using the fuels have adequate combustion and emissions management systems to safely use products.

OPERATIOn AnD MAnAGEMEnT 28


4. Operation and Management

Good operation and management practices are critical to the success of an organics recovery system and facility. This section addresses best practice operation and management.

4.1 Risk controlA formal organisational risk control process should be established encompassing risks to health and safety, the environment and other contingencies such as the breakdown of equipment. A formal risk control process will help management to identify, analyse and treat risks.

The organisation’s risk control process should be documented in plain English, communicated throughout the organisation and regularly reviewed.

Occupational health and safety risks

Employers must provide and maintain, so far as is practical, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. To do this, they should identify OHS hazards, determine the level of risk presented by these hazards and implement appropriate hazard control strategies. Site managers’ responsibilities cover their staff, public users, site visitors and independent contractors and their employees working at the facility (to the extent of the site manager’s control). Guidance is provided in WorkSafe Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for the Collection, Transport and Unloading of Non-hazardous Waste and Recyclable Materials.

Hazards can be identified in a number of ways, such as:

> observation

> consultation with employees about any hazards they have experienced or identified

> knowledge of other competent people

> safety audits

> job safety analysis

> analysis of workplace injury and illness records (including near misses)

> regular workplace inspections.

Risk assessment is used to determine the level of risk of identified hazards and to prioritise actions required. Risk assessments should consider the level of risk (the likelihood, frequency and severity of an injury or illness occurring as a result of the identified hazard) and assess the likelihood and consequence that the hazard may cause an injury or illness. The risk may increase depending on the length or intensity of exposure to the hazard. All risk assessments should be recorded in writing.

A job safety analysis should be conducted and documented for all tasks that occur on-site. Employees who perform the work, and health and safety representatives should be involved in this process.

Risk control strategies should be determined using the hierarchy of control (see below). When introducing a new control measure, training must be provided and it must be ensured that the control measure is safe. Risk control strategies should be recorded in writing; the site operations manual is a good place for this information. A review of risk controls should be undertaken on a periodic basis (at least annually), including when a near miss, notifiable incident or injury occurs.

The OHS hierarchy of control:

1. Eliminate the risk by discontinuing the activity or not using that particular piece of equipment.

2. Minimise the risk by substituting the system of work or plant with something safer, modifying the system of work or plant to make it safer, isolating the hazard (for example, introducing a restricted work area) or introducing engineering controls (for example, guarding, fencing).

3. As a last resort or as an interim measure, control the risk by using personal protective equipment such as eye, respiratory and hearing protection or adopting administrative controls such as hazard warning signs, and specific training and work instructions.



Environmental and other risks

Environmental and other risks (such as breakdown of key equipment) should be periodically assessed and controls put in place. The main elements of the risk management process outlined in Australian Standard AS 4360 are outlined below.

1. Establish the context, establish criteria against which risk will be evaluated and define the structure of the analysis.

2. Identify what, why and how problems can arise as the basis for further analysis.

3. Determine the existing controls and analyse risks in terms of consequence and likelihood in the context of those controls. The analysis should consider the range of potential consequences and how likely those consequences are to occur. Consequence and likelihood may be combined to produce an estimated level of risk.

4. Compare estimated levels of risk against the pre-established criteria to identify management priorities. If levels of risk established are low, they may fall into an acceptable category and treatment may not be required.

5. Accept and monitor low priority risks. For others, develop and implement a management plan which includes consideration of financial costs.

6. Monitor and review the risk management system.

7. Communicate and consult with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate at each stage of the risk management process and concerning the process as a whole.

4.2 Management systemsA site management system is needed to ensure the facility is run efficiently and effectively, it is safe for staff and users, does not impact on the local environment and does not cause a nuisance for neighbours.

A site operations manual should be developed and include:

> senior management endorsement and commitments to safety, environmental protection and continuous improvement

> an organisational chart and an outline of site staff roles and responsibilities

> risk assessments of the site, including environmental and OHS risks

> procedures for the induction and ongoing training of all employees and contractors

> emergency response procedures

> crisis management procedures for any mishap which may occur and present an OHS hazard

> safe operating procedures for all aspects of the site operation

> procedures for environmental management and control covering odour, litter, bio-aerosols, dust, stormwater, noise, vermin, water efficiency, energy efficiency and aesthetics

> procedures for collecting and maintaining relevant workplace records such as workplace inspection records, training records, hazard report forms, OHS committee records and action plans

> procedures for monitoring and reporting

> a strategy for improving environmental, OHS and operational performance

> forms to support the operating procedures

> a timetable for regular review of the manual and all procedures (at least every three years).



At least one copy of the site operations manual should remain on the site at all times. Staff should be trained to follow the procedures in the site operations manual.

Best practice operators will develop management systems and hold accreditation for recognised and independently audited standards.

