Building strong markets for recycled organics
NSW's recycled organics industry, already Australia's largest, processes more than 2.5 million tonnes of organics a year. The industry is expected to grow by more than 10% over the next 5 years.
To provide leadership and plan for the future, the EPA supports the development of end markets for recycled organics products. Waste Less, Recycle More funding to 2021 builds on past support that helped producers identify market opportunities and understand drivers for change.
- A further $4.5 million in organics market development grants and programs will help the industry increase its capacity to produce quality products. This includes support for programs to ensure the industry complies with rules.
- As another way to help the industry improve the quality of its products, the EPA provides grants for organics processing equipment.
Are you part of a business network seeking to gain value from organics and other waste materials?
- Apply for assistance through Circulate, NSW EPA Industrial Ecology Program.
What sellers need to know
If you process or sell recycled organics products, you must comply with all regulations and conditions.
- Read more about licensing, guidelines and standards for organics processing facilities.
Resource recovery orders
In NSW, regulatory controls ensure human and animal health and the environment are protected when organics material is applied to land.
Resource recovery orders (RROs) are conditions generators and processors must meet before they supply a material intended for land application without seeking additional approval from the EPA.
Resource recovery order for compost
- In the order, compost is defined as any combination of mulch, garden organics, food waste, manure and paunch that has undergone composting.
- The order defines composting as a process that includes pasteurisation and a minimum of six weeks curing.
- It also imposes maximum standards for physical contaminants and certain pathogens and has requirements for sampling and record keeping. Download the Resource recovery order for compost (PDF 127KB)
The EPA also stipulates resource recovery orders for a range of other recycled organics products and soil amendments, including rapidly dehydrated food waste (PDF 179KB) from onsite processing units.
