Circular Economy Precinct Assessment for Maitland City Council
- Client Name
- Maitland City Council
- Location
- New South Wales, Australia
Challenge
Mainland City Council required support to determine the feasibility of the City developing a circular economy hub in Maitland, New South Wales. The Circular Economy Hub (Hub) is expected to provide the local community with an additional service to enable the reuse of materials currently destined for landfill.
Solution
The feasibility study sought to identify potential feedstocks for the hub, to assess options for new technology or service provision based on examples from other jurisdictions, to identify potential solutions, locations and the costs of developing the hub.
Our team reviewed data for potential feedstock, including hard waste collections and self-hauled items (e.g., furniture, bulky items etc.). Case studies were prepared based on review of other circular economy hubs and initiatives already underway in Australia and internationally, suitable for a similar economic and demographic profile.
Key stakeholders across Council, industry and charities were engaged to identify potential opportunities, interest in participating and key issues that might arise. Our team identified preferred locations for the precinct and/or collection hubs and sites utilising geographical information systems (identifying suitably zoned land, environmental constraints, and transport links).
A high-level cost estimate was prepared for alternate solutions, being site acquisition or lease, construction and infrastructure costs (e.g., construction of a shed for a fixing facility), mobile plant and equipment, approvals and planning, and ongoing operational costs (staffing, volunteers, utilities etc.). Our team also put forward opportunities for funding of hub facilities including grants, council or private investment.
Impact
Development of the Circular Economy Hub will address the gap in circular economy initiatives in Maitland by providing opportunities for upcycling, reuse, repair and sharing facilities which align with Council services to complement existing recycling and resource recovery facilities.
Our team presented a clear case for Council to consider moving to the next stage of development of the circular economy hub. This included indicative costings and interim steps in development to integrate with Council plans to convert existing landfill facilities to resource recovery facilities.