The following quality standards apply to recycled organic products:

> AS 4454 Composts, soil conditioners and mulches. This is the main standard applying to compost products including vermi-casts and organics from AD.

> Certified Compost ‘Leaf Brand’ Scheme. The peak Victorian industry association, Compost Victoria, in conjunction with Compost Australia and SAI Global, has developed an industry standard based on AS 4454, but with more specific requirements on specifications of product quality as it relates to different applications. This means that a product must be certified for specific applications, and cannot be marketed as ‘certified’ for other applications. The intent is that certified materials can be marketed under a common ‘Leaf Brand’ label, which will be promoted by Compost Australia. For further information see Certified Compost Scheme (http://www.saiglobal.com/assurance/productcertification/certifiedcompost/default.htm).

Processors may also consider developing systems that comply with (and even seeking accreditation to) Australian Standards for quality assurance (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001) and occupational health and safety (AS 4801).

4.3 Managing for sustainabilityOrganics recovery operations and management should be undertaken in accordance with the principles of sustainability.

Material use

When purchasing materials and products (including consumables for staff amenities and office equipment) to be used at the facility, consideration should be given to the environmental footprint of competing products. Where practical, preference should be given to materials which have a recycled content, low embodied energy and do not deplete non-renewable resources.

Water and energy efficiency

Water and energy should be used efficiently, giving particular consideration to:

> maintenance of on-site taps and hoses to prevent leakage

> the use of recycled water on-site where appropriate

> turning off power equipment when not in use

> the energy efficiency of plant and equipment when making purchasing decisions.

Greenhouse emissions

The emission of greenhouse gases should be minimised as much as possible through measures such as the use of energy efficient equipment and fuel efficient vehicles.

Organic recovery facilities should give consideration to the measurement of their carbon footprint and opportunities for becoming carbon neutral. Where feasible, facilities should also give consideration to participation in an emissions trading scheme when it is established.

By-products

The production of unusable by-products (or waste) should be minimised where possible. Consideration should be given to recovery, use and/or sale of all process outputs, including heat, liquids and gas.

http://www.saiglobal.com/assurance/productcertification/certifiedcompost/default.htm



4.4 Process controlProcesses carried out at the organics processing facility should be managed and monitored in accordance with a quality control system.

The process control system will differ depending on the technology used; it should be documented in detail in the site operations manual (refer to Section 4.2). For product quality and environmental protection purposes, particular consideration should be given to:

> maintenance of oxygen levels (for aerobic systems)

> moisture content

> carbon:nitrogen ratio (for aerobic composting systems)

> nutrient additives (for soil amendment products)

> pH levels

> temperature

> biofiltration systems (where applicable)

> leachate collection and management.

These parameters will require regular monitoring; the monitoring program and measurement results should be documented.

4.5 Environmental protectionThe organics recovery process and facility should encompass measures which protect the surrounding environment from detrimental impacts. Management of potential environmental impacts should be undertaken in accordance with EPA licence conditions.

Odour

Odour is a major risk from organics recovery facilities and requires careful management. The main sources of odour from organics recovery facilities and potential management measures are shown in Table 4.1.



Source of odour Potential management measures

Malodorous feedstock on receival

> Housed receival area with management of air

> Protocol/standard operating procedures for:

> immediate blending of feedstock with materials that adsorb odour such as finished compost, charcoal, coal dust, wood ash, peat moss or zeolite

> rejection of malodorous loads

Stockpiles of unprocessed feedstock becoming odorous

> Housed stockpile storage areas with management of air

> Minimising periods for which stockpiles are held

> Contingency measures if equipment breakdown causes stockpiling

> Aeration of stockpiles to prevent formation of anaerobic conditions

Shredding and movement of materials

> Housed area for shredding

> No shredding and movement of materials when wind direction is toward sensitive land use areas

Processing > Enclosed processing technology

> Controlled environment system to contain and treat emissions from organics

> In composting, controlled environment systems to keep materials aerated and contain and treat emissions

> No movement of materials when wind direction is toward sensitive land use areas

Volume and surface area of exposed piles

> Housed areas for storage of all organics

> Covers on piles

> Minimising exposed surface area of piles

> Ensuring aerobic conditions in any active/self-heating piles

Emissions from exhaust and odour treatment systems

> Design, monitoring and maintenance of systems to contain odour

Leachate from materials entering water lying on-site and in drains

> Water management to minimise run-off from organics (efficient watering/dust suppression systems) and lying water (good drainage)

> Maintenance of drains to avoid lying water

Leachate collection ponds > Adequate aeration of leachate ponds

Facility maintenance /cleaning of equipment

> Design facilities so that maintenance and cleaning do not create odour risk

> Assessment of risk prior to works

> Minimise period of exposure

> Conduct works when conditions are less likely to impact on sensitive areas

> Notify EPA, local council and potentially affected community of situation and period of inconvenience prior to works

