Nolan ITU Reports to Townsville City Council

Nolan ITU Assessment (.pdf 106kb)

Nolan ITU Final Report (.pdf 1.32Mb)

Townsville City Council commissioned a consultant's report on waste management options.

In February 2002, Consultants Nolan ITU delivered an assessment of alternative waste treatment technologies which allowed for a fuller understanding of the environmental and economic performance of waste management services.

The report focussed in particular on the costs and benefits of recycling service options. Major Findings of the report:

• Cleanaway had the Materials Recovery contract for Townsville;
• High levels of contamination;
• MRF not operated efficiently;
• Much of 'recycled' material goes to landfill;
• Risk sharing arrangements are counterproductive to maximising materials recovery;
• Net environmental benefit of existing system is $14 and $12 for TCC and CoT respectively.

  "In terms of waste management, the most favourable environmental outcome for Townsville and surrounding regions is likely to be delivered by an integrated waste management system that incorporates an improved recycling service for used packaging materials, combined with an aerobic treatment system for residual waste and a landfill to dispose of inert residues. ...there are significant costs associated with providing such a system and Council would need to balance these costs against the environmental benefits gained and the expectations of the community."

Source: p 12 Townsville City Council Environmental Assessment Alternative Waste Treatment Technologies February 2002 (Assessment Report).