Reducing Waste
Melbourne Water generates and collects waste:
- at our sewage and water treatment plants;
- in stormwater litter and sediment traps;
- as part of construction and demolition projects; and
- during office-based activities.
Types of waste include treated effluent, biosolids, water treatment sludges, litter, sediment, wastewater grit and screenings, oils, filter media and office wastes.
Under EPA Victoria’s Environmental Resource Efficiency Plan requirements, we have developed resource efficiency plans at our Eastern Treatment Plant, Western Treatment Plant and Winneke Water Treatment Plant.
We have also undertaken a waste management review to gain a comprehensive understanding of current waste streams and waste management practices across the business.
The review (to be finalised in 2009-2010):
- provides a comprehensive understanding of all past, present and future waste streams and volumes of waste generated;
- identifies gaps in knowledge; and
- identifies opportunities for resource efficiency improvements and associated cost savings.
The implementation of recommendations outlined in the waste management review will provide clear direction for the business to minimise waste disposal and maximise resource efficiency (supporting our Strategic Framework).
We are also looking at ways to use sewage as a resource, not only as recycled water but also to create energy.