Earthworks disturbing land with high anaerobic organic load

> Soil testing to assess risk prior to earth movement

> Minimise disturbed areas

> Mixing or covering malodorous excavated soils with materials that will adsorb odour

> Removing malodorous soils from sites

> Notify EPA, local council and potentially affected community of situation and period of inconvenience prior to works

Table 4.1 Odour sources and management measures



Surface and groundwater

Surface water and groundwater must be protected from any adverse impacts arising from biodegradation or associated activities carried out at an organics processing facility. Management activities will differ depending on the type of technology used but may include:

> use of a hardstand for feedstock receival and processing (the hardstand should be constructed to minimise permeability in accordance with EPA requirements)

> establishment of appropriate drainage systems to control and manage any stormwater (including diversion channels to divert stormwater from processing areas)

> establishment of appropriate leachate management systems to control and manage any leachate generated on-site.

Litter

Appropriate litter control measures will differ depending on the type of technology used but may include:

> minimising contamination issues through appropriate education, management and monitoring systems

> prompt disposal of any residual waste to appropriately licensed facilities

> litter traps to protect the stormwater drainage system

> trees and shrubs around the site as windbreaks

> where necessary, locating litter screens within and around the site to reduce windblown litter

> where possible, locating enclosed facility entrances and exits away from the prevailing wind

> prominent signs warning of penalties for uncovered loads.

A litter inspection and removal program should be established for on-site, off-site and litter entrapment device cleaning. Sites should be inspected at the end of each operating day and litter removed as required.

For facilities exposed to the wind, consideration should be given to establishing an appropriate protocol for operations on days with significant wind, for example, temporary closure of some feedstock receival areas and additional litter patrols.

Bio-aerosols and dust

Air emissions from organics processing facilities can include dust as well as micro-organisms which may have adverse health impacts on workers, facility users and end-market product users. Appropriate control measures will depend on the type of technology used, but design of the process and facility should consider the following:

> paving of all operating, storage, unloading and loading areas

> sealing of roads if dust is considered likely to be an issue

> minimising areas of exposed earth through suitable landscaping

> cessation of some activities, such as shredding, on windy days

> using dust suppressants, for example, a light water spray

> installing windbreaks to prevent particulates becoming airborne

> regular suction sweeping of surfaces

> the use of dust masks by workers

> appropriate signage alerting workers on-site

> health warning labels on packaged products.

Where water or chemicals are used as a dust suppressant, they must not create contaminated run-off from the site.

Where bio-aerosols or dust present a concern, it may be beneficial to engage with a suitably qualified hygienist. WorkSafe Victoria can provide advice in such circumstances.

Vermin

The need for covers or mobile screens to deter vermin should be considered during the design phase. Structures should be designed to minimise fly, vermin and bird infestation. Where necessary, consideration should be given to vermin control measures, including the establishment of a regular monitoring and control program.



Noise

Facilities must not cause a noise nuisance to surrounding areas. Where necessary the facility design could incorporate the following to control noise:

> locating noisier operations to minimise impact on surrounding areas

> providing earthen embankments around the site

> enclosing noisy operations within screens or similar noise barriers (care should be taken that noise levels within the enclosure do not exceed safety levels for operators).

Noise from organics processing facilities must not cause a nuisance to surrounding areas. Facilities in the Melbourne metropolitan area must comply with the State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade, No. N1). Other facilities should take guidance from the EPA on noise control. It is recommended that:

> Processing operations such as shredding of green organics should be undertaken only during normal working hours.

> Noise screens must be provided where operations prove particularly noisy.

Occupational noise should be managed by:

> consulting with employees and OHS representatives to identify noise hazards and minimise employee exposure through application of the hierarchy of control

> establishing noise management procedures that consider noise elimination, reduction and control, and noise risk assessment

> providing personal protective equipment to employees where exposure to noise is above 85 dB(A) average over an eight-hour work shift, or above a peak of 140 dB(A)

> audiometric testing of employees in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007

> implementing a ‘buy quiet’ policy where feasible

> regularly reviewing employee exposure to noise, considering the number of exposed persons and the duration and intensity of exposure

> providing training to employees in hearing conservation.

Aesthetics

The aesthetic appearance of facilities should be maintained by vegetation screening and regular cleaning and maintenance. Consideration may be given to the establishment of gardens or other visual enhancements where feasible.

4.6 Plant and equipmentEquipment must comply with Australian Standard AS 4024.1 Safety of Machinery. Controls for all equipment must be:

> clearly labelled

> operable only from inside the cabin or control room

> protected from accidental operation by shielding or by their location.

Equipment must be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

There must be an emergency stop button that can be used in case of emergency to immediately stop all operations. The button(s) must be clearly labelled and, for stationary equipment, should be clearly signposted.

