NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

As the lead agency for the Environmental Services Functional Area, we’re supporting emergency environmental efforts before, during, and after significant events.   We’re collaborating with councils in Northern NSW to assist communities with waste clean-up following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.   Affected councils have been granted temporary waivers for the NSW Waste Levy and pollution incident reporting, plus an exemption from the Queensland waste levy for disaster waste from the six northernmost councils.   Our Executive Director Steve Beaman PSM attended the State Emergency Operations Centre over the weekend and was impressed by the seamless coordination between agencies.   “Our efforts to protect the people of NSW during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred were strengthened by the incredible collaboration between all agencies involved. It was inspiring to see so many teams working together, sharing resources and expertise. This collective approach is key to effective emergency management and environmental protection.”   A big thank you to all emergency services, volunteers, and agencies involved. Your work is crucial in keeping our communities safe and resilient.   If you spot a potential incident with serious environmental impacts, please contact our Environment Line at 131 555 or [email protected]

Congratulations Alexandra Geddes for being recognised in the Global Top 50: Government Innovators 2024 report. A showcase of 50 government leaders driving innovation, collaboration, and citizen-focused transformation in the public sector.

In the wake of the big news that FOGO mandates have passed the NSW Parliament, we asked our very own Alexandra Geddes to walk us through how she FOGOs. The video really does speak for itself. Enjoy… and of course share! And in case you haven’t heard we’ve now got the green light to bring Food Organics and Garden Organics recycling to all of NSW! Visit here to learn more bit.ly/FOGOiscoming Amanda Kane Jessica Fordyce Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association NSW & ACT (WCRA) Local Government NSW NSW Government SOILCO

There are still many materials we don’t have recovery or reuse solutions for…yet. There are some unique barriers to innovation when it comes to resource recovery and we’re hoping you might be able to help by having Your Say here bit.ly/InnovationYourSay If you have a moment have a look through our Position Statement below to better equip yourself to weigh in. Justin Hillis Jamie F. Libby Foster

What happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their life? Our Circular Solar Program has paved the way to help solve NSW’s emerging solar waste challenge. Through this program, we’ve proudly supported projects like Innovating the Future of Solar Panel Recycling – by University of New South Wales. The work led by Professor Yansong Shen was recognised as the 2024 Edgworth David Medal winner for contributions to knowledge in Australia. This innovative project will use computer modelling to test the technology as a mobile plant that can be transported for recycling on site. The new prototype for recycling technology aims to recover over 95% of valuable materials like silver, copper, silicon, and glass. UNSW is working collaboration with University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney on this pioneering project. By funding innovation, we’re reducing landfill, reclaiming valuable resources, and paving the way for a more sustainable future. 👉 Learn more about the Circular Solar Program and other funded projects - https://lnkd.in/gpeCNRya #ProtectTomorrowTogether Yansong Shen （沈岩松）Shuang Song Amelia Turcato Marina Antoniozzi

We’ve now got the green light to bring Food Organics and Garden Organics recycling to all of NSW! Yes, FOGO mandates have now passed the NSW Parliament. What does this groundbreaking announcement mean? $81 million is being invested so that FOGO collection services can be provided for all households by July 2030 and for large businesses and institutions in stages from July 2026. The tide is turning in our war against waste and we expect this plan to divert one million tonnes of organic waste from landfill every year. Still unsure what FOGO is? It’s a kerbside collection service for food waste so that it can be processed and turned into top quality compost. That commercial compost then gets shipped to help nurture things like: • Local parks and sporting fields • Tiny forests to breathe life into urban areas • Trees and bushland around roadways and railways • Boosting agricultural output Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association NSW & ACT (WCRA) Local Government NSW NSW Government AORA - Australian Organics Recycling Association Limited SOILCO Amanda Kane Alexandra Geddes

This Sunday 2nd of March you could save a turtle’s life. We hope this video kicks you into action and you help clean up your community this weekend. Clean Up Australia Day is celebrating 35 years of improving and conserving our environment, one piece of litter at a time! Register here bit.ly/CUAusRegister Clean Up Australia Ltd Taronga Zoo Alexandra Geddes Cleanaway Waste Management

In case you missed it, here's something to add to your list for your next commute, or perhaps while you're doing the gardening! #ProtectTomorrowTogether

Thanks for sharing this great story. A wonderful example of collaboration as we strive to #ProtectTomorrowTogether

Are you wondering what’s putting a smile on all these faces? They’ve just finished hearing about ways that councils can better manage contaminated land. If you’re a NSW council officer interested in becoming a member of the Contaminated Land Network sign up here bit.ly/CLMSignUp Some of the finer details: The network is hosted by Local Government NSW and promotes ongoing capacity building for NSW councils working in contaminated land management (CLM). What do they talk about? Here’s a list of upcoming meeting dates and topics: 24 Feb 2025 - EPA Update: Contaminated Land Assessment (including service station sites) & Regulation 19 Mar 2025 - Councils’ Contaminated Land Information Systems (Registers) 9 Apr 2025 - Environmental Management Plans for Contaminated Land (including compliance implications of Environmental Management Plans for asset owners) 22 May 2025 - Asbestos in Soils (joint meeting with the LGNSW Asbestos Network) 11 Jun 2025 - Planning and Feedback There are also separate Support Group meetings focused on providing more in-depth assistance to those preparing and adopting CLM policies & procedures in their councils. And don’t muck around, the Support Group network will only be active up until June 2025. Beth Kasumovic Samantha Naidoo Elizabeth Macdonald Tara Vaughan Susy Cenedese Anna Lundmark (CEnvP SC) Shonelle Gleeson-Willey NSW Government NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water