Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme

A story of successful collaboration!

Developed by the previous Waste Management Board, together with Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), the purpose of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme (the Scheme) is to encourage and assist local governments to work collaboratively to deal with waste management in their individual and collective jurisdictions.

In 2007, four Regional Coordinators were engaged by DEC to work with local governments across the State to implement the Scheme. Phase 1 of the Scheme, the reporting of waste related data by local governments, commenced in May 2007 and was completed in December 2007. Ninety one (91) percent of local governments participated in the survey.

Phase 2 of the Scheme, which involves the development and approval of Strategic Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) is currently underway, with SWMPs due for submission to DEC by 30 September 2008. Under this phase of the Scheme, approximately $2.3 million is available to local governments across the State.

Ninety five (95) percent of local governments are participating in Phase 2, with twenty four (24) groupings established involving one hundred and twenty three (123) local governments. There are twelve (12) local governments working alone to develop individual. SWMPs. Seven (7) local governments are not participating at this time, due primarily to isolation and resource issues.

The importance of local governments retaining ownership of their individual or regional plans is agreed by all parties. It is acknowledged that DEC approval of a plan will not signify any endorsement or DEC ownership of proposed Actions within a submitted SWMP.

Each SWMP submitted to DEC will be assessed against the Ministerial Conditions applying to Phase 2 of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme. The assessment process was developed with the assistance of WALGA.

The Waste Authority invited all eligible groupings of local governments to participate in the pilot phase of the Regional Funding Program. In order to access funding these regional groupings are now required to develop Regional Investment Plans derived from their Strategic Waste Management Plans.

In 2009, the Waste Authority identified its wish to understand the value of the Zero Waste Development Scheme and Regional Funding Program Pilot for Local Governments.

Through the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) the Waste Authority has engaged the consultant GHD to undertake an independent review of the program. GHD are seeking information from Local Governments and other stakeholders to identify any improvements to be made for the programs, recognise measurable outcomes and gain first-hand feedback from Local Governments of the value of the programs.

The review will be presented to the April meeting of the Waste Authority.

Useful Documentation and Links:

The following documents provide information and DEC funding application forms to assist local governments in the development of SWMPs.

Community members may also be interested in the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme Phase 1 Report 2006-2007 which provides a snapshot of waste and recycling data from across Western Australia.

Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme Phase 1 Funding Application Form
Funding application form to be used in conjunction with completing Phase 1 of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme.

Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme (ZWPDS) Phase 1 Report 2006-2007
The Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme (ZWPDS) is intended to assist local governments in Western Australia with the preparation of a Strategic Waste Management Plan (SWMP) in order to facilitate enhanced planning for waste management and recycling. Phase 1 of the ZWPDS, which closed on 28 September 2007, consisted of an online survey to establish baseline characteristics for all local governments across the State. The survey has been successful in capturing municipal waste and recycling data across the State of Western Australia, as well as assisting local governments in identifying where current data gaps exist. This will be incorporated into Phase 2 of the ZWPDS which involves the development of a SWMP. Around 1 353 420 tonnes of municipal waste was generated in the 2006/07 financial year. This equates to approximately 692kg of waste produced annually for each Western Australian. Of this waste produced, over 1 015 210 tonnes (75%) was disposed of to landfill while 338 204 tonnes (25%) was diverted. Approximately 56% of material diverted from landfill is as a result of kerbside recycling collections.

See full report for more information.

Ministerial Conditions for Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme Phase 2.

Kerbside waste and recycling audit manual: July 2008

Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme Phase 2 Guidelines
Funding application form to be used in conjunction with completing Phase 2 of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme.

Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme Phase 2 Funding Application Form - First Instalment (60% of funding allocation + GST).
Funding application form to be used by local governments, groupings of local governments and formal regional councils in conjunction with commencing Phase 2 of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme

Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme Phase 2 Funding Application Form - Second Instalment (20% of funding allocation + GST).
Funding application form to be used by local governments, groupings of local governments and formal regional councils upon submission of draft SWMPs to DEC for approval.

Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme Phase 2 Funding Application Form - Third Instalment (20% of funding allocation + GST).
Funding application form to be used by local governments, groupings of local governments and formal regional councils upon DEC approval of SWMPs.