Operation

Facility operators should provide appropriate equipment and machinery to enable workers to carry out their responsibilities effectively and safely. Equipment should comply with relevant standards and legislation. Employees, particularly the site health and safety representative(s), should be consulted before any new equipment or plant is purchased, and a risk assessment of the new plant carried out.

Only licensed and trained personnel should operate equipment. Training records should be maintained and there should be documented risk assessments and safe operating procedures for all plant and equipment. Employees should be made aware of any known hazards associated with the work, vehicle, plant or equipment with which they will be required to work. The operator should ensure that users complete pre-start inspections/checklists prior to daily use and that records of these actions are maintained. Training should be provided in the procedure for reporting any defect in a vehicle, plant item, machine, equipment or work system, and a ‘tag out’ procedure should be implemented for faulty equipment. Backup equipment or contingency arrangements should be in place to enable the continued operation of the facility.



Maintenance

Plant, equipment, vehicles and tools should be properly certified, maintained and inspected on a regular basis. Responsibility for these tasks should be assigned to employees or contractors having the required competencies, licences or certificates. A maintenance program should be developed in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines, together with a maintenance register that links to the defective plant/equipment reports and tag out procedure. Maintenance records and faulty equipment reports must be maintained and, where feasible, a maintenance history file for each item of plant and equipment should be kept.

4.7 Access and traffic managementRoads and traffic management devices should comply with relevant Australian Standards.

Site access

The entrance to the facility should provide:

> safe and orderly entry

> all-weather access

> sufficient queuing area for vehicles using the facility so that external traffic flows are not interrupted

> access for emergency vehicles at all times, possibly through a separate entrance

> if appropriate, separate access from the public road network, for example, a turn-off or slip lane.

The facility entry should be controlled so that the type of material entering the facility can be scrutinised.

Traffic management

Effective on-site traffic circulation should be maintained to minimise vehicle accidents and increase operational efficiency.

All facilities should have a traffic management plan and address:

> maximisation of vision across the site for supervisory staff

> consideration of traffic peaks during peak seasons

> separation of cars, trucks and pedestrians

> effective traffic control devices, for example, directional lines, traffic lights

> line marking of sealed roads to guide traffic flow

> prominent traffic information signs.

Unloading areas should be on stable, level ground to eliminate the risk of runaway vehicles or overturning when users are dropping off materials.

Buildings that are accessed by vehicles should be designed to ensure:

> sufficient height clearance for transport vehicles proposed to use the facility now and in the future

> sufficient areas for such vehicles to turn

> vehicles do not need to turn more than 180o in a single movement

> sufficient illumination.

Traffic management procedures should be developed in consultation with employees. These should address vehicles entering or leaving the site, or vehicles used at the workplace, and should ensure that:

> employees and contractors wear high visibility and reflective clothing when working in areas where vehicle movement occurs

> all employees and contractors are inducted to the site OHS and traffic management procedures.



Signage

Signage should comply with relevant Australian Standards, provide consistent information and be clear and prominently displayed. Schematics should be used where feasible for the benefit of people with poor literacy or English-language skills.

There should be signage on major approach roads to direct users to the facility and signs on approach roads warning of penalties for uncovered loads.

Signage at the site entrance should state:

> opening hours

> types of organics which may be deposited and those which may not

> where applicable, gate fees for organics type and quantity

> directions to unloading and loading areas

> name and contact details of the site operator

> after-hours contact details

> where applicable, that hazardous chemicals may be present on-site.

Internal signage may also be needed for:

> providing directions to unloading areas

> controlling traffic, for example, directional lines, speed limits

> protecting safety of workers and the general public

> identifying fire control equipment and emergency exits

> pointing out hazards at particular locations

> establishing evacuation assembly areas for site users and staff.

4.8 Emergency response and fire controlEmergency management plan

An emergency management plan must be developed in accordance with WorkSafe Victoria’s Compliance Code: Workplace Amenities and Work Environment. Emergency response procedures must be developed for accidents, injuries, fires and similar potential incidents such as workplace violence. The procedures must document after-hours contacts (name, address and phone number) and relevant authorities to be contacted. Site operators must ensure that staff are aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency. These procedures should be practised at least twice a year to maintain readiness and enable improvements to be made. Where appropriate, trials with local emergency services should be undertaken.

Fire control

Site operators should be equipped with adequate firefighting facilities at the site and take immediate action if a fire occurs. Fire control measures should be documented in the site operations manual. All staff should be trained in appropriate fire control actions.

Materials should be managed to avoid combustion. Stockpiles of unprocessed organics should be minimised and stored in smaller discrete piles to reduce the potential fuel held in a single pile. Sufficient space should be allowed between piles to minimise fire spreading and to allow access and movement of material in the event of a fire. In composting operations, temperatures should be kept below 70oC unless there are special conditions (such as very high moisture) that reduce combustion risks.

