By Helen Lewis of Circular Plastics Illawarra
A circular economy is one that designs out waste and pollution, keeps products and materials circulating at their highest possible value for as long as possible, and regenerates nature. It looks for innovative ways to produce and consume more sustainably while creating new jobs and industries. Circularity is an opportunity to allow the economy and environment to thrive.
A new industry-government collaboration is exploring opportunities for the Illawarra through the creation of a circular precinct. A circular precinct could take many different formsm – for example, it could involve co-location of businesses that receive, sort, repair, remanufacture or recycle waste products. It could provide a virtual hub for information sharing and collaboration.
The Illawarra Circular Precinct project was initiated by a group of people from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (SJO), the University of Wollongong, Circular Plastics Illawarra and the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage program with support from Circular Australia. A steering committee has been established to guide the project, with representatives from local businesses, state and local government agencies, and community organisations and researchers.
One of our first steps was to invite local organisations to join a Taskforce (community of practice), which is expected to meet quarterly. The aim is to share best practice case studies and work on collaborative circularity projects.
The first Taskforce meeting was held online in August. A few highlights from the session:
- Inspiring case studies from Crooked River Wines, University of Wollongong, and the Energy Futures Network.
- Breakout groups identified priority opportunities including data verification, pilot-scale demonstration projects, regional hub concepts, and waste stream innovation (plastics, batteries, hospital waste).
- Several practical action items are underway, such as mapping regional waste streams, engaging with Hunter Circular, and developing small-scale pilots.
The next Taskforce meeting will be held at the University of Wollongong on 5 November from 10am-12pm. Taskforce meetings are open to anyone with an interest in supporting the initiative.
Illawarra Circular Economy case studies callout
We’re building a database of local case studies to showcase leading practices and share ideas across the Illawarra. If you’re involved in a circular project or have a recommendation, we’d love to hear from you. For more information or to join our mailing list, contact Emma Lundaahl at contact@circularaustralia.com.au.
Soft plastics collections coming up
The recent Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) drop-off event in Albion Park was a huge success, with around 500kg of soft plastics collected in four hours. The next drop-off events are:
- Saturday, 25 October, 8am-12 noon @ Ray Robinson Oval Carpark, Moray Rd, Towradgi
- Saturday, 8 November, 8am-12 noon @ Kiama waste and recycling depot, Riverside Dr, Minnamurra
You can also drop-off your clean, dry and empty soft plastics at Flagstaff Group (262 Nolan Street, Unanderra) any Monday to Thursday from 4:15-4:45pm or Saturdays from 8-10:45am. For more information on collection see the ISJO website.
All of the collected material will be transported to iQRenew in Taree NSW for processing at their Soft Plastic Engineered Commodity (SPEC) plant. The outputs are being used to manufacture products including buckets, bin caddies, pallets, bollards, erosion control grids, insulation, paving blocks and garbage bags.
Have your say
Circular Plastics Illawarra is gathering feedback from the community about the drop-off days. Your insights will help us improve future events and ensure they better meet the needs of our region. After you've recycled your plastics, please take a moment to complete this
short survey.
Circular Plastics Illawarra will hold its next monthly meeting on Friday, 26 September, from 9.15-11am at Corrimal Community Centre and online.