Waste Treatment Solutions for Plastics

OBJECTIVES

To find practical solutions for reducing and recycling plastic waste for councils/local government

To analyse the council’s plastic waste stream and recommend realistic recycling options

To explore bio-based plastics, reduction strategies, and biodegradation methods

To identify barriers and opportunities in local government’s buying process for recycled goods, and map the supply chain for waste-derived goods and inform future procurement decisions.

Team

Weena Lokuge

Lead Researcher

Hao Wang

Research Fellow

Partners

Tweed Shire Council

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)

Progress

SUMMARY

This project is focused on helping councils manage plastic waste more effectively. It looks at the entire plastic problem—from reducing use and improving recycling, to exploring alternatives like biodegradable or bio-based plastics. Working with project partner Tweed Shire Council with input from other Queensland councils, the team has completed a key report outlining solid plastic recycling options and is now awaiting the Tweed Shire Council’s feedback to move into implementation. The project also maps how waste-derived goods move through the supply chain, especially in government procurement, to better understand how to support adoption of circular solutions.

OPPORTUNITIES

Access to circular economy research grants focused on plastic recovery and innovation

Collaboration opportunities with government bodies, LGAs and academic institutions to influence procurement and waste policy, and change how councils manage and reduce plastic waste

Contribution to Australia’s transition to a circular economy through university-led solutions