Appropriate strategies for managing fire will vary depending on the type of operation. Fires in compost piles should be managed by:

> isolating the affected section of material

> thoroughly wetting it with low pressure water to avoid spreading smouldering material and exposing it to air

> slowly opening and spreading the material while the material is being saturated with low pressure water. Opening up smouldering material using equipment or high pressure water can provide air to the affected area, resulting in more rapid combustion.

Steam from compost piles can sometimes be mistaken for fire. It is recommended that compost operators consult with their local firefighting service to enable recognition of steam or smoke and discuss appropriate fire management techniques.



4.9 Community consultation and education

Consultation

As part of the local community, facility managers should engage with and take into consideration community views. A contact number should be included on signs and any suggestions to improve the facility should be noted and assessed. The site operations manual should cover procedures for complaints, including:

> recording details of the complaint (including date and time)

> identifying the cause of the complaint

> taking action to prevent further complaints where necessary

> providing feedback to the complainant detailing actions taken

> reporting complaints received on an annual basis.

Education

The efficient operation of the facility depends on community support and appropriate use. Feedstock generators and the local community (where applicable) should be engaged through an education program to address:

> options for increased diversion of organics from landfill deposition

> measures to reduce feedstock contamination

> benefits of the use of organic soil amendments, recovered energy and other products.

4.10 MonitoringOccupational health and safety workplace inspections

Regular workplace hazard inspections should be conducted. Working with the site OHS representative or committee, the site management should document hazards to be inspected and prepare inspection checklists and an inspection calendar. Any issues identified should have appropriate risk controls put in place and ensure staff are advised of the revised requirements.

Daily pre-start checklists should be completed for all items of plant and equipment. Completed inspection checklists should be kept in a place that can be accessed by all employees.

Environmental monitoring

Regular monitoring of litter, stormwater drains, leachate ponds and litter entrapment devices should be conducted to ensure the facility does not negatively impact on the surrounding environment. Monitoring should be undertaken in accordance with the EPA licence conditions.

Facilities should be periodically audited (preferably annually) to ensure the measures in place to address potential impacts from the site are effective.

4.11 Other management aspectsSupervision

Facilities should be supervised at all times when open. Supervision of facility users is required to ensure that:

> unacceptable material is detected prior to acceptance

> materials are correctly placed

> a safe operating environment is maintained.

Staff training

Staff should be inducted into the site operating procedures and receive training that enables them to do their job safely and properly. Training would be expected to include:

> safe operational procedures

> safe manual handling techniques

> emergency response procedures (including spill and fire management)

> first aid

> methods for countering workplace bullying, violence and management of customer complaints.

The site operations manual should be readily available to all staff as a reference should they be in doubt of any procedures. The operations manual and staff training programs should be updated regularly to reflect any changes.



First aid

WorkSafe Victoria’s Compliance Code: First Aid in the Workplace provides guidance on first aid requirements in Victorian workplaces. Employers are required to provide first aid equipment including:

> at least one adequate first aid kit for the site and kits in the cabins of each machine/plant used on-site

> appropriate first aid signage

> trained first aid officer(s) holding appropriate accreditation

> a well-maintained register of first aid staff.

At least one trained first aid officer should be available on-site during each shift.

Workplace standards

WorkSafe Victoria’s Compliance Code: Workplace Amenities and Work Environment requires employers to provide certain minimum amenities for their staff. These include:

> a supply of drinking water

> toilet facilities

> washing facilities, including showers where relevant

> dining areas

> change rooms

> personal storage facilities

> UV protection

> effective means of emergency communication

> a comfortable temperature range (outdoor workers should be protected from extremes of weather by the erection of a shelter, tent or windbreak or provision of suitable clothing).

Additional amenities may be required depending on the facility’s size and number of employees. Consumables (such as soap and toilet paper) must be replenished and a regular cleaning schedule established.

Data

A data recording and management system should be implemented to monitor and record:

> the quantity and composition of materials accepted at the site

> the source of the material accepted (industrial or domestic)

> the quantity and composition of recovered materials and residual waste taken from the site and their destination

> customer complaints

> equipment and infrastructure maintenance.

Security

Where a safe is kept on-site, procedures should be implemented to adequately guard against theft. Cash should not be left on-site overnight. Consideration should be given to reducing the need for acceptance of cash by encouraging alternative payment options, for example, electronic transfer or credit card.

Additional security measures, such as guard dogs, security patrols, electronic alarms and closed circuit television, may be appropriate.

Insurance

Adequate insurance should be held by facility operators to cover fire, theft and malicious damage. Adequate public liability insurance must also be held to cover injuries and damage sustained by facility users.



