Western Australia’s paper and cardboard recycling capacity is about to expand thanks to a $7.92 million funding injection from the Australian and Western Australian governments.
Upgrades to existing paper and cardboard processing infrastructure at the Canning Vale Materials Recovery Facility are moving forward, supported by the WA Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF). This project is expected to contribute to a more competitive and sustainable domestic market for paper and cardboard collection, reprocessing and sale.
New operator Re.Group will install equipment that reduces contamination in paper and cardboard recycling streams to produce materials that meet Australian standards and comply with the waste export regulations.
Advances include two ballistic separators to ensure consistent fibre flow to six new optical sorters which sense and remove contaminants from the processing stream. Other improvements include building modifications, service upgrades and new steel structures such as chutes and platforms to integrate with existing systems.
WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn says the quality and quantity of resource recovery in WA is growing through support for vital recycling projects.
“Infrastructure to improve fibre quality is critical to the ongoing viability of the Canning Vale plant, which has strategic importance as one of three materials recovery facilities in the metro area, safeguarding the state’s waste processing capacity,” he says.
“We’re committed to reducing landfill and achieving the highest standards of resource recovery through environmentally sustainable waste management.”
The installation and commissioning phase will employ 25 people to handle quality control, test new equipment, train staff and ensure a smooth transition.
The funding is delivered through the $70 million RMF, a shared Western Australian and Australian government initiative.
