Waste matters at Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo 2015

Electronic waste is currently a hot topic in the waste management and recycling industry, with numerous reports shining a spotlight on Australia’s increasing ‘e-waste’ problem.

According to recent figures, e-waste is the fastest growing type of waste in the country, which has prompted government, at both a state and federal level, to review and update recycling schemes.

The annual Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) presents an important opportunity at an industry level for members and thought leaders to come together to discuss solutions on how to tackle the problem. The trade event is returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12 to 13 August.

Alexandra Haughton, AWRE event manager, said that AWRE hoped to connect government and other businesses with Australasian companies that are leading the way for e-waste services, such as MobileMuster and ECOACTIV, as part of the event’s dedicated E-Waste Zone.

“About 90% of the materials used to make televisions, mobile phones and computers can be recycled, so it’s important that we work towards connecting people and businesses with the proper recycling solutions to avoid sending more e-waste to landfill,” Haughton said.

She added that the AWRE seminar program, which is held over the event’s two days and hosts some of the industry’s most influential thought leaders from Australia and abroad, will include dedicated e-waste sessions: ‘e-waste futures’ and ‘businesses go e-waste free’.

Kate Gavens, director of sustainability policy at the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, will be leading the ‘e-waste futures’ session, which will cover the role of regulation and landfill bans.

Solutions to organic waste will also feature prominently on the seminar program. This includes an afternoon session on ‘market development and research in organics’ featuring representatives from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria and Sustainability Victoria.

A session on ‘food recycling in commercial premises’ will be led by Closed Loop - an Australian company working with the aviation, hospitality and health industries on waste control programs to maximise recycling rates, minimise waste to landfill and reduce overall waste disposal costs and environmental impact.

“AWRE’s seminar program is not only applicable to waste management and recycling experts, but also a unique professional development opportunity for operations managers from government and business concerned with sustainable practices,” Haughton said.

Visitors to AWRE can see more than 100 brands in the waste and recycling industry showcasing the latest technologies and innovations.

Individuals can register to attend this free event online at www.awre.com.au.