4.12 RehabilitationA site closure plan should be developed before decommissioning of an organics processing facility. As a minimum, the closure plan should address the following issues:

> future use of the site

> removal of all materials and products

> the safe disposal of any residual waste

> emptying, cleaning and disinfection of equipment

> removal of plant and equipment from the site

> removal of infrastructure and utility connections (subject to future use of the site)

> revegetation of the site

> stabilisation of ground surfaces to control erosion and protect local amenity

> ongoing monitoring of groundwater and surface water bodies.

Other issues may need to be addressed, managed and monitored in accordance with EPA licence conditions.

PRODuCTS AnD MARkETS 40


5. Products and markets

The viability of any organics recovery operation will depend on sustainable markets for recycled organics and/or energy products. The following section provides an overview of best practice measures to establish, maintain and develop markets for products.

Markets for renewable energy are established. The following section deals mainly with the development of products and markets for recycled organic products such as composts, mulches, organic fertilisers, biochar and RDFs.

Keys to developing markets include:

> Product quality and consistency Products must consistently meet the customers’ needs.

Markets and client relationships can be developed by understanding market needs and developing product specifications for specific applications.

> Product availability Products must be available when the market wants

them. Some recycled organic products take many months to produce, and sometimes peak demand for products occurs before products are finished. Best practice operations will consider the timing of market demand and develop annual production and anticipated sales schedules based on these. Developing such schedules will help producers to anticipate demand and may help identify new product and market opportunities that better match their seasonal production.

> Product price Products must be available at a price that matches

market demand. Strategies to increase profitability and productivity are to:

> increase product prices by improving product quality and service provision

> reduce production costs by improving production efficiencies and/or increasing gate fees for receiving materials.

Best practice operators will identify and monitor different elements of supply chain costs and adopt continual improvement programs to increase productivity.

> Market awareness of and demand for productsMarkets need to know about the benefits and availability of products. Best practice operators will allocate budget for product and market development and marketing of products into key markets.

5.1 Process management and quality assurance

Process management will largely determine the:

> quality of products

> consistency of products

> availability of products

> costs of production.

Best practice operations will have documented and certified process and quality management systems. SAI Global and Compost Australia’s Certified Compost ‘Leaf Brand’ scheme allows certification of such application-specific products based on quality parameters established in AS 4454. Products that do not meet product specifications should not be sold for the application. In some circumstances where products fall only slightly outside of specifications (for example, pH slightly above the specification), customers may be informed of this and advised how products can be used to meet their requirements, but the product must be sold as outside the specification.

An AS 4454 or ‘Leaf Brand’ accredited quality management system has advantages, ensuring consistent management of materials, management to avoid environmental risks and allowing new higher products to be developed and promoted to new markets.

Producers of all recycled organic products can also seek certification to quality assurance standards such as ISO 9001. This requires adherence to quality management systems to ensure that products are consistently within quality specifications.



5.2 ProductsBest practice operators will produce products in compliance with specifications. The type and quality of products generated from organics recovery will be subject to the type of processing technology used. Potential products include:

Mulch> Fine mulch is a product with between 20% and 70%

by weight of particles having dimensions of less than 16mm. It is suited to application to the surface of land for moisture conservation, weed control and soil conditioning benefit. It is typically used in urban landscaping.

> Coarse mulch is a product with more than 70% by weight of particle size exceeding 16mm. These mulches are typically used for moisture conservation and weed control in viticulture, erosion management and landscaping.

> Pasteurised mulches are either fine or coarse mulches that have undergone ‘hot’ composting to kill weed seeds and pathogens but do not meet stability requirements set out in AS 4454 (i.e. it is still too biologically active for safe use in sensitive applications). Pasteurised mulches are still very biologically active and can have nitrogen and other nutrient draw down, pH, self-heating and phytotoxicological impacts on plants in sensitive uses.

> Composted mulches are either fine or coarse mulches that have undergone a controlled composting to meet stabilisation requirements for use in sensitive uses as set out in AS 4454.

Soil amendments

A range of soil amendments may be made from recovered organics, including composted soil conditioners, and liquid and organic fertilisers. Soil amendments may be sold in bulk (wholesale market) or be packaged for retail markets.

Composted soil conditioners have less than 20% by weight of particles exceeding 16mm, and meet stability requirements set out in AS 4454. These products can be applied and integrated to land to provide biological, chemical and physical benefits to soils. They can also be blended to produce topsoil, growing media or specific soil treatments, for example, compost with added gypsum is marketed as a ‘clay breaker’. Matured composts, particularly those deliberately manufactured to do so, can provide plant disease suppression benefits as composts or liquid compost extracts or ‘teas’.

Organic fertilisers

Liquid fertilisers can be made from composts, liquor from AD processes or ammonia gases extracted from emissions from AD processing.

Organic fertilisers can be produced from AD sludges or compost products manipulated or blended to have higher N:P:K benefits than conventional composts.

Any product marketed as a fertiliser must comply with Victoria’s Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) (Fertilisers) Regulations 1995 and Department of Primary Industry’s (DPI) A Guide to Victorian Fertilisers.

