AWD Publications: Tool for Improving Regional Solid Haz. Waste Management

S J Moore, J Marquez, S-Y Tu
CRC for Waste Management & Pollution Control Ltd
 
 

Abstract

The Australian Waste Database (AWD) has been established by the CRC for Waste Management & Pollution Control Ltd for Environment Australia. It compiles information on urban solid waste and manifested hazardous waste generation, in accordance with uniform national classification systems. This paper analyses trends in manifested hazardous waste generation; and presents an analysis of changes in amounts of urban solid waste streams generated in Australian cities since 1990. It shows how this information can be used by regional waste managers to improve waste minimisation and  management.

Investigation of achievement of waste minimisation targets, and trends in waste performance indicators, such as per capita generation rates and per GDP rates, are undertaken for both hazardous and urban solid waste. Inter-regional comparisons are undertaken to point to more effective waste minimisation policies. The influence of economic factors are discussed in this assessment.

Access to AWD information in more detailed form is described in the paper, so that regions and researchers may undertake their own investigations for the purpose of preparing waste strategies and inter-regional comparisons. An Internet site, an email discussion list and hardcopy reports and data are available.

The paper concludes with a summary of how the Database can be used by a range of users to better understand waste generation in their own region, and to be able to identify similar regions that may be achieving better waste minimisation through alternative policies and facilities. It then discusses how the AWD can be improved by becoming part of a broader regional materials management information system.