PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

In addition to the main conference program, there are two additional pre-conference events available on Tuesday 3rd May: 

• Return and Earn Tour 
  
• AORA Workshop: FOGO BY 2030 - Challenges and pitfalls of procuring FOGO solutions 

RETURN AND EARN TOUR

Return and Earn is the NSW container deposit scheme delivered in a tripartite arrangement between TOMRA Cleanaway as network operator, Exchange for Change the scheme coordinator and the NSW Government represented by the NSW EPA.  

Delegates attending the Coffs Waste Conference 2022 are invited to join a free, behind the scenes tour of the Return and Earn network of return points near the conference hub hosted by TOMRA Cleanaway’s CEO James Dorney. The tour will include a visit to Coffs Container Return - Automated Depot, a bulk container return location operated by Sell and Parker, one of Australia’s largest private scrap metal recyclers. The site offers the unique opportunity for customers to return bulk container volume in an automated setting.  

Reverse vending machines (RVMs) have become synonymous in NSW as ‘Return and Earn machines’. Delegates attending the tour will have an opportunity to use a RVM, and take a look at the back end technology that underpins a data rich, resilient and consumer centric container deposit scheme.  

Partners from Exchange for Change and the NSW EPA will be at hand on the tour to help answer delegate questions about how Return and Earn works in NSW.

AORA WORKSHOP: FOGO BY 2030

CHALLENGES AND PITFALLS OF PROCURING FOGO SOLUTIONS

It can be challenging for processors and Councils to identify an appropriate procurement strategy for the development of any facility, particularly when volumes of feedstock tonnes are not guaranteed.  DBOM, D&D, EPC, DCMO, PPP are all buzzwords in the procurement space but what do they all mean? And more importantly, what do they mean for individual Councils?

The upcoming release of the EPA’s organics mandates means that Councils and organics processors will need to address the significant operational and financial hurdles to achieve the “best” solution for processing FOGO, with many new and upgraded facilities expected to be tendered ahead of 2030.  

This forum provides an opportunity for attendees to participate in an open and robust discussion with both legal and regulatory experts as well as  “up and running” FOGO Councils. It aims to explore how both Councils and processors can best approach the development of FOGO processing facilities in NSW and be better prepared to negotiate the myriad of decisions that need to be made along this exciting journey.

Facilitator: Mike Ritchie, Managing Director, MRA Consulting

Speaker Panel:
Boyd Russell, Sphere Infrastructure
Ross Fox, Fishburn Watson O’Brien Lawyers
Sian McGhie, NSW Environment Protection Authority
Talebul Islam, Randwick City Council 
Wesley Knight, Tweed Shire Council & RENEW NSW

Date & Time: Tuesday 3rd May 2022, 8.00am - 9.45am

Venue: Marquee, Opal Cove Resort

Cost: $40 (Inc GST)

Inclusions: Welcome tea/coffee, light refreshments 

Registration: Available via the conference registration form.