Products marketed as ‘organic’ or for use by ‘organic’ growers should have certification or exemptions under relevant Australian or international standards, such as the Biological Farmers of Australia’s Australian Certified Organic or the NASAA Certified Organics schemes.



Blended products

Composted products may be graded and blended with other materials to produce a range of products. Common examples are topsoils and growing media. Where soils are sourced from urban sources or current or former farmland, soil testing protocols should be in place to ensure that contaminated soils are not used in products. Soils should comply with Australian Standards AS 4419 Soils for Landscaping and Garden use and potting mixes with AS 3747 Potting Mixes.

Additives such as fertilisers, coal dust, gypsum, wetting agents and water holding substances may be added to products to improve performance and appearance. Materials should not be blended with products if they do not have a demonstrated benefit to the products.

The provenance of all additives should be recorded in batch records within a quality management system, to allow any issues with processes or product quality to be traced back to source.

Biochar and other charcoal products

Pyrolysis can produce biochar, which may have agricultural, horticultural and domestic garden applications as a fertiliser and soil conditioner. Best practice operators will ensure that where products are marketed as fertilisers, they comply with Victoria’s Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) (Fertilisers) Regulations 1995 and DPI’s A Guide to Victorian Fertilisers. Products should be tested to comply with quality specifications set out in a documented quality assurance management system.

Fuel

Solid, liquid and gaseous fuels may be produced depending on the technology type.

RDF traditionally refers to solid fuels; these may be either in loose form (coarse RDF) or compressed into briquettes and pellets (densified RDF). Densified RDF is produced by heat treatment, compaction and extrusion.

Liquid ethanol may also be produced from fermentation processes; ethanol is often used in blended fuels for motor vehicles.

Gases produced may include methane (from AD) or syngas (a cocktail of gases produced in gasification and pyrolysis processes). These gases can be used in turbines to generate heat and electricity.

Best practice managers will ensure that RDF and other fuels comply with specifications provided by the users. Products should be tested to comply with quality specifications set out in a documented quality assurance management system. Best practice operators will ensure that those using the fuels have adequate emissions control technologies.

Energy

Organics processing facilities may utilise solid and gaseous fuels for on-site production of electricity and heat. Both electricity and heat may be used on-site; if sufficient energy is produced, electricity and heat may be sold to other users.

Best practice operators will ensure that emissions from energy generation facilities comply with all relevant environmental legislation and regulations.

Other products

With additional processing, liquid products from pyrolysis can produce hydrogen, methanol and ammonia; however (as it is highly oxygenated), the liquid can be relatively unstable, causing problems in storage and use. The local demand for these products is currently considered low.



5.3 Potential market sectorsThe main market sectors for recycled organic products include the following:

> Urban amenity consisting of home garden supplies/retail nurseries, recreational surface establishment and maintenance, commercial landscaping projects and local and state government projects. These markets are typically strong for blended soils and clean fine mulches.

> Horticulture consisting of intensive food and flower production. This market can use soil conditioners, blended growing media, organics fertiliser and mulch products in some applications. There may be potential to develop disease suppression products.

> Viticulture or winegrape growing. This market mainly demands clean water conservation and weed control mulches and is a market for clean pasteurised and composted coarse mulches. There may be markets for disease suppression and soil conditioning compost products.

> Agriculture or broadacre farming. This is an emerging market and mainly needs soil amendment and organic fertiliser products. There may be some market for disease suppression composts but this is undeveloped.

> Land rehabilitation for landfill cover and rehabilitation, mine site rehabilitation and erosion stabilisation. This is typically a low value market, and is often an outlet for excess product rather than a viable market.

> Bioremediation for contaminated sites, water purification and biofiltration. This market often uses lower grade and value materials and is often an outlet for excess products rather than a viable market. However, there is potential to develop a range of products for rehabilitation markets.

The bioenergy market sector uses fuels (including RDF, ethanol and biodiesel) and gases (methane and syngas) to generate electricity; electricity not used on-site can be sold to the national electricity market. Heat can be sold for selected industrial purposes (usually only feasible to adjacent facilities).

5.4 Market developmentThe development of viable and beneficial markets for products is vital to the sustainability of organics recovery operations. Recycled organics products can yield significant environmental and productivity benefits, but only if consistent and high quality products are made to meet specific market needs.

Best practice facilities will develop product and market development and marketing plans. These plans will:

> Identify markets for likely and possible products.

> Assess the market potential of possible products.

> Consult markets to determine requirements for products.

> Detail how application-specific and accredited products will be developed to meet market demand. Certification to the Australian Standard AS 4454 and Certified Compost ‘Leaf Brand’ scheme should facilitate the development of products and market confidence and use of products.

> Detail how application-specific and accredited products will be developed to meet market demand.

