Report fails to set distance between waste-to-energy plants and homes
Outer suburban Melbourne residents call for tougher standards on rubbish burning after the tabling of a waste-to-energy report in state parliament.
A parliamentary inquiry has examined waste-to-energy facilities in Victoria, recommending stricter regulations and continuous emissions monitoring. However, the inquiry did not specify minimum distances between these plants and residential areas. The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) welcomed the report, supporting mandatory product stewardship schemes to reduce waste.
Melbourne's outer suburban residents have called for stronger standards on rubbish burning after the report's presentation in parliament. The state has 11 waste-to-energy licences in various outer suburbs, including Sunbury, Wollert, Laverton, and Dandenong. Community members expressed concerns about health impacts, emissions, and truck traffic.
Waste-to-energy (WTE) aims to divert rubbish from landfills, with Victoria generating 5.7 million tonnes of waste annually. The report found that 69% of waste is currently recovered for other uses, with the remaining amount needing safe and sustainable management. The committee highlighted the need for clear information on potential health risks, continuous monitoring, and buffers between homes and facilities. However, it did not recommend a specific distance between waste-to-energy facilities and homes.
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