PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

In addition to the main conference program, there are a selection of pre-conference events which may be of interest to our delegates:

• Return and Earn Tour - Monday 8th May 
  
• AORA Forum: Why Councils need to consider organics recycling as a manufacturing process - Monday 8th May
• Sunrise Yoga - Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th May

Return and Earn Tour

Return and Earn is the NSW container deposit scheme and launched in December 2017 as the most ambitious litter reduction program the NSW Government had ever implemented. 

On offer for delegates at the Waste 2023 Conference, is the opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour of several return points near to the conference hub in the surrounding Coffs area, hosted by TOMRA Cleanaway. 

Delegates will visit Coffs Container Return Automated Depot, a bulk container return location operated by Sell and Parker, one of Australia’s largest private scrap metal recyclers. The site offers the unique opportunity for customers to return bulk container volume in an automated setting. 

Reverse vending machines (RVMs) have become synonymous in NSW as ‘Return and Earn machines’. Delegates attending the tour will have an opportunity to use an RVM, and take a look at the back end technology that underpins a data rich, resilient and consumer centric container deposit scheme. 

Return and Earn is delivered in a tripartite partnership arrangement with Scheme Coordinator, Exchange for Change and the NSW Government, represented by the NSW EPA. Both organisations will be attending the tour to answer questions about the scheme and the NSW container deposit scheme experience.

AORA Forum - Why councils need to consider organics recycling as a manufacturing process

The green bin has been a recycling success story. Many  councils report less than 2% contamination in their garden organics waste stream, with processing creating a strong suite of marketable end products that improve soil health predominantly across the urban amenity and agriculture markets. 

However, with the upcoming FOGO mandates, differing contract definitions of “organic material”  and consumer confusion caused by “compostable” and “biodegradable” packaging, the feedstocks being collected by the municipal green bin is evolving… 

This interactive panel session aims to help councils address the existing and potential challenges of maintaining clean organics streams. 

Panellists will share their experiences rolling out green bin services (including FOGO programs) whilst maintaining and developing end product markets, and demonstrate  why we all need to start thinking of organics recycling as a manufacturing process – that is – quality in, quality out. 

Facilitator: Jennifer Hughes, Principal, Beatty Hughes & Associates

Speaker Panel:
Amanda Kane, NSW Environment Protection Authority
Angus Johnson, Jackson Environmental
Fiona Stock, Sutherland Shire Council
Joley Vidau, ACT NoWaste
Patrick Soars, Australian Native Landscapes

Date & Time: Monday 8th May 2023 | 3.30pm - 5.00pm

Venue: Osprey Room, Opal Cove Resort

Cost: $40 (Inc GST)

Inclusions: Tea/coffee, light refreshments 

Registration: Available via the conference registration form. 

Sunrise Yoga

Here at the Coffs Waste Conference, we want to make space for the wellbeing of our delegates. We appreciate that there is a lot to take in during the 3-day event, so this year we have introduced Sunrise Yoga to help our delegates feel relaxed and inspired for the day ahead.

Our yoga sessions will be held at Opal Cove Resort from 6.45am – 7.45am on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th May. This will be the perfect way for you to start your day, unwind and appreciate the beautiful surrounds of the resort. 

Numbers are limited and pre-registration and payment is required. Mats will be provided - BYO towel.