> Detail market demand and supply schedules, anticipating the time needed to produce application-specific products for market.

> Set and monitor anticipated sales targets into different market segments.

> Provide a program for seeking direct feedback from customers, with a view to continually improving products and services.

> Allocate budget and other resources for product development and marketing.

The marketing plans may need to be supplemented by additional market development activities relevant to the specific characteristics of each facility. These activities may differ according to the particular location of the facility, the distance from markets, the type of end products produced, the market sectors targeted, the market niche and value proposition of each facility and a range of other commercial factors. While industry-supported initiatives and industry associations may offer some assistance, the marketing activities undertaken are the responsibility of each organisation and subject to commercial decisions.

FuRThER InFORMATIOn 44


6. Further Information

The following documents are referred to in the guide or provide further information relevant to recovery and/or processing of organics.

LegislationAustralian Heritage Council Act 2003 (Commonwealth)

Dangerous Goods Act 1985

Environment Protection Act 1970

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)

Equipment (Public Safety) Act 1994

Heritage Act 1995

Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997 (Commonwealth)

Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (Commonwealth)

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

Planning and Environment Act 1987

Regulations and policiesAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) (Fertilisers) Regulations 1995

Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000

Environment Protection (Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans) Regulations 2007

Environment Protection (Prescribed Wastes) Regulations 1998

Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations 2007

Environment Protection (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2003

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Commonwealth)

Equipment (Public Safety) Regulations 2007

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007

State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management)

State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry & Trade) No. N1

State Environment Protection Policy (Groundwaters of Victoria)

State Environment Protection Policy (Prevention and Management of Contaminated Land)

State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria)



Australian standards

AS 1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment

AS 1680.1 Interior and Workplace Lighting

AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices

AS 2293.3 Emergency Escape Lighting and Exit Signs for Buildings – Emergency Escape Luminaries and Exit Signs

AS 4024.1 Safety of Machinery

AS 4360 Risk Management

AS 4419 Soils for Landscaping and Garden Use

AS 4454 Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches

AS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Specification with Guidance for Use

AS/ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems – Requirements

AS/ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for Use

Guidelines and codes of practiceEPA Publication 347 (December 1992) Bunding Guidelines

EPA Publication 375.7 (July 2008) Instructions for Completing Works Approval, Licence and Licence Amendment Applications

EPA Publication 508 (June 1996) Environmental Guidelines for Composting and Other Organic Recycling Facilities

EPA Publication 739 (June 2002) Guidelines for the Preparation of Environment Improvement Plans

EPA Publication 943 (2004) Guidelines for Environmental Management: Biosolids Land Application

WorkSafe Victoria (September 2008) Compliance Code: Communicating Occupational Health and Safety across Languages

WorkSafe Victoria (September 2008) Compliance Code: First Aid in the Workplace

WorkSafe Victoria (September 2008) Compliance Code: Workplace Amenities and Work Environment

Sustainability Victoria publications2005 Towards Zero Waste Strategy

OtherDPI (June 2007) A Guide to Victorian Fertilisers

EPA Publication 275 (May 1991) Construction Techniques for Sediment Pollution Control

Planning Schemes

Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (November 2007) Reducing Contamination of Dry Recyclables and Garden Organics at the Kerbside – The NSW experience

Regional Waste Management Plans

Waste Management Association of Australia and Compost Victoria Guidelines for sustainable separation and processing of bin collected organics

WorkSafe Victoria (June 2003) Non-hazardous Waste and Recyclable Materials

WorkSafe Victoria (July 2003) Industrial Waste Safe Handling

WorkSafe Victoria (2003) Occupational Health & Safety Guidelines for the Collection, Transport & Unloading of Non-hazardous Waste and Recyclable Materials

WorkSafe Victoria (January 2005) Transport of Waste & Recyclables: Prevention of Falls

WorkSafe Victoria (April 2005) Waste Industry Guide for Working Near Overhead Electrical Cables

WorkSafe Victoria (January 2007) Recycling Construction & Demolition Material

WorkSafe Victoria (June 2007) Health & Safety Guide to Plant

WorkSafe Victoria (June 2007) Health & Safety Guide to Workplace Amenities and First Aid

WorkSafe Victoria (July 2007) Consultation on Health & Safety: A Handbook for Workplaces

WorkSafe Victoria (July 2007) Machinery and Equipment Safety: An Introduction

WorkSafe Victoria (October 2007) Planning for Safer Plant Operations: A toolkit for safe maintenance, repair, installation, servicing and cleaning of machinery and equipment


Guide to Best Practice for Organics RecoveryFor further information and enquiries, please contact:

Sustainability VictoriaUrban WorkshopLevel 28, 50 Lonsdale StreetMelbourneVictoria 3000Ph: +61 (03) 8626 8700Fax: +61 (03) 9663 1007Email: [email protected]

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