The future use of Mixed Waste Organic Outputs in NSW
The NSW EPA is seeking feedback on the future use of general household waste and mixed waste organic outputs (MWOO), and a transition package designed to support the alternative waste industry to move to sustainable uses.
This followed a decision made to stop MWOO being used as a soil amendment, following an extensive research program showing environmental risks from contamination in the current product.
NSW EPA Chief Environmental Regulator Mark Gifford said the alternative waste industry has a positive future, with a move to more sustainable uses for MWOO.
“The EPA is committed to increasing recycling and resource recovery and supports innovative technologies that help to achieve this,” Mr Gifford said.
“The $6.5 million transition package is designed to support alternative waste treatment facilities to transition to create sustainable solutions to manage our household waste.
“Future uses for MWOO may include; food organics and garden organics (FOGO), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or other innovative new products and new uses for mixed waste organic outputs.”
“MWOO is the end product of a practice which aims to separate the organic waste in household red-lid bins from other waste.
“The research, including the assessment of human health and ecological risks and advice from scientific experts, has been extensive and clearly shows that the potential risks outweigh the limited benefits for application of MWOO on agricultural land, given the levels of contamination left behind such as glass and plastics, as well as chemicals.”
As part of the consultation, the EPA held workshops with key stakeholders including the waste industry and councils in the MWOO supply chain. The EPA will now review all of the feedback before releasing the final position and support package.